If you are looking for the best tube for Vali 2, you can find all the essential information in this guide.
All audiophiles, music enthusiasts, VJs, and DJs accustomed to using premium personal/headphone amplifiers may not need to be introduced to Vali 2. Schiit Audio’s versatile, supremely affordable solid desktop headset amplifier-the tube-hybrid Vali 2-has been wowing hi-fi aficionados and audiophiles since its release in 2013. Vali 2 belts out enormous power that is more than what you may need for driving your demanding studio headphones while keeping the noise tolerably low.
Vali 2 makes the most of an exclusive power supply mechanism that transfers 60V to the plate. And coupled with the distinctive Coherence™ topology, the Vali 2 delivers much more than what you’d expect from an excellent and classy tube amp. Featuring an eminently affordable and readily available single twin-triode tube for boosting voltage gain, the Vali 2 facilitates tube swapping.
So, you can effortlessly swap out the stock 6BZ7 with a variety of compatible and transposable options like 2492, 6922, 6DJ8, ECC88, 6N1P, and even the 6CG7!
The 4 Best Tubes for Vali 2 – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Harmonix 6922 EH Vacuum Tube (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Genalex Gold Lion E88CC Gold Pin Tube (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Electro-Harmonix 6922 EHG Tube (Gold Pins) | Check Price |
 | JJ 6922 / E88CC Vacuum Tube | Check Price |
1. Electro-Harmonix 6922 Vacuum Tube (Top Pick)
The high-frequency dual-triode 6922 preamp vacuum tube from Electro-Harmonix finds pervasive applications in recording, studio, and hi-fi audio equipment. Additionally, this 6922 EH preamplifier vacuum tube comes as a perfect replacement tube for any E88CC, 6922, ECC88, or 7308 as it complements the European ECC88. This 6922-vacuum tube has been designed and developed in Russia and sturdily built to perform for years.
This Electro-Harmonix 6922 tube is of such an outstanding quality that many audio equipment and amp manufacturers relabel it for use in their gear. This 6922-preamp tube from Electro-Harmonix can also be replaced with the vintage 6922 from Sovtek, no longer under production. Guitar players excelling in blues, country, and jazz will find that this tube performs exceptionally well, enabling amps to reproduce a dynamic 3D holographic soundstage.
The specialties of this tube include smooth highs, well-balanced midrange, and highly subtle low-end. When you put this EH 6922 tube in your guitar amp, you can expect more pragmatic acoustics typified by frequency augmentation across the spectrum and boosted dynamics. In addition, when you use this 6922 to replace your OEM tube, you may notice a noticeable sound improvement.
The chances are that the audio might be airier with a wider, nicer, and clearer soundstage than the stock tube. The EH 6922 has a remarkably smooth treble, heavier bottom-end, and lower noise base than Vali 2’s 6BZ7. On the other hand, the layering and resolution are much better than the stock tube, and the performance also receives a boost.
Features
- Medium-gain dual triode preamp vacuum tube with 9-pin base
- High transconductance and frame grid design suitable for use in hi-fi audio and studio equipment
- Replaces almost any 6922-variant including but not limited to E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, and 7308
- Russian made
- Richer, smoother, and warmer sounding than comparable nine-pin dual triode preamp tubes
2. Genalex Gold Lion E88CC Gold Pin Tube (Close Runner-Up)
Genalex is amazingly popular with an elite band of guitarists thanks to its detailed and crystal-clear audio across the musical gamut. The Genalex Gold Lion E88CC/6922 tube with electroplated-gold pins furnishes an eloquent tone that reminds you of the vintage soundstage of handpicked Amperex 6DJ8 tube. When you install this Gold Lion E88CC vacuum tube in your guitar amp, you can expect a very vibrant soundstage portrayed by a comforting low-end and warm midrange.
Alternatively, the Genalex 6922 tube made with surgical-style precision high-quality materials helps sustain crisp, tight highs. In addition, the triode control grid functions as the third electrode functioning as an electrostatic shield assures extremely low electromagnetic or RF (radio-frequency) interference. This lowering of crosstalk distortion is ideal for miniature amplification sources such as tube microphones and magnetic or phonograph cartridges.
This Gold Lion E88CC tube from Genalex is the default preamp tube for astute amplifying applications thanks to its gold-plated pins, solid mica spacers, and noise-canceling spiral filaments. This Genalex gold-plated pin 6922/E88CC tube works and performs exactly like an Amperex NOS tube. These Genalex tubes are manufactured in Russia and Slovakia and reproduce smoother and fuller sound with brilliant tonal balance.
This Gold Lion 6922/E88CC ensures the reproduction of a detailed, fluid, and clean soundstage across the whole frequency response bandwidth. Audiophiles have said that this tube’s sound is intensely thorough, lucid, and without any distension. With this Genalex 6922, you can look forward to augmented treble force virtually fringing on sparkling clean bass with slightly better demarcation but less hefty.
Features
- E88CC gold-pin tube from Genalex
- Miniature octal-pin twin triode tube replaces any 7308, E88CC, 6922, ECC88, or 6DJ8 tube
- Premium-grade current production E88CC crafted following strict quality control specifications
- Quieter than most NOS tubes and also much fewer microphones
3. Electro-Harmonix 6922 EHG Vacuum Tube (Gold Pins)
Many guitarists and bassists have stated that the Electro-Harmonix 6922 EHG vacuum tube is worth its weight in gold. The EHG version of the original 6DJ8 provides good value for money, and it won’t be an overstatement to affirm that it sounds better and is less piercing. In addition, this EH has cemented its position in the market for preamp vacuum tubes thanks to its superior quality and rugged construction.
