I am not an owner, but I have an (personal) opinion regarding the Tube Mode indicator LED... If I am buying this amp it is because I expect to run it primarily in Tube Mode, otherwise I would buy a non-tube amp. Therefore, to my mind, it makes sense to have the extra LED lit only when the amp is NOT running in its default mode (LED on when in Solid State Mode). As few LEDs lit to indicate normal operation as possible.
I find this review one of your best ones I've heard. Some humor and the dialog was easier to follow for me. A lot of reviewers talk a mile a minute and I loose interest in what they are saying. I know you can change the speed of the video, but, why not make the video universal for all those who care to listen. Cheers!
Just bought one of these second hand as a first step into analog. I've been a SS listener for a few years now. The difference isn't subtle and the Lyr Plus puts me in the middle of the instruments and really is holographic. That term has been applied to many amps and DACS I've owned but I never really appreciated it as much as I do now. The tube makes everything more alive or vibrant. I'm having a really good time with it. Also, the Bifrost 2/64 does extremely well vs the Chord Qutest here. I've been A/Bing them via the two inputs on the Lyr and my confidence in the Bifrost is ever growing.
3:50 I disagree! Why do I need a light telling me the tube is on when the tube itself glows? Also, when the tube is running, I want to see the tube glowing, not a bright LED shining in my eyes
I have the Lyr+ with the Biforst 2/64. Unfortunately for me, I don't have golden ears. To me this stack sounds the same as my older SMSL DO20 and H0200 stack. or my newer Gustard R26 paired with a GS-X mini. They all sound the same to my ears. Same with headphones. I have the Sennheiser 6XX, the Hifiman Arya Stealth, and a Hifiman HE1000 Stealth. Everything sounds the same to me, no matter what combination of DAC/Amp/Headphone I use. My ears just cannot pick the differences, if there are any. If I were to lose them all, I would just buy the SMSL stack with the Sennheiser 6XX and be happy with them.
That's not unusual. I'm surprised that you don't, at least notice the difference in bass between the HD6XX and HE1000. Though it could also be the music you listen to.
What is your music source? I'd think with a good source (as in not spotify or mp3's) the difference should be noticeable. I'm 68 and i could hear the difference when i upgraded my magni 2 to an Asgard 3 and when i upgraded my Bifrost OG to a Bifrost 2/64, but i'm listening to CDs and hi-res FLAC filed.
I'm 63 and I can't hear treble as well as I used to. I used to wonder if buying good gear was just a waste of money, but then I upgraded from a Vali 2++ to a Pietus Maximus and lo and behold, I CAN tell a difference after all. Now I want a Mjolnir 3... When I CAN'T tell a difference, I always have to wonder if it's my subconscious telling me there isn't one, in order to save money. My dad used to insist that he couldn't appreciate the difference between Old Milwaukee Light (shudder) and Heineken. I could never quite tell if he really believed it or not, but I always suspected that he just wanted to save money.
I love my 2/64 with my LYR+. I have gone down the tube rabbit hole and enjoy all the different flavors of the different tube sounds. Drives my focal Radiance quite well. Trying to get a Modhouse double sided and hope if I can ever get the order in the LYR+ will drive it. Thanks for the review. I am always at about 12 to 2 o'clock at the volume level.
My living space is really looking like your background there now. See in terms of storing all the different headphones and so forth, I like the way that you have them sort of situated. Could you maybe do a wee video talking about the ergonomics of your space, and how you store your headphones, what you use to hang them etc? I would be very interested and grateful if you are able to do that Amos.
Thank you for your informative reviews. I just re-watched this review and a comment in this review invites correction; Jason did NOT make an amp that can work in both the solid state and tube modes. Rather Jason's partner, crotchety iconoclast Mike Moffet designed an amp that works in either tube or solid state modes. Jason primarily handles feedback based marketing and arguably, Bauhaus principle based aesthetics, i.e. 'form follows function'.
