Should you buy Schiit Audio's new Vali 2+ tube headphone amplifier?

Ғылым және технология

Thanks to Schiit Audio for sending a Vali 2+ to me for review. The Vali 2+ (and Vali 2++) is a basic tube headphone amplifier that can power a wide variety of headphones.
Update: For those you wondering about the Vali 2++, it is identical, except for a different tube socket allowing a different range of tubes to be used. It's otherwise identical.
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00:00 Introduction
00:25 Video overview
01:35 Tube amp types
05:18 Vali 2+ features
09:19 Listening impressions
15:58 The Problem with Tube Amps
17:19 Thank you!

Пікірлер: 97

  • @middle_pickup
    @middle_pickup Жыл бұрын

    Tubes are magical. Everyone needs a tube amp.

  • @theoriginalcraig
    @theoriginalcraig3 жыл бұрын

    Best ever explanation/illustration for impedance. Absolutely brilliant in the extreme. I'll be using that for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for that.

  • @michaeljohnson112
    @michaeljohnson1129 ай бұрын

    Fantastic review for someone who is a sound enthusiast but had no idea on the differences when you got into Tube amps

  • @caffeinecreature
    @caffeinecreature3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this helped me pick my first amp. I was thinking about picking up the Vali, but I'd rather get a Magni first and upgrade to a bigger tube amp at a later point.

  • @daviddarley4749
    @daviddarley47492 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for clearly explaining impedance. You really put a lot of confusion to bed for me

  • @TombstoneTube
    @TombstoneTube3 жыл бұрын

    Nice one. Very complete. Thanks

  • @audioaficionado9494
    @audioaficionado94943 жыл бұрын

    Great explanation on the differences between amp types and their sound characteristics. I was thinking about the Vali 2+ or Asgard 3, but then the Jotunheim 2 dropped. My Jot 2 sounds amazing running balanced through my Sundaras. If I decide to try a tube amp, Vali 2+ might be the one.

  • @RP-rw6jj
    @RP-rw6jj10 ай бұрын

    @Currawong - Your review was the most helpful review that I've watched. Thanks!

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    10 ай бұрын

    Glad to hear it!

  • @V1ralB1ack
    @V1ralB1ack3 жыл бұрын

    If this is anything like my lyr3 which it sorta is but smaller. It is a bundle of fun and joy.

  • @cowboyflipflopped
    @cowboyflipflopped2 жыл бұрын

    This is the best video of all I've seen of yours so far-- informative, organized, thorough, concise. You come across as experienced, knowledgeable, astute, sympathetic, and you avoid your occasional tendency for elitism. Congratulations, and well-done!

  • @adaboy4z
    @adaboy4z Жыл бұрын

    Excellent review and explanation of Tube Amps. I finally understand why people buy them, how they work and correct ohm headphones. Thanks

  • @slidewineder3953
    @slidewineder39532 жыл бұрын

    youre such a good speaker bro, ty

  • @BobbyDigital6411
    @BobbyDigital64113 жыл бұрын

    I own the Magni 3 and was having a hard time deciding on the Vali 2+ or the Valhalla 2 for my HD600s. I opted for the Valhalla 2 since I only own the HD600s and they're high impedence. It was a massive step up from my Magni 3. In the 10 years I've owned my HD600s, they've never sounded so alive.

  • @Hamppzah

    @Hamppzah

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh stoooop, I have the HD600s and I'm looking to get the Valhalla 2.. I guess I gotta do it.. So, 5 months later, have you changed the tubes yet?

  • @ronaldesmith9098

    @ronaldesmith9098

    2 жыл бұрын

    Today Valhalla 2 arrived to replace my Vali 2... 4 tubes are better than 1 tube, right. Turns out the 1 tube walk all over the Valhalla 2. Aeon 2 closed headphones I get this spooky state where the music floats on the in the air on either side of my ears. The sound is between both ears yet I'm forever looking over my shoulder, getting spooked. What was that? Oh right, duh it's s the music. Sounds so natural but an unnerving effect. The music is literally floating in the air and I'm surrounded by it. This is my first jump in headgear. The Valhalla 2 is boxed for return. Yikes, I'm terrified if the sound is by some miracle accident... Future, replacing the tube in my headphone amp, Aeon 2 combo that can't be duplicated. PS the Valhalla 2 noise floor was audible without music. The Vahi 2. Zero noise in fact it’s dead silent, then music comes to life raising out the silence, that’s spooky too. DAC: THX Onyx, iMac Mini app set @ 96k 24 kbit

