Budget Hybrid Tube Amps Compared - OG Vali 2 vs MT602

In this video I compare a couple of cheaper hybrid tube amps. I’ve got the OG Schiit Vali 2 and the Xduoo Mt602. I figure people will be looking at these options as a first foray into tubes. I think overall, the Vali is probably more for me, just because of the tube rolling possibilities, but the MT602 does have some good features and might have the sound you’re looking for depending on your source gear and your headphones.

Some Gear Mentioned (some links affiliate):

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Look down below for links to all that gear and some other recommendations.

Of course, I always recommend you take a look at the used market, below are some sites that are great for that.

Some of my favorite equipment for various niches (some links are affiliate):

Or Schiit Mjolnir Gen :1 (gotta look used)
Headphone #3: OG NIghthawks: (look used)

Cables:

Recording Gear:
iPhone 14 Pro (overhead):

#vali #mt602 #tubeamp

[shawnpwatsons]

Nice review. I have the xDuoo MT-604 which is the balanced-only hybrid amp and I have to say that anyone who likes the Asgard 3 sound, and can deal with a balanced-only amp, will LOVE the sound of the MT-604.

[zounds]

Thanks, this is very timely because I've been trying to decide which of these two amps to get. Just yesterday I settled on the Vali 2++, to be paired with a Modi Multibit 2. You have confirmed that I made the right choice.

[HiFiMods]

I paired my new Cayin RU7 with MT602 running Voskhod tubes in it, and to my surprise it hindered the sound coming out of the RU7, as in it took away some detail, crisp and muddied the lows and the overall sound. I now just have the RU7 running on its own to my regular amp into speakers, as it sounds it's best without any additional coloring. Just waiting to get my Mogami 3.5 to RCA cable, these inexpensive ones off Amazon give such mixed result in sound )) I hope you get your RU7 soon, haven't had the RU6, but was gonna pick one up from your reviews, only to find out the RU7 is out now ;) It sounds spectacular! Lush, warm, strong well defined bass, good detailed natural mids and sparkling highs that just tingle my ears! Sounds like it's using tubes in pre/amp, but it's not! Very natural sounding DAC that I too now use as a desktop DAC 😅

[chefsteve]

Try the mullard M8100 tubes in the mt602 made a big difference...

[RdandTrk]

Nice comparison. I know you had some experience with the Valhalla 2 in the past. From your memory, is it worth the extra money over the Vali 2?

[winter-survivor]

Hi! Great review, thanks for share!
Question: Is it possible to plug in an electric guitar on these type of amps to use it as study purposes (input guitar, output headphones)? Or do I need other type of equipment?

[spamcan]

I have the xduoo and I'm sending it back. The gain is too much and I'm thinking I'll either save for a full tube amp to get the most tubeyness that I can or the vali 2+ that doesn't need matched tubes and can be used with more sensitive iems/headphones (if I'm remembering correctly)

[Scerrial]

Hi there. Nice video! Can you advise me pls. I am looking for good budget amp. What do you thing about XDUOO MT-601 S? Is it a nice choice for topping dx1 and Beyerdynamic DT770 250 ohm? Or i can take from my friend Schiit Vali 2. Which will be better? New XDUOO MT-601S or tested by time Schiit Vali 2. Thx a lot

[graelstream]

Hello, I currently have the Schiit hel+ and looking to get a amp for my audio Technica r70x refine. which of the 2 would be best to pair with my schiit hel+ as a dac?I mostly use it for gaming and some music downtime.. hope this reaches you..

[FallingSnowify]

Hello mate, Im looking for a good hybrid tube amp. I seen your video review. Do u have any for sale?

[beefsupreme]

Have you tried any of the cheaper tube preamps w tone controls? Aiyima makes a solid few

[scottlowell]

With little difference made, the 602 is probably like nobsound/Douk. MOSFET, not really tube.

[masterazlan]

Na, u can turn this balance in xlr to rca just like dat..the adapter r cheaps too..

[masterazlan]

Newbies towards tubes ha..
Slyvania its a gd roll..4 start
If u got a classics taste..hm western electric 403b..is a legend 1956..
peace!