Schiit Valhalla Tube Rolling thread.

[zfwise]

Oh~
I just got my new Valhalla.
Excited.
 
And here is one question:
how long it takes to get to a stable situation?
I mean my new Valhalla infrequently produce some "bla~bla~". Is it because that the Valhalla is new and need time to adapt or some other problems?
 
In the same time, I should unplug the headphone and turn off the Valhalla or turn off the Valhalla then unplug the headphone?
Any difference?

 

[hodgjy]

Tube amps can take up to 30 minutes to warm up and be stable.  They are usually functional within two minutes, but their sound gets better as they warm up.
 
Tube amps always need a load on them, or you risk damaging the amp.  Leave the phones plugged in during power on and power off.  The Valhalla doesn't make any pops or thumps, so you risk nothing with your headphones.
 
 
Quote:

Oh~
I just got my new Valhalla.
Excited.
 
And here is one question:
how long it takes to get to a stable situation?
I mean my new Valhalla infrequently produce some "bla~bla~". Is it because that the Valhalla is new and need time to adapt or some other problems?
 
In the same time, I should unplug the headphone and turn off the Valhalla or turn off the Valhalla then unplug the headphone?
Any difference?

 

[Mr.Tom]

First run in is about 200 hours. Mine sounds good after 10 minutes.

 

[solserenade]

I feel like I get the very best from my Valhalla when it fully warms up - around an hour… I go by not time, but feel - put my hand on the case. This way the ambient room temp is taken into consideration.

I agree that the Valhalla is quiet while switching on/off, and 'phones may safely be plugged in all the time.

Enjoy!

 

[zfwise]

Quote:

Tube amps can take up to 30 minutes to warm up and be stable.  They are usually functional within two minutes, but their sound gets better as they warm up.
 
Tube amps always need a load on them, or you risk damaging the amp.  Leave the phones plugged in during power on and power off.  The Valhalla doesn't make any pops or thumps, so you risk nothing with your headphones.
 
 

Here is another question,
 
I can hear sound like sparking. When I'm listening to music, I found that the 50-80HZ input cause some unusual sounds like spark.
Its like that in the winter you body produce static electric and you are taking off your coats, sparking~~~~bla~bla~
 
is that normal?

 

[hodgjy]

It may be normal if you hear those sounds while the amp is warming up during the first few minutes.  It may also be normal if the tubes have low hours and are still burning in.
 
But, it could also be bad tubes.  The only active devices in the Valhalla are the tubes, so they are the most likely cause.  Perhaps email Jason and ask him.  He might send you another set of tubes if he determines they are the cause.
 
Quote:

Here is another question,
 
I can hear sound like sparking. When I'm listening to music, I found that the 50-80HZ input cause some unusual sounds like spark.
Its like that in the winter you body produce static electric and you are taking off your coats, sparking~~~~bla~bla~
 
is that normal?

 

[Nic Rhodes]

has anyone rolled a Mullard E182CC here?
 

 

[Byronb]

Quote:

has anyone rolled a Mullard E182CC here?
 

Excellent question, anyone?

 

[Nic Rhodes]

another Q, I have 'Reflector' and 'Novo' 6N6Ps, did any other 'cities' do 6N6Ps? Voskhod especially, Orzep, Anode, Foton etc? What do people currently recommend as the best 6N6P that is easily available especially older examples. I would also be interested in any other variants like Vi, EV etc if they exist. I can only find 6N6P and 6N6P-i.

 

[gefski]

another Q, I have 'Reflector' and 'Novo' 6N6Ps, did any other 'cities' do 6N6Ps? Voskhod especially, Orzep, Anode, Foton etc? What do people currently recommend as the best 6N6P that is easily available especially older examples. I would also be interested in any other variants like Vi, EV etc if they exist. I can only find 6N6P and 6N6P-i.

I can't really find sources for 6N6Ps. Have spare set from Schiit, but that's it. I looked at a couple Russian sites, but am unsure about that (one had scam type warnings when I googled around). Ideas anyone?

Since 6N6Ps directly drive the headphones, they should provide significant differences. For the front end, there are lots of 6DJ8/6922 variants.

That said, I've been very happy with the Valhalla using stock tubes (and less happy with some of the 6922s I've tried).

 

[Mr.Tom]

Quote:

I can't really find sources for 6N6Ps. Have spare set from Schiit, but that's it. I looked at a couple Russian sites, but am unsure about that (one had scam type warnings when I googled around). Ideas anyone?

Since 6N6Ps directly drive the headphones, they should provide significant differences. For the front end, there are lots of 6DJ8/6922 variants.

That said, I've been very happy with the Valhalla using stock tubes (and less happy with some of the 6922s I've tried).

 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/626399/the-best-of-the-bunch-russian-tubes-for-schiit-valhalla-version-1-2

 

[Nic Rhodes]

No problems Reflector and Novo 6N6Ps, even good 60s and 70s variants. I and IR variants are more difficult to get...Other cities are just an unknown to me at present but have found ebay from 'old USSR' countries a positive experience on ebay. Good communication (in English) and well packed.
 

 

[Byronb]

Nic,
 
I highly recommend LCI Electronics on ebay. They have a lot of old USSR tubes and the communication and packaging is excellent.

 

[Nic Rhodes]

Thanks, I have had one small order from them but by coincidence I have a page open on them atm!

 

[Byronb]

Awesome, happy shopping