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's because the Valhalla 2 is designed primarily for high-impedance headphones and is no good for low impedance headphones like the AEON. I made a video specifically about this: kzread.info/dash/bejne/X4GLqKqyqNDbZbg.html

  • @OsborneCox.69.420

    @OsborneCox.69.420

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ronaldesmith9098 did the Vali-2 adequately drive your HD600’s? i’m tempted to pull the trigger on a Vali-2 for a budget desktop build

  • @Thee_Jadex

    @Thee_Jadex

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong you also went over it at 2 minuite mark on this video too lol. Guess they just skipped it

  • @danilofeliciano3046
    @danilofeliciano30462 жыл бұрын

    Just purchased the Rega Elex-R, any recommendations for a headphone amp for my Meze 99 Classics

  • @bikecrazy001
    @bikecrazy001 Жыл бұрын

    Hi good video mate. Great info. Will these match good with LCD 2C? Thanks!

  • @paulbeavis1647
    @paulbeavis16473 жыл бұрын

    Did you happen to test the Magni or Vali 2 on the HD 800s???

  • @minhtruong6553
    @minhtruong65533 жыл бұрын

    Wow. Perfect analogy to source current and a load.

  • @jeffreymakuch2493

    @jeffreymakuch2493

    3 жыл бұрын

    The garden hose analogy has been used for this explanation for ages...

  • @stax666
    @stax6663 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful

  • @stephencharlton2024
    @stephencharlton20243 жыл бұрын

    great, thank you

  • @Princeton_James
    @Princeton_James3 жыл бұрын

    I have a Douk Audio and I am more than impressed. Really curious about this one. They are so back ordered though so I cancelled my order. If they had this in stock I would have gotten it right away.

  • @rajendrabiswas
    @rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын

    Ever used rega DAC ?

  • @BigBoss-kk8hq
    @BigBoss-kk8hq2 жыл бұрын

    Can't wait for the schiit folkvangr review

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    2 жыл бұрын

    There wont be one. I'm not even going to ask. It's a limited edition. You should only buy one if you understand what you're getting. :)

  • @michaelhayko2904
    @michaelhayko29045 ай бұрын

    I could use some much-needed advice. You have the complete stack seating in front of you, is it possible to show how all those units are hooked up? Schiit does not include any instructions with any of their units. So please HELP!

  • @barney6888
    @barney6888 Жыл бұрын

    Buuhhhhhhhhh,... I put my mark levinson power amp on this preamp/headphone amp and it broke the tube... what should i do?

  • @silvergold3023
    @silvergold30233 жыл бұрын

    I'm curious... What tube do you use with the cavalli CTH ? You say a 2C51... but which one ? Thanks

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    The expensive Western Electric ones. It's probably overkill for the amp, but I had it on hand.

  • @Rainbow__cookie
    @Rainbow__cookie2 жыл бұрын

    What kinda tubes work or is it whatever like 12ax7/ecc83 And are the tubes they buy nos or new tubes

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    2 жыл бұрын

    schiit.com has all that information.

  • @maclock101
    @maclock1012 жыл бұрын

    Can you tell me wich tube you use in the Cavalli AMP?

  • @brendonelliott4499

    @brendonelliott4499

    2 жыл бұрын

    He replied to someone else saying it’s one of the expensive Western Electronic

  • @tendomiyaki9542
    @tendomiyaki95422 жыл бұрын

    My personal preference for home audiophile amplifier combination must be a tube preamp and a solid state power amp - AB class. Most likely, I would not go for other combinations, there may be one exception which is to add a separate decent quality DAC, if I decide to go for streaming music and songs. However the DAC must be separated. If I can't afford the luxury to own a combination of both preamp(tube) and solid stated power amp, I'll go for the AB class solid state amp

  • @deadandburied7626
    @deadandburied7626 Жыл бұрын

    What makes tubes give different sound qualities?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    Жыл бұрын

    Slightly different harmonics.

