Analysis Plus Crystal ovals vs. Nordost Valhalla??


Anyone that can tell me what I can expect if I spent the bigger bucks for the Nordost?

I am using it to connect CD player (linn Ikemi) via XLR 1.0m run to a McIntosh C100 pre-amp.

It's a nice, clean sounding system right now. Will it get better?

I have the Crystal Ovals also connecting to two MC352 vertically bi-wired amps, also XLR to preserve this system's wonderfully fully balanced concept. These will have to stay for a while, although I would consider switching these to Valhalla in the future also.

Thanks,,,, appreciate anyone's experience/opinions.
jbatlanta

Showing 1 response by thedautch

I am admittedly biased, as a committed Analysis Plus owner. Please remember, though, that you have to gauge whether the upgrade to Valhalla is worth giving up thousands of dollars worth of software. I mean, you might have to spend an extra $1500-$2000 in order to go from maybe a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 (AP Crystal Ovals) to a 9 out of 10 (Valhalla).

Granted, in a true money-no-object type of system, the upgrade from 8 to 9 can be a significant one. But if you have the sort of "real life" budget that 99.9999% of us have, maybe you should consider putting that two thousand dollars (!) into software, or a meanimgful equipment upgrade.

AP is, in my view, one of the very best "budget" type cables (if you can accept "budget" to be the syub-$500 price point). I wouldn't sacrifice software or hardware just to improve upon the AP's with a slightly better cable.

Just my two cents.