Schiit Valhalla 2

Could it be a ground fault or ground loop?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Ma...3-Wire-GFCI-Outlet-Adapter-30439005/202510242

Do you have a tripp lite ISOBar with Isolated Filter Banks?
http://www.tripplite.com/surge-protector-isobar-4-outlets-6-ft-cord-3330-joule~IBAR4/

 

The buzz is kinda intermittent and but not persistent eh, Isobar would work. I had a problem where powerline noise from an exercise machine plague the audio system but its rejected by my powerstrip filtering. If you do use an Isobar strip, make sure that no SMPS stuff especially LCD monitors are on the strip.

I would still try looking out for the source, motorised stuff like your fridge(ridiculous right), AC unit, or generators if you have any or your neighbors have them. LEDs, Dimmers may also be a cause.

 

If this is a laptop, try running unplugged (running on battery only). I had a laptop that picked up 60hz hum when plugged in.

Edit: Derp, sorry Game, I didn't read your post carefully enough, sounds like you get hum even when not connected to your pc. Just ignore this. Cheers

 

So there's a buzz when nothing is plugged in except the power and headphones? Even when the volume is turned all the way down? Is the buzzing in both sides or just one ear?

 

Will this one work?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tripp-Lit...fault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

 

Yes there is buzzing when nothing is plugged in but power cord and headphones, even with the volume all the way down. The buzzing is in both channels.

I contacted Schiit a while back and they sent me a replacement, but even with the replacement I still get the buzz so it is extremely unlikely that it is the V2 itself that is defective.

 

Yes, unless Walmart is pulling one of their "custom" manufactures on you, that is the one I linked. Tripp-Lite makes good stuff. Any "IsoBars" up to 8 plugs have all their plugs filtered by pairs (top and bottom are 1 pair). Isobars with 10 or more have only 2 banks nearest the indicator lights.

 

I found this on on eBay, it is the ultra version

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tripp-Lite-...-Suppressor-/111759217855?hash=item1a055e54bf

 

You wouldn't happen to have a car or SUV with 120v outlet to test it out would you?

 

no unfortunately I do not

 

From Tripp-Lite's site, the Ultra seems to have more diagnostic features (bad wiring light, etc). Both have the same surge protection, warranty, and premium isolated filter banks.
http://www.tripplite.com/products/surge-protectors~19
Select "Premium IsoBar" and see most of their protectors with the line filters. Some are not listed, like the AV10DBS, which I own and has 2 banks (4 outlets). I also own the Isobar6Ultra.

 

Speaking of the Valhalla 2 measurements.

How do they compare directly to the Eddie Current Black Widow & Super 7 measurements?

Maybe it was hyperbole that a few said that the Valhalla 2 was almost as good as Eddie Current Black Widow & Super 7.
I'm not sure at what to look for in graphs, but what do the numbers say?

 

Hi, I want to try some tube sound and see if I like it. I have a TH900 and some IEMs. Is Valhalla 2 a good choice?

 

It will not be suitable for those headphones or IEMs. The Valhalla 2 is best with high impedance headphones. I'm not sure if you're looking for the traditional tubey sound (Bottlehead Crack?) or the very clear and resolving sound (Valhalla 2). You could possibly try a Lyr 2.

 

In my opinion, the Valhalla 2 is an excellent choice. It has a very "clear" tube sound, meaning it isn't too warm and tubey sounding. It doesn't have that distorted warm mushy "classic" tube sound as purrin stated like the Valhalla 1.

It actually reminds me of a supped-up Vali with better clarity and resolution. Perhaps you can get a loaner from someone to try it out. But I believe you'd be extremely happy with the V2 at it's price point with practically any headphone.

The Vali may be a good choice as well, it is a very affordable tube amp with plenty of power to drive headphones, and it is amazingly clear sounding without the warm, mushy, distorted, classic tube sound. There maybe someone who can send you a loaner Vali as well. These are just my personal opinions. Depends on your budget.

But thegunner also has a point -however the Valhalla 2 has a low and high gain switch so on low gain it would be suitable for IEM's or low-impedance headphones.

Quote from Schiit's Valhalla 2 Description on Schiit's website:

"Go ahead. Do things with Valhalla 2 that you’d never attempt with other OTL tube amps. Run low-impedance headphones. Use IEMs. Valhalla 2 is a complete re-imagining of Valhalla, with improved performance, higher output capability, lower distortion and output impedance.

Tubes Made Flexible

While most tube OTL amps are really only designed for 300 ohm Senns and 600 ohm Beyers, Valhalla 2 stretches to include headphones that you’d never expect to use with a tube amp. Go ahead. Use it with Grados. Run it with AKGs. Rely on it for many IEMs. You may even like it with high-efficiency planars like LCD-X, LCD-XC, Oppo PM-1 and HE-400."

thegunner is more knowledgeable about amps than me so his opinion on your question may be right. I am just quoting what the description of the V2 is on Schiit's website.

 

The gain/output impedance switch is more of a convenience thing imo. It simply doesn't output enough power for lower impedance headphones, but it'll let you at least play them.

 

I wasn't meaning to undermine your thoughts on the V2 gunner, you know a lot more about amps than me. I was just quoting the description of the V2 from Schiit's website.

In my opinion TraverS should see if he can get a loaner V2 or perhaps another tube amp like your suggestion, the Lyr 2 or Bottlehead Crack to see what works best for his headphones and IEM's.

 

I thought the problem is the output impedance as I feel my headphone and IEMs don't need much power. Have you ever experiance sound degradation from too much output impedance and how it should sound like? By the way, I don't see much praise on Lyr 2 so I didn't consider it before.

Schiit's product is not popular in my country and there is no affordable tube amp I can audition. I guess 15-day return may be the only option for me.

 

The Torpedo amp at beezar.com is probably the best choice. It is a true tube amp and its transformer couple to support low impedance headphones. The only issue is you have to build it.

http://www.beezar.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=153