[carboncopy]

Speaking of amps, I had a chance to listen to the battery version RA1. Is it normal for it to have a noticeable noise floor? I was wondering if changing out the batteries out will alleviate the problem.

Mine does not have any noise. But it is sensible for the RCA cable and it's routing.

 

[ESL-1]

Speaking of amps, I had a chance to listen to the battery version RA1. Is it normal for it to have a noticeable noise floor? I was wondering if changing out the batteries out will alleviate the problem.

I agree that you should not have any noise from the amp. Being DC powered it is actually a very black silence. I haven’t used mine in a while but I do think very weak batteries could possibly generate some background,

I hope it is nothing more than that.

 

[Freia]

Could be, as the owner seldom uses it and the batteries inside were used for quite some time.

 

[Stevko]

I think it's great info for the group, there must be a few Vali owners out there curious. I loved my Vali 2 (not plus model) with a GE NOS 6CG7. I used to run my old SR225e on them with the tape mod. Really full and bassy sounding compared to the traditional Grado house sound.

Agree.
Tell us more about tubes

This year I gonna try out som new DAC\AMP`s

So far I like my tr-amp best with Grado. More detailes, forward, and most engaging.
The schiit also sound good with Grado, but darker,less details and more relaxed.

what to try next?

iFi with Burr Brown?
Topping? A30. and Topping dac? or maybe the dx3 pro+
More Earmen?(the new blue)
Or something from schiit with OP amp?(OP amp= more forward\cleaner sound?) And a better schiit DAC?
(miss my Schiit Hel 2)

 

[PhenixS1970]

I got the same GE NOS 6CG7 tube in my Vali 2 . I had no experience at all with tubes but it seemed a very popular option.

 

[Stevko]

https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/network-audio-players/na6006

Anyone tryed this one with Grado?

 

[funkymartyn]

https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/network-audio-players/na6006

Anyone tryed this one with Grado?

Not tried, but this looks really nice if you want streaming. Clicked on link, says sold out . I only a 12 year old marantz cd player. With headphone output . It's still very good . But mostly I tend to stick my headphones into my schitt magni amp rather than the marantz..( good if I want to control volume or tracks ) as no remote on amp.

 

[emorrison33]

The newest Grado sibling chez moi. [The 6J5 tubes - a pair to go in one adapter - are for the Lyr 3 which will be the initiation h/p/a.]

Let me know how the Hemps are with the Lyr 3, please. I'm thinking that will be next amp purchase. My only concern is the power of the Lyr 3. I have the Vali 2 currently. If I go a little loud on the volume, my Grado HP's seem to fall apart a little. Not distortion, just not as "enjoyable". I'm thinking maybe 85 or 90 decibels. My normal listening is probably 70.

 

[johanchandy]

To my ears, the Darkvoice does not "control" the SR325X as well as the THX789 (decent) or the Schitt Asgard 3 (great)

I had a similar experience with the hemp, the hemp needed a somewhat linear sounding dac/amp to shine. Otherwise, it sounds congested, dark, and lacking life. Schiit Asgard 3(with the modius) and the new topping dx3 pro+ are options that worked well for me. I didn't like them with sources like the ifi zen and the darkvoice.

 

[emorrison33]

I had the GS1000e. I really loved it especially the soundstage. However i always tought the bass was weird so i sold it. Is the GS3000e an upgrade on that side?

I go back and forth every time I listen to the GS1000e. Between selling them and keeping them. It's the bass...like a member posted not too many posts back...tubby. Not all the time though. It seems fine when I listen to classical or acoustic type music, which is alot of the time. Sometimes it's ok with rock, etc. Just weird.

 

[jonathan c]

Let me know how the Hemps are with the Lyr 3, please. I'm thinking that will be next amp purchase. My only concern is the power of the Lyr 3. I have the Vali 2 currently. If I go a little loud on the volume, my Grado HP's seem to fall apart a little. Not distortion, just not as "enjoyable". I'm thinking maybe 85 or 90 decibels. My normal listening is probably 70.

The Hemp is glorious with the Lyr 3. Full frequency range is well reproduced - with great detail, dynamics, soundstage. [I have been ‘rolling’ CBS-Hytron 5692, Ken-Rad VT-231, Melz 6N8S (1963) in the Lyr 3. When adapter arrives, I will try double-CJ5.] With a good 6SN7, the Lyr 3 has plenty of power for Grados (and other h/p: except Abyss AB 1266 and Susvara?).

 

[emorrison33]

I had a similar experience with the hemp, the hemp needed a somewhat linear sounding dac/amp to shine. Otherwise, it sounds congested, dark, and lacking life. Schiit Asgard 3(with the modius) and the new topping dx3 pro+ are options that worked well for me. I didn't like them with sources like the ifi zen and the darkvoice.

I second the Asgard 3 with Grado cans. I have used the Asgard with the Bifrost 2 and the Modi 3+. Both sound good with the Grado's I have in my arsenal. I do EQ them sometimes with the Loki+ or the Lokius depending on the song/recording.
Edit to correct: Loki OG not plus

 

[emorrison33]

The Hemp is glorious with the Lyr 3. Full frequency range is well reproduced - with great detail, dynamics, soundstage. [I have been ‘rolling’ CBS-Hytron 5692, Ken-Rad VT-231, Melz 6N8S (1963) in the Lyr 3. When adapter arrives, I will try double-CJ5.] With a good 6SN7, the Lyr 3 has plenty of power for Grados (and other h/p: except Abyss AB 1266 and Susvara?).

I am worried about too much power! LOL The Vali 2 is like 2.5mW into 32 ohms and the Lyr 3 is 6mW.
I have a PSvane 6SN7-UK, with adapter in my Vali 2, and it's a wonderful tube.

 

[jonathan c]

I am worried about too much power! LOL The Vali 2 is like 2.5mW into 32 ohms and the Lyr 3 is 6mW.
I have a PSvane 6SN7-UK, with adapter in my Vali 2, and it's a wonderful tube.

Don’t be……> is better than <. Power is not utilised at the maximum all the time. The amp should ‘coast’ and have reserves when the music gets to crescendos.

 

[johanchandy]

I second the Asgard 3 with Grado cans. I have used the Asgard with the Bifrost 2 and the Modi 3+. Both sound good with the Grado's I have in my arsenal. I do EQ them sometimes with the Loki+ or the Lokius depending on the song/recording.
Edit to correct: Loki OG not plus

It's such a great amp! Sounds great with everything I have. Been wanting to try one of the loki's