[pataburd]

Really haven't done a lot of serious/concerted listening with the LYR 3 yet, and formal a/b-ing of the 3 vs. the + is forthcoming. However, I have really enjoyed the LYR 3 over the last several days, particularly with the Ultrasone PRO 780i (and the Edition 11).

Definitely prefer the black finish and the aesthetics of the LYR+, as well as its added functionality (second input, remote, no need for the LISST, etc.).

At the outset, I hear significant differences [in tube mode] between these two LYR and consider the + an overall improvement--proportionally, if not universally--and am glad I took the chance.

Hopefully, this one will not be reclaimed by the repair shop--ever.

[See Signature for associated equipment.]

 

[Reputator]

Really haven't done a lot of serious/concerted listening with the LYR 3 yet, and formal a/b-ing of the 3 vs. the + is forthcoming. However, I have really enjoyed the LYR 3 over the last several days, particularly with the Ultrasone PRO 780i (and the Edition 11).

Definitely prefer the black finish and the aesthetics of the LYR+, as well as its added functionality (second input, remote, no need for the LISST, etc.).

At the outset, I hear significant differences [in tube mode] between these two LYR and consider the + an overall improvement--proportionately, if not universally--and am glad I took the chance.

Hopefully, this one will not be reclaimed by the repair shop--ever.

[See Signature for associated equipment.]

I think I remember you from the HEDDphone thread. It's too bad you don't still have that, it would be interesting to see how your findings with the Lyr+ compare to mine.

 

[pataburd]

I think I remember you from the HEDDphone thread. It's too bad you don't still have that, it would be interesting to see how your findings with the Lyr+ compare to mine.

Yes.

Just before letting the HEDDphone go (in hindsight, more from compulsion than desire/necessity) I was driving it directly from the speaker outputs of a Jeff Rowland Model 2.

The HEDDphone definitely made my "All-Time Top 3" list and I wish I still had them on hand to pair with the LYR+ and cross-reference notes with you. In fact, I would be interested in your current observations [i.e., HEDDphone + LYR+]. Are they on the HEDD thread?

The new and nicely polished HEDDphone TWO might be worth saving up for: https://hedd.audio/products/heddphone-two = "Quasi-affordable EndGame" for sure.

 

[syr1990]

I’m very intrigued by this amp now that I have a pair of HE1000 v2s. Currently have the Asgard and Valhalla on deck, and thinking of getting rid of at least the Valhalla (which I bought to pair with the HDXX) and switching to the Lyr. The talk of all these failures is concerning me, though.

 

[marie 1947]

I have a confused mind at the moment, the Lyr+ is 900mw output for 300ohm Zmf Verite open hphones, so i need 3 oclock on the volume, my Valhalla 2 is 800mw on same 300 ohm verites, and, i listen at 11to 12 o'clock, both on high gain.
Whats going on????

 

[Magol79]

I have a confused mind at the moment, the Lyr+ is 900mw output for 300ohm Zmf Verite open hphones, so i need 3 oclock on the volume, my Valhalla 2 is 800mw on same 300 ohm verites, and, i listen at 11to 12 o'clock, both on high gain.
Whats going on????

Different type of potentiometers? Linear vs. Logarithmic.

 

[marie 1947]

Different type of potentiometers? Linear vs. Logarithmic.

Yes, potentio.eter against a stepped attenuator. But Lyr is a bit lacking in power for 300ohm

 

[sanolane]

I’m interested in picking up a hybrid tube amp for the first time, which has led me to reading up about the Lyr+. Also I noticed the xDuoo Ta-22 is an option for a highly recommended hybrid amp. Has anyone here had experience with how they compare in terms of sound?

I’ll be honest, I greatly prefer the aesthetics of a potential silver Bifrost 2 and Lyr+ combo over that xDuoo grey and red amp. So the Schiit stack definitely has that going for it.

My headphones will be an Arya V2, and HD58x, with a Dunu SA6 pair of IEMs

 

[syr1990]

The Psvane "tennis ball" (aka light bulb, aka globe) tubes fit fine without using a socket saver / adapter.

Using a socket saver allows the tube and the amp to run a bit cooler.

Pictured: Lyr+ with Psvane 6SN7-BE (top = without socket saver; bottom = with socket saver)

How does the tennis ball tube sound?

 

[Hyde00]

How does the tennis ball tube sound?

I have a slightly different version so take it with grain of salt.

But I thought it sounded.......... just okay........ LOL. It's like slightly dark ish and bassy tube. If you like DA BASS this is not bad.

Though I like forward vocal and treble sparkle so there are better tubes out there. Though Lyr 3 which is said to be slightly darker than Lyr+.

So on Lyr+ it might be ok????



For my preference I like these 2 better:

CBS JAN 6SN7WGTA



2 x Sylvania 6J5GT

 

[pataburd]

The (Sylvania) JAN 6SN7WGTA is one of my favorite tubes with the LYR+.
Where did you get the adapter?

