Schiit Valhalla 3 - Impressions Thread

[Charade19]

I’d say $500ish budget.

I really do like all kinds of music, but probably rock/guitar-based stuff the most. But also electronic stuff, jazz, jam bands, hip-hop and pop music. A lot of r&b or soul.

Currently I’ve got HD6xx, Fiio FT1 and Hifiman Ananda Stealth.

One of the higher impedance Beyers seems like a good option. Ideally something that just sounds great but in a different way than the HD6xx. I suppose I could buy a few pairs to test and return the ones I don’t like.

I’m also intrigued by one of the Audio Technica options like R70X or R70XA

DT 880 (600 ohm). I got the stock version as well as the UK Custom Can Mod. Both are relatively inexpensive and well within your budget. I think the DT 880 should suit what you are looking for.

 

[Ripper2860]

..... we know! You had the knob, just fitted it with a new amp!

I cannot even begin to imagine what the doorknobs in your house have been replaced with. And frankly, I don't want to know.

 

[bagwell359]

I’d say $500ish budget.

I really do like all kinds of music, but probably rock/guitar-based stuff the most. But also electronic stuff, jazz, jam bands, hip-hop and pop music. A lot of r&b or soul.

Currently I’ve got HD6xx, Fiio FT1 and Hifiman Ananda Stealth.

One of the higher impedance Beyers seems like a good option. Ideally something that just sounds great but in a different way than the HD6xx. I suppose I could buy a few pairs to test and return the ones I don’t like.

I’m also intrigued by one of the Audio Technica options like R70X or R70XA

I'm open back biased. The AT 70xas do get good reviews, but mentioned (Unheardlab) it wasn't good as your FT1 or 6xx - but that might have been on SS amps. Some of the new Beyers are said to be good, but I can't say. There are others here probably more well armed to answer. Good luck.

 

[robusa]

DT 880 (600 ohm). I got the stock version as well as the UK Custom Can Mod. Both are relatively inexpensive and well within your budget. I think the DT 880 should suit what you are looking for.

I’ll try those! Thank you.

 

[riffrafff]

..... we know! You had the knob, just fitted it with a new amp!

Yep, pretty much!

 

[eriktous]

Well, it's here. I can call off the search teams.

And I've already fitted it with a new knob.

Pics, or it didn't happen.

 

[Charade19]

I’ll try those! Thank you.

Nothing to thank me for. I can only speak for myself, but the DT 880 (600 ohm) and HD6xx are just so good with my OTL amps that it is hard for me to justify another headphone for OTL use.

 

[jonathan c]

I cannot even begin to imagine what the doorknobs in your house have been replaced with. And frankly, I don't want to know.

 

[riffrafff]

Pics, or it didn't happen.

Meet the new knob, same as the old knob (from the Valhalla 2).

 

[JTBaccordionMusic]

Meet the new knob, same as the old knob (from the Valhalla 2).

Now that's a nice looking pile of Schiit right there!

 

[jonathan c]

Nothing to thank me for. I can only speak for myself, but the DT 880 (600 ohm) and HD6xx are just so good with my OTL amps that it is hard for me to justify another headphone for OTL use.

.... hmm, ZMFs: Aeolus, Atticus, Atrium Open, Auteur OG, Auteur Classic, Eikon .... ....

 

[Charade19]

.... hmm, ZMFs: Aeolus, Atticus, Atrium Open, Auteur OG, Auteur Classic, Eikon .... ....

For the price to performance and from what I heard, I cannot in good conscience justify the price tag. I had the chance to demo the Aeolus, Caldera closed - those were really nice - and Atrium Open on a WA2, but at that price tag and for what joy I get from the HD6xx and DT 880 (ohm) hard to justify (for me that is). I may have a change of heart in the future.

Edit: My apologies for the off topic discussion.

 

[tigon_ridge]

.... hmm, ZMFs: Aeolus, Atticus, Atrium Open, Auteur OG, Auteur Classic, Eikon .... ....

I've also heard nothing but very positive things about JM Audio XTC-2, which the builder also provides custom tuning for (including impedance up to 300 ohms). Haven't heard it myself, but with your collection of ZFM goodies, it might interest you. It's going for $1100.

 

[JTBaccordionMusic]

I've also heard nothing but very positive things about JM Audio XTC-2, which the builder also provides custom tuning for (including impedance up to 300 ohms). Haven't heard it myself, but with your collection of ZFM goodies, it might interest you. It's going for $1200.

I had 2 JM Audio XTC-2 headphones. John is great at tuning headphones to your likings and a nice guy. I had the open and closed back. Sounded great but the headband comfort left a lot to be desired and wore me out to the point I sold both of them. I would still highly recommend them though as far as Sound goes. But JM really needs to look into what ZMF and others are doing with the headband and making a comfortable headphone to wear. I value comfort as much as a headphones sound sig

 

[tigon_ridge]

I had 2 JM Audio XTC-2 headphones. John is great at tuning headphones to your likings. I had the open and closed back. Sounded great but the headband comfort left a lot to be desired and wore me out to the point I sold them. I would still highly recommend them though as far as Sound goes. But JM really needs to look into what ZMF and others are doing with the headband and making a comfortable headphone to wear.

Hmm...I think he's updated the headband a couple times. Did yours look anything like this here or here?