Schiit Valhalla 3 - Impressions Thread

[Orange5o]

If you need to ask which 6SN7's to go for which type of sound you want, just let me know I've heard some 6SN7's already that I have a generalization of what each 6SN7 type would sound

If I am to distinguish though: most neutral to warmest

Melz 1578 (Original 1950's)
Sylvania Bad Boys
CBS Hytron 6SN7GT
JAN VT-231
RCA 6SN7GTB
CBS Hytron 6SN7GTB
RCA 5692 Red Base = CBS Hytron 5692

Would just say be careful on JAN, it is just a military designation, not a manufacturer. Most of the VT-231's I have (Ken-rad, Raytheon, Sylvania) ruggedized for Joint-Army-Navy spec are pretty neutral. Then the RCA VT-231's: very warm (and my favorites).

That said, I don't really see the point in rolling octals into this amp (unless you have a bunch and very few novals).

 

[theveterans]

Would just say be careful on JAN, it is just a military designation, not a manufacturer. Most of the VT-231's I have (Ken-rad, Raytheon, Sylvania) ruggedized for Joint-Army-Navy spec are pretty neutral. Then the RCA VT-231's: very warm (and my favorites).

That said, I don't really see the point in rolling octals into this amp (unless you have a bunch and very few novals).

Yep The RCA ones are on the warmer side of the spectrum while the Ken-Rad, CBS (not the 5692) and Sylvania ones are on the neutral/detail/fast oriented side

 

[MindBreak]

My V3 is being delivered Saturday. Can't listen to it until headphone cables arrive though. Hopefully, next week. My first pure tube amp as well. I've had hybrid tube amps, but nothing like this.

Congrats,

Yeah, I got bit by the tube bug via my Vali 3, and Valhalla 3 was the next logical step in my tube journey. I hope you enjoy it!

Now I will continue sipping on my Old City Coffee while listening to Pink Floyd on the Valhalla 3.

 

[theveterans]

Congrats,

Yeah, I got bit by the tube bug via my Vali 3, and Valhalla 3 was the next logical step in my tube journey. I hope you enjoy it!

Now I will continue sipping on my Old City Coffee while listening to Pink Floyd on the Valhalla 3.

The Aegis would be the grand daddy of tubes. Infinite combinations with that amp

 

[MindBreak]

The Aegis would be the grand daddy of tubes. Infinite combinations with that amp

Well.., I never mentioned my next step after Valhalla 3 in this thread..

We shall see what 2026 brings.

Aside: Tubes are a hell of a drug, and are enhanced with quality Coffee and Beer.

 

[JTBaccordionMusic]

Tubemonger socket savers installed. Should see a nice drop in temps from a seemingly consistent 117f (with very low impedance planar AFC HPs) after several hours of use. I'll report back.

How do you like the synergy with the Bifrost and Valhalla 3?

 

[Ripper2860]

How do you like the synergy with the Bifrost and Valhalla 3?

Love it!!!

 

[cdiaz1069]

Love it!!!

Good to know! That's my DAC too! Looking forward to it.

 

[MindBreak]

Love it!!!

, maybe I should pull my Bifrost 2/64 out of my two channel setup to try with the Valhalla 3 (sooner than later that is).

 

[JTBaccordionMusic]

Love it!!!

I have 2 Geshelli DAC/Amp audio setups with an OG LYR3 on one setup with an Apos Ray 6SN7 Reserve Vacuum Tube I swapped and it's great. I really appreciate the LYR3 power. I hope the Valhalla 3 is similar. I'm considering the Valhalla 3 for my other Geshelli audio chain

 

[MindBreak]

I have 2 Geshelli DAC/Amp audio setups with an OG LYR3 on one setup with a Ray 6SN7 Reserve Vacuum Tube I swapped and it's great. I really appreciate the LYR3 power. I hope the Valhalla 3 is similar. I'm considering the Valhalla 3 for my other Geshelli audio chain

Lyr3 would most likely have better control over planar drivers given the nature of Hybrid Tube Amps. I purchased my Valhalla 3 for ZMF headphones first, and Planar headphones 2nd. That being said, as long as your headphones fit within the the drivable loads for Valhalla 3 you will not be disappointed.

Aside: I will let you know how I like those 6SN7s I have coming in next week (provided the adapters arrive at the same time).

 

[JTBaccordionMusic]

, maybe I should pull my Bifrost 2/64 out of my two channel setup to try with the Valhalla 3 (sooner than later that is).

Do it. You have to think when Jason is developing the new units that he's testing them along the way on Schiit products so they can all play nice together with great synergy

 

[j0val]

Well.., I never mentioned my next step after Valhalla 3 in this thread..

We shall see what 2026 brings.

Aside: Tubes are a hell of a drug, and are enhanced with quality Coffee and Beer.

I have the coffee ready. Just waiting on the tubes.

 

[Ripper2860]

Well.., I never mentioned my next step after Valhalla 3 in this thread..

We shall see what 2026 brings.

Aside: Tubes are a hell of a drug, and are enhanced with quality Coffee and Beer.

TRAITOR!

 

[MindBreak]

TRAITOR!

Who said I can't enjoy both.

@j0val those are the pads I will be swapping to tomorrow on my Atrium Open. I have the uni perf leather on right now.

@JTBaccordionMusic I will, but I am enjoying Valhalla 3 with the Mimir so much that it might be a little longer before I try it with the Bifrost 2/64.