2. cables
  3. 1154830930

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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
That's perfect Tplavas, now you have two perfectly valid contrasting opinions. Bottom line is. . . there is no replacement for your own ears.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Tplavas,

I just though it would be helpful for you to know that I did choose to buy 3 Valhalla power cords. Two for my BAT 150se monoblock amps and one for my BAT 51se pre-amp. Oddly enough I haven't bought serious power cords for my EMM Signature DAC6 and CDSD as of yet. My speakers are Avalon Eidolon Diamonds.

Also soon after buying the Valhalla p.c.'s I was fortunate enough to try risk free some Valhalla interconnects and speaker cables speaker cables in my system and also bought them. For me, they were an education and a learning experience in what neutral really means.

Enjoy,
Tom
tplavas OP
123 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. I've moved my smaller speakers into the room to compare the two cables. I've found in the past that my smaller monitors tend to make hearing what's 'really' going on easier. What may sound like a bit of warmth or coolness on my big boys, tends to be more clearly heard as a frequency anomaly on my small speakers. After I've done more listening, I'll try to post my thoughts, and perhaps have more questions.
Thanks again.
leonx
101 posts
 
I own 2 Valhalla powercables and also between power and Psu of mu Nu-Vista poweramp. I sold also many many Valhalla powercables. It has properties no other cabels can do. Resolution I think it is hard to beat by any cabel. But in de low and mid freq. it can cause some limitations. For example a Purist Audio is so much better in the low freq. It go's a lot deeper than the Valhalla can. And also in the mid freq. it is much more open. I hadvery good results with Valhalla powercables at: cd players, dac's, conditioners, pre-amps. And only a few good results on power amps. When you use to much Valhalla you will loose involvement in the mid freq. and also often in the low freq. I always say to use more different powercables, so you can use more properties.
trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Tplavas,

I'm looking forward to read your thoughts when you get a chance. Leonx, I can't say that I agree with you 100%. Not to say you are not hearing what you hear, but IMO ... all Valhalla can show just how colored other cables are. I don't find Valhalla at all lean, I think it just exposes all the muck other cables impose on the sound. It's too neutral for its own good. Resolution galore!!!

All the best,
Tom
More to discover