Valhalla Review

Posted by Diatonic Cluster on July 4, 2002 at 08:45:44

I had trouble posting this in the review section, so here it is!

Product Review:

It never ceases to amaze me that an ordinary thin piece of wire can make such an extraordinary difference in sound.

After breaking the Valhalla interconnect cables in, I re-inserted the Nordost Quattro Fils and listened to The Burmester 2 Sampler CD - a terrific recording of various artists that exploit system strengths and weaknesses.

After about an hour of critical listening, I muted the preamplifier and removed the QF cables, and replaced them with the Valhallas (between the preamplifier and power amplifier).

The first cut on the Burmester disc, Toneff's "The moon's a harsh mistress" was absolutely seductive. The Steinway piano sparkled with great amounts of air, the nuance in Toneff's voice was clear and alluring. The soundstage had layers of depth, and the overall presentation was richer, fuller, and just more "lively".

To be clear, the Quattro Fils produce terrific sound, but the difference in the sheer fullness, increased soundstage detail, and musicality of the Valhallaâ€™s is beyond contrast.

I skipped over to the third track "Call Me" to test the difference in larger scale music. The deep Basse Contre voice of Leon Redbone was visceral in its presentation. The bass sax also exhibited considerable added punch and air, while not diminishing the clarity of the drums, guitars or other instruments. The soundstage and imaging is superb, with inner details and multiple layers of depth. Again, I am compelled to utilize the word "lively". These cables interject life into recorded music!

As I continued to listen to the Valhallaâ€™s, I was drawn into the music to the extent that I
no longer was taking note of their character.

The Valhallaâ€™s are extraordinary. Extremely musical, neutral and fast, I never could perceive a coloration or timbre fault in these cables. They breathe air and liveliness into the music with the largest, deepest soundstage I have ever heard.

Product Strengths: Stunning presentation of all types of music. Liveliness factor!
Product Weakness: Cost may keep audiophiles from purchasing (and your wife may send you to Valhalla, if you do buy them!) Not as mallable as some cables.

Associated Equipment. Please include Power Ratings, Speaker Sensitivity, etc.

Amplifier/Integrated Amp:
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):
Sources (CDP/Turntable):
Speakers:
Cables/Interconnects:
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):
Music Used (Genre/Selections):
Room Size -- Length: Width: Height:
Comments on Room/Treatments:
Time Period/Length of Audition:
Your System (if other than home audition): Above

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Topic - Valhalla Review - Diatonic Cluster 08:45:44 07/4/02 (26)

Re: Valhalla Review - Bud 08:35:24 07/5/02 (16)

Maybe it's my tube system,but... - JCS 04:41:36 07/9/02 (1)

Re: Maybe it's my tube system,but... - Bud 09:17:28 07/9/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review - HIFIADDICT 01:14:54 07/6/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review - Diatonic Cluster 14:39:57 07/5/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review - Bob Neill 10:47:55 07/5/02 (11)

may I ask... - kuma 13:23:06 07/5/02 (6)

Re: may I ask... - Bob Neill 13:29:36 07/5/02 (5)

it's possible Wilsons don't agree with Valhalla... - kuma 15:19:48 07/5/02 (4)

Re: it's possible Wilsons don't agree with Valhalla... - Bob Neill 06:00:04 07/6/02 (3)

Wilsons requires careful set up - lpcd2001 16:09:14 07/9/02 (0)

Au Contraire.... - Bud 09:23:44 07/8/02 (0)

Re: it's possible Wilsons don't agree with Valhalla... - kuma 10:11:42 07/6/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review - Bud 12:08:20 07/5/02 (3)

This is really a p.s. to a response to the above post. - Bob Neill 13:49:41 07/5/02 (2)

Re: This is really a p.s. to a response to the above post. - rcrump 14:54:01 07/5/02 (1)

Re: This is really a p.s. to a response to the above post. - RCPrince 10:00:40 07/8/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review: "clear and alluring" - Bob Neill 17:55:16 07/4/02 (4)

Cables and passive, active stages - Mwalsdor@cscc.edu 21:23:35 07/4/02 (3)

Should I bring those DIY El Dorado/Quattro Fils over again w/ the real QF next visit? - blazter 09:54:34 07/5/02 (1)

Please do - mwalsdor2cscc.edu 12:33:15 07/5/02 (0)

Re: Cables and passive, active stages - Bob Neill 07:24:00 07/5/02 (0)

Re: Valhalla Review - mikel 13:47:01 07/4/02 (3)

Re: Valhalla Review - Diatonic Cluster 14:08:51 07/4/02 (2)

Re: Valhalla Review - mikel 14:18:23 07/4/02 (1)

I hope you like jammin too! n/t - Jonathan Tinn 19:52:43 07/4/02 (0)

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