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New Schiit Vali 2 Discussion Thread

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

Page 7 of 51
  1. kirayamato

    kirayamato Friend

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    @purrin vali2 or vali for the hd800's?
     
    kirayamato, Dec 13, 2015
    #121
  2. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Vali 2 + Yggdrassil seems like an interesting combo since the DAC is more than 10x the price of the amp.
     
    Cspirou, Dec 13, 2015
    #122
  3. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    can the Vali 2 use the 6N1P tubes that are stock in the Valhalla 2?
     
    SoupRKnowva, Dec 13, 2015
    #123
  4. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    Will be interesting to read how this compares to the Garage1217 amps. Was thinking of trying tubes sometime next year.

    Is there a way to quick-search within a thread?
     
    rott, Dec 13, 2015
    #124
  5. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    I just want a cut-down, cost-reduced, small form factor Yggdrasil-like multi-bit DAC to stick on a cluttered desk. That is all and that would be the nuts.
     
    Psalmanazar, Dec 13, 2015
    #125
  6. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    Vali 2 IMO because of the gain switch and roll-able tubes. However I know the original Vali could run 300 Ohm headphones just fine. The Vali 2 can deliver a full 1 Watt into a 32 Ohm headphone - purrin may be able to add his thoughts on it, but I would suggest the Vali 2 IMPO.

    The Vali 2 is roll-able to 6BZ7, any ECC88, 6922, 6DJ8, 2492, etc. When you order tubes for rolling, make sure both triodes are matched. “double triodes,” meaning they have two triodes per tube. I will find out if you can use 6N1P tubes - give me some time to ask my contact at Schiit

    Edit: The Schiit rep said "No, you should stick to the tubes listed on the page."

    So 6N1P tubes will not work in Vali 2.
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 13, 2015
    #126
  7. EeePee

    EeePee Acquaintance

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    6N1P has a higher heater current draw. Might still be okay. Chase, just email Schiit and ask.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2015
    EeePee, Dec 13, 2015
    #127
  8. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    No the Vali 2 cannot use 6NP1 tubes - verified by Schiit rep. Please see my post #126 just above.
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 13, 2015
    #128
  9. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    jexby, Dec 13, 2015
    #129
  10. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Get the adapters and tubes for less from eBay for less than half the price. The adapters are probably worth more than the tubes. Don't let iFi bamboozle you because they happened to find a stock of crap in China.

    In fact, just get 6922/6DJ8s. There are lots of different kinds and they don't need an adapter.
     
    purr1n, Dec 13, 2015
    #130
  11. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Yah I have 7 pairs of legit NOS 6922 in stock already.
    Just didn't know if those GE tubes truly had any legitimate sonic quality....
     
    jexby, Dec 13, 2015
    #131
  12. Thujone

    Thujone Friend

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    Dude, @The Alchemist, I love all your work and contributions to this site/hobby but the suggestions you're making based on specs and/or other people's opinions needs to stop. Please only make suggestions when you have experience with said products.

    Anyway, not trying to stir the pot or derail. Carry on!
     
    Thujone, Dec 13, 2015
    #132
  13. schiit

    schiit SchiitHead

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    Actually, 6N1P should work--just barely--with Vali 2. It uses AC on the heaters, so it's not (as) current-limited as the regulated DC supplies on Lyr 2 or Mjolnir 2. I verified that the 6N1P is within the range of the bias servo, but I haven't listened to it, so it's unknown what it sounds like.
     
    schiit, Dec 13, 2015
    #133
  14. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    You're right - deleted my post. @Thujone
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 13, 2015
    #134
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Vali 2 easily over Vali 1:
    1. Vali 2 sounds more "normal". Actually not very tubey. Doesn't have that "haunting" or "rich" tube sound which is typical of microphonic tubes (this isn't a necessarily bad thing, but it's not accurate).
    2. However much I hate people who roll 28 different tubes and post pictures of their tubes without being able to tell us anything about how they sound, you can roll tubes for the Vali 2 to change the sonics somewhat. There is a huge choice from the 6922/6DJ8 family, and out of these there are a few that come up to the top. Don't overdo it. It's a cheap amp. Some good selections for reasonable prices have been mentioned.
    3. No microphonics. Enough said.
    4. More neutral (for better or for worse). Vali 1 had a touch of warm in the mid and lower mids (probably distortion :p), and the treble was kind of steely, grainy, and slightly emphasized (hints of the Magni 1). Vali 1 was still a good amp back then. There was less good stuff available two years ago. I don't think people realize this when the Vali came out.
    5. I can see some people preferring the original Vali. Vali 1 does kind of grab you (whether you like it or not is a matter of taste.) Vali 2 leaves you alone.
    6. Gain switch.
    7. Preamp outs.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2015
    purr1n, Dec 13, 2015
    #135
  16. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    See my comments about Valhalla 2 and wishing A) it had a more powerful, dynamic sound and B) having some issues with treble grain or glare regardless of tubes. How does Vali 2 compare just in those areas alone? Keep in mind I'd be very forgiving at the price point.
     
    Hands, Dec 13, 2015
    #136
  17. Bourne Perfect

    Bourne Perfect Friend

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    Not exactly my only amp. Plus I wasn't thinking of cost every time I pulled my HD800s out of my WA5 and into my Vali. ;)
     
    Bourne Perfect, Dec 13, 2015
    #137
  18. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    purr1n, Dec 13, 2015
    #138
  19. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    To clarify, I did speak with a rep at Schiit (name withheld) and was told 6N1P tubes would NOT work with the Vali 2 as I stated in an earlier post because that is what I was told by the Schiit Rep. I spoke with Jason after I read his post and he said he would talk to said Rep about it because the Rep probably didn't know.
     
    The Alchemist, Dec 13, 2015
    #139
  20. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    Woot. Got my shipping notice!
     
    fraggler, Dec 13, 2015
    #140
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