The Long-Awaited Schiit Valhalla 3 Is Finally Here — and It’s a $499 Tube Dream

ducurguz
May 5
2 min read

Silver audio amplifier with vacuum tubes on top and control knobs on the front, labeled "VALHALLA," set against a black background.

A true heir to one of Schiit’s most iconic amps, Valhalla 3 brings pure triode magic, zero feedback mode, and real Folkvangr DNA — all for under $500.-

A New Era for Affordable Tube Headphone Amps

After years of quiet anticipation, Schiit Audio just dropped the Valhalla 3, a full rework of its longest-running headphone amp. Priced at $499, it’s not just a minor refresh — it’s practically a mini Folkvangr, Schiit’s ambitious, ultra-limited flagship tube amp.

This isn’t just for tube-curious beginners. With a pure triode, Class A OTL/OCL design, the Valhalla 3 is going after serious headphone enthusiasts — delivering that unmistakable tube tone without transformers or capacitors in the signal path.

What’s New?

This is more than a Valhalla 2 with a new faceplate. Here’s what Schiit has packed in:

✅ Output Transformer-Less / Output Capacitor-Less topology (OTL/OCL) — rare at this price
✅ Three gain levels, including a no-feedback mode for high-impedance cans
✅ Switchable impedance multiplier — better match for tough-to-drive, low-Z headphones
✅ Advanced protection: delayed startup, fast shutdown, and DC sensing
✅ Filtered preamp output for integrating active speakers or a full desktop rig
✅ Refined thermally-optimized chassis design — cooler, sleeker, smarter

Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s co-founder, calls it a "mini-Folkvangr," and that’s no exaggeration. It's trickle-down tech from a $1,800+ flagship made compact, cool, and actually obtainable.

Designed for Real Desktop Life

Beyond the sound, Valhalla 3 brings real-world usability:

No transformers = cleaner signal
No capacitors = zero mush
Smart analog protection = peace of mind

And it's still made in the USA, with Schiit's signature efficient, sustainable chassis production — no milled-aluminum overkill here.

Schiit’s Most Modern Tube Amp — But Still All Schiit

Schiit didn’t just modernize the Valhalla — they future-proofed it. With fully analog no-compromise audio, but updated safety and compatibility features, the Valhalla 3 is ready for today’s desktop setups without losing any of that retro magic.

Whether you're pairing it with Sennheiser HD600s, ZMFs, or something more exotic, this amp is built to drive with authority and sound lush doing it