Vali 2 tube rolling
Dec 1, 2017 at 4:34 PM Post #976 of 6,436
I used to hoard Siemens CCa and Telefunken CCa tube pairs for my Mjolnir 2 because they were the best sounding tubes I had ever heard. Then I tried the Western Electric "JW" 2C51 tubes (5670/396A equivalent) and was blown away. They had all the detail and clarity of the CCa tubes but had warmth and incredible soundstage as well. I sold all the pairs of CCa tubes and now I don't own a single 6922 tube. That's not quite true. I do have the 6922 tubes that came with my Mjolnir 2 and Vali 2.

The Western Electric "JW" 2C51 and 396A tubes are better than any 6922 tube I have ever heard and they cost quite a bit less. I spend no more than $100 per pair and often quite a bit less. I will never buy a high end 6922 tube again.

Thanks so much. Now the challenge seems to be finding one. I can’t find anything listed as a JW 2C51. How different is it from the 396a?

Even the 396a seems difficult to find in a single, balanced tube. Tube Depot lists a single NOS WE 396a for $99. I emailed them to ask about triode balance, and this was their response:

“Thanks for your email. The age of this tube prevents us from accurately testing the triode balance. We apologize for the
inconvenience.”

Buying a pair off eBay seems like the only option.
 
Dec 2, 2017 at 3:32 AM Post #977 of 6,436
I'm back just to share some more tubes with you lovely people!

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For those who are interested:

Tubes - 6J1P-EV x 2
Adapter - Dual 6AK5 5654 EF95 TO ECC88 6922 6DJ8 tube converter adapter

Have fun! :D
 
Dec 2, 2017 at 9:19 PM Post #979 of 6,436
Does it sound better than one tube?

Hi Jacobal, I've had these tubes in a pre amp with about 80+ hours before I got the adapter for the Vali 2, so they're fairly well run-in.

Rolled out the Tungsram Pcc88 which I was running for about a month prior to these voshods.

As to your question, I'd say YMMV...sorry to sound vague but my initial impressions in the Vali 2 are still quite fresh.

I will say after a massive listening session with the modi/vali2 and my HD600's, I was in musical heaven, I seriously didn't want to stop listening! This is a great pairing and great synergy at work here!

One or two tubes? It just sounds freaking nice! and it looks very cool! :D

Can you get this experience with just one tube, sure, I got a few single tubes that sound amazing, but this is my "Frankenstein" experiment, which after lived to be a very beautiful beast!

Perhaps, more impressions to come.

Enjoy the musica!
 
Dec 10, 2017 at 4:28 PM Post #980 of 6,436
I've been looking for a headphone tube amp and the Schiit Vali 2 is on the list. Lot's of great information posted here especially about rolling tubes. For me I'm still making up my mind if the Vali 2 is the right platform or not but I found this thread a great read.
 
Dec 11, 2017 at 2:04 AM Post #981 of 6,436
I've been looking for a headphone tube amp and the Schiit Vali 2 is on the list. Lot's of great information posted here especially about rolling tubes. For me I'm still making up my mind if the Vali 2 is the right platform or not but I found this thread a great read.

For the money, the Vali 2 is a great start if you want to get in to tubes. Heck, it could be your last amp.

I have a bunch of headphone amps but the Vali 2 always gets used! It sounds so well with many of my headphones, which really shows it's strengths as an amp!

If you end up going for it, there's a lot of info in the threads here regarding the Vali 2 and it's tube choices.

Good luck and remember to enjoy the music! :D
 
Dec 12, 2017 at 9:13 PM Post #982 of 6,436
Torn between an ge 5670 on an adaptor or the amperex usa 6922 PQ for my 1st tube to roll. Anyone here who compared the 2? Need help in deciding. Will use a hd800 and looking for the most detailed and most natural sounding tube to roll. Thanks
 
Dec 12, 2017 at 9:35 PM Post #983 of 6,436
Torn between an ge 5670 on an adaptor or the amperex usa 6922 PQ for my 1st tube to roll. Anyone here who compared the 2? Need help in deciding. Will use a hd800 and looking for the most detailed and most natural sounding tube to roll. Thanks

How much are both investments?
 
Dec 12, 2017 at 11:18 PM Post #985 of 6,436
Dec 13, 2017 at 2:17 AM Post #986 of 6,436
I would get a 5670 to 6922 adapter and buy a Western Electric 396A tube. You will be amazed with the sound.

Here is the adapter:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1piece-Gold-plated-5670-6N3-2C51-instead-TO-ECC88-6922-tube-converter-adapter/192106370227?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Hey is a good tube to get:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Western-El...591245?hash=item1a3c95aacd:g:1AgAAOSw4Z5aLtiN

All for less than $65 delivered.

Way better sounding than either tube you listed!!


Thanks bro
 
Jan 8, 2018 at 7:58 PM Post #987 of 6,436
Hi, new guy here.

I just received my Vali 2 today and haven't even gotten it set up yet. One I get it up and running I'll report back with my first impressions.

The tube which was supplied is labeled 6BQ7A / 6BZ7 USA. There are no other markings to indicate a manufacturer.
 
Jan 8, 2018 at 8:27 PM Post #988 of 6,436
Hi, new guy here.

I just received my Vali 2 today and haven't even gotten it set up yet. One I get it up and running I'll report back with my first impressions.

The tube which was supplied is labeled 6BQ7A / 6BZ7 USA. There are no other markings to indicate a manufacturer.

Welcome to Head Fi. We are all friends here.
 
Jan 8, 2018 at 8:36 PM Post #989 of 6,436
Hi, new guy here.

I just received my Vali 2 today and haven't even gotten it set up yet. One I get it up and running I'll report back with my first impressions.

The tube which was supplied is labeled 6BQ7A / 6BZ7 USA. There are no other markings to indicate a manufacturer.

Welcome to the club dude, give the stock tube a good long run and enjoy the music!

What cans you pairing with the Vali 2?
 

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