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Nordost Valhalla - Opinions please

I have a couple questions about this interconnect. I am currently auditioning a 1 meter balanced pair. I have directly compared this interconnect against the Audioquest Anaconda, which is a very good addition to my system. The Nordost clearly beats the Audioquest at lower volumes, with more detail, a bigger soundstage, ect. Today was the first day I listened at a higher volume since the interconnects have been on. At low volumes I thought this cable was a keeper without a doubt, but at higher volumes I am experiencing some harsh highs and it seems like leaner bass. I've read some posts here regarding this cable stating this cable can do that on the weakest part of the system. There have been posts by people who have experienced this same thing. If I have a weak link in my system, I'm really not sure where it is. You can click on my systems tag here at Audiogon to view my system without writing all components here. My question is: Are there other recommendations to upgrade interconnects from Anacondas without added brightness. I love what the Nordost brings to the table as far as detail and soundstage, but I still like to hold my music together at high volumes and experience the same overall sound without losing my bass. The Audioquest at higher volumes has deeper bass and the highs and midrange arent' bright, but I lose some of the Nordost magic with the overall soundstage. Don't get me wrong, the Nordost sounds great on my system, but there are a few things as far as the sound I would change. Before I commit to this much money, I'm looking for opinions of interconnects to audition for my system before I make a final decision. Thanks for any help.
btstrg
Post removed 
btstrg OP
185 posts
 
I would like to say that I have gone through the preamp thing. With or without and after the statemeant upgrade from the Great Northeren Sound going with out a preamp HAS always sounded better, at least in my system. As today, it sounded very good with the Audioquest Anaconda I did change cables ( NORDOST ) and to the Exactpower,which the Nordost seem to open up a whole new world. I also put in a couple of new power cords: the Kimber Pallidion for amp and the Virtual Dynamics Signature for cd player. I see there are a few good cable suggestions and a preamp suggestion, which is not the path I'm going right now, unless I have to. I appreciate all the suggestions coming and definitely would like more. I'm curious about trying the HMS cables. Thanks for all the help so far.
bigkidz
3,395 posts
 
First of all, not all cables work in each system. I was just reading where someone was saying that 60% of sound is the room. Brightness can come in many forms, room, speaker placement, cables, and even the CDs you are using, etc. I have tried the Audience speaker cables and felt my DIY cables bettered them in my system. I do own the Audience power AC cord and it is a very good value for the money but was bettered by the VD Nite some $1100 list price more. You need not be hung up on the Valhalla name but find what works in your system. I second the other cable recs above and would try the Jena Labs cables next. You may also want to try the AZ Silver ICs, they work very well with my Pass X-250 amp and are a good value also.

Also try this tweak. Buy a bike inner tube 12". Buy the black magic tire shine stuff and fill the inner tube with it (you have to remove the valve with a tool the bike shop sells) and add a little air. Place the inner tube in a sand filled plastic dish and place the inner tube in the dish and the CD player on top. That may reduce some of the glare and then you can get the rolloer blocks or the others if you hear an improvement with this cheap tweak first.

Happy Listening.
snook2's avatar
snook2
626 posts
 
Agree with Calloway check out the HMS with 30 day no questions asked policy. Does Valhalla give a money back guarantee? It would be nice to hear both without the cost
jfz
570 posts
 
I'm in agreement regarding HMS. I preferred them to the Valhallas. Very similar, but a little more warmth and bass. Good luck.
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