Schiit Valhalla 3 - Impressions Thread

[erics75]

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

Not sure that one is proctologist approved....

 

[docBliny]

Nice, I hope you enjoy them.

Me too I also need to check the specs more closely on those after work - I didn't check things like heater amps etc... lol

 

[hiImGrant]

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.

Interesting, my startup time is about 40-50 seconds, didn’t realize that might indicate a problem.

 

[robusa]

Interesting, my startup time is about 40-50 seconds, didn’t realize that might indicate a problem.

My startup time is also 40-50 seconds. Using the tubes that came with the unit, and I previously had it plugged into a surge protector, but I just tried plugging it directly into the outlet, and the startup time didn't change. I'll let you all know if plugging it directly into the outlet has any effect on protection mode... which I actually didn't experience at all last night during a long session of both headphone and preamp listening. I'm feeling like the protection mode was happening when I was frequently changing gain settings and sometimes using too much power/volume, which I think it's doing what it's supposed to.

 

[NippleSauce]

Interesting, my startup time is about 40-50 seconds, didn’t realize that might indicate a problem.

It is possible that Schiit-Talker was just making stuff up when it had responded to one of my questions with that information, as it's an AI-based Support chat bot.

 

[MacMan31]

Well the tubes arrived early.

What is your take on these tube adapters? I have the Feliks Echo Mk2 which uses the same tube types as the Valhalla 3. But apparently it's a bad idea to use 6SN7 tubes in the amp with adapters. Any issues with the Valhalla 3?

 

[MindBreak]

What is your take on these tube adapters? I have the Feliks Echo Mk2 which uses the same tube types as the Valhalla 3. But apparently it's a bad idea to use 6SN7 tubes in the amp with adapters. Any issues with the Valhalla 3?

No issues running them with adapters in the Valhalla 3 thus far. I actually had a conversation with someone regarding them on another forum, and they thought the 2.7A of total heater current was sufficient. YMMV, and all, but like I said no issues as of yet. The only warning was if I rolled the power tubes to something with a higher current draw than stock it would cause issues. *at the same time...

Edit:

I also tried one of them on my Vali 3.

 

[MacMan31]

No issues running them with adapters in the Valhalla 3 thus far. I actually had a conversation with someone regarding them on another forum, and they thought the 2.7A of total heater current was sufficient. YMMV, and all, but like I said no issues as of yet. The only warning was if I rolled the power tubes to something with a higher current draw than stock it would cause issues. *at the same time...

Edit:

I also tried one of them on my Vali 3.

Hmm okay. Maybe the Feliks Echo Mk2 just can't handle the 6SN7 tubes. Each amp is designed differently.

 

[theveterans]

Hmm okay. Maybe the Feliks Echo Mk2 just can't handle the 6SN7 tubes. Each amp is designed differently.

6SN7 and 6CG7 have 2x the heater current needed compared to 12AU7 or 6922

 

[MindBreak]

Hmm okay. Maybe the Feliks Echo Mk2 just can't handle the 6SN7 tubes. Each amp is designed differently.

Most likely the case, but as this is my first OTL/OCL Tube amp experience I don't have anything to fall back on except for the help I received from others.

 

[MacMan31]

6SN7 and 6CG7 have 2x the heater current needed compared to 12AU7 or 6922

So basically it's not a good idea to use them in amps like the Valhalla 3 and Echo Mk2?

 

[cronoux]

6SN7 and 6CG7 have 2x the heater current needed compared to 12AU7 or 6922

but it's feasible to use 6922 tubes in 6sn7 amps with adapters with expectation of low gain ?

 

[MindBreak]

I think that he was trying to point out that you need to know what current your tube selection draws, and how much current headroom your amp has to supply. If you exceed your allotted budget, then things will go south fast.

 

[theveterans]

So basically it's not a good idea to use them in amps like the Valhalla 3 and Echo Mk2?

Depending on the allowable heater current. With V3, I believe it's sufficient for a pair of 6SN7s. Not sure about the Echo

but it's feasible to use 6922 tubes in 6sn7 amps with adapters with expectation of low gain ?

Yes. The rectifier is not saturated yet so you're more than welcome to use 6922 in place of 6SN7

 

[MindBreak]

Depending on the allowable heater current. With V3, I believe it's sufficient for a pair of 6SN7s. Not sure about the Echo


Yes. The rectifier is not saturated yet so you're more than welcome to use 6922 in place of 6SN7

Well Schiit Audio tends to design their amps to be very robust, as they know how crazy their customer base is.