It’s time for me to try tubes! From all the reviews I’ve watched I believe I am going to be a tube guy. I’m looking in to adding a headphone amp/pre amp to my set up
PC>Emotova TA-100>Jamo S803
For headphones I’m currently using the Qudelix 5k powering my Moondrop Starfield and Sundaras.
I am thinking about grabbing the Schiit Valhalla and sennheiser HD6XX as they both seem up to the task at hand.
Q1. Can I use the Emotiva as Valhalla’s DAC? I don’t understand how I’d be able to do that and only have music playing from the headphone side.
Q2. Does the Valhalla need a seperate signal in order to act as a preamp for my Emotiva?
Q3. What do y’all think of these purchase options? I’m open to other gear that would total under $1k to get in the game and give me the experience I’m seeking.
The TA-100 has line level outputs so you can use it as a DAC for Valhalla. You need to check if there is a way to shut off the speakers though. Otherwise they’ll keep playing while you’re using the Valhalla.
It would need a DAC between itself and the PC.
Are you attempting to add a tubed HP amp? Or a tube preamp for speakers? Or both?
For any of the above, you’d need a separate DAC between PC and preamp.
So you need a DAC and a tube preamp to go in front of your Emotiva. If you can run your IEMs off the Emotiva that would make things less complicated. The Qudelix only has digital inputs so you can’t put a preamp in front of it. Or you have to buy a separate HP amp. That can be tubed and plug into the DAC.
I don’t plan on using the Qudelix in this setup. I used it while on the go, and I love it! I just included that stuff so people would know what all I have when making suggestions. I’ve listened to all of my headphones through the Emotiva but it’s just worse for them than the Qudelix.
Ok so the easiest option is a DAC and a tube preamp in front of Emotiva. If you want to spend more money, add a dedicated HP amp.
If you want to just dip your toes to confirm that tubes are for you, get a Schiit Vali for $150 and run it off the output of your Emotiva. You would need to disconnect your speakers unless the Emotiva has a switch to shut them off. If you decide that you like tubes, you can start looking at DACs and preamps.
If you’re cool just diving right in, Schiit Lyr 3 is exactly what you’re looking for - DAC, tube preamp and HP amp.
I decided on the Darkvoice. I went with the Ifi Zen Blue as the dac as I also liked adding bluetooth into my system. I also got the HD6XX but they haven’t arrived yet. I’ve got a few tubes coming in as well. I’ve only got a few minutes of listening time so far but it’s very pleasant
