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

Showing 1 response by jadem6

First off, Valhalla must be burned in with a cable burner to reach their full potential. I was surprised at how they "calmed down" after 24 hours of burn in.
Secondly because these cables are so revealing and uncolored they will show EVERYTHING. My guess, room issues and electrostatic speakers. I'm now sure Valhalla and Martin Logan are a good fit. Electrostatic tend to need some weight to tame them and the Valhalla will not help here. I did find that adding one "thicker" colored cable from cd player to pre-amp with all Valhalla after that added the weight without slowing and darkening too much.
The Wadia is not a real favorite of mine either. I have always felt the Wadia is on the bright/ edgy side. In a system not overly revealing this sounds detailed, but the Valhalla may be exposing Wadia's faults.