Forgive my ignorance, but any difference between the 3+ and the 3 Heresy?

@misteral201103 That will be the question everyone wants to know! Technically, the Heresy is opamp based and measures better "objectively.;" the 3+ measure with more distortion, if I remember correctly. But everyone is curious which one @Currawong wants to listen to; which he'd keep if he had to choose at this price point; and most of all, what the sonic differences are, if any?...

...He does say "even-sounding" vs. "lively." I'm considering interpreting "lively" as "bright" but that's mostly on my own bias of less distortion can sound "brighter" (and over time, maybe irritating) while more distortion (as with the 3+, if I'm remembering correctly) can sound less bright...but also better for longer listening. But he'd be able to input better than I can! And he failed to mention what matters most of all: Which chassis is more aesthetically pleasing?

If it helps anyone I own a Magni 3 ( not the Magni 3+ ) and the Heresy and did an A/B test using some Aeon Flow Open, D50s DAC, and Geshelli Archel 2.5 amp. I could not hear any difference. Hope that helps. I do love the colors and improved measurements of the Heresy. I think either will suit you, but why not go with something that measures better. Less to question in the long run really.

I think when someone posts "lively" that in my head it's about being slightly aggressive sounding? Or possibly that means being more energetic (pop and lock) but not actually aggressive in nature (Edition-X is more lively than an HD-650).

I haven't gotten around to unpacking my Magni 3+ that I got for myself as a Christmas present, but the previous Magni 3 that I gave my son last Christmas sounds great while being fed from his Audioengine D1 DAC using some generic silver plated copper RCA interconnects. His Magni 3 was a good match for his HE-560 (as well as with Westone and NXEars IEM), and I'd use it in a heartbeat with my HD600 and HD650 as well.

But the old 3 wasn't a good match with our HD-800 or HD-800s (although my son's Pioneer VSX-LX103 receiver is great with HD800). So, I'll have to try out my 3+ and post my thoughts after I have tried it for a while (I can compare it to my Magni 1, but the Magni 3 is at college with my son).

Hi, have been absent for a couple of years, am looking at either the Vali2 or Heresy to pair with Grado rs2e, any views please

Heresy hands down. Way better amp in terms of measurements and upkeep. Vali2 has tubes which add a ton of distortion, heat, and problems down the road. You won’t regret your Heresy purchase.

Am I missing the part where OP mentions what Source/DAC were used?

Mostly an Yggdrasil A2. At this level, the source isn't going to make a dramatic difference IMO.

That depends; were you running balanced output to the amps or unbalanced because that's an obvious difference in voltages, and different needs for gain.