try the Vali 2 (older model) instead. presumably, the open loop gain is lower on the non-plus version (as the plus one adds a driver stage before the output stage), so more of the tube's characteristic will be present (less overall feedback), and also run it in high-gain mode (unless there is way too much noise or too little usable range on the Jot 2's volume control)
Schiit does have some cosmetic worts...but they know this and are moving in a direction to become more uniform in cases and lettering from what I know.
I pre'd the jot2 with my little dot mk iv se, and I can't really detect any meaningful difference for some reason from xlr.
It is happening already, at first, for 2 days it was very impactful and aggresive now my ears are used to its particular character. I love how the lows have a lot of weight and texture, highs were ok since minute 1.
How would you compare it with A90? since you had both of them
absolutely in love with that combo 
, cant wait try my bitfrost 2 coming next week !
I would describe A90 as a very high SQ amp but plain, everything is there but doesn't make you feel anything at all, like a food you really like without salt, flavourless. I also have the A30 with 2x Burson V6 Vivid and I also prefer it over the A90.
Valhalla2 has no right to sound as good as it does for $350!
certainly, but theory says you don't want to lower digital volume, it will also decreaso audio resolution really. Also some dacs has no volume control because of that, or a no volume mode, which sounds better, so... A third gain stage would have been better, in theory.
Depends on the dac. Some at least claim not to impose a bit reduction with signal attenuation. But that possibility is why I use a preamp to attenuate. Whether any bit loss would be audible would depend on the values of many other variables, but whether different gain settings would result in an audible diminution in sound quality in a given situation is also pretty speculative. So as usual, I guess ya pays your money and takes your chances.