 

[Hyde00]

The (Sylvania) JAN 6SN7WGTA is one of my favorite tubes with the LYR+.
Where did you get the adapter?

eBay LOL.

But yeah otherwise I start to wonder maybe I like short and fat tubes better (the WGTA tubes).

What I have:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/191530248252?hash=item2c9817a83c:gJgAAOSwU6ZgbWr7&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4Jbb0SiLF41XSC90I5ct+8E8rNB/7j0g4HXghoX8RqVbAvNY0a4GiDY/HSddOna/lbvWFqHSJ7IdtEHVEK/MB8s/rqdaNQOQSZ8DA1pM8F5uCpZoDPEtnYQswQaCC/02PqKRPIJ6065lasEYMnHLEvIKOHmVWPX8iGM3N/0BDyKJMiu4YHe00m2jNtlfdfzbP0xPvJdpy3zDA4Wdsxd6q4BmvVzBhVBDhn8XGZrRLsREczQ8GRfQt3ZQ32EFaK+xW7j3jSmksKVoQkCRknxFMPq8+AMjjC5h5OsatOiUG4jt|tkp:BFBMhKODxdZi

Apparently there is new version:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/195173918217?hash=item2d7145a609:g:bC4AAOSwhORiuqJW&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAA4PqFBvCB11gEujR2NtnjX2Wq+ASIf8rmnWIGLFEnc3swnY5xpfU9wpMKLWhr6w8A/Qwo1Ui52nFkdvr/Su8SpeBCtX4KONN61cV/O6dGl2+XEsfQzMEJLHdycv5RhydtmJNIda1mXB0mmJ3wD/xDgiaIu/dGPHGl++BLm3nRpZUCWnXj40xHL441QybtgnfS8iGW9tzmZFENivVGnt3l4a9sRrnYsWebyKJDl4HZ3P97hVkUybKUXbd6eNPROHjWAx0AJw1iAPKWJ52oWH6nD6r/mAeoN2Q0Pkpe2DacrZyR|tkp:BFBMhKODxdZi

Alternatively you can ask head-fi member Deyan to make you one (with a fee), something like this:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lyr-3-the-new-coherence™-and-continuity™-hybrid-amplifier-from-schiit-impression-discussion-thread.875185/page-211#post-17066058

 

[pataburd]

Have the LYR 3 and LYR + ready to compare.
Will be using the Ultrasone Edition Eleven and the Mojo Audio Mystique Gen.1 DAC.
Starting with the LYR 3 in tube gain with the Sylvania 6SN7GTB.
Am running the Ed.11 with stock cable (4 cores 26AWG SPOFC), but will swap in an aftermarket UPOCC (4 cores 28AWG solid silver and 4 cores 24AWG solid copper) cable to hear how the sound fares.

 

[syr1990]

Have the LYR 3 and LYR + ready to compare.
Will be using the Ultrasone Edition Eleven and the Mojo Mystique Gen.1 DAC.
Starting with the LYR 3 in tube gain with the Sylvania 6SN7GTB.
Am running the Ed.11 with stock cable, but will swap in an aftermarket UPOCC (4 cores solid copper and 4 cores solid silver) to hear how the sound fares.

I’m very interested in this comparison. Trying to decide between a new LYR+ and a used Lyr 3.

 

[pataburd]

With the SMSL M400 DAC, the LYR 3 sounded thicker, wetter and punchier; tonally rounder and bolder; a bit more forward and "fun" relative to the LYR +. On the other hand, the LYR + exhibited greater (and cleaner) frequency extension at either end; was (much) quieter, more detailed and transparent; and had less of a tendency to sound harsh/grainy with difficult tracks.

While the Three tended to be more forward and pleasantly assertive, the superior detail and transparency of the Plus tended more to draw one into the recording and get "lost in the depths", so to speak.

However, introducing the Mojo Audio Mystique Gen.1 DAC into the line-up breathed new life into the Three and seemed to ameliorate some of their perceived shortcomings when earlier paired with the SMSL, e.g. the LYR 3 sounded less sharp, more detailed, quieter with the M.A.M.Gen.1* (and well-recorded venues).

Since then, I have not removed the Three. And I can only conjecture how the LYR + might pair, in kind, with the Mojo Audio Mystique Gen.1. Perhaps the degree of perceived "improvement" will prove lesser with the Plus.

Am currently listening to Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story and the Three sound rhythmically spot-on, musical and engaging, with just the right amounts of technical and subjective competence to keep me (happily) listening.

Will listen to a few more tracks with the LYR 3 and then bring the LYR + into the contest. (FYI, I much prefer the Edition Eleven with the aforementioned aftermarket cable.)

[NOTE(*): The M.A.M.Gen.1 is an R-2R, 24/192, non-oversampling USB DAC.]
.