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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
bigkidz
3,445 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
627 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.
tindersticki
30 posts
 
I second Jabs recommendation for FMS "Nexus".
At this moment I am using "Nexus2" and this interconnect is even better, than original "Nexus".
In past I did compered HMS against FMS and "Nexus" was a winner in my system and in my personal opinion.
HMS IC is also very good.
Give a try to as many different IC's as you can. Your ears will decide, what sound best in your system.

Regards, Jack.
mikelavigne
2,243 posts
 
Btstrg, i have 6 sets of Valhalla interconnects in my system so you could say that i like it. i have compared a few other cables.....HMS, Suharuo, Siltech Compass Lake and Transparent Opus. the Opus killed everything but was too damn expensive ($90k to replace the Valhalla).....but the Valhalla was preferable to my ears in my system to the others.

there are many very good cables out there......but i believe that the Valhalla is the least colored and most open cable i have heard (except for the Opus)......the question would be......are those the qualities that your system needs to sound it's best to you?

if the sound in your system gets edgy as your volume increases look at your components not your cables......that is typically an amp/speaker issue.....or possibly your source. some cables may mask this effect to some degree but cables will not cause edgyness. once your system is mature and stable and natural at all volume levels then the most neutral, open cable will let you hear deepest into the music.

i do have Opus speaker cables which have never been equaled but they are stupid expensive.
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