Schiit Lyr+ : Impressions Thread

[j0val]

I assumed it was to facilitate the quicker switching from SS to Tube and back, though even then there could still just be a button on the remote that turns the tube off.

It still takes about 20 seconds when switching between tube and solid state.

 

[benjifx19]

Are you using it with Empyrean?

I have the Empyreans and was curious about this also. It looks like im going to pull the trigger on this one and get it

 

[DeckHiFi]

I hope Schiit comes in here and explains why the tube doesn’t turn off in SS mode. Would be nice to know what their thoughts are on this…

 

[Beefy]

I hope Schiit comes in here and explains why the tube doesn’t turn off in SS mode. Would be nice to know what their thoughts are on this…

My guess.... Tubes don't conduct when they are cold. I would imagine through technical or practical consequences this kills any 'hot swap' ability. Also, it's going to be a fairly chunky relay that can safely handle tube heater current, and this amp is already a tight squeeze.

 

[DeckHiFi]

Yea it’s just interesting, and I can see why people would think it’s cool to have that feature (if it did turn off). Maybe next time, but yea it might have practical limitations that would be nice to hear from the source. I’m still very interested in this product overall. Hopefully we get a lot more impressions. I’m guessing it’s similar to the lyr3 which seems to be mostly loved here.

Do people generally think the lyr3 tube sound and overall sound qualities are much better than the vali2 or does it depend on who you talk to?

 

[chef8489]

Yea it’s just interesting, and I can see why people would think it’s cool to have that feature (if it did turn off). Maybe next time, but yea it might have practical limitations that would be nice to hear from the source. I’m still very interested in this product overall. Hopefully we get a lot more impressions. I’m guessing it’s similar to the lyr3 which seems to be mostly loved here.

Do people generally think the lyr3 tube sound and overall sound qualities are much better than the vali2 or does it depend on who you talk to?

I felt there was a big difference from the vali 2 and the lyr 3 when I had them both. Even when I used the modi multibit with the vali 2 and used the multibit version of the lyr 3.

 

[Balthazar B]

My guess.... Tubes don't conduct when they are cold. I would imagine through technical or practical consequences this kills any 'hot swap' ability. Also, it's going to be a fairly chunky relay that can safely handle tube heater current, and this amp is already a tight squeeze.

Would be interesting if there were a socket gizmo that would enable even a manual bypass for the tube while keeping the heater and other circuitry electrically happy, and not adversely affect the audio signal. Wouldn't need to squeeze anything else into the case.

Unlike most other Schiit gear, the Lyr+ can't be left on -- it's usually beneficial if it can be -- unless it's in exclusive mosfet mode via no tube installed. I'm still digesting the tradeoffs related to this behavior while mulling over whether to purchase a Lyr+.

On a separate topic, since the Lyr+ has a preamp stage, I'm curious how it compares sonically to, say, a Saga+, if it's used as a preamp for active high quality desktop monitors or traditional full-range amps and loudspeakers.

 

[PoSR77]

I felt there was a big difference from the vali 2 and the lyr 3 when I had them both. Even when I used the modi multibit with the vali 2 and used the multibit version of the lyr 3.

Thanks, that's helpful as I had a Vali 2 years ago, and despite liking the sound, I eventually gave it to a friend as I moved on to other gear. But even after all these years, I still remember it fondly, so if the Lyr models (of which I never had/heard any) are basically an improved version of the Vali, then that interests me more in this new Lyr+.

However, I do have a Asgard 2 I bought a few years ago as a stop-gap and I never liked it much: it just sounded so "meh" to me (muddy, unrefined, unresolving). So that put me off from Schiit.

But is there a consensus that maybe the lower range solid state Schiit gear isn't as good as the lower range tube hybrid gear and especially the more middle/upper range tube hybrid Schiit gear like the Lyr?

If so, that might make just go ahead and order this.

 

[chef8489]

Thanks, that's helpful as I had a Vali 2 years ago, and despite liking the sound, I eventually gave it to a friend as I moved on to other gear. But even after all these years, I still remember it fondly, so if the Lyr models (of which I never had/heard any) are basically an improved version of the Vali, then that interests me more in this new Lyr+.

However, I do have a Asgard 2 I bought a few years ago as a stop-gap and I never liked it much: it just sounded so "meh" to me (muddy, unrefined, unresolving). So that put me off from Schiit.

But is there a consensus that maybe the lower range solid state Schiit gear isn't as good as the lower range tube hybrid gear and especially the more middle/upper range tube hybrid Schiit gear like the Lyr?

If so, that might make just go ahead and order this.

What makes the tube hybrid stuff better is the ability to tube roll. Vintage tubes really made a difference to me. It mad a difference enough here 2 years after selling my lyr 3 I decided to purchase another one with the multibit a couple weeks ago before they were all gone.

 

[j0val]

A few more impressions/observations of the Lyr+

- takes almost exactly 20 seconds to switch between tube gain to solid state
- On low gain, listenable volume level starts at about 12 o' clock for me
- The solid state mode has a good amount of detail and a more neutral presentation. There's a decent amount of slam/impact compared to tube (using Shuguang cv181-z), but soundstage is slightly narrower and less holographic.

 

[j0val]

Anyone able to compare SS mode to Jot2 or Asgard 3 yet?

 

[tamleo]

Great so far, I've been mostly using SS today listening to some tunes while working, and my initial impressions stand. It's very clean and engaging without any of the shoutiness I remember from older Schiit amps and which I always fear will rear its head (but it seems everything post Lyr 3 has been rid of that particular issue). It has greater clarity and overall timbral sweetness than Jot 2, and I think the engagement factor is what really separates it from the L3, which was good but felt lackluster with the BFM for some reason. I think the Lyr 3 is a bit airier, more relaxed... which could be a positive or a negative, again, depending on the setup around it.

But, yes, sense of clarity is what really jumps out at me about the L+ in general. A number of recordings that I enjoy but typically find a little muddy on most set-ups sound actually just right with the L+ solid state, yet brighter recordings so far haven't seemed brighter or harsher or anything. *Magic*

I plan on switching to the tube after work and seeing if I then detect any overall character changes, I'm not familiar enough with either stage yet to say for sure.

What did you mean saying the lyr 3 to be more airy? The treble is more extensive , shimmering or is there a bigger headstage? Tks

 

[jonathan c]

Yea it’s just interesting, and I can see why people would think it’s cool to have that feature (if it did turn off). Maybe next time, but yea it might have practical limitations that would be nice to hear from the source. I’m still very interested in this product overall. Hopefully we get a lot more impressions. I’m guessing it’s similar to the lyr3 which seems to be mostly loved here.

Do people generally think the lyr3 tube sound and overall sound qualities are much better than the vali2 or does it depend on who you talk to?

It also depends on the particular tube which is used in either Lyr3 or Vali2.

 

[chef8489]

It also depends on the particular tube which is used in either Lyr3 or Vali2.

I had a huge assortment of tubes for the vali 2 even with adaptors and I never felt it came any near what the lyr 3 did with just a handful of vintage 6sn7 tubes.

 

[kdoof]

What did you mean saying the lyr 3 to be more airy? The treble is more extensive , shimmering or is there a bigger headstage? Tks

The treble just has an airier/lighter quality. Maybe more shimmery? But without additional sparkle or anything. Lyr+ with the tube also has this it seems to me.