songmic
1000+ Head-Fier
I think you're experiencing the same thing I've been through before I took a peak inside this tube rolling thread. Lyr was my first tube amp too - technically it's a hybrid amp, but first experience with tubes anyway - and I was very satisfied with its sound that I really didn't care about tube rolling at first (btw I used stock 6BZ7 tubes, which I still think are decent tubes especially if you're driving orthos like Audez'e or Hifiman).
But a lot of people here have claimed that tube rolling drastically changes the sound of Lyr, and if tube rolling is done right one can enjoy great benefit/returns at a relatively minimal cost (since tubes aren't really that expensive anyway, at least when it comes to Lyr-compatible 9-pin tubes). Most tubes people recommend here are around can be bought at Tubemonger for around $50 per tube, so expect about $100 for a pair.
Even if you think that's still expensive, think of it this way; the Lyr, whether you agree with me or not, is one of the best headphone amps out there, and it definitely outperforms most other amps in its price range. Sure there are headphone amps that may be better than the Lyr (e.g. Pinnacle, Balancing Act, Liquid Fire, etc.), but expect to pay a lot, and I mean LOT, for them.
So you've already saved a lot of money and did yourself a great favor by purchasing the Lyr. But what if you can boost its performance to the levels of even superior amps at a minor fractional cost of the Lyr? Or customize the Lyr's sound with your own favorite colors? In my opinion, not tube rolling with the Lyr is like missing out all the fun everyone's enjoying.
Of course, the question is how to get it done right. I can't give a definite answer to that because I haven't had much experience myself, and each of us has our own tastes when it comes to music. But I don't think you can go wrong by starting out with what many Head-fi'ers here have recommended and approved in general. In fact, some members of this thread have been extremely helpful in helping me decide and buy decent tubes. I listen to a wide genre of music like you do (including anime OST), but I guess that's what makes tube rolling even more fun.
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But a lot of people here have claimed that tube rolling drastically changes the sound of Lyr, and if tube rolling is done right one can enjoy great benefit/returns at a relatively minimal cost (since tubes aren't really that expensive anyway, at least when it comes to Lyr-compatible 9-pin tubes). Most tubes people recommend here are around can be bought at Tubemonger for around $50 per tube, so expect about $100 for a pair.
Even if you think that's still expensive, think of it this way; the Lyr, whether you agree with me or not, is one of the best headphone amps out there, and it definitely outperforms most other amps in its price range. Sure there are headphone amps that may be better than the Lyr (e.g. Pinnacle, Balancing Act, Liquid Fire, etc.), but expect to pay a lot, and I mean LOT, for them.
So you've already saved a lot of money and did yourself a great favor by purchasing the Lyr. But what if you can boost its performance to the levels of even superior amps at a minor fractional cost of the Lyr? Or customize the Lyr's sound with your own favorite colors? In my opinion, not tube rolling with the Lyr is like missing out all the fun everyone's enjoying.
Of course, the question is how to get it done right. I can't give a definite answer to that because I haven't had much experience myself, and each of us has our own tastes when it comes to music. But I don't think you can go wrong by starting out with what many Head-fi'ers here have recommended and approved in general. In fact, some members of this thread have been extremely helpful in helping me decide and buy decent tubes. I listen to a wide genre of music like you do (including anime OST), but I guess that's what makes tube rolling even more fun.
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