@@stereoazimuth I just got a used OG Vali 2 for a great price. Wow, this thing has impressive power. It came with a goldpin JJ 6922 tube. It sounds like a quiet amp with low distortion (I've been playing with some HE400SE's which sound amazing on it) but I'm not sure the measurements would show that. I have to keep it at least a few feet away from my wifi/router though, it picks up some clicking from it. Overall I'm definitely impressed. I don't like to keep headphones plugged in while powering it on and off though, I hear some loud pops even with the volume turned all the way down. Does it sound all that different my Atom amp+ and Magni 3+? I'm not so sure yet, but I need to do some more playing around.
Yes. With the right adapter. Most list by the tube you need to the socket. eg "12AX7 to 5670" or "12AX7 to 6N3". A 12AX7 is the same pinout as a 12AU7, but the AU has lower gain. All the 12A*7's are about the same just with different gain levels.
Thanks for the vid! So, I'm **thinking** of getting a brand new Vali 2++ [current model]. The specific application would be to use in my home stereo setup to try to introduce that 'warm tube sound.' If I'm hearing you correctly, it sounds like you're saying this would be a GREAT idea [in terms of not going broke, etc.] *OR would you suggest keeping an eye out on the used market for a Vali 2 non+ model?
@@stereoazimuth follow up question….in terms of using the Vali strictly as a preamp in a home stereo setup. I have an outboard DAC right now with 3 digital sources going in, and on analog set of RCA cables going out….connected to the aux input of my integrated amp. To ad the Vali in the chain, Im assuming I’d connect the DACs analog out to the Vali input….then connect Vali output to the aux or other line level input of choice on my integrated amp?
@@stereoazimuth Thanks so much! I tried to post a follow up question from my ipad last night, but I don't see it here. Here goes. Right now all of my sources are hooked to my DAC [via coax, optical, etc]. RCA cables run from the analog out of the DAC into the Aux input of my integrated amp. So, in order to accomplish the Schiit Vali thing, ....I'd run the RCA cables from the DAC to the Vali input....and the Vali output into the Aux of the integrated amp??? Would you set the volume on the Vali at max? Thanks again for all of your help!
@@timmanwell2538 Correct, but you are better off with a dedicated amp instead of an integrated amp. You are double preamping because your integrated has a preamp as well and no need for the Vali. But if you got a simple 2ch. amp, you can remove the integrated amp in the signal chain.
I have an asgard 2, and a modi. I want to add a tube amp for a different flavor. My source is my PC, and I also have basic PC speakers. All RCA. I am between this, and the MT-602. How would I go about adding it to my stack? Do i just chain the inputs, and outputs together to eventually end at my speakers? Do I buy a RCA AB Switch? A simple RCA splitter? I'm not trying to use both headphone amps at the same time unless they both have to be on for my speakers to work when not using headphones.
I been over researching but been thinking of getting the Hifiman Sundara, Geshelli Archel 2.5, Schiit Vali 2++. I already have Koss ports pros and Grado SR80’s running off my iMac to a Bravo now. Any comments to pros and cons of my choices? I mostly watch movies and listen to music with genres from rap, rock, bluegrass, and big band/swing.
@@stereoazimuth isn’t the modi a dac? I don’t think I need a dac for the Mac computer. I just wanted 2 different amps for when I want different sounds. My bravo tube amp just doesn’t do well for movies.
Have you or anyone reading this compared the current model (as of Jan 2023) Lyr to current model (as of Jan 2023) Vali2? Strictly using the rear RCA outputs with power amplifiers. I know it's a HP amp. It also functions as a line level tube preamp. thanks for any input-
@@ThePupil The Schiit Lyr+ was more SS than tube. It was okay. I did not find anything particularly bad nor special. I think it is a decent amp if you want to add some tube flavor, but I don't think it shows off what tubes can really do.
Hi there. I have watched several of your videos in the last couple of weeks in my quest to learn all things Magni, Piety, and Vali. Schiit goes through so many mods and iterations that it's hard to sort them out, but it seems like you have done so. Clearly, you preferred Piety over Magni+, Magni+ over previous Magnii. Likewise, you preferred Vali 2+ over Vali 2 over Vali 1. What I can't tell is if you prefer the Vali 2+ or the Piety. I'd be curious to find out. Note that the Vali++ is out now, but if I understand correctly, all they did was realign the tube socket wiring so that your WE 396A family works without an adapter, and the 6BZ7 / 6DJ8 family now requires one. I guess theoretically at least, Vali+ and ++ sound the same. Vali 2+/++, or Piety. Thoughts?
