Schiit Audio
Vali 2+
Best hybrid amplifier for audiophiles seeking versatile, warm headphone sound.
Discover exceptional audio fidelity with the Schiit Audio Vali 2+. This amplifier uniquely combines tube and solid-state sound for a rich, engaging listening experience. It's engineered to drive a wide range of headphones, featuring switchable gain for optimal impedance matching. The Vali 2+ also serves as a versatile preamplifier, integrating smoothly into your existing audio setup. With its user-friendly controls and a durable aluminum and steel construction, it offers reliable, high-quality sound for discerning audiophiles.
$89.00
More Vali Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-94%
Below average
Power Output (High Gain into 16 ohms)
1500
/ mW RMS per channel
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, textured, and punchy listening experience
- Listeners owning both power-hungry planars and sensitive IEMs
- Budget-conscious hobbyists eager to experiment with tube sound signatures
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting a clean, clutter-free desktop setup
- Users of ultra-sensitive IEMs sensitive to background noise
- Owners with limited desk space or poor ventilation
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Hybrid design delivers a warm, engaging tube-like texture with solid-state precision.
Impedance Versatility
Switchable gain handles everything from sensitive IEMs to demanding high-impedance cans.
Build Integrity
Robust aluminum and steel construction feels built to last for years.
Preamplifier Utility
Seamlessly integrates into desktop setups as a high-quality volume-controlled preamp.
Desktop Footprint
Compact dimensions save valuable desk space without sacrificing audio performance.
Signal Clarity
Impressive noise floor ensures your music remains clean and distortion-free.
Key Specs
Power Output (High Gain into 16 ohms)
1500mW RMS per channel
Power Output (High Gain into 600 ohms)
100mW RMS per channel
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.02dB
Input Interface
Stereo RCA
Output Interface
6.35mm (1/4") TRS headphone output and Stereo RCA pre-output
Signal to Noise Ratio (High Gain)
>105dB, A-weighted
Total Harmonic Distortion (Low Gain)
<0.001% at 1V RMS into 300 ohms
Dimensions
5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches
Features
- Hybrid tube/solid state sound signature
- Switchable gain for impedance matching
- Dedicated preamplifier output
- Drives diverse headphone types
- Intuitive front-panel controls
- Robust aluminum and steel build
- Wide, accurate frequency response
- Class A output stage
What customers say
The Schiit Audio Vali 2+ earns high praise for its exceptional value and versatile sound quality. Users appreciate its hybrid design, which successfully merges tube warmth with solid state precision, creating an engaging and detailed musical experience. A key feature is the tube rolling capability, allowing enthusiasts to personalize the sound signature easily. Furthermore, the amplifier is commended for its robust build quality and ability to drive a wide array of headphones effectively. For those seeking an accessible yet highly capable entry into quality tube amplification, the Vali 2+ is widely regarded as a benchmark in its price category, delivering a compelling listening experience.
Know before you buy
The Vali 2+ uses a tube for the input stage to add warmth and texture, while the solid-state output stage provides the power and precision needed to drive headphones effectively. This combination gives you the engaging, musical character of tubes without sacrificing the control and low distortion of modern solid-state circuitry.
Yes, the Vali 2+ is capable of driving headphones up to 600 ohms and beyond. With its switchable gain settings, you can easily adjust the output to match the power requirements of your specific headphones.
Absolutely. The Vali 2+ features a dedicated preamplifier output on the back, allowing you to connect it to a pair of powered desktop monitors or a separate power amplifier for your main speakers.
Use the low gain setting for sensitive in-ear monitors or easy-to-drive headphones to maintain a low noise floor and precise volume control. Switch to high gain when using demanding, high-impedance headphones that require more power to reach optimal volume levels.
Yes, the Vali 2+ is a dedicated analog amplifier. You will need to connect an external DAC or another analog source to the RCA inputs on the back to play digital audio files.
Yes, the tube is accessible and can be swapped if you want to experiment with different tube types to slightly alter the sonic signature. Just ensure the unit is powered off and the tube has cooled down before handling.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.