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Author Topic: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.  (Read 66702 times)

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Hroðulf

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2013, 06:08:02 PM »
Can it run Crysis on Ultra?
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ultrabike

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2013, 06:17:34 PM »
Quote from: RudeWolf on October 09, 2013, 06:08:02 PM
Can it run Crysis on Ultra?

It might
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LFF

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2013, 06:19:15 PM »
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Marvey

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #13 on: October 09, 2013, 06:19:25 PM »
Same size as Magni. The unit I have is in a Magni chassis with Magni lettering crossed out with a marker.
  • The noise floor is too high with UERM. For some reason, UERM with Vali is not a good match sonically.
  • Need to wait about 60 seconds for the ringing to die down after plugging in the Grado HF-2. The noise floor is audible. With pop or rock music playing, the noise is OK for me. Sounds good with the HF-2. (and I mostly hate Grados.)
  • With Paradox, HE-400, HE-500, HD800, it's GREAT.
  • The amp scales with DACs; e.g., differences between Gungnir, PWD2, AGD M7, can easily be heard. This includes tonal balance, resolution, etc.
  • It doesn't have quite the low-end grunt / sub-bass power / low-end extension as the Mjolnir or other big boy amps, but this is expected for its footprint.
  • This is by far, considering it's expected price, the most impressive piece of Schiit I've heard yet.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2013, 06:34:27 PM by purrin »
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zerodeefex

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #14 on: October 09, 2013, 06:23:41 PM »
I'm going to be picking one up to pair with my Paradox/Uber Bifrost in my beside rig. Definitely can't wait!
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LFF

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #15 on: October 09, 2013, 06:27:44 PM »
Quote from: purrin on October 09, 2013, 06:19:25 PM
Same size as Magni. The unit I have is in a Magni chassis with Magni lettering crossed out with a marker.
  • The noise floor is too high with UERM. For some reason, UERM with Vali is not a good match sonically.
  • Need to wait about 60 seconds for the ringing to die down after plugging in the Grado HF-2. The noise floor is audible. With pop or rock music playing, the noise is OK for me. Sounds good with the HF-2.
  • With Paradox, HE-400, HE-500, HD800, it's GREAT.
  • The amp scales with DACs; e.g., differences between Gungnir, PWD2, AGD M7, can easily be heard. This includes tonal balance, resolution, etc.
  • It doesn't have quite the low-end grunt / sub-bass power / low-end extension as the Mjolnir or other big boy amps, but this is expected for its footprint.
  • This is by far, considering it's expected price, the most impressive piece of Schiit I've heard yet.

Awesome!

How would you compare it to the CTH?
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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #16 on: October 09, 2013, 06:32:03 PM »
Yep, $99. It may have to go up, since we're going to be doing a bit more work to match tubes (handling the flying leads is a pain in the ass, we need to build a test fixture) and some damping of microphonics. But even then, we're talking $119.

It'll never be as quiet as Magni, though...these tubes would never work in, say, a phono preamp or other low-noise application. But they work very well here. Surprisingly well for something that started as a "what if?" project. It would have never come to market if it didn't sound good. We have a number of projects like that--failed concepts. Ah, well.

We'll be posting the Vali on the website when it is available, which should be about 2-3 weeks.

For some tech details, Vali is a hybrid, using 6088 pencil tubes, triode-strapped, with a discrete bipolar follower stage that is somewhat related to the Magni's output stage. It is DC-coupled to the follower through a bipolar phase inverter and level shifter. The tubes run on a regulated 60V rail, which is fine for a tube rated for a maximum anode voltage of 67.5V. The bipolar part operates on a 27V rail. Its rated output will be about half that of the Magni.

Downsides? The microphonics (mentioned, and we'll be VERY clear about it in the FAQ) and no rolling. The tubes are soldered into the board, since their expected lifespan is in the 15-20k hour range, and it's what Raytheon recommended back in the day. Plus, even if you swapped in another tube, the rather unique operating range for these tubes means it probably wouldn't work.

And that's about all the engineer-speak for today. I have to get back to prepping at RMAF (a real, cosmetic Vali will be at RMAF, as well as a Ragnarok proto) and back to finalizing our facilities move. We're leaving our 1800sf place in Newhall for a proper industrial location in Valencia that is 5200sf, so we have some room to grow.
« Last Edit: October 09, 2013, 06:42:35 PM by schiit »
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Marvey

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #17 on: October 09, 2013, 06:39:55 PM »
Quote from: LFF on October 09, 2013, 06:27:44 PM
How would you compare it to the CTH?


More resolving. Clearer. Greater dynamics. Slightly brighter, less forgiving.
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LFF

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #18 on: October 09, 2013, 06:43:47 PM »
Quote from: purrin on October 09, 2013, 06:39:55 PM
Quote from: LFF on October 09, 2013, 06:27:44 PM
How would you compare it to the CTH?


More resolving. Clearer. Greater dynamics. Slightly brighter, less forgiving.

AWESOME! Really want to demo it now.  :)p7
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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #19 on: October 09, 2013, 06:49:56 PM »
Yeah, I wanted to be clear that although this thing has tubes in it, it doesn't smooth things over. The slight mid-treble bump of the Paradox is still there. The brightness in the last octave of the HE-400 is still there.

But it's possible all headphones sound on the bright side to me since my main speaker setup is what I would call a touch dark.


Quote from: schiit on October 09, 2013, 06:32:03 PM
Yep, $99. It may have to go up, since we're going to be doing a bit more work to match tubes (handling the flying leads is a pain in the ass, we need to build a test fixture) and some damping of microphonics. But even then, we're talking $119.


Anax told me he didn't want to say anything good about it because he was afraid you guys may increase the price. But he did say it's better than any other amp below $1650 that he's heard (he hasn't heard any of your other new stuff.) Personally I think you guys should price it at $1199. Or at least put it in a huge fancy chassis and price it at $1199.
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