[jimithing60089]

I just bought the Tesla T1 headphones and I am wondering what a good DAC + AMP combo would be for them?  I'd like to spend $500 or less.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Schiit Valhalla2 and Modi2. You can add a bit more and get the Lyr2 if you like.

 

[jimithing60089]

What is the advantage of the Lyr over the Valhalla?

 

[inthere]

The only advantage I feel is the Lyr uses only 2 tubes, while the Valhalla uses 4. 
 
If you tube roll the difference can be quite expensive. For instance, if you want to switch to Telefunken tubes for $335 each, that will be $1340 for the Valhalla and $670 for the Lyr. 

 

[ProtegeManiac]

  What is the advantage of the Lyr over the Valhalla?

 

Lyr has way more power at low impedance; Valhalla is designed to deliver at high impedance. From my experience with the T1 at 600ohms, even with its Tesla efficiency some amps can feel that it's a stiff load and lack dynamics compared to a more muscular amp. Even my Meier Cantate that does well driving the AKG K70x to have dynamics comparable to the HD600 didn't do too well on the T1, which sounds a little sleepy compared to the Sennheiser and AKG (and even the DT880).

If you can afford it, go for the Lyr, even with 100mW less output at 300ohm and 600ohm. In case you decide to get orthodynamic headphones later on the Lyr will be ready for 'em too, more than the Valhalla. Of course, if you're somewhat sure you'll stick with higher impedance headphones and won't get into very demanding low impedance headphones (the Valhalla2 supposedly does muchbetter on low impedance loads than the original version), then the Valhalla2 is a good choice.

 

[superjawes]

What is the advantage of the Lyr over the Valhalla?

Tradeoffs. Your the input impedance of the T1 is 600 Ohm, so Valhalla will actually deliver more power. Also, Valhalla is all-tube if you like tubey sounds, while Lyr is a hyrbid (so it may not be as tubey sounding).

But that hybrid design means that Lyr can offer much more power into low impedance, while Valhalla falls short. This puts Lyr into a "can power pretty much anything" category that's great if you're hopping around many different headphones.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I just bought the Tesla T1 headphones and I am wondering what a good DAC + AMP combo would be for them?  I'd like to spend $500 or less.

 
Audio-GD NFB-15 ($250 - $270 + shipping) or the NFB-11 ($315 - $355 + shipping), external DAC/amps.
They come with USB, optical & coaxial input and a headphone amplifier with plenty of power
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB112014/NFB112014EN.htm
 
I've been using the slightly older NFB-15.32
For the past 20 months.

 

[jimithing60089]

Thanks guys I think the Lyr might be the smarter choice in the long run then.