I was looking for tube amplifiers to switch up the sound with my headphones and wanted something that could drive my LCD 4 as most tube amps don't have the power unless you are willing to spend a few thousand pounds but this hybrid amp will drive any headphone.

First impressions

Build:

This unit is like a tank! small footprint but very heavy and extremely well made and I really like the volume dial.

Ports:

I am a little disappointed at not having any balanced outputs or inputs so I could run balanced with my headphones and DAC but it is what it is. I have only tested this amp with the LCD 4 as I am not taking off my balanced HD800S cable and swapping it for the stock unbalanced cable as we all know its a pain. I have ordered a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter that I will use but that has not arrived yet so cannot offer my impressions of that headphone with the amp yet.

Sound:

For context I have been using the Topping A90D as my main amp for many months now. I waited maybe an hour to let the tube warm up before starting to listen. Compared to the A90D the tube mode on the Schiit Lyr is a lot warmer and not as thin sounding when comparing both amps. The bass hits harder and vocalists have a more warmer body to them but I think the stereo imaging isn't as precise as the A90D and the sound signature is definitely more relaxed but somewhat more enjoyable in most of the music I compared.

I am running the stock tube and I have ordered more that people have recommended so the sound can change a lot when tube rolling but this is just the first impressions with the stock tube.

Overall a great first impressions by the Lyr and I am excited at swapping the tube to see what results I can get going forward.

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Can I ask what tubes have you ordered?

I ordered 2 tubes. See details below;

SYLVANIA 6SN7GTB Valve Tube NOS

Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z

Thanks, would love an update post of how they sound when you have a chance to try them..

I’m just here to simp for the HD800S + Tube amp combo 🥳

I really like the Sylvania 6SN7GTB on my Lyr 3, in my opinion the stock JJ tube is kind linear so it's not very tube sounding.

The Sylvania would be a better judge how the amp should sound like.

Looking forward to your impressions.

The Shuguang tube has a nice warmth to it.

Is there any reason everyone uses the gtb instead of the gta?

To my understanding that GT and GTA are older production, GTB is newer production so it's really just that it's newer so it's easier to find and cheaper lol.

Some people swear by "the older the tube the better". So generally GT and GTA might be perceived as "better" and cost more.

But it's also not always the case. Tube is like one giant trial and error of randomness there is no set rule that applies for all LOL.

Where did you get that glass headphone holder?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AMP3-Luxury-Glass-Headphones-Colour/dp/B00WZ0E2B6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=VLH5VYQ5BPXP&keywords=glass+skull&qid=1675816494&sprefix=glass+skull%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Do you know how I can use it as a pre amp to the topping a90d? I have plugged in the RCA cables to the pre amp port on the Schiit and then to the input rca of the topping a90d. is that correct? I have also set the schiit to pre amp mode and the topping to pre amp mode.

Had Lyr3 and Valhalla from eBay, I’d say Valhalla has way more tube sound than the Lyr. Op amp in the Lyr is doing almost everything, tube in there mostly I think is for the look.

I really liked my unit until it died! Lots of others on Head-Fi experienced the same failure as me, so just beware. Can't wait to get my repaired amp though! It was a massive upgrade to my Asgard, especially on Planars.

Yep that is correct. I would try the schiit at 3/4th of total knob level and try low gain and high gain into the topping and check what sounds best. But absolutely you can use the Lyr as a pre.

Was this the latest Lyr+ like OP has?

Yup, something funky has been going on with the stepped relay attenuator. Most owners seem ok, but others have had multiple units go bad on them. I would suggest only buying it new so you are covered with the warranty. But it's a really good amp. Extremely dynamic with lots of details. Excellent extension. A little tube soundstage. It's fun to tube roll with because you can always switch back to ss for a quick reference instead of having to wait for the tube to cool down. And the remote is a nice touch with a mute switch for when the SO is asking a quick question.

I got the Lyr because it has the power I need to drive certain headphones.

I really want to buy a Lyr+ but all of the posts about them dying has made me really nervous about buying one

I understand there’s the warranty but it would just be a hassle going back and forth

That sucks, I've read they have some QC issues. A recent post said some of the metal faceplates don't "sync" with the base properly and is a known issue.

The reviews have been very good for sound and I've considered getting one but $600 + tubes + s/h + tax makes it a bit out of my price range and QC issues just add to it.

You should invest in a bigger desk.

Thanks, I'm trying to get into the tubes world but I'm sick of reading endless threads to hunt some objective information and ending up having nothing definitive at the end.

Why not get an adapter so you don’t need to switch out cables?

All my headphones have a 4.4 balanced cable attached so I bought a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter which is coming tomorrow so I can finally test out the 800S!

Nice! Enjoy!

Its just a close up of the desk I keep 3 headphones on the desk and others on a different desk.

But you said “tube setup”. Downvote all you want, but it won’t change the fact that Lyr and any other cheap hybrids have zero tube sound. Save your money for cleaner better and way cheaper solid state amps (like your A90, excellent purchase), or save enough to buy a real tube amp, don’t waste your money just for the fake look.

I didn't downvote and I just got a new tube and it blows the detail and instrument separation compared to the A90D. Bass is harder and punchier and the Midrange is pushed forward so the vocals are just magical now. I got the SYLVANIA 6SN7GTB tube and it's been probably one of the most impressive experiences I have had in audio. Compared to the stock tube it's a complete night and day difference and I am actually contemplating selling the A90D. Anyways, I will write a follow up post tomorrow as I will get my 4.4 to 3.5 adaptor so I will also be able to use my 800S on there as I cba to deal with those hellish connectors!

Yeah tube can seem like sea of information not gonna lie. If you can tell me what type of stuff you're looking for maybe I can help you out.

Do you need something for your Arya Stealth and HD560S? OTL tube amp has high output impedance so it's generally only recommended if you have 300 Ohm headphones. Hybrid tube amp on the other hand will be better suited.

How much do you plan to spend on tube amps? From easier / more mainstream stuff you can probably start with Schiit Vali 2++, Lyr 3, Lyr+, Drop CTH, Monolith Liquid Platinum, to a bit less mainstream stuff such as Project Ember II, Hagerman Tuba, or Shortest way 51+. Personally I don't know much about the last 2 amps but it's been recommended to me lol.

For me personally I'm using Lyr 3 and Project Solstice, those are not bad but I'd imagine there's better hybrid amps out there. But it's "cheap" enough as a starting point lol.

I have to get myself an lcd 4 at some point. Been looking at them online for too long 😍