Best Schiit Vali 2+ Alternatives

Based on reviews from amazon.com, walmart.com, head-fi.org, addictedtoaudio.com.au, https:, and more.

Things to consider when looking for the best Schiit Vali 2+ alternatives

When comparing reviews for products, these are the top things reviewers talk about:

  • Sound quality: 274 mentions
  • Battery life: 16 mentions
  • Connectivity: 15 mentions
  • Fit: 12 mentions
  • Bluetooth connectivity: 11 mentions
  • Compatibility: 10 mentions
  • Bass: 10 mentions
  • Effects: 8 mentions
  • Soundstage: 8 mentions
  • Connectivity options: 8 mentions
A

Based on 109 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality
Portable and easy to use
XBass boost feature executed well
Balanced output
Can drive a variety of headphones with no issues
Not compatible with all devices (e.g. OnePlus phone)
Lack of power supply for laptop users
Some reviewers experienced issues with the battery

Verdict

Overall, the iFi Hip-dac receives high praise for its sound quality, portability, and features such as the XBass boost and balanced output. It is noted to be a significant improvement over built-in device audio and other portable DAC-amps. However, there are some minor complaints about the lack of a power supply and compatibility with certain devices. The majority of reviewers highly recommend the iFi Hip-dac for headphone listening, with some even considering it an endgame device.

A

Based on 52 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for music
  • Sticks to the back of an iPhone
  • Sound is similar if not the same as the original Q5
  • Improved imaging and sound stage
  • Must set the volume to 70% to hear it
B

Based on 59 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for guitar practice
  • Features digital amp modelling
  • Comes with 1.5 firmware
  • Over 12 amps and distortion pedals
  • Rechargeable
B

Based on 24 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for headphones
  • No interference
  • Clean sound
  • Easily drives the HD800S
  • Good value
B

Based on 62 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for sound quality
  • Easily adjustable volume
  • Good for music and movies
  • Comes with a DAC
  • Lifetime warranty
B

Based on 73 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for portable use
  • Bedeviled by the product's " Mid-fi hell"
  • Easy to cycle through setups
  • Solid sound quality
  • Good value for the price
B

Based on 15 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality
Versatile with built-in EQ, cab sim, and Bluetooth connectivity
Can be used for silent practice or as a DI for live performances
Recommended by many musicians
Convenient all-in-one package
Not all users have had success with Bluetooth connectivity
Some users may prefer a different headphone amp/cab sim for their specific needs
Price may be a barrier for some musicians

Verdict

The Darkglass Element Cabinet Simulation is a versatile and highly recommended tool for musicians looking for a headphone amp and cab sim. It offers built-in EQ, cab sim, and Bluetooth connectivity for playing along with tracks. Many users appreciate its ability to provide a great sound for silent practice, and it can also be used as a DI for live performances. While some users have had issues with Bluetooth connectivity, overall the Darkglass Element is praised for its quality and convenience.

B

Based on 22 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality
Value for money
Easy to use with a laptop
Works well with headphones such as Sennheiser HD599, AKG K7XX, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
Recommended for gaming and positional audio
Not compatible with phones
Not necessary if headphones are easy to drive or if a better amp is available
Some users have reported marginal differences compared to other DAC/amp combos, such as the Echo Link.

Verdict

The FiiO K3 is a highly recommended DAC/amp combo for headphones, with many users praising its sound quality and value for money. It is often paired with headphones such as the Sennheiser HD599, AKG K7XX, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. Users have also reported good results with gaming and positional audio. Leakage is not a concern at normal listening levels. The FiiO K3 is preferred over other DAC/amp combos such as the FX Audio X6 MKII and the iFi Zen. It is easy to use with a laptop but not compatible with phones. Some users have found it unnecessary if they have easy-to-drive headphones or a better amp. The FiiO K3 is also recommended for those who care about good audio but still use a headset. The newer FiiO New K3 has been released in 2021 but has not been widely reviewed yet.

B

Based on 96 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for desktop use
  • Balanced and musical sounding
  • Power headphone amplifier
  • Three gain settings and excellent channel tracking
  • Better than its predecessor
B

Based on 52 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for upgrading sound on headphones
  • Good value for the price
  • One channel dies quite dramatically
  • Simple packaging inside