Schiit Valhalla 3 - Impressions Thread

[robusa]

Got the Beyerdynamic DT880 600ohm today, thanks to someone’s suggestion here. It sounds really nice with the Valhalla. Needs a little bit volume than my HD6xx but still has plenty to spare. I’ve mostly been listening on high gain, haven’t felt the need to use the no feedback option.

I need to do more listening, but the 880 is a nice complement to my 6XX, they’re very different. I’m getting that tubey goodness with the 880 but I’d describe it as warmth, while keeping clarity, while the 6XX has that more syrupy thick tubey goodness that’s more “fun.” More detail from the 880, more oomph from the 6XX.

For what it’s worth, I’m using Oratory’s PEQ settings for both, via Roon.

 

[Digital Enigma]

Perhaps this will work better. Unlike tube condoms, these are good for extracting tubes as well as stubborn adapters/socket savers.

Tube Extractor

I’ve used one of those for years for knob extraction it helps greatly with the aid of a magnifying glass, bit fiddly but don’t need to do it often.

 

[jonathan c]

Sure if one want to get all trailer parky about it.

.... hmm .... the only trailer park domiciled tube enthusiast that comes to mind is in

 

[Aerocraft67]

I looked up some sonic impressions for Folkvangr. It seemed to fare well against amps in its class. With the same topology reduced, seems the primary trade-away for Valhalla 3 is power output. By my calculations, there's enough power on hand to produce about 125 SPL with HD 6XX/8XX, a level between rock concert and the threshold of pain. Moar is better, but that should be plenty.

That's enough on paper to make it worth a try. Still would be nice to hear someone describe how it sounds with more than a dozen words. After more than 600 posts of enthusiasm in this thread, the lack of substantial sonic impressions is getting conspicuous. Still no comprehensive independent sonic reviews out there either—and I thought reviewers had become a dime a dozen. Prove me wrong, people!

 

[cdiaz1069]

Good Morning! I have this amp still in its box because I am waiting for headphone cables and I don't plan on rolling for a while. I had a thought concerning the units going into protection mode. Maybe someone from Schiit could share what could be causing this? I don't know if the fix is the same for most, or if there are many fixes depending on each individual situation, but something like a list of don'ts might be good so people can be ahead of the curve, or listing some troubleshooting steps so people can help themselves?

Also, can people that have contacted Schiit about this post their solutions?

 

[Blindranger]

Here's what the SERIOUS tube roller has in their arsenal...

Runs over to my grandpa's tool chest... Similar but different?

 

[hiImGrant]

I looked up some sonic impressions for Folkvangr. It seemed to fare well against amps in its class. With the same topology reduced, seems the primary trade-away for Valhalla 3 is power output. By my calculations, there's enough power on hand to produce about 125 SPL with HD 6XX/8XX, a level between rock concert and the threshold of pain. Moar is better, but that should be plenty.

That's enough on paper to make it worth a try. Still would be nice to hear someone describe how it sounds with more than a dozen words. After more than 600 posts of enthusiasm in this thread, the lack of substantial sonic impressions is getting conspicuous. Still no comprehensive independent sonic reviews out there either—and I thought reviewers had become a dime a dozen. Prove me wrong, people!

its really new so anything someone might write is just initial impressions (its the name of the thread). To me its an overall warm signature and definitely has something in the mid range that gives it a bit of a unique sound bit I cant really identify what it is exactly as its.... new. The bass presentation is really its strong suit imo, but it differs depending on the headphone. Ill need more time to get a better handle on what this thing has character wise.

 

[MindBreak]

its really new so anything someone might write is just initial impressions (its the name of the thread). To me its an overall warm signature and definitely has something in the mid range that gives it a bit of a unique sound bit I cant really identify what it is exactly as its.... new. The bass presentation is really its strong suit imo, but it differs depending on the headphone. Ill need more time to get a better handle on what this thing has character wise.

Exactly, and it is always better to hold off on any lengthy impressions until the honeymoon phase has ended.

 

[bcowen]

.... hmm .... the only trailer park domiciled tube enthusiast that comes to mind is in

You fail to see the benefits of trailer living. Don't like your neighbors? Hitch up the house and move it somewhere else. Want a change of scenery? Move in less than 24 hours without having to pack up a thing. See a tornado coming? Get an ultra-realistic Dorothy experience....for free! So many cool things you're missing out on. Sad.

