Thanks for the review! I will say I really enjoyed the Valhalla 2 pairing with the Focal Elear. The Val2 opened the stage of the Elear and produced amazing microdetail.
This review sold me on the Valhalla 2 for my Atticus. I'm running NOS RCA 6CG7 cleartops and they're on point. Very nice pairing regardless of tubes though, imo. The stock tubes don't disappoint either.
The LYR has an extra 100mw into 300 ohms, this helps some headphones but: The Valhalla 2 at 50% volume becomes overwhelming on most 300 ohm headphones leaving LOTS of current in reserve. It's not even breaking a sweat with HD800s's. One big difference? The Valhalla 2 only shipped with generic Chinese made tubes. They sound excellent, however: the stock Russian tubes that ship with the LYR are more robust. (More focused, more solid bass etc). The LYR tung-sol option are a higher grade Chinese tube that are more romantic/warm sounding. So really when you compare the two amps, bear in mind that it should be done with the same Russian tubes or the same tung sol tubes. My Valhalla 2 has Russian tubes, and they are a big improvement over stock.
For using also as a pre out for connecting to an amplifier, what do you recomend me to make the music out of my reciever a little warmer, not digital? I mean the vahala or the lyr ? Thanks!
Hd650/6xx have accentuated mid bass and forward midrange. So does the Valhalla 2 brings out the same changes with hd650 as with atticus ? That is leaning out the midbass and smoother midrange ? Thanks
What is better for Beyerdynamics DT880?The Lyr 3 + 4490 DAC or the Valhalla 2 + Bifrost 4490 GEN5 USB? Does Lyr 3 have agressive highs with DT880? I like the Vali 2 with my DT880. What should i get?
Love your videos, I bought a Shiit Lyr 2 and rolled the tubes are very happy with it. Have you tried Shiit Joutenheim? I would love to hear your impoessions of it
About the sharp edges. I never tried the Lyr/Lyr 2, but my original Valhalla doesn't have sharp edges. Two Asgard 2's have sharp edges. Doesn't bother me though.
OTL amps are typically better suited for higher impedance cans. LCD line will shine with more power at 70 ohms. Mjolnir would be the best bet from Schiit.
What schiit amp/dacs would you recommend for a hd650 and hd800s user. Desktop for laptop, iPad pro and even my Xbox one X. I use both with music, movies and games. Suggestions would be more than welcome. I don't want to get lazy and just buy a hvd800 as its made by Sennheiser.
I'd go with the Valhalla. The lyr is excellent as well (as far as I can see I don't own it) and it's a hybrid amp so it just has a ton of power. Otl tube amps are great for high empedence headphones. If you get the lyr it'll be more of an all around solution with badass tubes.
The Feliks has a bit more of a robust and thick sound to it while the Valhalla's presentation is quite airy, bright and not very stereotypically "tube" sounding - also quite delicate and a little thin.
Depends on the effect you are after. If you want romantic and euphonic, there are a pretty wide choice. If you want neutral and detailed (more of what the amp already is) , Russian replacements of the same model.
Had Lyr+ and sold it ,compared to Valhalla 2 its lacking soundstage width and although has more power into Zmf Verite open hphones i was on 3 oclock high gain on Lyr+ but 11 o'clock on Valhalla 2 although less power
0:08 Intro
0:24 Build & Features
1:13 Sound
2:55 Pairing: ZMF Atticus Cherry
4:05 Pairing: ZMF Eikon Padauk
5:50 Pairing: Sennheiser HD800 (SDR Modded)
9:50 Pairing: Audeze EL-8 Open Back (2016 Version)
11:09 Comparison with Schiit Lyr 2
16:30 Final Words
Thanks for the review! I will say I really enjoyed the Valhalla 2 pairing with the Focal Elear. The Val2 opened the stage of the Elear and produced amazing microdetail.
This review sold me on the Valhalla 2 for my Atticus. I'm running NOS RCA 6CG7 cleartops and they're on point. Very nice pairing regardless of tubes though, imo. The stock tubes don't disappoint either.
Your video quality is amazing. Epic camera!
One of the best review I have ever seen! Lots of information, no crap at all!
The LYR has an extra 100mw into 300 ohms, this helps some headphones but: The Valhalla 2 at 50% volume becomes overwhelming on most 300 ohm headphones leaving LOTS of current in reserve. It's not even breaking a sweat with HD800s's. One big difference? The Valhalla 2 only shipped with generic Chinese made tubes. They sound excellent, however: the stock Russian tubes that ship with the LYR are more robust. (More focused, more solid bass etc). The LYR tung-sol option are a higher grade Chinese tube that are more romantic/warm sounding. So really when you compare the two amps, bear in mind that it should be done with the same Russian tubes or the same tung sol tubes. My Valhalla 2 has Russian tubes, and they are a big improvement over stock.
mine came with russian tubes. 2 of them are even military grade
I like that table ❤
Good review think I'll give this amp a try..
Those EL-8s look great!
Plans to review any of the Audio-gd products? Thinking about purchasing a NFB-11.
For using also as a pre out for connecting to an amplifier, what do you recomend me to make the music out of my reciever a little warmer, not digital? I mean the vahala or the lyr ? Thanks!
Another great video, bro.
What camera are u using? Amazing focus 😉
Panasonic G7.
