Schiit Valhalla 2

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Well no, of course we can never expect multiples of better performance at multiples of price. That was never the case with audio unfortunately. But pretty amazing that the Valhalla 2 can even be put into the same system and taken seriously at $349 vs what was it, $7,500 or so CT-5?

Yes, the CT-5 sold for $7500 originally and was formerly their very close to their SOTA preamp until the GAT came along. It is rather amazing. I'm listening to Val 2 right now (not to be confused with the $149 Vali 2) and it is thoroughly engaging and very enjoyable.

I'm using a $349 "preamp" to drive a $7500 power amp!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Valhalla 2 is ridiculously dynamic and musical for an SET amp; its kinda ridiculous.

Funny you say that about the bass because I am listening to Ray Brown's bass on Cry Me A River on his Soular Energy album and the bass is taut, well-defined and beautifully articulated. See if you can find it on Tidal.

Also, listen to the bass on Diana Krall's My Love Is and let me know what you think.

Val 2's performance as a preamp has me seriously thinking of Schiit's dedicated Saga, or better yet, Freya preamp driving their 100 watt Vidar SS amplifier (which is a "dual-mono-ish" design) for a bedroom office system. I'll bet these would work beautifully with a pair of Dynaudio Special 40s; the smaller Dyns would benefit from a powerful SS amp that can provide the current they really need to fully open up.

Hmmm...

Sounds like it will be a great system Stephen. I auditioned the Special 40's with a 100w McIntosh integrated (MA5200) and the combo was rather effortless and not dynamically constricted at all! I think the Vidar will drive them with no sweat. I'd personally go with the Freya just because I like the 6SN7 tubes. I've had a few simplistic preamps, one of them being Dennis Had with those tubes and it was VERY musical.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Funny you say that about the bass because I am listening to Ray Brown's bass on Cry Me A River on his Soular Energy album and the bass is taut, well-defined and beautifully articulated. See if you can find it on Tidal.

Also, listen to the bass on Diana Krall's My Love Is and let me know what you think.

The finger snaps at the beginning of "My Love Is" define the boundaries of the acoustic space where the recording took place. Vallhalla does not veil the sound and the resolution is superb. The Bass is very articulate indeed. I can hear the fingers snapping the strings and can tell the well gripped plucks from the sloppy ones with the Utopia headphones. Ridiculous resolution.

[PHC1]

Tubes and Classical. What a treat.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Tubes and Classical. What a treat.

Ohhh, yeah....it's like Fuji X-cams and black & white!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

The finger snaps at the beginning of "My Love Is" define the boundaries of the acoustic space where the recording took place. Vallhalla does not veil the sound and the resolution is superb. The Bass is very articulate indeed. I can hear the fingers snapping the strings and can tell the well gripped plucks from the sloppy ones with the Utopia headphones. Ridiculous resolution.

Yes. Yes, indeed.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Ohhh, yeah....it's like Fuji X-cams and black & white!

I can appreciate that analogy somewhat. Not as much as you can. I get it though.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I can appreciate that analogy somewhat. Not as much as you can. I get it though.

I've been doing a bunch of black and white printing from the medium format Fuji GFX50S lately in preparation for the final part (Part III) of my review at The Online Photographer.

It's all about the print....or, in classical music, the cello!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

It's all about the print....or, in classical music, the cello!

Yo Yo Ma's primary performance instrument is the cello nicknamed "Petunia", built by Domenico Montagnana in 1733, and valued at US$2.5 million. It was named Petunia by a student who approached him after one of his classes in Salt Lake City asking if he had a nickname for his cello. He said, "No, but if I play for you, will you name it?" She chose Petunia and it stuck.

Have a listen.

[US Blues]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Val 2's performance as a preamp has me seriously thinking of Schiit's dedicated Saga, or better yet, Freya preamp driving their 100 watt Vidar SS amplifier (which is a "dual-mono-ish" design) for a bedroom office system. I'll bet these would work beautifully with a pair of Dynaudio Special 40s; the smaller Dyns would benefit from a powerful SS amp that can provide the current they really need to fully open up.

Hmmm...

I am running the Freya with 2 Vidar's in mono block configuration (fully balanced from DAC to amps) and the sound is impeccable. The value is likely off-the-charts in the current audio world. I recommend Freya and Vidar without hesitation.