Friends, V222 arrived today.
I had a few hours to listen and do some tests.
I only used the Qutest as a DAC, as I've already decided that I'm going to leave the Ares II just for my stereo speaker system in the living room.
Therefore, theoretically, the V222 would already be starting at a disadvantage, as I am using the single-ended input, instead of the XLR.
But, you will see later that this advantage of Lyr+ was not enough…
Please understand that these are the impressions of someone who is almost new to the hi-fi hobby, but has enjoyed and listened to music for many years.
These are initial impressions, but I don't know if there would be room for any changes over time.
If there was a change, I think it would be in favor of the V222, which arrived completely new today and had its first few hours of use…
The Lyr+, I recently bought here from a very reliable Head-fi and had already been using it for a few months…
Overall, I found the V222 to be a bit more intimate and to have an exceptional bass presentation. Clean, well-controlled and very meaty bass. Better control in songs with strong highs. And an overall fuller presentation.
The Lyr+, to my ears, would win in the soundstage department and has a slightly more open presentation, especially for classical, live and acoustic music.
This description above already made me have a preference for the V222. But, there were details that stood out and made me take the Headphone out of my head and think: “Decided!! This is the amplifier!!”
The details were these:
Focal Clear:
In the first song (“6:00”) from Dream Theater's album Awake, the first 45 seconds of the song is impressive the control that the V222 has over this Focal Clear dynamic driver. What is this beat, my friends? What meaty bass is this?? Incredible!
HE1000 stealth:
The first song on Jalen Ngonda's album, “Come around and love me” becomes very difficult and tiring to listen to if the synergy doesn't control Jalen's high notes, which are strong in this song, especially.
I simply feel like I would get tired much faster if I had to listen to it on Lyr+.
The V222 is more calming…
I would listen to this song many times in a row on V222…
On the Lyr+, you would have to stop to rest your ears after the third repetition.
HD800s:
In fact, the Lyr+ has a slightly larger soundstage, but on the other hand it sounds thinner (compared to the V222) in almost all songs.
The V222 has a slightly more intimate presentation, but just like the Focal Clear, the Vio has very good control of the dynamic drive, even on the HD800s, the V222 manages to deliver clean and satisfying bass.
I think Lyr would only win in classical songs and some live performances.
But, it's not enough to stay alongside the V222.
I think the Lyr+, which I recently bought from a trusted Head-fier, will return to the classifieds.
I don't think it justifies keeping both.
Don't get me wrong, the Lyr+ is a very good amplifier, it's just that, to my ears and my system, it had a much stronger opponent on almost all sides.