New Schiit Vali 2 Discussion Thread

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by jexby, Dec 11, 2015.

  1. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Does anyone know if the vali2 would make for a good preamp?
     
  2. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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  3. Linkgoron

    Linkgoron New

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    I use it as a pre-amp for my LSR305s, and IMO it works well. I have nothing to compare it to, though, as this is the first time I've ever had such a setup.
     
  4. batriq

    batriq Probably has made you smarter

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    Thanks for the advice. These links are very helpful @a44100Hz . I will try it out. This will be in a bedroom setup feeding a tube amp into small speakers but also gives me the option to listen to headphones. I have a 7308 Amperex tube I'm using in the vali2.
     
  5. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    It's not the most transparent device, and will give you some roll-off. It's probably not ideal for that.
     
  6. DigMe

    DigMe Friend

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    It seems to have gained a bit of popularity as a preamp for Jotunheim, hasn't it?
     
  7. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    I was enjoying my Yamaha HS5 monitors through the Vali 2 + Jot last night, it was the least boring they've sounded to me. More texture to the usually clinical response.

    The Saga would be better as a pre-amp from what I understand, but I am not hearing this combination as rolled off in the lows; maybe in the highs, but it works very nicely for me with the more treble-forward Jotunheim. Note that I am using a somewhat expensive tube in it, '74 Reflektors, but I also liked the bass with some cheaper brimar / amperex tubes as I noted a few posts up. Steel drums sound exactly like steel drums, with the exception of the low rumble frequencies that I don't think any headphone can provide, so if there's a roll off it might be in the lowest 10 Hz of the available range of the Jot, but I don't feel I'm missing anything.

    The combination is less smooth and enveloping than the Valhalla 2, but still very pleasant for extended listening and I like the additional forwardness when I am more mentally alert. With the standalone Jot I hear a bit more detail and airiness but it feels less present / gripping somehow, I think because transients and decay exit too quickly. It also gives me a minor pressure headache at the same volumes. You gain transparency but lose immersion, and I'd rather listen to the overall presentation of the music than listen to the space between notes.

    That might be me talking about it across two threads... but it's the best my system has sounded so far (though I still love the Valhalla 2; it's mood dependent), providing my new ideal blend of energy and realism... noting I've not tried TOTL amps, which I'm sure are even better, and haven't tried the Saga, and that I'm using a modded 650. For the price I think it's fantastic.
     
  8. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Witch burning was once popular, too. Doesn't make it sensible :)

    I think the Vali 2, while a lovely laid-back little headamp, is probably going to be a bit too rolled-off and non-resolving to be sensible as a tube buffer/pre- it's not all that transparent. It looks like people are getting good results from doing that with the Saga though (which I haven't heard), in a similar way. Maybe that's worth consideration?
     
  9. Ali-Pacha

    Ali-Pacha Friend

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    Hello all,

    got my second Vali2 unit, because the first one looked like b-stock (worn packaging, scratches on volume knob), and I still have a concern with it : how do you center the volume knob in the casing ? It's completely on led's side, almost rubing the casing's hole, and I've already seen such things on Vali / Vali2 / Magni, but it may probably be a slight PCB translation, unscrew - re-screw style.

    BTW, it's the fourth "entry-level" unit I got (new) from @schiit, and the third out of those four to have flaws, the worst one was my first modi 2 uber.
    As cheap as schiit succeed in bringing cool stuff to the market, finish is too random for me, I think I'll stick to used stuff I can see next times...

    Ali
     
  10. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

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    Really enjoying the cheap Russian 6N1P-EV in my Vali2. I had forgotten about it since I bought it by mistake to be used in Mjolnir2 before realizing that the heater current is too high. Seems to work well in Vali2 and I have to say that this is a tube full of detail, spark and speed. Like a Siemens E88CC on gutter glitter :punk:....for less than $4.

    I bought it here and it seems to be in stock still.
    Before buying more expensive tubes for your Vali2, I would recommend trying one of these as I've given all my spare Bugle Boys away.

    If you have a Russian aversion for any reason I've got some more Dutch PCC88's in sight and for new (yes yes and old too) Vali2 owners I'm happy to share. Don't go out and buy those crazy expensive $100 Telefuckers, there's more affordable glow to find.
     
  11. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    Haven't bought any tubes for the Vali 2 yet. This is actually my first tube/hybrid amp. I'll have to check the 6n1p-ev and PCC88 out. From what I've read here the EH6CG7 also worth having a look at?

    Any of these tubes specifically good for the hd650 or hd800?

    Thanks!
     
  12. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

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    I'd say it depends on the rest of your chain, but my general advice is to not look for miracles with tubes. It's a rabbit hole and potential risk for tube nervosa, tears, anger, rage and disappointment.
    Some of us like the rolling and the chase for bargains and hidden treasures and others think it's utter nonsense, a waste of money and time.

    Having said all of that think about what you've spent on your chain and then decide what your threshold for tubes are.

    I bought a nice pair of matched WE 396a for my Mjolnir2 and paid about $85 (excl shipping). That felt quite expensive, but I was after a very specific potential tweak in my own setup, and I believe I found it with that pair. Had I known that the LM Ericsson 2C51 gave me about the same experience for much less (which was a lucky find I know), I wouldn't have spent that money.

    For Vali2, it's a different story but here's a bit to think about:
    The dutch tubes (Amperex, Philips etc) are generally considered a bit more warm and cosy, the germans (Siemens, Telefunken) more detailed and fast. There's variations within the camps of course.
    Try the cheap russian and see if you like what you hear. Hopefully you don't hear a difference from stock tube :)
     
  13. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    Yup. I'm using the same tube in my Vali 2. Not for people who like warmth though :p
     
  14. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

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    That's right, not for the weak hearted. I rolled a Telefunken E88CC earlier and at first thought something was wrong with the amp.
    That russian tube is like the crazy russian prank videos on youtube, full throttle madness while the German knows every note in the book.
    To each his own I guess.
     
  15. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    At the moment I've stripped myself down to a Vali 2 and a Modi Multibit. Just looking to try some other tubes as from what I understand "most" people don't seem to care for the stock tube. I personally don't think it sounds bad, but in all honesty I don't have anything to compare it to.
     
  16. Changeling

    Changeling Tube Slut

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    You've been busy buying gear the last couple of weeks right?
    Now enjoy what you have, get the $4 Russian tube and then report back.
     
  17. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    The EH6CG7 works great with the 800, but might be a bit too warm for some with the 650. I like it with both though. Warmer tube than stock, smooth, good staging.
     
  18. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    Maybe my tin ears, but I don't hear a huge difference between the stock 6bz7 and the EH6CG7 as far as tonality Both sound good to me, but the stock tube has way more gain. Very happy in any event, 1000s in sound quality for $420 with Modi MB.
     
  19. Steakface

    Steakface Acquaintance

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    Yea those 6N1P's have a ton of energy. The first time I heard one I thought it was great, but it wore on me fast and I couldn't listen to it for long. I found the 6CG7 EH (and to a lesser extent, the 6CG7 RCA Clear Top) to have a better balance with lots of energy. Still preferring an Amperex orange globe, I keep coming back to it.

    Would eventually like to get my hands on a nice Siemens or Telefunken to check out their sound.
     
  20. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    Pardon my ignorance but what is recommended when ordering from a place like tubedepot?

    Balanced Triodes (add $2.00 each)
    High Gain (add $2.00 each)
    Low Noise & Microphonics (add $4.00 each)

    Thanks
     

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