Due to its vintage analog sound, guitar players temptingly warm up to this 6922 EHG vacuum tube with gold pins. The Electro-Harmonix 6922 EHG gold-plated pin vacuum tube is compatible and transposable with the European E88CC/ECC88 and hence perfect for use in any ECC88, 6DJ8, or 6922 amplifier circuit. Guitarists will surely notice that the EHG 6922 gold pin variant has relatively less fizz than the typical EH 6922.
Besides the tonal character of this Electro-Harmonix 6922 EHG, it hugely simulates the standard 6922 preamp vacuum tube. The NOS tube offered a more exhilarating midrange, but this EH 6922 has higher frequency extension and superior dynamics. Though this tube is much less than the NOS version, it can rival the former for consistent performance.
Features
- Electroplated-gold pin counterpart of the standard EH 6922 tubes
- Drop-in replacement for any ECC88/E88CC, 6DJ8 or 6922
- Especially recommended for Audible Illusions Modulus 3B Full-Function Stereo Preamplifier
- Gold-plated pins resist corrosion and boost signal transmission strength
4. JJ 6922/ E88CC Vacuum Tube
The JJ Electronics 6922/E88CC vacuum tube-like all other JJ tubes exemplify brilliant tonality, extraordinary durability, and above all, versatility. Designed and produced meticulously by adhering to rigorous quality-control strictures, this JJ E88CC/6922 tube performs as efficiently as any stock tube in a preamp circuit. This JJ 6922 vacuum preamp tube is the North American equivalent to the European E88CC and, therefore, suitable for use in any E88CC/ECC88, 6DJ8, or 6922 circuitries.
JJ Electronics has built this tube using high-quality components and advanced fabrication technology to ensure it keeps performing for years. As a result, this 6922/E88CC is the choice vacuum tube for hi-fi amplifiers, preamps, and heavy-duty sound reinforcement systems. Players will discover that this JJ tube is tonally perfect, quieter, and smoother than most NOS tubes out there.
That will vastly improve the bass, and at the same time, the midrange and low-end are cleaner and invigorating, lifelike, and lucid with added detailing. As a result, this 6922/E88CC, which furnishes stupendous sonic performance in the preamp stage, is the first choice of musicians. Additionally, music buffs and bassists are drawn towards this JJ vacuum tube for its insanely low price and solid build quality.
Features
- Preamplifier/amplifier tube
- Sturdily built for extended functional life
- May perform better in comparison to stock tubes
- Full-bodied highs, pronounced midrange, and more extensive bass
What Tubes Can Be Used in Vali 2?
The Schiit Audio’s tube-hybrid Vali 2 offers you the best of both solid-state preamp and tube amp. Incorporating the sturdiness of solid-state amps and the tube amp’s vintage sound quality, the Vali 2 as an affordable entry-level headphone amp is feted by performers desiring mobility without sacrificing sound quality.
The Vali 2 takes advantage of a distinctive top-of-the-range best-in-class power supply that furnishes 60V to the plate with a standalone current-mode non-inverting hybrid topology.
On the other hand, this personal headphone amplifier comes equipped with an exclusive single tube that works as a well-balanced pentode despite being a dual triode. The single tube design combined with auto-biasing goes a long way in facilitating hassle-free tube rolling, doing away with tube compatibility requirements.
The flexibility of using a wide range of readily available compatible tubes without first matching up is one good reason why audiophiles swear by Vali 2.
Vali 2 comes with a single NOS 6BZ7 tube that you can replace with practically any good ECC88, E88CC, 6DJ8, 2493, 2492, etc., for your preferred soundstage. The fact that you require just one tube renders tube switching a breeze and highly affordable as well. In addition, the stock NOS tube used in the Vali 2 has many practical features and functionalities that you’ll fall for.
For a start, you’ll warm up to the crystal-clear signal transference, which ensures an extraordinarily low noise floor, brilliant frequency range and rich detail, profound bass, and mellowed midrange.
Then again, the Vali 2 can be paired with any preamp tube featuring a 6V heater, medium-gain 9-pin base, and up to 600mA of current output. So to put it in perspective, you can swap out the OEM 6BZ7 with a 6N23P, ECC88, 6922, 6DJ8 6N11, or 7083 tubes.
The only thing you’ll have to ensure is that the replacement tube has matching twin triodes for a smooth, trouble-free switchover. Once you’re sure the swap-over is successful, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that the sound is somewhat fatter, smoother, and warmer in comparison to the stock 6BZ7. In addition, the lower end will have better depth with more accuracy and clarity, and the highs a little more pronounced.
Conclusion: The Best Tube for Vali 2 Is…
All the four tubes reviewed above (two from Electro-Harmonix and one each from Genalex and JJ Electronics) serve as drop-in replacements for Vali 2’s stock tube. However, the plated-gold pin tube models of Genalex and Electro-Harmonix have a noticeable edge over the other two 6922 tubes when reproducing an eclectic soundstage.
Overall, the EH 6922 tube is the best tube for Vali 2 available on the market.