  • @kyleolsen3305
    @kyleolsen33053 жыл бұрын

    I've had one on order from Schiit for a while but the back order date keeps getting pushed.

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    They've been having a rough time of things getting the parts they need.

  • @kyleolsen3305

    @kyleolsen3305

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong That’s what i heard. Fortunately i have a Jot2 to keep me company. Was just tube curious.

  • @bzyboy9639

    @bzyboy9639

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same here

  • @jimmyayotte5529

    @jimmyayotte5529

    3 жыл бұрын

    It looks like this guy has them all.

  • @shanedaniel7
    @shanedaniel7 Жыл бұрын

    Can you give an opinion on Vali 2++ and Modi 3E for HD600?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    Жыл бұрын

    It'll be the same as a Vali 2+ and Modi 3 would be. That should give you a hint.

  • @shanedaniel7

    @shanedaniel7

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong How are those? Basically I'm trying to figure out if the HD600 are even worth using with a cheap amp like Vali 2++

  • @chrisladouceur4093
    @chrisladouceur40933 жыл бұрын

    How do you do your level matching? A specific tone?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes. I use a 1kHz tone measured through whatever headphones I want to use for listening.

  • @chrisladouceur4093

    @chrisladouceur4093

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong to what loudness level?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    The last time was around 75dB.

  • @bighit3352
    @bighit33523 жыл бұрын

    do i need DAC if i use the vali 2 on hd600?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    You'll need to plug the Vali 2 into something that has analog output, which means the sound card of your computer, or a phone with a headphone socket, or similar. If the source of your analog output isn't so good, then a dedicated DAC could be an improvement.

  • @bighit3352

    @bighit3352

    3 жыл бұрын

    thank you can you reccomend affordable dac for the vali 2?

  • @Derpderpson123

    @Derpderpson123

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@bighit3352 FiiO E10K

  • @forrestp33
    @forrestp33 Жыл бұрын

    Are you going to review the new Vali 2++? I thought it was a typo on their website, but apparently it's a thing.

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    Жыл бұрын

    It's identical to the Vali 2+ except for having a different pinout for the tubes so that other models will work instead.

  • @miznitic5574
    @miznitic55742 ай бұрын

    Any thoughts on the Vali 3?

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    Ай бұрын

    Only that I'm thinking of getting one in for review once I've gotten a bit further though the Schiit DACs I have here.

  • @skyturtle7233
    @skyturtle72333 жыл бұрын

    You mentioned the Pre-amp wasn't that good. Why is that?

  • @Jooglesberry
    @Jooglesberry2 жыл бұрын

    or you can try those tubes you found buried in the backyard from when your great uncle used to bury trash from his tv shop in the 50s

  • @MyouKyuubi
    @MyouKyuubi2 жыл бұрын

    15:16 "BING!"

  • @jeffreymakuch2493
    @jeffreymakuch24933 жыл бұрын

    Well, I'd been eyeing one of these ever since it came out as a compliment to my objectively correct amplifiers. thanks for convincing me to save some money and not buy one of these.

  • @Bob.martens
    @Bob.martens3 жыл бұрын

    I didn't know there are stereo valves.

  • @x-techgaming
    @x-techgaming3 жыл бұрын

    G111 review, please :))

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's an interesting idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

  • @x-techgaming

    @x-techgaming

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong I just ordered one, to go with Bifrost and ThieAudio Oracle, but I don't know what might be a solid step or 2 above it. Seems to be a champ of the ~$500 mark.

  • @bernardmueller5676
    @bernardmueller56762 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Problem is - Schiit has been unavailable in Europe for months. So sad.

  • @nexxmex

    @nexxmex

    2 жыл бұрын

    You mispelled years :(

  • @bernardmueller5676

    @bernardmueller5676

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@nexxmex So sad. I would buy one just for fun. But hey - nothing to see here. Move along. Sigh.

