A compact, stout little powerhouse, the Schiit Audio Valhalla 3 brings pure tube magic to the table via the same OTL/OCL technology of its big-brother Folkvangr, in this small, desk-friendly package . It’s currently the smallest Schiit product, with three gain settings, including no-feedback ,modern protection, as well as a switchable impedance multiplier; an adaptable amp that is able to drive most any headphone with its warm, unfiltered tone.
Introduction
The Valhalla 3 is here to replace Schiit’s longest-running amp, the Valhalla 2, with a total redesign built in the image of the Folkvangr ,now in a $499 desktop unit . Co-founder Jason Stoddard has likened it to a “fully-featured, essentially a mini-Folkvangr,” which combines some rare tube topologies and modern convenience and reliability of features.
What Is the Valhalla 3?
Valhalla 3 is a pure triode, Class A tube headphone amplifier, and preamp that is specifically designed with desktop audio enthusiasts in mind . Using an Output Transformer-Less and Output Capacitor-Less, OTL/OCL, topology, this means its headphone output is directly tied to the tube cathodes, hence an unimpeded signal path .
OTL/OCL Design Explained
A design utilizing an OTL/OCL eliminates output transformers and coupling capacitors from the audio chain, meaning it allows tubes to drive headphones directly. This design is very rare and usually reserved for ultra high-end, cost-no-object amplifiers. Without these components Valhalla 3 provides an immediately more transparent tube sound.
Mini-Folkvangr Technology
Folkvangr, Schiit’s $1,799 flagship headphone amplifier, first introduced the OTL/OCL design . Valhalla 3 borrows many of it’s circuits and the tube complements, and simply shrank for practical user footprint without sacrificing the Folkvangr performance. Jason Stoddard cautions that Valhalla 3 embodies the Folkvangr’s “tube-direct” philosophy, just with a more manageable sized footprint.
Impedance Multiplier
Low-impedance headphones typically have an associated high current demand that might exceed what tubes can provide on their own. Valhalla 3’s switchable impedance multiplier’s acts like a buffer, while keeping the tubes in the signal path (very cool). The impedance multiplier provides a great expanding range of compatibility for truly hard to drive lower-ohm cans and high-impedance cans.
Gain Settings & No-Feedback Mode
Valhalla 3 provides three different level gain, low, high (with feedback), and no-feedback, for maximum flexibility during use. The no-feedback setting is useful for squeezing every drop of gain out of your amp, particularly useful with high-impedance headphones that may need a little extra headroom to drive them. Rhetorically, it’s like having three amplifiers living together in one chassis: you can choose feedback for cleaner detail or no feedback for raw tube warmth.
Modern Protection Features
The differences between vintage tube amplifiers and Valhalla 3 are not behind the performance; they are in the modern protection features. Unlike vintage tube amps, Valhalla 3 has delayed startup and fast shutdown, which helps to extend the useful life of the tubes. The continuous analog-computer style DC sensing and automatic disconnect will prevent faults from propagating without interrupting your listening session. These smart protection features are rare in the realm of tube based gear, and they bring a level of peace of mind while listening that isn’t often found in other products.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
Hand-assembled in the USA from mostly non-milled precision stamped and formed chassis parts, Valhalla 3 reduces waste, compared to milled chassis designs. The sleek modern design, with the removable thermal plate, that pairs well with most tech, looks good but also allows for better thermal dissipation to maintain a stable operating temperature during marathon listening sessions.
Desktop-Compatible Form Factor
Valhalla 3 is 11.5” wide and has front-panel controls making it very easy to fit on any desktop . And with filtered preamp outputs, you can easily connect active speakers or a DAC to make it the central node in your desktop audio system .
Pricing & Availability
At $499, Valhalla 3 is less than many boutique tube amps, and even more remarkable, it’s done with cutting edge advanced topologies. Available in black or silver, it’s available right now at Schiit’s website and all authorized dealerships.
Conclusion
Schiit Audio Valhalla 3 takes flagship Folkvangr technology and distills it into an affordable and compact amp that doesn’t skimp on transparency, flexibility, and build quality. It has an ultra-rare OTL /OCL design, three gain choices, and modern protection. There is nothing else out there like Valhalla 3 if you’re looking for simple pure tube sound in a desktop package.
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