[RBRIII]

Anyone have any thoughts about hi or low gain? Which do you prefer?

I am currently set on low due to all my headphones and IEM's being at or under 150 Ohms. I figure I'd start entertaining high gain if I ever get some power hungry cans in the 250+ Ohm range. The power this little amp coupled with a decent tube is amazing!

 

[jonathan c]

Anyone have any thoughts about hi or low gain? Which do you prefer?

For sensitive headphones -- e.g. Audeze LCD-X, Grados -- low gain. For others -- e.g. Focal Clear OG, Senn HD600 / 660S2, ZMFs -- high gain.

 

[HWB3]

Anyone have any thoughts about hi or low gain? Which do you prefer?

You should use low gain because it has less distortion. But play around and see which works best for you.

 

[Mr Trev]

You should use low gain because it has less distortion. But play around and see which works best for you.

But if the Vali3 is like the V2, the distortion is what gives it a "tubey" sound. Therefore if you want it to sound more "tubey", use high gain.

 

[cats4cans]

Such bad influences.
Thank you.

I have adapters on the way. Been looking at tubes. And it only arrived today. Thought I had a bum unit at first. Could barely hear it with my Sundara. Even on high gain. And it didn’t sound right either. Turns out I was just discovering how much leakage my switch box has. I was on the wrong output. Makes me feel better that I’m upgrading it very soon. Back on low gain now. It sure is cute. Now let’s see if it’s more than just a pretty face.

 

[Hofy]

Just wait until you try 2 tubes in the Vali3!!

 

[jonathan c]

Hofy, I'll (sort of) meet you halfway .... pimp my Vali 3 !!

[No more 'nice' Vali, this one's Telefunken G-73 fueled .... ]

 

[jonathan c]

Just wait until you try 2 tubes in the Vali3!!

..... next up: six tubes in Valhalla 2 (the 6N6P pair in the back cannot be 'doubled')

 

[RBRIII]

Telefunken G-73 fueled

That's some fuel...nice! Sound impressions for us fellow bottleheads?

 

[jonathan c]

That's some fuel...nice! Sound impressions for us fellow bottleheads?

... eventually (TFK G-73 is a large $ multiple of Vali 3 )

 

[cats4cans]

Hofy, I'll (sort of) meet you halfway .... pimp my Vali 3 !! [No more 'nice' Vali, this one's Telefunken G-73 fueled .... ]

Maybe I’ve got this whole budgeting tubes as a fraction of the equipment they’re installed in all backwards and upside down. If I’m going to pay that much for a bottle I want it to be at least 700ml and full of whisky old enough to buy cigarettes. I don’t know enough about exotic tubes to dive in that deep.

 

[TinearedOne]

For sensitive headphones -- e.g. Audeze LCD-X, Grados -- low gain. For others -- e.g. Focal Clear OG, Senn HD600 / 660S2, ZMFs -- high gain.

Well, everyone hear must listen at volumes way above my listening levels, because I’m rarely past 9, in low gain, on any of my Schiit amps with the HD600.

 

[jonathan c]

Well, everyone hear must listen at volumes way above my listening levels, because I’m rarely past 9, in low gain, on any of my Schiit amps with the HD600.

In Vali 3, I have been using 12AU7-type tubes vs 5670-type tubes. 12AU7 has a gain factor (amplification) of 20x vs 35x for 5670. So a little more clockwise volume knob rotation is possible.

 

[cats4cans]

In Vali 3, I have been using 12AU7-type tubes vs 5670-type tubes. 12AU7 has a gain factor (amplification) of 20x vs 35x for 5670. So a little more clockwise volume knob rotation is possible.

That’s why you need the bigger knob…

 

[jonathan c]

• Well, it looks as though Xuling Audio Lab (xulingmrs) -- a reputable, great source for adapters -- is off EBay / ceased (paused? ) operations.
• As for 12AU7 --> 5670 adapters for Vali 3, these show up on Ebay:

These look crappy, do not have seem to have the Xuling workmanship. Better call @Deyan !!