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A question for those who've chosen a Valhalla PC..

I've recently compared the Shunyata Anaconda Helix alpha, and the Nordost Valhalla, and I was quite surprised by the large difference in character between the two. Considering that most PC-savvy audiophiles would call either a 'reference-caliber' PC, I wasn't expecting such a dissimilar sonic signature.
Could those of you who have chosen the Valhalla over the Anaconda Helix Alpha (not the VX) give me some feedback on why you prefer the Valhalla, and what components you prefer it on, including any component on which you didn't prefer it over the Anaconda?
Those who prefer the Anaconda are of course welcome to comment as well, but since there seem to be far fewer Valhalla owners currently, I'm looking for input from them the most.
Please try to put your comments in the context of your system, ie. tubes, horns, large speakers, smaller monitors, etc.
I know it's asking alot, but it seems to me that choosing one PC or the other as a basis for my system will lead to very different paths in upgrades/replacements.
Thanks in advance.
tplavas
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
May you post your comments on how do you like Valhalla vs Anaconda Helix ?

I have tried the Valhalla in my system and the older Anaconda VX (non Helix) but never heard the new Helix series.
tplavas OP
123 posts
 
Elberoth2, I was hoping for feedback from others who've made the comparison. At this point, I'm putting aside my preference, and simply need feedback to hear how these two very different cables have been integrated into others' systems.
Anybody?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Tplavas, I have in fact tried both Valhalla PC and Anaconda Helix Alpha on the X-01 player, but not during the same sitting. They are both truly great chords. I personally prefer the Helix. The Valhalla is incredibly extended and has no glare what so ever, but it seemed to be somewhat lean in the midrange. In the context of Babybear's system where I heard it, it tended to make the presentation very delicate and 'pure' but slightly two-dymensional compared to the Helix. Having said that, it is purely a matter of preference and of the nature of the whole system. I suspect that on slightly warmer systems the Valhalla would be wonderful.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Tplavas,

I did get a chance to compare a pair of Valhalla power cords vs. one Shunyata Anaconda Helix VX and one Anaconda Helix Alpha. This was on a EMM Dcc2 and CDSD digital front end. We had the two Shunyata P.C's one on the DAC and the other on the transport ( forgot which was where ) and then we listened to both the DAC and transport with the Valhalla's.

The Shunyata was very nice but it imparted this nice pretty sound on all the recordings IMO. The Valhalla was faster with more resolution of detail at all frequencies. The Valhalla changed from recording to recording leading me to believe it was the more neutral and transparent P.C. letting more of the true nature of the recording through. It simply resolved more of the music on the disc. I have to say I did like the Shunyata sound which was round, full, with nice detail and always pleasant , although IMO it definitely had a sound. Which one you or someone else will like more will depend on their taste and the particular system it is put in. But ... there is no denying the Valhalla let through more of the musical detail on all the disc played. Hope this helps and you find what you are looking for.

All the best,
Tom
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