I haven't used my solid-state amp since I got the Vali 2++ at the end of September. I put a couple of hours on it last night. Like you, the new tube will probably keep my other amp sitting on the sidelines for a while longer.
…..a ‘bcowensque’ thought….. ….. putting a General Western Electric 396A / 2C51 ($180+) in Vali 2++ ($149). I have been using the WE w/adapters in Woo Audio WA2: absolutely stunning! …Vali 2++ for getaway Laurel Mountains house …
…..a ‘bcowensque’ thought….. ….. putting a General Western Electric 396A / 2C51 ($180+) in Vali 2++ ($149). I have been using the WE w/adapters in Woo Audio WA2: absolutely stunning! …Vali 2++ for getaway Laurel Mountains house …
Last year I was tasked with a difficult choice between the Magni 3+ and the Vali 2+ (which had just released back then). It was my choice of first amp and I think I made the right choice going with a SS. This year I have procured the funds to potentially obtain the Vali 2++. I would like to try tube, even though this is a hybrid. Unfortunately, I have heard that the Magni 3+ and the Vali 2+/+ sounds nearly identical. This could be an issue since I don't want to shell out me hard earned dollaros on more of just the same. Even if I were to change the tube: I don't want to spend a lot on an aftermarket tube.
What r ur opinions, tubemeisters? Please be as unbiased as can be and let me know!
I'll have to try one out. I'm not sure what defines "too tubey". I've owned a Fisher 500C, Fisher X-100-C, and currently use a Harman Kardon A500 integrated tube amp. I like the tube sound. Too bad the Vali 2++ doesn't use a 12ax7. I have accumulated dozens of those over the years.
The WE 396A is an awesome tube, but it doesn't light my fire in the OG Vali 2. While the mids are glorious, the bass is a bit too rounded and although the highs are extended enough they seem a bit dialed down in the mix. Note that's just my impression with my gear. I haven't heard the Vali 2+ (or the 2++), but many impressions I've seen describe the 2+ as a bit brighter/leaner sounding than the OG, so the 396A might be a very nice fit in it.
This is still my favorite tube in the OG Vali. @jonathan c made me buy it. I hated him for it when I placed the order, but then reversed course and loved him once I got the tube. Silly to spend this much on a tube for a $149 amp? Well, probably, but that's never stopped me before and probably won't in the future.
Last year I was tasked with a difficult choice between the Magni 3+ and the Vali 2+ (which had just released back then). It was my choice of first amp and I think I made the right choice going with a SS. This year I have procured the funds to potentially obtain the Vali 2++. I would like to try tube, even though this is a hybrid. Unfortunately, I have heard that the Magni 3+ and the Vali 2+/+ sounds nearly identical. This could be an issue since I don't want to shell out me hard earned dollaros on more of just the same. Even if I were to change the tube: I don't want to spend a lot on an aftermarket tube.
What r ur opinions, tubemeisters? Please be as unbiased as can be and let me know!
The thing is is that there is some difference. Even you say « nearly identical », not « identical ». But it’s not really a lot.
I would say just try to forget about it, but won’t that be hard ? Wouldn’t you be curious to hear with your own ears how much of a difference there is ? But if you can just forget about it and enjoy your Magni 3+, consider yourself lucky.
The thing is is that there is some difference. Even you say « nearly identical », not « identical ». But it’s not really a lot.
I would say just try to forget about it, but won’t that be hard ? Wouldn’t you be curious to hear with your own ears how much of a difference there is ? But if you can just forget about it and enjoy your Magni 3+, consider yourself lucky.
It won't be hard to forget about it for I still enjoy the Magni. I'll wait for the next iteration or an actually OTL that interests me. Thanks for the reply!
The WE 396A is an awesome tube, but it doesn't light my fire in the OG Vali 2. While the mids are glorious, the bass is a bit too rounded and although the highs are extended enough they seem a bit dialed down in the mix. Note that's just my impression with my gear. I haven't heard the Vali 2+ (or the 2++), but many impressions I've seen describe the 2+ as a bit brighter/leaner sounding than the OG, so the 396A might be a very nice fit in it.
This is still my favorite tube in the OG Vali. @jonathan c made me buy it. I hated him for it when I placed the order, but then reversed course and loved him once I got the tube. Silly to spend this much on a tube for a $149 amp? Well, probably, but that's never stopped me before and probably won't in the future.
The WE 396A is an awesome tube, but it doesn't light my fire in the OG Vali 2. While the mids are glorious, the bass is a bit too rounded and although the highs are extended enough they seem a bit dialed down in the mix. Note that's just my impression with my gear. I haven't heard the Vali 2+ (or the 2++), but many impressions I've seen describe the 2+ as a bit brighter/leaner sounding than the OG, so the 396A might be a very nice fit in it.
This is still my favorite tube in the OG Vali. @jonathan c made me buy it. I hated him for it when I placed the order, but then reversed course and loved him once I got the tube. Silly to spend this much on a tube for a $149 amp? Well, probably, but that's never stopped me before and probably won't in the future.
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