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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

Showing 3 responses by trcnetmsncom

trcnetmsncom
431 posts
 
Hello Tplavas,

I did get a chance to compare a pair of Valhalla power cords vs. one Shunyata Anaconda Helix VX and one Anaconda Helix Alpha. This was on a EMM Dcc2 and CDSD digital front end. We had the two Shunyata P.C's one on the DAC and the other on the transport ( forgot which was where ) and then we listened to both the DAC and transport with the Valhalla's.

The Shunyata was very nice but it imparted this nice pretty sound on all the recordings IMO. The Valhalla was faster with more resolution of detail at all frequencies. The Valhalla changed from recording to recording leading me to believe it was the more neutral and transparent P.C. letting more of the true nature of the recording through. It simply resolved more of the music on the disc. I have to say I did like the Shunyata sound which was round, full, with nice detail and always pleasant , although IMO it definitely had a sound. Which one you or someone else will like more will depend on their taste and the particular system it is put in. But ... there is no denying the Valhalla let through more of the musical detail on all the disc played. Hope this helps and you find what you are looking for.

All the best,
Tom
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
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
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