[jonathan c]

• To get any meaningful sonic improvement from a single-tube hybrid VT/SS headphone amplifier, in my opinion, one has to look to SparkoS Labs Gemini. That is $995 versus ~ $250 for Vali 3 plus upgrade tube.

 

[jonathan c]

So glad you posted this. I felt like I was sticking my neck out on the hype train. Its really hard to get express how BIG a this little Schitt's performance is.

• To paraphrase an old saying: "it ain't hype if you can hear it".

 

[DrMorbius]

They are listed for $19.99 but I offered $15. https://www.ebay.com/itm/266169896523

Hofy - I just ordered 3 of those GE 5 stars 5670 tubes, thanks for the link!

 

[jonathan c]

• I believe that one of the major factors behind Vali 3's outstanding performance is the hefty 'wall-wart' power supply. Being external certainly helps to lower the 'noise floor'. I notice that the power supply unit does get warm in use - no problem. I do, however, unplug the power supply when not in use .

 

[LobalWarming]

• I believe that one of the major factors behind Vali 3's outstanding performance is the hefty 'wall-wart' power supply. Being external certainly helps to lower the 'noise floor'. I notice that the power supply unit does get warm in use - no problem. I do, however, unplug the power supply when not in use .

Ha! Because... if you left it connected would probably strip the stuffing out of those fancy firehose cables next to it.

 

[DrMorbius]

I have lots of wall-warts, but this sucker is big…….far bigger than I expected!

 

[Mr Trev]

I have lots of wall-warts, but this sucker is big…….far bigger than I expected!

World's worst Tinder flair…
I'll see myself out

 

[rocketron]

• To get any meaningful sonic improvement from a single-tube hybrid VT/SS headphone amplifier, in my opinion, one has to look to SparkoS Labs Gemini. That is $995 versus ~ $250 for Vali 3 plus upgrade tube.

If that’s the case Schiit has its work cut out with the new Lyr that will be coming out.

Agree the Vali 3 is very good.
Playing the stock valve now and while it’s no match for more exotic and expensive valves it’s doing a fine job as a get you going valve.

 

[username643827]

What tubes to get with the new Vali 3?

 

[jonathan c]

If that’s the case Schiit has its work cut out with the new Lyr** that will be coming out.

Agree the Vali 3 is very good.
Playing the stock valve now and while it’s no match for more exotic and expensive valves it’s doing a fine job as a get you going valve.

** You mean Valhalla?

 

[jonathan c]

I have lots of wall-warts, but this sucker is big…….far bigger than I expected!

...wall-tumor?

 

[jonathan c]

What tubes to get with the new Vali 3?

GE 5670, GE 5-star 5670, Raytheon CK 5670, RCA Command 5670, Sylvania 5670, Western Electric 396A (2C51-JW) ..... all do not need adapters, go directly in Vali 3.

 

[username643827]

GE 5670, GE 5-star 5670, Raytheon CK 5670, RCA Command 5670, Sylvania 5670, Western Electric 396A (2C51-JW) ..... all do not need adapters, go directly in Vali 3.

THX so which one should i choose what sonic differences do they make?

 

[rocketron]

THX so which one should i choose what sonic differences do they make?

All of them and the differences will be substantial

Start with the stock valve then GE 5670W it’s cheap sounds lovely and there’s plenty of them around.

 

[jonathan c]

If staying with 5670 tubes, the Western Electric 396A / 2C51 are the endgame. Used 'test strong': up to ~ $70 each; new in box: up to ~ $170 each.