Valhalla 2 review coming soon!

[WifiWizard]

Has anyone considered/tried using tube socket extensions in their Valhalla 2..?  I am just curious if this would effect the performance characteristics of the tubes that were installed.  These sockets are made from bakelite and would raise the installed tube approx. 19mm (approx. 3/4") (which I think might make the amp aesthetically cool looking not to mention removal and insertion of new tubes would not affect the socket on the PCB.
 
UPDATE 05/01 15:00 - Just received this response from Schitt support - "As long as it's wired 1:1 across the pins and has normal sized pins it should be fine. They're pretty common with tube rollers, shouldn't affect the sound.
 
Just ordered four of the sockets pictured from a guy in Arizona.  This will raise the tubes approx. 3/4"
Here is the link if you are interested.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/9-pin-noval-tube-socket-saver-for-12AX7-EL84-12AU7-/150471555641?
 
 

 

[BleaK]

Hi to all,

I have just received my Valhalla 2 - first tube amp, and extremely impressed. The hype was no exaggeration, and it drives my new HD800s truly impressively.

However, the unit itself produces a transformer-related mechanical hum. It is fairly quiet as the unit is cold and just turned on (have to press your ear on the chassis to hear it), but rises in intensity as the tubes warm up. Its not a deal-breaker per se, as no hum can be heard through the phones, but I am wondering whether others have it, or whether its out of the norm. I am using power conditioning to ensure that the correct voltage (230V in my case) reaches the amp.

 
That's perfectly normal for the first minutes, then the hum sort of disappear. It always has a really low hum, but only if you put your ears right next to it. I can't hear it 1 meter from the amp.

  Any reco for good (cheap) tubes for Val2? to pair with HD800.
If I could bring just a bit more body to the sound I would be happy!

Try some Russians 6H23P, or Amperex orange globe. But beware on ebay, lotsa fakes going around. Take a look at this thread for more info: http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread/315#post_11521353

  Let me recommend another excellent soundtrack..  Blade Runner Esper Edition by Vangelis....Outstanding!!

Simply a great movie soundtrack, one of the best!

 

[Liu Junyuan]

That's perfectly normal for the first minutes, then the hum sort of disappear. It always has a really low hum, but only if you put your ears right next to it. I can't hear it 1 meter from the amp.
Try some Russians 6H23P, or Amperex orange globe. But beware on ebay, lotsa fakes going around. Take a look at this thread for more info: http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread/315#post_11521353
Simply a great movie soundtrack, one of the best!

Who has been selling fake tubes? Any particular sellers. I have been lucky thus far...

 

[amnesiac75]

Let me recommend another excellent soundtrack..  Blade Runner Esper Edition by Vangelis....Outstanding!!

thanks for the recommendation listened to it tonight on tidal really good music

 

[BleaK]

Who has been selling fake tubes? Any particular sellers. I have been lucky thus far...

http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread/315#post_11473317

 

[batracom]

   
That's perfectly normal for the first minutes, then the hum sort of disappear. It always has a really low hum, but only if you put your ears right next to it. I can't hear it 1 meter from the amp.
Try some Russians 6H23P, or Amperex orange globe. But beware on ebay, lotsa fakes going around. Take a look at this thread for more info: http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread/315#post_11521353
Simply a great movie soundtrack, one of the best!

Thanks Bleak, that's what I really wanted to know - the hum is indeed really minimal, and you have to be looking for it, pressing ears against chassis, etc. But its there, and I wanted to know whether this is part of the standard operation. Luckily, nothing is coming out of the headphones, which is what really counts!

 

[sandab]

  Has anyone considered/tried using tube socket extensions in their Valhalla 2..?
 

I use tube savers.  They have no impact on the sound but do make the amp run much cooler, even though it still gets warm of course.  The ones I use look identical to the picture you posted!

 

[grrorr76]

  I use tube savers.  They have no impact on the sound but do make the amp run much cooler, even though it still gets warm of course.  The ones I use look identical to the picture you posted!

I have been using tube savers since I got my Valhalla 2. Yes the really cool down the gradient heat and make it much easier to remove tubes.

 

[WifiWizard]

 
I have been using tube savers since I got my Valhalla 2. Yes the really cool down the gradient heat and make it much easier to remove tubes.

I was just curious if the tube savers are still below the top of unit?

 

[Fegefeuer]

   
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/9-pin-noval-tube-socket-saver-for-12AX7-EL84-12AU7-/150471555641?
 
 

 
Can anyone else confirm that 9 pin is required? I am not at home right now and I'd like to import 4 of those to Germany.

 

[WifiWizard]

Can anyone else confirm that 9 pin is required? I am not at home right now and I'd like to import 4 of those to Germany.

Both the 6N1P and the 6N6P are 9 pin tubes

 

[Fegefeuer]

Both the 6N1P and the 6N6P are 9 pin tubes

 
Thanks, ordered.exe

 

[WifiWizard]

PERFECT TIMING!!!  Just got home from work and found everything waiting on my doorstep. Getting ready to take the "Maiden Voyage" with my new unplayed 40th Anniversary Edition of DSOM.
 
 

 

[WifiWizard]

I just received the tube extenders and installed them in the V2.  Not only does it now operate considerably cooler, I think it also adds additional visual appeal to the unit.
 
 
 

 

[vocalstrance]

The tubes look good with the extensions on them. I want to get a set myself to help show them off and cool them down too. Might have to take the plunge today.
Was the previously unplayed DSOM all you had hoped?