[RickB]

 
I'm running Mac > ODAC > Vali 2.
 
Using Apple Music 

 
Don't know about Macs, but make sure the digital volume in your audio player is maxed out.
 
Also, is the tube fully seated in the amp?

 

[mynamesjeff]

   
Don't know about Macs, but make sure the digital volume in your audio player is maxed out.
 
Also, is the tube fully seated in the amp?

Hi
 
Yep, Mac source is maxed.
re installed the tube. HD600s on lo gain need to be at 2:30 for
X2's at 2 to be listenable

 

[RickB]

 
Hi
 
Yep, Mac source is maxed.
re installed the tube. HD600s on lo gain need to be at 2:30 for
X2's at 2 to be listenable

 
Then I would contact Schiit. Email  tech@schiit.com.

 

[Superfrag]

 
Hi
 
Yep, Mac source is maxed.
re installed the tube. HD600s on lo gain need to be at 2:30 for
X2's at 2 to be listenable

 
 

   
Then I would contact Schiit. Email  tech@schiit.com.

 
It's the same for me.
Apple Music in iTunes --> Modi 2 U --> Vali 2 --> X2s, low gain, volume pot is at roughly 1-2pm. It's loud enough at 2pm. If I want it to be low/soft, it's at 11-12pm.  But normally it's at 2pm.

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

I run my HD600s on high gain, on some recordings I can max the volume pot on low gain and still need more power.

 

[Tuneslover]

Is your source output low? I use a Bifrost 4490 with the digital volume set to 100% in JRiver on my PC. I have the Vali 2 in low gain with my 300ohm HD600s and I never go beyond 10 o'clock.

I run coaxial out from my FiiO X5ii into Bifrost 4490 to V2 in hi gain with volume knob set at 10 o'clock using HD650. If I switch the Vali to lo gain I need to crank volume knob to 2 o'clock. I hear no hum with the stock Sylvania tube or the Electro Harmonix 6922 tube in hi gain, however I do do hear a very faint hum with the JJ EC88CC tube. I find music is more dynamic sounding in hi gain.

 

[q2klepto]

   
 
 
It's the same for me.
Apple Music in iTunes --> Modi 2 U --> Vali 2 --> X2s, low gain, volume pot is at roughly 1-2pm. It's loud enough at 2pm. If I want it to be low/soft, it's at 11-12pm.  But normally it's at 2pm.

 
Man...X2 is rated at 100db sensitivity and 30Ohm....thats pretty damned sensitive with low impedance...V2 doesnt seem like itll push enough power to my HD800s
 
Anyone running HD800 with this amp?

 

[mynamesjeff]

Awesome. Thanks good to know! Going from ODAC/O2 i was just a bit surprised i needed to really pump the X2s and HD600s on this. 
 
Hi Gain on the Vali 2 is great anyways

   
 
 
It's the same for me.
Apple Music in iTunes --> Modi 2 U --> Vali 2 --> X2s, low gain, volume pot is at roughly 1-2pm. It's loud enough at 2pm. If I want it to be low/soft, it's at 11-12pm.  But normally it's at 2pm.

Awesome. Thanks good to know! Going from ODAC/O2 i was just a bit surprised i needed to really pump the X2s and HD600s on this. 
 
Hi Gain on the Vali 2 is great anyways

 

[RickB]

The only thing I can say, y'all must be half-deaf by now.

 
j/k.

 

[GoodGucciGoo]

I just got my Vali 2! Using it to power my DT880/600ohms, but should I set my Vali2 to high gain or low gain?

 

[Superfrag]

  I just got my Vali 2! Using it to power my DT880/600ohms, but should I set my Vali2 to high gain or low gain?

Definitely high.

 

[GoodGucciGoo]

 
Definitely high.

Really? What's the difference though? I can still hear quite a bit music from low gain

 

[Faber65]

Definitely high.

Really? What's the difference though? I can still hear quite a bit music from low gain

I'm not an expert, but I would rather say that with the highest gain you should have more power reserve to manage the transients in a more appropriate way.
Especially if you listen to music with high dynamic range.
But again, I'm not an expert and at the end of the day the only final judge are your ears.

 

[Faber65]

By the way, I must say thank you the Schiit team for having processed my order in few hours.
The Vali 2 arrived to my company's office in Iowa in two days: awesome customer service.
Commendable!
Now my boss is bringing it to me in China and I am looking forward to seeing it sitting on my desk next Monday.

 

[Currawong]

Gain != power. 
 
From the Vali 2 specs on schiit.com:
 

Output Impedance: 1.2 ohms in low gain mode, 5.8 ohms in high gain mode
Gain: 5 (14dB) or 1.25 (2dB)

 
Firstly, with the output impedances listed, unless your headphones are below about 40-50 Ohms, high gain mode will probably be fine*. The low gain setting might have less hiss or noise.
Secondly, gain is a multiplier of the input voltage (very roughly speaking) to the output voltage. Aside from the two issues mentioned above, it should probably be chosen to allow for ideal volume control for your listening preferences. 
 
*The usual arguments about ideal output impedance I don't think matter much with an amp this cheap.