"Mad Dog" by MrSpeakers, modified Fostex T50RP review - Page 187

Is it worth it for me to get the Lyr and only use the stock tubes? Or would I have to look into different tubes to get that 9.5/10 performance with the Mad Dogs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by anoxy 

Is it worth it for me to get the Lyr and only use the stock tubes? Or would I have to look into different tubes to get that 9.5/10 performance with the Mad Dogs?

GE's are pretty good. But IMO, BOO the stock Lyr. Invest at least a little bit and you're golden.

I know it's somewhat subjective, but would you say I'd see a $500 improvement in sound over my current NFB-12? Or just a different signature perhaps? Because I know the NFB-12 drives them with ease. I've just never heard a tube amp before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anoxy 

I know it's somewhat subjective, but would you say I'd see a $500 improvement in sound over my current NFB-12? Or just a different signature perhaps? Because I know the NFB-12 drives them with ease. I've just never heard a tube amp before.

The Lyr is very responsive to tube rolling. However I can't declare what kind of meaningful

value you'd get from tube rolling.

It's a mix and mash of preference and other thing's. The Lyr with $400 tubes is not going to

transform into a sub $1k amp. But the coloration or tuning by rollin' may please your ears.

There's also a fine line between different and improved. Again up to your ears.

I would not buy the Lyr if I wasn't invested into tube rolling.

Even with 1 very good tube, I believe you're missing the point of a tube amp w/ the rollin' ability.

With that said, you can get a ton of good value in tubes for $100-200. 

Suggestion:

Why not look for a used Lyr,in the buy/sell forum

Might be able to save a few bucks,which you will immediately blow on ....more tubes

Once you've been bitten,you just keep scractin..LOL

Its a great amp,&,you do not need to spends $kkk on tubes,like I did

Ge,Amperex,Rca... are all fine tubes..HK,,Matt, Paradoxper will guide you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobJS 

Properly amped, I find the 600 bass slightly better (more emphasized, extended) than the MDs, though both are very enjoyable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bee inthe Attic 

but are they different enough to own both... do you think they different enough to receive equal head time?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobJS 

 

 

Absolutely..... and they do.   Speaking of Mad Dog vs HD600 ...... yesterday i received a brand new Little Dot MKIV SE OTL amp.  As is characteristic of OTL amplifiers, they presumably do better with higher impedance headphones.  Well, I wasn't really cognizant of this yesterday when I was A/B'g several headphones between the Schiit Lyr and the LD MKIV, but what I determined (at least with the tubes that were installed, and before burn-in of the LD) was that the lower impedance phones (MDs, HE-500) sounded better (more extended, fuller lows, extended but smooth highs) with the Lyr ...... but the higher impedance HD600 actually sounded better out of the LD.  These were initial impressions only, but I was only intending to keep one tube amp, and this will make the decision more difficult.   I do have a Beyer T1 on the way, and I fear it will favor the LD making it impossible to get rid of anything!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzerdave 

 

You're in a tough spot.  The HE-500 and MD really can't sound their best on OTL tube amps (at least the one's I know like the LDIII / IV, CSP2+, Valhalla, etc).  However, OTL tubes amps can really make some efficient high-impedance headphones sing.  The T1 should sound very good on the LD mkIV judging by the numbers alone.  Good luck.

Beyer T1 came in.  Sounds crappy on the Asgard, good on the Lyr, and really great on the LD.  Anyway, getting back on thread topic, keep your Mad Dogs away from OTL amps!!

Anyone try the CENtrance DACport with the Mad Dogs? It looks like a powerful portable amp just looking at the specs.

EDIT: I heard about the 8x impedance rule. Can anyone briefly explain to me what that is? Is it really that important? The DACport output impedance is 10ohms. T50's are 50ohm

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmoney9438 

Anyone try the CENtrance DACport with the Mad Dogs? It looks like a powerful portable amp just looking at the specs.

 

EDIT: I heard about the 8x impedance rule. Can anyone briefly explain to me what that is? Is it really that important? The DACport output impedance is 10ohms. T50's are 50ohm

The dacport should work well.  I've owned it but don't have it now, and didn't get to try it with the MD's.  The 8X rule is to prevent interactions between headphone and amp impedance.  Per Dan, and I think someone else I checked with, the Mad Dog's impedance curve is ruler flat, and therefore unlikely to have any interactions with the dacport or other amps with a bit higher output impedance.

Note that I never had an issue with the dacport.  It is a nice dac and amp comp and sounds great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmoney9438 

Anyone try the CENtrance DACport with the Mad Dogs? It looks like a powerful portable amp just looking at the specs.

 

EDIT: I heard about the 8x impedance rule. Can anyone briefly explain to me what that is? Is it really that important? The DACport output impedance is 10ohms. T50's are 50ohm

The 8x rule don't apply to the planar headphones which have (almost) purely resistive impedance (which does not vary with frequency).

It's also highly dependant on how your glasses sit and conform to the shape of your head. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by vaed 

I have medium-thick glasses. The MDs at first were too tight, but you can easily adjust the metal under the rubber headband to reduce the clamping force while maintaining a good seal. Then they're like pillows on your ears, IMO.

Odd...the MD was too loose for me in the beginning. I eventually asked Dan about making it tighter and he told me about bending the headband to get more clamp. Now it fits perfectly. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by juntom10 

How comfortable is it for people who are wearing glasses? I am thinking of getting one but wondering it might be too tight?

Absolutely no problem with my glasses