Your deduction is correct. Nothing was changed between Vali 2+ and now Vali 2++ except moving pinout on the socket for 6N3P, 5670, 2C51, ECC42 and WE396A types. And yes, an adapter will be needed for 6DJ8 types. The same adapter can be used in reverse because it swaps the same pins.
Hi! Thanks for this great video! Should I get this or the Magni? The prices are not an issue. The purchases I'm about to make will be my first foray into high(er) desktop computer audio fidelity. The headphones I plan on being part of the setup will be the Sennheiser HD660s. Will be stacking the amp on top of the Modi. Thanks!
I am partial to the Vali 2+, and the 2++ is basically the same, but with a slightly different tube. It certainly is slightly more natural sounding than the new Magni + which is a bit more "faster" and have more sharp transients come through. So it depends on what you are after. 660S's can be a bit darker sounding, so either one is a good one.
I traded my Magni+ in at Schiit for the Vali 2++. The Vali is more enveloping, more immersive, and more “natural” sounding, IMO. It also doesn’t have any stridency or glare in the upper mids/lower treble, which is very important to me.
@@tomelew8465 You can tube-roll it, also, which is a great way to optimize the sound to your taste. If you can swing it, look for a NOS GE 5670 5-star white, NOS GE 5670 5-star red, or NOS RCA Command, black-plate 5670. Used is OK, as long as they test strong.
The new Vali3 now has 100v rails and a 117dB noise floor. This mean better linearity...which means less negtive feedback..which means more natural sound and better dynamics. Its beating my Jotenheim 2 on most subjective metrics. Like I could sell the Jot and never look back. Please get your hands on a Vali 3 and compare and review. I thik you"ll be shocked!
@@stereoazimuth I just paid $100 for a WE396A tube and boy oh boy. Worth it all day long. It takes the amp up another notch or two. Vali 3 is truly operating at least a couple levels above it's price class.
Correct. I don't have a Vali 2 in this video, although I had one in the past. The 2++ is basically the same as the 2+, just a different tube pinout, but you can get adapters. The Vali 3 is supposed to be even better. I hear it is cracking good and I need to get my hands on one for a review.
I know I am late here, but the proper pronunciation is more V-ah-lee (Volley). It isn't a sharp "A". There may be other words that are spelled this way that are pronounced how he says it, but if we are referring to the Norse god, it is more close to Valley or Volley in the English language.
@@stereoazimuth Does he pronounce it with a long "A" like "Pay" or short "a" like "Blah"? Like any word, you can say it how you wish, as it really isn't going to change it. My family being Norwegian kind of keeps me from being able to say it in any way except the short "a" sound. lol.
@@jamiegoodwin Jason says it like "Pay". Veigh - Lee. He would know, he's written Norse mythology books. Most everyone here in the states pronounces it like valley.
@@stereoazimuth, It's cool he has written Norse mythology books, I should look into those. I think that writing is causing more of an issue here, as people pronounce things differently than they type. My family is literally from what is deemed "The Nordic Region" and I grew up with the Mythology (Scandinavian settled in Iceland many generations before I was born). The dialect where my family is from pronounces it closer to a short "o" sound, but not exactly. It's almost like "ah" Vah-lee, or similar to how people say Volley (as in volleyball). I hope you aren't taking my conversation as argumentative, as I really am just trying to have a conversation about my upbringing. Different dialects however do pronounce it differently, though I have never heard anyone outside of the states pronounce how they do. I also think they pronounce "Valley" a little odd, especially in the Western United States. Now, mind if I ask for input. How do you compare the Vali to the current version of the Lyr, if you have had a chance. I would love a video comparing the current Tube/Tube Hybrids offered by Schiit. (also, Lyr is really fun to hear the different pronunciations of. Especially Norwegian -vs- English.)
Bought a Vali 1 used on marketplace and absolutely love it with my dt 1990 pros! Great video !
I still have my Vali 1. It’s still an incredible value for what it is.
damn same here
Very interesting amps. Thanks for the comparisons.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
@@stereoazimuth I just got a used OG Vali 2 for a great price. Wow, this thing has impressive power. It came with a goldpin JJ 6922 tube. It sounds like a quiet amp with low distortion (I've been playing with some HE400SE's which sound amazing on it) but I'm not sure the measurements would show that. I have to keep it at least a few feet away from my wifi/router though, it picks up some clicking from it. Overall I'm definitely impressed. I don't like to keep headphones plugged in while powering it on and off though, I hear some loud pops even with the volume turned all the way down. Does it sound all that different my Atom amp+ and Magni 3+? I'm not so sure yet, but I need to do some more playing around.
What adapter is needed for the ecc84
Hi, i am currently using preamp with psvane 12au7 tube. Is it posible to use adapter on vali2++ with 12au7 tube ?
Yes. With the right adapter. Most list by the tube you need to the socket. eg "12AX7 to 5670" or "12AX7 to 6N3". A 12AX7 is the same pinout as a 12AU7, but the AU has lower gain. All the 12A*7's are about the same just with different gain levels.
Although I think the best sleeper tube for the Vali 2 ++/Vali 3 is a Sylvania 5670. No adapter needed.
Thanks for the vid! So, I'm **thinking** of getting a brand new Vali 2++ [current model]. The specific application would be to use in my home stereo setup to try to introduce that 'warm tube sound.' If I'm hearing you correctly, it sounds like you're saying this would be a GREAT idea [in terms of not going broke, etc.] *OR would you suggest keeping an eye out on the used market for a Vali 2 non+ model?
I think the 2+ or the 2++ or what is now the Vali + is fine and has greater clarity than the old Vali 2.
@@stereoazimuth follow up question….in terms of using the Vali strictly as a preamp in a home stereo setup. I have an outboard DAC right now with 3 digital sources going in, and on analog set of RCA cables going out….connected to the aux input of my integrated amp. To ad the Vali in the chain, Im assuming I’d connect the DACs analog out to the Vali input….then connect Vali output to the aux or other line level input of choice on my integrated amp?
@@stereoazimuth Thanks so much! I tried to post a follow up question from my ipad last night, but I don't see it here. Here goes. Right now all of my sources are hooked to my DAC [via coax, optical, etc]. RCA cables run from the analog out of the DAC into the Aux input of my integrated amp. So, in order to accomplish the Schiit Vali thing, ....I'd run the RCA cables from the DAC to the Vali input....and the Vali output into the Aux of the integrated amp??? Would you set the volume on the Vali at max? Thanks again for all of your help!
@@timmanwell2538 Correct, but you are better off with a dedicated amp instead of an integrated amp. You are double preamping because your integrated has a preamp as well and no need for the Vali. But if you got a simple 2ch. amp, you can remove the integrated amp in the signal chain.
I have an asgard 2, and a modi. I want to add a tube amp for a different flavor. My source is my PC, and I also have basic PC speakers. All RCA. I am between this, and the MT-602. How would I go about adding it to my stack? Do i just chain the inputs, and outputs together to eventually end at my speakers? Do I buy a RCA AB Switch? A simple RCA splitter? I'm not trying to use both headphone amps at the same time unless they both have to be on for my speakers to work when not using headphones.
You would need and A-B RCA splitter or something like a Schiit Sys. I use a Sys to switch between two amps from one source myself.
I'm still confused on the outputs on the back. Is it amplified? Like can it drive 8 ohm book shelf speakers?
No. They are pre-outs to connect to a speaker amplifier or powered speakers.
@@stereoazimuth Lame. Thanks for letting me know before I bought one.
I been over researching but been thinking of getting the Hifiman Sundara, Geshelli Archel 2.5, Schiit Vali 2++. I already have Koss ports pros and Grado SR80’s running off my iMac to a Bravo now. Any comments to pros and cons of my choices? I mostly watch movies and listen to music with genres from rap, rock, bluegrass, and big band/swing.
That is a great starter amp for that. Although I am more partial to the Modi MB2.
@@stereoazimuth isn’t the modi a dac? I don’t think I need a dac for the Mac computer. I just wanted 2 different amps for when I want different sounds. My bravo tube amp just doesn’t do well for movies.
@@PokashProductions You would be amazed at the performance difference an external DAC can make vs. the one in your Mac.
@@stereoazimuth hmmmm. Now I have to revisit my plans. Thanks.
Have you or anyone reading this compared the current model (as of Jan 2023) Lyr to current model (as of Jan 2023) Vali2? Strictly using the rear RCA outputs with power amplifiers. I know it's a HP amp. It also functions as a line level tube preamp. thanks for any input-
I have a new Lyr coming in few months.
@@stereoazimuthhow did it compare?
@@ThePupil The Schiit Lyr+ was more SS than tube. It was okay. I did not find anything particularly bad nor special. I think it is a decent amp if you want to add some tube flavor, but I don't think it shows off what tubes can really do.
Hi there.
I have watched several of your videos in the last couple of weeks in my quest to learn all things Magni, Piety, and Vali. Schiit goes through so many mods and iterations that it's hard to sort them out, but it seems like you have done so.
Clearly, you preferred Piety over Magni+, Magni+ over previous Magnii. Likewise, you preferred Vali 2+ over Vali 2 over Vali 1.
What I can't tell is if you prefer the Vali 2+ or the Piety. I'd be curious to find out.