 

[MindBreak]

You fail to see the benefits of trailer living. Don't like your neighbors? Hitch up the house and move it somewhere else. Want a change of scenery? Move in less than 24 hours without having to pack up a thing. See a tornado coming? Get an ultra-realistic Dorothy experience....for free! So many cool things you're missing out on. Sad.

Your cardboard Gazebo folds up nicely when moving as well I suppose.

 

[landwalker000]

Good Morning! I have this amp still in its box because I am waiting for headphone cables and I don't plan on rolling for a while. I had a thought concerning the units going into protection mode. Maybe someone from Schiit could share what could be causing this? I don't know if the fix is the same for most, or if there are many fixes depending on each individual situation, but something like a list of don'ts might be good so people can be ahead of the curve, or listing some troubleshooting steps so people can help themselves?

Also, can people that have contacted Schiit about this post their solutions?

I have contacted Schiit about this, but they haven't given me a response yet. They have just been asking questions for now.

So far, three sets of matched NOS tubes that aren't listed in manual cause my unit to mute itself after about 30 or so minutes. I have no issues with the stock tubes. I have had one set of 6CG7 tubes work fine for over eight hours. I have bought brand new production JJ Gold Pin 6922 tubes to also test, but those haven't arrived yet. I also found my stock tubes from the V2, so I might try them out for a few hours later.

The only catch is that all the problematic tubes all work fine with no issues in the V2.

I will let you all know what Schiit eventually says.

 

[MindBreak]

Not buying any tubes this month, but incase anyone has 6SN7 adapters for their Valhalla 3 there is a decent price matched pair from my go-to seller right now.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/185694...27791e70f15d23792c91eb49390cf730e9:1856940583

 

[docBliny]

Not buying any tubes this month, but incase anyone has 6SN7 adapters for their Valhalla 3 there is a decent price matched pair from my go-to seller right now.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1856940583/matched-pair-rca-black-plate-6sn7-6sn7gt?ga_search_query=6sn7&ref=shop_items_search_1&frs=1&sts=1&logging_key=fcd56e27791e70f15d23792c91eb49390cf730e9:1856940583

Sold (to me).

 

[MindBreak]

Sold (to me).

Nice, I hope you enjoy them.

 

[NippleSauce]

Good Morning! I have this amp still in its box because I am waiting for headphone cables and I don't plan on rolling for a while. I had a thought concerning the units going into protection mode. Maybe someone from Schiit could share what could be causing this? I don't know if the fix is the same for most, or if there are many fixes depending on each individual situation, but something like a list of don'ts might be good so people can be ahead of the curve, or listing some troubleshooting steps so people can help themselves?

Also, can people that have contacted Schiit about this post their solutions?

I haven't contacted Schiit yet, however, I have been facing the same issue since day 1 with a set of perfectly matched pair 6N1P tubes. Relative to the tubes that came with the Valhalla 3, my matched pair tubes produce a much more enjoyable sound to listen to. However, the amp enters protection mode pretty frequently after 15-30 minutes of use...

There was another person who commented on this issue in this thread (post #539), and they found that connecting the amp directly to an outlet resolved the problem for them. They had it connected to a surge protector previously, which was the culprit to the protection mode issue that we are all facing. And mine is also connected to a surge protector and cannot reach an open outlet.... But today I will be receiving a 10ft power cord with the same specs as the default power cord that will be able to reach a separate outlet. So, I will update this comment or will post a new comment if this resolves the issue for me as well.

Ultimately, I really hope this does resolve the issue....as I had zero issues with compatible tube rolling on my Valhalla 2 connected to the same surge protector. Additionally, I have sets of matched pair JJ ECC88-Gs and Gold Lion 6922s coming in the mail within the next month! And I really hope that I can compare them and enjoy them without any issues.

Edit - Also, it always takes exactly 60 seconds for my amp to start playing audio after being turned on, regardless of which tubes are installed... But Schiit-Talker says that audio output should start within 15-20 seconds after powering on the Valhalla 3....so perhaps there is an issue with my unit...or perhaps the surge protector is causing this delay as well. I should hopefully have the time to find out if this is the case tonight and will keep you guys updated.