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Valhalla 2 or...? Seeking amps for HD650

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by mtoc, Dec 16, 2015.

  1. mtoc

    mtoc SBAF's Resident Shit-Stirrer

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    Hi all, gonna build a new system in the future (don't know when), here's my wishlist: DAC (not decide yet, Gungnir Multibit or a better Bifrost Multibit x which is more resolve than the current ver, a 90% Gungnir Multibit), hd650 (modded).

    About the amps, Vali 2 and Valhalla 2 catch my eyes, from the reviews I read, they are resolving and natural. Are there other choices? Of course I know the EC BW/Copperhead (my dream amps company) will be a better choice, but ya know, the money thing...

    The resolve and nature are very important to me. I'll keep an open mind. Thank you all buddies.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2015
    mtoc, Dec 16, 2015
    #1
  2. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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    What's the budget you have to work with?
     
    Smitty, Dec 16, 2015
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  3. mtoc

    mtoc SBAF's Resident Shit-Stirrer

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    Less than $1500 (excluding the cans)…
     
    mtoc, Dec 16, 2015
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  4. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    What headphones are you using?
     
    EraserXIV, Dec 16, 2015
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  5. mtoc

    mtoc SBAF's Resident Shit-Stirrer

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    None now. About to get a pair of HD650s.
     
    mtoc, Dec 16, 2015
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  6. EraserXIV

    EraserXIV Friend

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    Gungnir Multibit + Valhalla 2 will probably be the best combo for you. It is a little over your budget ($1600) but worth it if you can save up for it or find a good deal on the Valhalla 2 used.

    If you plan on getting some low impedance or high sensitivity headphones, the Vali 2 might be a better jack-of-all-trades.
     
    EraserXIV, Dec 16, 2015
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  7. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    For what you're looking for, Valhalla 2 is a good stepping stone until you can afford the high-end amps from companies like Eddie Current.
     
    Hands, Dec 16, 2015
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  8. SpaceLaser

    SpaceLaser Friend

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    I've got a Valhalla 2 coming in this week to pair with my HD600's. It's a bit different than your proposed setup, but feel free to PM me about questions once I've got it setup.
     
    SpaceLaser, Dec 16, 2015
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  9. mtoc

    mtoc SBAF's Resident Shit-Stirrer

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    The phones I decide will be the HE500 (used) or the HD650 (modded).

    Which is better in your opinion, my dear SBAF friends?
     
    mtoc, Dec 16, 2015
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  10. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    My vote goes to the HD650 with the Val2.
     
    Armaegis, Dec 16, 2015
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  11. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    Val2 is great with HD6x0. It seems quite neutral and not all that tube-like with stock tubes. Bifrost Multibit is amazing for the price but accentuates the warmth of HD650. It depends what signature you are going for I guess. Get second-hand Val2 and Gungnir then upgrade to multibit later on (or just get Gungnir Multibit if you can stretch your budget to accomodate it...)
     
    jowls, Dec 16, 2015
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  12. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    I found the valhalla2 and he500 to not be a good pairing. In fact, if you intend to use planars the valhalla2 is not ideal. The Vali (old) sounds better with my planars than the valhalla did.
     
    Senorx12562, Dec 22, 2015
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  13. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Yeah, no one is surprised by that whatsoever. :p
     
    Hands, Dec 22, 2015
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