here we go with all the "buy a Lyr" replies and +1s.
I'll condense my findings with HE-500, as I owned Bifrost Uber, Asgard2, Lyr. still own Vali.
1. Bifrost Uber was superb under all set ups, might be slightly overpriced if all you need is USB from computer and want to stay on budget?
2. Lyr sounded "the best" but only after spending $ to try and find the "right tubes" for musical preference.
even then, presentation sounded a bit "farther back" spatially, a tad of low hum in the background if you really cranked volume.
was Lyr+tubes "worth" twice the cost of Asgard2. not for me.
3. Asgard2. Been out of my hands for awhile, had no real complaints with the HE-500 pairing. music was a bit "closer" spatially than Lyr, great detail, speed, cleanest background. rarely could/would crank volume past 12.
4. HE-500 into Vali now, perhaps not the best bass tightness. but clarity, musical details and soundstage all are good.
not the ideal pairing perhaps, and a mW downgrade from your Magni.
sorry for no clear vote as my ears won't match yours, hope you can demo another fine schiit product.
Here come the Emotiva-X amp fans next....
:wink_face: