Schiit Valhalla 2

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Cspirou, Oct 8, 2015.

  1. Skyline

    Skyline Double-blindly done with this hobby

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    Sure, if you're wealthy enough for that sort of thing :p

    Really, though, I've considered doing just that for my home setup. If I see a solid used price on one...
     
  2. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    Total tube noob here!

    Received a used Valhalla 2 today and it does not have the correct output tubes(tall). I received the stock front tubes and a pair of Amperex 7308. Can these tubes be used for the time being? Do I risk doing any damage to the tubes or amp?

    Planning to get the right output tubes, I just know it's going to take a bit of time and am anxious to listen.

    I was planning to order a new set from schiit, unless maybe there is a better option?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  3. Case

    Case Anxious Head (Formerly Wilson)

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    The Amperex 7308s will make nice input tubes. You would need 6N6P or equivalent for output tubes. The consensus here is that output tubes will not affect sound, so don't spend a lot.

    EDIT: adding content.

    EBay has them cheap but reliability can be an issue.
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2017
  4. Garns

    Garns Friend

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  5. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    He sent 4 tubes , just not the correct ones.
    Have to work something out with him.
    This is really lame
    Hopefully I'll get the tubes by the weekend!
     
  6. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    Well I finally got my Reflector 6NP23s. On one hand I love specific qualities of these, they're tubey but still resolving, they're gentle on the ear but they don't compress the stage completely and the timbre/cymbals are amazingly musical. Bass is tight but slightly less extended, slam is more subdued but still there. Stage seems slightly smaller overall but that might be psycho-acoustics, so I digress. Treble is soft and relaxed to listen to. Overall very musical.

    At € 40,- for 2 pairs, these are dirt cheap and excellent for what they do, much better than any ECC88 I've tried (which I'm not a fan of).

    I'd pick the 6CG7s overall personally but for those laid back listening sessions these are awesome.

    This concludes my little "meme" tube adventure, I'll be enjoying my little amp without any more "upgrades". I think with these 2 sets of tubes that I have all I need to enjoy music optimally.
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2017
  7. MattRG

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    With Schiit selling some of the black mid-sized models this past week I couldn't resist picking up a black Valhalla 2 and spending some quality time with it. I know the black Schiit stuff isn't everyone's cup of tea but I think this thing is dead sexy.
    [​IMG]

    I plugged in the 75' HG SS Reflektor tubes from my Lyr 2 and am currently listening through Extended Play - Live at Birdland by the Dave Holland Quintet. As an album it is one of my gold standard selections for evaluating new gear and completely enjoying myself in the process. I have to say the overall image that is presented in sound by the Valhalla 2 is very much to my preference and superior to my ears to the Lyr 2 (which is also no slouch on this album).

    I'm evaluating using the low cost but surprisingly good (for certain things) Fischer Audio fa-011 headphone. At 160 ohms impedance it is sort of ideal for the Valhalla 2 and the pairing on this album is very strong. I could listen to this all night with great pleasure.
     
  8. lm4der

    lm4der A very good sport - Friend

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    Just wanted to post some random follow up thoughts on the Valhalla2 with 6CG7 tubes.

    I ended up preferring the EH 6GC7s to the RCA clear tops. The EHs have better bass, but otherwise both are great.

    Having listened on these for awhile now, I am struck by how much more enjoyable this amp is, for me, with these tubes. Honestly, the stock tubes hurt my ears for some reason. I have hearing damage and tinnitus though, so all bets are off. The stock tubes do present a better soundstage, but something they do manages to set my ears off in a bad way. Maybe they are just so awfully dry. The EH 6GC7s give the valhalla2 a wonderful sound that is easy on my ears.
     
  9. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I love the black finish on the Valhalla 2
     
  10. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    I know the hd800's and hd650's sound great on the Valhalla 2, I'm just curious what other pairings people are enjoying?
     
  11. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    yeah that's the headphones I mostly used with it, I also enjoy the HD700 with it believe it or not, although I need to EQ the HD700 a bit. A friend of mine sent me some damping material for the HD700 that I am going to install in the ear cups to see if that improves them.
     
  12. MattRG

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    I've mentioned it before but if you want something on the cheap that works well with an OTL amp like the Val 2 then the Fischer Audio fa-011 is worth considering. It's 160 Ohm with a bunch of low end grunt and some rather sparkly highs.
     
  13. FallingObjects

    FallingObjects Pay It Forward

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    There are dozens of us! Dozens!
     
  14. spwath

    spwath Hijinks master cum laudle

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    Ill be joining (black) Valhalla 2 club when mine arrives soon!
     
  15. Lenroot77

    Lenroot77 Friend

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    I have a black Val 2 with black Modi Multibit schedule to arrive Saturday! Can't wait!

    Good to hear that the hd700 plays with the Val 2. I'd like to hear these again sometime. I know they are a bit treble peaky, but I'm not to sensitive to that sort of thing. I do recal them being very comfortable as well.
     
  16. MattRG

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    As much as I liked the Valhalla 2 I've decided to let it go in favor of the Laconic Night Blues Mini. I've wanted one since last Fall and just didn't think I would have the opportunity to acquire one easily. Well, thanks to @Kattefjaes I have one on the way and won't need both the Val 2 and the NBM. The Val 2 is fantastic for the price and everything I said about it still stands.
     
  17. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    @MattRG - I am really pleased to see it going to you, incidentally. It's much cooler than selling it to some HF muppet.

    (Also, daaaaym the Valhalla 2 looks good in black. Seriously.)
     
  18. Bozoskeleton

    Bozoskeleton New

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    Please post some impressions before unloading your Val 2, I would love to hear a comparison! I've had my eye on the laconic mini as well, currently enjoying my Val 2.
     
  19. MattRG

    MattRG Facebook Friend

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    I would love to but it's already on its way back to Schiit. I was still under my 15 day window since it arrived and so I returned it for the refund minus the 5% restocking fee.
     
  20. SKiring

    SKiring Friend

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    While not the NBM, I'll soon have shootout with @Provisus's ZD Mini with my Valhalla2 with 6CG7s so I can give you my trail of thoughts. We have the HD650M, HD800M and Z1R to play around with so to give you some insight in which cans will be used.

    Date hasn't been set yet, but I'll definitely post some impressions soon.
     

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