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

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DigitalFreak

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #50 on: October 10, 2013, 03:10:09 AM »
Quote from: Analixus on October 10, 2013, 02:37:16 AM
Quote from: TMRaven on October 10, 2013, 02:00:53 AM
Quote from: Analixus on October 10, 2013, 01:42:44 AM
Me and purrin tend to use 'warm' a bit differently.  His is more bass specific, mine is more overall tone.  For me the Magni overall is a warmer amp, while the Vali is brighter and more analytical.  In a way, the Magni has more of that forgiving tube type sound people associate w/ it and the Vali is the more 'solid state' sounding w/o the 'solid state'.  That's tubes done right.  Unless my phone had more severe severe issues in the treble, I'd go Vali in every way.  It's not remotely a sidegrade to me, Magni is blown out the water assuming nothing changes.

I already think Magni could be considered a pretty bright amp regardless.  To have something be bright next to the Magni, yet its treble not sound as splashy as the Magni, sounds kind of weird.

Which Magni do you have?  I have an updated one and it is not bright.  I did a quick power on and A/B last night.  I'll let it warm up and see how it sounds later tonight.  Don't let my Magni impressions throw you off.  Vali is bright if your phones are bright.  Forget the terminology.  It extends both ways and isn't harsh so just stop freaking out about it.  I know most SS amps have you guys all paranoid as hell about the treble bite and digititus.  If anyone thinks I can remotely stand the Benchmark DAC1 sound think again.

So you're saying this new amp is neutral?
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The science of properly driving headphones is a mystery for me. For starters where the hell is the steering wheel?
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The only thing in this world that's truly neutral is Switzerland

insidious meme

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #51 on: October 10, 2013, 03:52:58 AM »
Okay, I'm interested. Do I see a new member of the Pirate's Booty?  :wheel:
« Last Edit: October 10, 2013, 04:49:13 AM by insidious meme »
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Marvey

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #52 on: October 10, 2013, 04:05:17 AM »
Quote from: DigitalFreak on October 10, 2013, 03:10:09 AM
So you're saying this new amp is neutral?

I think that would be a fair statement. As Anax alluded to, while the treble is evident, it's not glaring, hard-sounding, steely, splashy, strident, nasty, etched, etc. I haven't had a chance to hear the new Magni for an extended period of time, but from my brief experience with it, I sense the new ones are not as steely in the treble as the early one I heard.

The Vali has been on for a few hours and I've listened with the HP1000, HE400, K550 (a very good unit), HF2, M-Moda M80, Paradox, etc. Everything sounds as it's supposed to sound or as what I would expect.

For all intents and purposes, this is a mini - Eddie Current amp. It has a lot of similarities to the EC house sound. Like yeah, oh fuck, it's that good. I hope neither Craig or Jason take offense to that.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2013, 04:16:51 AM by purrin »
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CEE TEE

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #53 on: October 10, 2013, 04:25:38 AM »
I may run two and make my own Miniwoomono.   headbang 
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donunus

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #54 on: October 10, 2013, 04:26:54 AM »
Quote from: TMRaven on October 10, 2013, 02:00:53 AM
Quote from: Analixus on October 10, 2013, 01:42:44 AM
Me and purrin tend to use 'warm' a bit differently.  His is more bass specific, mine is more overall tone.  For me the Magni overall is a warmer amp, while the Vali is brighter and more analytical.  In a way, the Magni has more of that forgiving tube type sound people associate w/ it and the Vali is the more 'solid state' sounding w/o the 'solid state'.  That's tubes done right.  Unless my phone had more severe severe issues in the treble, I'd go Vali in every way.  It's not remotely a sidegrade to me, Magni is blown out the water assuming nothing changes.

I already think Magni could be considered a pretty bright amp regardless.  To have something be bright next to the Magni, yet its treble not sound as splashy as the Magni, sounds kind of weird.

I read anaxilus description as the Vali is leaner and more accurate but doesn't have extra unneeded spitting treble while the magni is a warmer amp with extra sparkle up on top. (Correct me if i am wrong though).
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Marvey

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #55 on: October 10, 2013, 04:52:11 AM »
Quote from: CEE TEE on October 10, 2013, 04:25:38 AM
I may run two and make my own Miniwoomono.   headbang


Jason, would this thing explode if we made appropriate adapters from DAC XLR outs and ran them bridged? One amp per channel.
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TMRaven

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #56 on: October 10, 2013, 04:59:50 AM »
Brighter, leaner, more analytical, not as steely treble as magni, more meaty bass than asgard2 and magni.  I'll take that to mean it's just nimble and dynamic at the same time.
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olor1n

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #57 on: October 10, 2013, 06:27:00 AM »
Kudos to Schiit for continuing to cater to the entry level market. They have this segment cornered but are still pushing the envelope and presenting fantastic value. They deserve the praise and support from this community.


 :ship:
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stratocaster

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #58 on: October 10, 2013, 07:17:33 AM »
Modi+Vali as entry level combo?
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Marvey

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Re: World Exclusive: SCHIIT VALI - The triode hybrid amp that could.
« Reply #59 on: October 10, 2013, 07:23:52 AM »
Yes, but Vali can really use a better DAC. The Vali is fully capable of reproducing the nuances of several much more expensive DACs / USB converters I have sitting around the house.


Bifrost uber + Vali + ~$500 headphone makes more sense. Doesn't look as neat though as the Modi + Vali stacked up.



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