You upgraded to Gumby? Please review it! Really good review btw, we need more people like you in the community. Crazy good camera quality too.
Woosh Woosh I plan on reviewing it after a few other things.
Hi. If i use the preamp output will i get the same warm tonality if i connect it to a eternal power amp for speakers?
Hd650/6xx have accentuated mid bass and forward midrange. So does the Valhalla 2 brings out the same changes with hd650 as with atticus ? That is leaning out the midbass and smoother midrange ? Thanks
What is better for Beyerdynamics DT880?The Lyr 3 + 4490 DAC or the Valhalla 2 + Bifrost 4490 GEN5 USB? Does Lyr 3 have agressive highs with DT880? I like the Vali 2 with my DT880. What should i get?
Love your videos, I bought a Shiit Lyr 2 and rolled the tubes are very happy with it. Have you tried Shiit Joutenheim? I would love to hear your impoessions of it
Thanks. I had hoped to review the Jot but didn't get the opportunity. Maybe in the future, if it isn't replaced.
Have you ever tried any grado headphones? If so what are your impressions
K I reviewed the Sr80i
About the sharp edges. I never tried the Lyr/Lyr 2, but my original Valhalla doesn't have sharp edges. Two Asgard 2's have sharp edges. Doesn't bother me though.
Can i use this with my Akg Q701 headphones?
Which one of these would pair well with the Aeolus??
Has pairing between this amp an LCD2-3 has ever been done?
OTL amps are typically better suited for higher impedance cans. LCD line will shine with more power at 70 ohms. Mjolnir would be the best bet from Schiit.
What's your opinion on treble handling? Is Valhalla 2 taming treble for those sensitive to sibilance and harsh/loud treble?
I don't think I heard any sense of treble taming or roll-off.
You recon it would do a good job with a DT990 600 ohms?
Will a sound card sound as good as an external DAC? Is there anything different about the external DAC's that works better with the Valhalla 2?
airwolfdeluxe external dacs eliminate EI that can distort/diminish sound quality. Go external dac.
So this would be a good option for the ZMF aeolus ? Due they use the same driver on the Atticus
Oh yeah I can see that being a good pairing. Mostly due to the sound signature rather than the driver. Cheers.
@@aornic thanks you for your answer I'll let u know subscribed btw did u tried the aeolus ? What are ur thought about them ?
What schiit amp/dacs would you recommend for a hd650 and hd800s user. Desktop for laptop, iPad pro and even my Xbox one X. I use both with music, movies and games.
Suggestions would be more than welcome. I don't want to get lazy and just buy a hvd800 as its made by Sennheiser.
I'll add I listen to mostly top 20s, some country and good ol rock (80-2000)
What's your amp pairing preference for the Eikon's 3 years on from this video?
Hi there. Very happy with my current setup. Schiit Yggdrasil into a Moon Audio Dragon Inspire IHA1. Been my go to since 2017.
@@aornic great thanks. What other tube amp would you recommend for the Eikons under £1k?
can you use this with a phono preamp?
I spy an Audeze EL 8 open back! May i ask if it's a gen 1 or gen 2?
Carl Nieckarz Gen 2.
do you plan to review them?
Carl Nieckarz yeah. Eventually.
Nice, i would love to hear your thoughts on these cans.
I have the HD600 & HD650, so Lyr as well?
I'd go with the Valhalla. The lyr is excellent as well (as far as I can see I don't own it) and it's a hybrid amp so it just has a ton of power. Otl tube amps are great for high empedence headphones. If you get the lyr it'll be more of an all around solution with badass tubes.
Can you compare Valhalla 2 and Feliks Elise?
The Feliks has a bit more of a robust and thick sound to it while the Valhalla's presentation is quite airy, bright and not very stereotypically "tube" sounding - also quite delicate and a little thin.
what tubes do u recommend for the Valhalla 2
Kook Min Kim Electro Harmonix for a overall good sound
Depends on the effect you are after. If you want romantic and euphonic, there are a pretty wide choice. If you want neutral and detailed (more of what the amp already is) , Russian replacements of the same model.
which one do you like better lyr2 or valhalla?
WrxMike I haven't heard the Vali yet.
I meant comparing Valhalla not vali
WrxMike Lyr 2
Why r you getting rid of your Focal Elears?
I'd like to upgrade to its bigger brother, if possible. For that, I'll need to sell off a lot.
Will this drive the he400i and the t50rp mk2 cans?
ed G I wouldn't pair this with planars personally.
@@aornic May I ask why? Thinking og getting Mr. Speaker's Aeons.
Had Lyr+ and sold it ,compared to Valhalla 2 its lacking soundstage width and although has more power into Zmf Verite open hphones i was on 3 oclock high gain on Lyr+ but 11 o'clock on Valhalla 2 although less power
Can this amp play dt880 600ohm.without problem?
Alessandro Sanders yes
aornic perfect. I was afraid about it 600ohm is very much :)
Most amps can drive 600ohms. Of course you'd need to turn the volume way up
অঃঔচচৃটজষঢধনঢপসমজঞঙঁঈঅঁঔশরষঠডঠচংঅঁরল EF38
i have no clue what i have just stumbled upon but im pretty sure even predator wouldn't understand this
'Wet sound?' I swear, 'audiophiles' are making this schitt up at this point...
I like my music "wet" and "punchy"...
poop
Really man?
No its Schiit