Note that the Vali++ is out now, but if I understand correctly, all they did was realign the tube socket wiring so that your WE 396A family works without an adapter, and the 6BZ7 / 6DJ8 family now requires one.
I guess theoretically at least, Vali+ and ++ sound the same.
Vali 2+/++, or Piety.
Thoughts?
Your deduction is correct. Nothing was changed between Vali 2+ and now Vali 2++ except moving pinout on the socket for 6N3P, 5670, 2C51, ECC42 and WE396A types. And yes, an adapter will be needed for 6DJ8 types. The same adapter can be used in reverse because it swaps the same pins.
@@stereoazimuth But my real question is, Vali or Piety?
Hi! Thanks for this great video! Should I get this or the Magni? The prices are not an issue. The purchases I'm about to make will be my first foray into high(er) desktop computer audio fidelity. The headphones I plan on being part of the setup will be the Sennheiser HD660s. Will be stacking the amp on top of the Modi. Thanks!
I am partial to the Vali 2+, and the 2++ is basically the same, but with a slightly different tube. It certainly is slightly more natural sounding than the new Magni + which is a bit more "faster" and have more sharp transients come through. So it depends on what you are after. 660S's can be a bit darker sounding, so either one is a good one.
I traded my Magni+ in at Schiit for the Vali 2++. The Vali is more enveloping, more immersive, and more “natural” sounding, IMO. It also doesn’t have any stridency or glare in the upper mids/lower treble, which is very important to me.
@@stereoazimuth Thank you so much for the reply! Appreciate the help, and love your informative channel!
@@ChicagoRob2 Okay great! Thank you for the help. I'm very curious to hear a tube. I think I'm going with the Vali.
@@tomelew8465 You can tube-roll it, also, which is a great way to optimize the sound to your taste. If you can swing it, look for a NOS GE 5670 5-star white, NOS GE 5670 5-star red, or NOS RCA Command, black-plate 5670. Used is OK, as long as they test strong.
The new Vali3 now has 100v rails and a 117dB noise floor. This mean better linearity...which means less negtive feedback..which means more natural sound and better dynamics. Its beating my Jotenheim 2 on most subjective metrics. Like I could sell the Jot and never look back. Please get your hands on a Vali 3 and compare and review. I thik you"ll be shocked!
Every indication says the Vali 3 is great. I have not heard one yet, but I'd already recommend it.
@@stereoazimuth I just paid $100 for a WE396A tube and boy oh boy. Worth it all day long. It takes the amp up another notch or two. Vali 3 is truly operating at least a couple levels above it's price class.
The second one you are grabbing is the Vali 2+ not the Vali 2. Its even in the sticker.
Correct. I don't have a Vali 2 in this video, although I had one in the past. The 2++ is basically the same as the 2+, just a different tube pinout, but you can get adapters. The Vali 3 is supposed to be even better. I hear it is cracking good and I need to get my hands on one for a review.
I know I am late here, but the proper pronunciation is more V-ah-lee (Volley). It isn't a sharp "A". There may be other words that are spelled this way that are pronounced how he says it, but if we are referring to the Norse god, it is more close to Valley or Volley in the English language.
I actually asked Jason Stoddard about this when I met him because he pronounces it like you - Vay-lee. But he says pronounce it however.
@@stereoazimuth Does he pronounce it with a long "A" like "Pay" or short "a" like "Blah"? Like any word, you can say it how you wish, as it really isn't going to change it. My family being Norwegian kind of keeps me from being able to say it in any way except the short "a" sound. lol.
@@jamiegoodwin Jason says it like "Pay". Veigh - Lee. He would know, he's written Norse mythology books. Most everyone here in the states pronounces it like valley.
@@stereoazimuth, It's cool he has written Norse mythology books, I should look into those. I think that writing is causing more of an issue here, as people pronounce things differently than they type. My family is literally from what is deemed "The Nordic Region" and I grew up with the Mythology (Scandinavian settled in Iceland many generations before I was born). The dialect where my family is from pronounces it closer to a short "o" sound, but not exactly. It's almost like "ah" Vah-lee, or similar to how people say Volley (as in volleyball). I hope you aren't taking my conversation as argumentative, as I really am just trying to have a conversation about my upbringing. Different dialects however do pronounce it differently, though I have never heard anyone outside of the states pronounce how they do. I also think they pronounce "Valley" a little odd, especially in the Western United States. Now, mind if I ask for input. How do you compare the Vali to the current version of the Lyr, if you have had a chance. I would love a video comparing the current Tube/Tube Hybrids offered by Schiit. (also, Lyr is really fun to hear the different pronunciations of. Especially Norwegian -vs- English.)