Robert Padgett
500+ Head-Fier
The Senns are a much better match for the Vali. They are high impedance (relatively efficient though), so the noise floor isn’t as big a deal. The pop is also likely less loud.
Ultimately it comes down to what sounds good to you and any quality of life features an amp provides.
Agree, the Senns are delightful HPs. If it is only a pop, when the relay engages, that would be part of the "Tube experience" to which I am very new and wouldn't even think it odd, until someone mentions how annoying it has become. Everything pops and cracks and sizzles on my system...due to dry air and static electricity. It is not like I can light up a flourecent tube, but just part off 1948 wiring standards...heck, I am lucky the power even works some days...