As a relatively new Vali 3 owner, and a brand spanking new Tube amp owner. I have been very impressed with the Vali 3, and it hits well above its $150 price point. Been driving headphones from 8 ohm sub 87db sensitivity Planars to 300 ohm 96db sensitivity Dynamics, and it has sounded wonderful to me thus far (haven’t tube rolled yet). I was surprised that no one started a Vali 3 thread on HifiGuides so I decided to get the discussion going.
For some context I own a Mjolnir 3, Soloist 3xp, and a pair of Gjallarhorns which are being fed by a BF 2/64 paired with a Wiim Pro. Headphone cables are Gravedigger Corpse Cables, and interconnects are WBC & Corpse Cable.
Thanks for starting this thread @MindBreak! I too am a fan and have been happy from day 1 with this little mighty mini. I liked it so much that I sold the SS headamp that I was using at the time (Schiit Magni Heretic) almost immediately after auditioning it.
The V3 adds some subtle tube magic to the music, even though it is a hybrid tube amp. It is especially apparent when you start going down the tube rolling path. I also find that having this in my audio setup works very well with the neutral sound signature of my ESS DAC that’s in my interface.
For the price, easiest entry into the tube driven headamp part of the hobby. Sure, there are others out there and as usual, what fits you is all that matters. I give the V3 a sold rec and have several tubes to rec as well if you want to start dipping your toes into rolling tubes.
I have at least two on the horizon to purchase before the year is out so by the time you are ready to “roll” next year, I will likely have more to rec.
I have posted this in other threads, but Vali 3 is also capable of driving the Hinode which is 5.6 ohms at 90db sensitivity. Not an easy load for most $1k+ headphone amps, yet the Vali 3 is able to manage it.
Additional Notes – This tube/valve lands in a top spot for my system and to my ears. It is also my current favorite among the 5670 form factor. It has many of the same characteristics as the 6N3P-DR tube, also one of my favorites, but offers a unique difference in that it is more intimate, bringing the presentation (and details) front and center to the listener. Great sounding little tube and a recommended addition for any collection!
Disclaimer – All tubes are prone to audible variance, even when manufactured at the same plant at the same time. This is more apparent when the same tube design is manufactured at different plants around the world in partnership with the company to help produce them. Please take this into account when reading my listening impressions below, which should only be taken as a point of this reviewer’s reference.
Tube Design – Short Grey Plates, Halo “O” Getter
Country of Manufacture – (East) Germany
Date of Manufacture – circa 1970’s (according to seller)
NOS - Yes
Microphonic – No
Low Noise – No
Slight audible hum present, only noticeable with IEMs and without music playing
Subjective Audio Rating
Neutral Presentation
Good Bass, Great Mids & Treble
Great Presence & Air
Great Micro Details
Balanced Soundstage
Pairs Well With – Most Headphones & IEMs
Personal Rating - A Tier
Rating Info (High to Low): S, A, B, C
Additional Notes – This tube/valve in particular was rebranded “AMC” and sold in Great Britain around the 1970’s. It is a great and relatively inexpensive tube to add to anyone’s collection imho. The one thing I noticed with this tube is that while the overall presentation is incredibly good, the bass is a bit looser than I would prefer. It is good quality bass with good presence, but not as tight/articulate which is especially noticeable on fast bass present tracks.
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