Schiit Audio keep on trucking with the wallet-friendly headphone gear. Out of the gate this month is the Vali, a ‘subminiature’ tube hybrid headphone amplifier that sells for US$119. Not, that’s not a typo. US$119.
Yes, the casework is the same found on the solid state Magni but internally it’s a different game. The skinny NOS Jan Raytheon tubes found inside the Vali aren’t just buffers – they provide ALL the voltage gain.
“[The tubes] run on seriously appropriate 60V rails — ideal for the tube’s maximum rating of 67.5V. Beyond the tube is a fully discrete bipolar phase flipper, buffer, and output stage.”, says Jason Stoddard.
There’s reportedly enough power on tap for headphones from 32 to 600 ohms and, as with all Schiit gear, the Vali is 100% made in the USA.
The 16VAC input on the rear is fuelled by linear power supply juice. 230V versions are available for regions outside of the USA.
The Vali is shipping now.
Further information: Schiit | Addicted To Audio