[sling5s]

Sorry didn't read through this thread.  Can anyone compare the HDP vs Lyr with LCD-2?
 
Much appreciated. 

 

[MacedonianHero]

Sorry didn't read through this thread.  Can anyone compare the HDP vs Lyr with LCD-2?
 
Much appreciated. 

HDP...not ideal IMO...the LCD-2s sounded "polite" and thin with poor dynamics....the Lyr (as Kevin put it), kicks like a mule.

Orthos need power to reach their full potential and 4 W into 50 ohms from the Lyr does a phenomenal job driving both the LCD-2s and even HE-6s. The Nuforce on the other hand is only 250mW ish into 50 ohms...not enough to get your foot in the door with either can IMO.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

HDP...not ideal IMO...the LCD-2s sounded "polite" and thin with poor dynamics....the Lyr (as Kevin put it), kicks like a mule.

Orthos need power to reach their full potential and 4 W into 50 ohms from the Lyr does a phenomenal job driving both the LCD-2s and even HE-6s. The Nuforce on the other hand is only 250mW ish into 50 ohms...not enough to get your foot in the door with either can IMO.

IMHO, the HDP is overpriced.  It's ok as an entry level DAC that happens to have a low powered headphone monitor circuit in it, but it's priced too high for what it delivers.
 
 

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

IMHO, the HDP is overpriced.  It's ok as an entry level DAC that happens to have a low powered headphone monitor circuit in it, but it's priced too high for what it delivers.
 
 

I think as a DAC it's a little better than my $400 Headroom MicroDAC or Pico DAC.  And the headphone amp is not that underpowered, as they increased the output right before it was released but never updated the specs.  The headphone jack sounds identical to an RSA Protector in balanced mode, with slightly more power when driving HD600 but good bit more power when driving HE-6.  It also sounds much better with my 15v Sigma 11 PSU powering it.  Granted it's slightly aggressive sounding and not a great match with my HD800, but I think it does a nice job with the LCD-2, Denon D7000, HF-2, and a very good job with HD600.

 

[MacedonianHero]

While I generally agree with Kevin based on my experiences, I will concede that the HDP does a "nice" job with the LCD-2s. The thing is, the Lyr with the proper tubes does a fantastic job with the LCD-2s.

 

[olor1n]

"Kicks like a mule"  is a very apt description of the Lyr. I suspect the Lyr isn't as praised as it deserves because many have formulated opinions based on stock configuration. It's elevated to another level with the right tubes.

 

[MacedonianHero]

"Kicks like a mule"  is a very apt description of the Lyr. I suspect the Lyr isn't as praised as it deserves because many have formulated opinions based on stock configuration. It's elevated to another level with the right tubes.

Exactly. The JJ tubes are average at best...a bit dry IMO. But roll in some better tubes and you're off to the races. I think many "non tube" fans bought it initially and didn't experiment with different tubes. Thanks to MrScary for rectifying that one.

The Lyr is a better amp at powering my LCD-2s (and HE-6s for that matter) than the more expensive Concerto and WA2. Don't let the price fool you, this is one heck of an ortho amp.

 

[fomoz]

Exactly. The JJ tubes are average at best...a bit dry IMO. But roll in some better tubes and you're off to the races. I think many "non tube" fans bought it initially and didn't experiment with different tubes. Thanks to MrScary for rectifying that one.

The Lyr is a better amp at powering my LCD-2s (and HE-6s for that matter) than the more expensive Concerto and WA2. Don't let the price fool you, this is one heck of an ortho amp.

but is it that much better than a HA-160D?

 

[MacedonianHero]

but is it that much better than a HA-160D?

With the LCD-2s, I prefer it to the HA-160 and Concerto by a reasonable margin.

 

[Paul Meakin]

 

I'm currently using HD650s, but considering LCD-2s.
 
I have an old gadget called a 'Can Opener' from a couple of decades ago, which was designed to connect the speaker outputs of my equally old Naim power amp to a headphone socket.
 
The NAP-250 that I have will deliver around 10A/70VA continuously, and 15A/400VA peak... but the Can Opener fortunately attenuates the signal to sensible levels for headphones. I used to a pair of old Beyers (1980s vintage 990s?) and it worked fine with them.
 
I suspect that this might sound spectacular into the 650s or LCD-2s, and it will cost me nothing to try with the 650s. I just need to retrieve it from my friend who I loaned it to some years ago; he's happy to return it.
 
I'm really tempted by the idea, so do you think I should I give it a try, given how much I like the 650s and the prospect of the LCD-2s?
​

 

[Hero Kid]

Has anyone read anything about the Butte desktop amp designed by Pete Millet and how it performs with the LCD-2? I know it hasn't been released yet and I don't think Tyll has had the opportunity to give it a listen but it has me curious. For people like me on a limited budget it might be the entry into the world of Millet designed and built amps...

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Quote:

While I generally agree with Kevin based on my experiences, I will concede that the HDP does a "nice" job with the LCD-2s. The thing is, the Lyr with the proper tubes does a fantastic job with the LCD-2s.

I understand.  I haven't tried the Lyr yet, and the DACmini and SR-71b with balanced Silver Dragon also do a better job with the LCD-2, but the HDP still isn't anything to shake a stick at. Now that my ZDT has the upgraded partial silver transformers it is my best amp for the LCD-2.

 

[fomoz]

With the LCD-2s, I prefer it to the HA-160 and Concerto by a reasonable margin.

what is different between how it sounds with your Lyr and the HA-160?

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

 

I'm currently using HD650s, but considering LCD-2s.
 
I have an old gadget called a 'Can Opener' from a couple of decades ago, which was designed to connect the speaker outputs of my equally old Naim power amp to a headphone socket.
 
The NAP-250 that I have will deliver around 10A/70VA continuously, and 15A/400VA peak... but the Can Opener fortunately attenuates the signal to sensible levels for headphones. I used to a pair of old Beyers (1980s vintage 990s?) and it worked fine with them.
 
I suspect that this might sound spectacular into the 650s or LCD-2s, and it will cost me nothing to try with the 650s. I just need to retrieve it from my friend who I loaned it to some years ago; he's happy to return it.
 
I'm really tempted by the idea, so do you think I should I give it a try, given how much I like the 650s and the prospect of the LCD-2s?
​

By all means, give it a try!
 
 

 

[Paul Meakin]

I guess with a degree of caution, to ensure that I don't melt the drivers onto my ears...?
 
Quote:

By all means, give it a try!