Valencia: Balanced Headphone and Power Amplifier

[CenzoTheEnzo]

A preamp/DAC combo is usually more susceptible to noise when running a power amp to sensitive gears. That is why I always like getting a dedicated preamp for my power, regardless of a 2-channel system or headphone in this case. If you are using the Ifi impedance adapter, that will take care of the noise issue. As for sharp sound, I do not get that at all on my Valencia in my chain. Its either your DAC or transport. If you still believe the Valencia is the cause of it, you can talk to Leo and see what he says.

I edited my last post but I do think its coming from my dac which is crazy since I've never noticed it until now. I've ran a handful of different amps with this setup and I've never noticed it. Im going to message you real quick.

 

[Ethereal Sound]

Has anyone used this with susvara by chance? Considering either this or the ahb2 to use with my supratek cabernet 6sn7

 

[JooLoo]

Orchard Audio Valencia / Simple Review



Orchard Audio Valencia is a fantastic headphone amplifier for almost all use cases. It stays true to your chain while simply making the music come more to life. To my ears, it added better separation and layering while not effecting the sound signature of my chain. This combination made the music feel more life like; truly a holographic feeling, as well as being emotional. The only true negative I have is that you can hear a very sharp sound when the sample rate changes regardless if you implement a delay. This sharp sound was especially apparent for sensitive gear. For obvious reasons, the Valencia is not for IEMs, and I still do not recommended using them even with an impedance adapter like the iFi imatch.



Headphones & Equipment;

• Final Audio D7000 (headphone)
• Abyss Diana MR (headphone)
• Focal Clear MG Pro (headphone)
• Unique Melody MEST MK3 (IEM)
• SMSL VMV D2R (dac)
• SMSL VMV P2 (pre amp) (not needed)
• Ddhifi (interconnects / usb)
• iFi Audio (silencer)
• Roon (streaming from desktop)

** Edited: With a little advice, I was able to fix that sharp sound I was hearing during transitions of sample rates. So back to no significant negatives for this amplifier from what I am able to hear. **

How’d you get rid of the sample rate pop ?

 

[CenzoTheEnzo]

How’d you get rid of the sample rate pop ?

Two things as of now, incorporated a pre amp into the chain. I wasn’t using my SMSL P2 since I wanted to run it separate for my iems. And I updated the firmware on my dac. Which might have caused a separate issue for now

 

[roeschel]

I received mine today. I just wanted the Valencia to give the Tungsten a good drive. I don't know when the Tungsten will arrive, so I'm testing it with the current stuff.
First I listened to it with the DX340 and the EE Odin. It sounded a bit cold, with a big stage and great separation. Then I replaced the DX340 with the Sony WM1Z. This took over the sound of the Sony, but the stage and separation remained. Finally, I hooked everything up to the Cyan 2/Bliss chain. I am completely baffled. Until now, this chain was my musical nirvana for the Odin. With the Valencia everything increases again, every frequency, every technical aspect. I'm already looking forward to the evening when I'll test the headphones with it.

 

[JooLoo]

Anyone know the max xlr input voltage on this thing?

 

[roeschel]

Yesterday, a friend and I compared the Mjölnir to the Cyan 2, Bliss, and Valencia chain. My friend's analogy is spot on: it's like watching a movie in 720p (Mjölnir) versus 4K (Valencia). Not every movie is better in 4K, but the ones that are benefit greatly.

 

[JooLoo]

Yesterday, a friend and I compared the Mjölnir to the Cyan 2, Bliss, and Valencia chain. My friend's analogy is spot on: it's like watching a movie in 720p (Mjölnir) versus 4K (Valencia). Not every movie is better in 4K, but the ones that are benefit greatly.

what in the **** would you get if you used mjolnir as a pre into valencia then lol

 

[roeschel]

what in the **** would you get if you used mjolnir as a pre into valencia then lol

We've tried this before. Unfortunately, Mjölnir gains nothing from Valencia. Using Mjölnir directly or through the Valencia yields the same result.