  • @annarobertson8320
    @annarobertson8320 Жыл бұрын

    I owned the Vali 2, a great little unit, absolutely hate the wall wart. Upgraded to Lyr 3, bad move. After a month it almost electrocuted me when switching on , returned to seller, they gave full refund. Nice sounding units but i went to Chord. Not risking

  • @heyheyhey7757
    @heyheyhey77573 жыл бұрын

    Hi please put an amazon link :)

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    They aren't being sold on Amazon, unfortunately.

  • @fishcommander100
    @fishcommander1003 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @TigraZ
    @TigraZ3 жыл бұрын

    that cavalli is pure sexyness

  • @markcooka1233
    @markcooka12333 жыл бұрын

    Nice review to bad you cant buy this product or a lot of other Schit Audio products here in Australia as Schit Audio are up the s**t and cant supply Australia with products with no word when they will be able to continue supply to us here in Australia .Several emails have not answered when they will start sending products to Australia again .

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    They probably don't know. Jason stated that they were changing how they reported when gear would be available as things had become so uncertain.

  • @markcooka1233

    @markcooka1233

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Currawong I find it hard to believe they don't know as my emails with them made it very clear I was unhappy with them .They didn't have a clue when they will ne shipping to Australia again or were unwilling to tell me any way .I found them quite rude ,there customer services leaves a lot to be desired .So I have moved my yggy on and am looking for a new dac with a company that has better customer service .

  • @_AJH_

    @_AJH_

    Жыл бұрын

    I only just learnt about this amp and still not available ☹️in Australia

  • @yarrichar
    @yarrichar2 жыл бұрын

    You call that schiit stack? *That's* a schiit stack (0:36)

  • @x-ray3431

    @x-ray3431

    Жыл бұрын

    Schiit pile

  • @TheRealMooHamHead69420
    @TheRealMooHamHead694206 ай бұрын

    why would i pay for schiit audio?

  • @athathsonty2925
    @athathsonty29253 жыл бұрын

    The question whether I should buy it or not is totally Irrelevant, since Schiit has no presence in India.

  • @Currawong

    @Currawong

    3 жыл бұрын

    They only sell direct from the US (and, when available, Europe).

  • @lindsethnittisju797

    @lindsethnittisju797

    Жыл бұрын

    That schiit dude

  • @MrBrodernafluff
    @MrBrodernafluff3 жыл бұрын

    Why buy schiit? 🤣

  • @x-ray3431

    @x-ray3431

    Жыл бұрын

    Smells good 👍

  • @frankgeeraerts6243
    @frankgeeraerts6243 Жыл бұрын

    Tubes are so missunderstood.............they do not warm up the sound..........solid state lacks qualities is more correct ......The so called warmth of tubes is mostly due to other factors not necessary caused by the tube itself............solid state is a SEMI conductor technology and electrons flow into a cristaline structure ......in tubes they flow in a vacuum , more than sevcent times faster !............and tube technology is more linear than solid state ! so far for distortion .......... Tube headphone amps where you can use different tube types in the same socket is a scam and a shame !................;one can only """ optimize """ for a given tube design and than compare different brands of the same tube..............yes it may work with different tube types but there's a real BUT ...........mostly only work .........

  • @tonydeniro284

    @tonydeniro284

    8 ай бұрын

    What?

  • @Who-oe7jm
    @Who-oe7jm3 жыл бұрын

    I have been waiting for the vali2 on back order for 2 months.... now that i have more money should i cancel my order and upgrade? And if yes what schiit amp should i get? (HD 660s)

  • @HercahyoAdiSaputro

    @HercahyoAdiSaputro

    3 жыл бұрын

    Valhalla It is not a versatile amp like jot 2, but specific to hd 650, valhalla synergize very well (especially if you think that hd 650 stage is small, this is the cure)

  • @HercahyoAdiSaputro

    @HercahyoAdiSaputro

    3 жыл бұрын

    But dont get valhalla if you plan to buy something like hd800s, i know that hd800 also need a tube amp, but valhalla is a bad match for it (it will make your hd800 brighter and dryer) Told you it's not versatile 😄

  • @prabinpaudel5572

    @prabinpaudel5572

    3 жыл бұрын

    Asgard 3 would be great. 660s doesn't require much power so the amp will run at pure class A. Plus it can drive almost every headphone in the planet.

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