I got the Lyr all set up with the DO300 about 30 minutes ago. Physically and visually the two devices go well together (a bonus pic will be shared later). I used Pyst USB cable from desktop to SMSL, Pyst RCA interconnects between DAC and Lyr, and Audioquest Forest interconnects from Lyr to Kanto PU4 speakers. I put the supplied tube in and turned everything on.
Before doing any Settings adjustments I loaded up a flac file to test audio. I freaked at first because no matter which volume knob I turned there was no sound being emitted although in Windows 11 Pro audio settings it was showing a signal via SMSL USB Output. I was pushing buttons, switching switches, turning knobs, and checking cables even though the setup is quite simple.
What I wasn’t doing was cranking the Lyr amp volume all the way, the DO300 default is preset to +2.0 dB. So I turned Lyr‘s clicky knob more and by the 11 o’clock position I could make out faint audio. So I turned all the way to max and the music got louder but not spectacularly loud. Hmmm. I found there was a bit of volume headroom left on the powered speakers so I turned those up to max. Louder, but still kinda “meh”. It’s not that I will play “loud” all the time but it’s good to know if there is some headroom left for the times I really want to crank it. I have not actually tried headphones into the Lyr yet. Maybe it’ll be louder through them? I would say 90% of listening, whether music or gaming, will be via the bookshelf speakers.
I had more volume coming from the Modi/Magni stack previously connected. So now I have to do some investigating on any improvements that can be done with this set up. Is there a limitation to one of the pieces of this audio puzzle? I’ll have to experiment.
I also owe it to myself to actually read all the posts here in this thread as well as SMSL DO300 thread.
Anyway, a scotch has been poured and I’m off to the trialing & erroring portion of this endeavour!
[Update/3 scotches later]
I got it! Key was the Gain setting. 'High' really does make a difference. Now playback w/ volume @ 12 o'clock position provides enough presence for a good listening experience. Turning beyond that gets plenty loud and by three o'clock can start getting a bit muddled, needing to adjust bass/treble @ the speakers. I am very happy now.
Now, I have to go to the DO300 and play around w/ filters and stuff.