I do not have any first hand listening experiences with the Valhalla line, but I do know many audiophools who have. One golden earred buddy of mine traded his entire Valhalla line for the top of the line Harmonix ICs, power cords and speaker cables. That was enough for me to try the power cords. After a short burn in and a good listen, it did not take me long to order there Golden Performance ICs. Next year: the speaker cables. peace, warren |
Somebody elses opinion,/ somebody elses system ?? I say give it a shot. Buy smart so you can get your dough back---But at least you'll know and won't have to take someone elses opinion.---Sort of a take on "one listen worth 10 opinions".>>>> Just a quick edit: The fact that a pair of ics is seldom priced under 1600 says something.---Even if you don't like them; they do hold their value. |
I have just tried it into my ML 331 amplifier. It is a fantastic powercable. Quick, transparent, substantial but very punctual bass. Compared to it the Harmonix Studio Master is a bit muddy and slow, and Vishnu is lacking body and bass slam. So, yes, it is a wonderful cable. But both Vishnu and Harmonix are far less cheaper, so it is better that the Valhalla better. Question is how it relates to similarly priced cables, like Elrod, etc. |
You might want to go to hometheaterhifi.com and read a review of that cord in a blind test. Pretty interesting. |
Husk01, how about the condensed readers digest version of the review? |
In a recent HiFi+ review, the reviewer thought that adding the Thor in the system was a better sonic upgrade than adding Valhallas. Since you already have Vishnus, this might be something to consider. |
Sorry, but I do'nt get it. I have a good medium price power cable by Merlin and bought a 2nd hand Vishnu. I tried it on my CJ Premier 17, Pass Labs Aleph 3 and Shandling CDT-100. I noted a marginal gain , if any. I am sure the Valhalla is better, but really, the cost. Moreover, logically, you need to change all the power cables in the loom and thats serious money. As Howie says, I would go for the Thor first. Certainly in my system, a new poer conditioner made far more difference than power cables |
I am using both the Valhalla and the Elrod Statement II. Valhalla is much more transparent and rapid. The Statement brings more bass at the expense of transparency. Statement in on Meitner CDSD, Valhalla on Meitner DCC2 and Tenor 150.
I am pleased with the combination but should have a try at a complete Valhalla system. |
I sold the most Valhalla cables in the Netherlands and I have a lot of experience with Valhalla's in many systems. I also have a lot of experience with many top cables. Valhalla powercables have the most resolution I've ever heard. But they miss the slam and drive of other cables. I tried many times full Valhalla in my system. I've also Valhalla loudspeakercable in my system. When I use full Valhalla in my system I loose individual focus. I sold many different Nordost cables. You cab use it for a big part in your system, but I never had the best experience with 100% Nordost cables in a system. I use cables for there properties. Because this is he only way you can get the sound you are looking for. Valhalla is great for preamp, cd, dac, but for power amp's it is not the best solution. |
Hello,
I recently put Valhalla's on my BAT 150se mono-block amps and my 51se pre-amp. Wow! Also, did a shoot out over a friends house of power cords on his Meitner DCC2 and CD-SD. The Valhalla was easily the most neutral and transparent. Feel free to send an e-mail if you would like to know the details.
All the best,
Tom |
I have mixed feeling about the Nordost Valhalla powercord. I have a 15amp Valhalla on my preamp. I also have a 15 amp Shunyata original Black Mamba on my cd player and a 20 amp Shunyata Anaconda Alpha on my amp. I'm also using Nordost Valhalla speakercable on the treble/mids and Nordost SPM on the bass. I listed all this because I feel that you need a balance. Too much Nordost can give you too much treble and upper midrange information, while it slightly thins the midrange registars. The Nordost Valhalla powercord overall brings your sytem to a new level with clarity, soundstage, treble/upper midrange resolution, treble/upper midrange dynamics, treble/upper midrange decay and lower bass. It actually makes the system sound way clearer and live-sounding. The problem that I've noticed is a thinning of the midrange and upper bass, especially at lower volumes. Of course, things may be different down the road. I have between 100 and 130 hours actual playing time on the cord. It may not be broken in completely. I think that the Nordost Valhalla powercord would be sensational in a full sounding system. If your system is already slightly thin in the middle, then it may not be the right choice. As with everything else, it's system dependent. Best wishes! Stan |
I use all Valhalla throughout my entire system including 4 Valhalla power cords,speaker cable and interconnects.
Simply put (IMO) there is no finer cable made. Certainly there may be more expensive but none that brings to life my system in the manner in which Valhalla does and I have owned them all. |
GyN, that's some unbelievable set up you have....must sound awesome.
Larry K. |
GyN, that's some unbelievable set up you have....must sound awesome.
Larry K. |
Thanks Larry
It has taken me 33 years to get to this point. Everyone must decide for themselves when they have reached audio nirvana wherein they kick back and just enjoy the music. I feel that is where I am now. |