I've been in Jason's office, including seeing all the equipment he uses to design amplification and test things. Mike primarily works on digital design. Nowhere in the chapter on the making on the Lyr+ is Mike mentioned, except in not naming it "Lyr 4". www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-happened-the-story-of-the-worlds-most-improbable-start-up.701900/post-17061207
A good middle ground for DAC is Modius with these wider chassis amps. I stopped using my Asgard 3 for Valhalla 2/Lyr 3, because of what you said about bass distortion. The Modius does tend to be far more dry than the Modi Multibit but the stage is FAR better so it's a worthy upgrade imo (I wish they made a Modius Multibit but ah well). The Bifrost 2/64 took a looooong time to settle in with the new card. Anyone on a budget should just go with Modius, it gives you what you need and you won't spend hours listening to music. Can't wait for Valhalla 3 (I use Valhalla 2 with the Modius). Lyr+ I can see in a year or two like the 2/64 but not now. Lyr 3 requires a socket saver to not drive you mad. Any tube sounds reasonably good.
Thanks for the review, I have my eye of the Lyr+. I suspect a better power cord, superior fuse and higher quality tube would make quite a difference in fidelity. The UK's Watford Valves and US Sofia Electric Audio tubes are suppliers I trust.
@@TheVeganVicar Lots of companies are still recovering from COVID! If I was the owner I’d sure as SHIT(lol) wanna know that one of my customers thought my customer service was SHIT(🤣) as customer service is King!
I've got an Asgard 3 being driven by a Bifrost 2/64. What kind of change sound wise would i expect if i upgraded to the Lyr + solid state. I'm driving Focal Clears.
Also coming from Asgard/BF 2/64 stack, I have been looking for an Amp that will enhance listening on my HD800S. Tried Vali 2+ already. Will the Lyr+ be a significant enough change to warrant a try or go all the way to an OTL tube like Felix Audio Echo Mk2, which is the same price range?
Is it true on lyr 3 or Valhalla volume pot that you want it close to noon for maximum potential of the amp? I can hardy get it past 9 o’clock on low gain for my listening level. I’m using mojo 2 as a dac set to 2.5 volts out. Driving hd800s.
Curious how the Vali 3 does as a tube pre amp between my turntable's Mani and my speaker amplifier (Cambridge AXR100). I want to buy it to use as both headphone tube amp and tube pre amp for my TT (U turn orbit, ortofon blue)
@@ehiggins7476 I had the Vali 3 with the WE396A tube and it was a blockbuster. It was pretty close to the Jotenheim2 in punch, dynamics, and every other metric. I was stunned. Don't know about the pre-amp function.
I am not an owner, but I have an (personal) opinion regarding the Tube Mode indicator LED... If I am buying this amp it is because I expect to run it primarily in Tube Mode, otherwise I would buy a non-tube amp. Therefore, to my mind, it makes sense to have the extra LED lit only when the amp is NOT running in its default mode (LED on when in Solid State Mode). As few LEDs lit to indicate normal operation as possible.
I find this review one of your best ones I've heard. Some humor and the dialog was easier to follow for me. A lot of reviewers talk a mile a minute and I loose interest in what they are saying. I know you can change the speed of the video, but, why not make the video universal for all those who care to listen. Cheers!
Wow, thanks! Honestly though, since I have to edit my own videos, if I get bored, then I know I need to re-shoot!
Just bought one of these second hand as a first step into analog. I've been a SS listener for a few years now. The difference isn't subtle and the Lyr Plus puts me in the middle of the instruments and really is holographic. That term has been applied to many amps and DACS I've owned but I never really appreciated it as much as I do now. The tube makes everything more alive or vibrant. I'm having a really good time with it. Also, the Bifrost 2/64 does extremely well vs the Chord Qutest here. I've been A/Bing them via the two inputs on the Lyr and my confidence in the Bifrost is ever growing.
3:50 I disagree! Why do I need a light telling me the tube is on when the tube itself glows? Also, when the tube is running, I want to see the tube glowing, not a bright LED shining in my eyes
I have the Lyr+ with the Biforst 2/64. Unfortunately for me, I don't have golden ears. To me this stack sounds the same as my older SMSL DO20 and H0200 stack. or my newer Gustard R26 paired with a GS-X mini. They all sound the same to my ears. Same with headphones. I have the Sennheiser 6XX, the Hifiman Arya Stealth, and a Hifiman HE1000 Stealth. Everything sounds the same to me, no matter what combination of DAC/Amp/Headphone I use. My ears just cannot pick the differences, if there are any. If I were to lose them all, I would just buy the SMSL stack with the Sennheiser 6XX and be happy with them.
That's not unusual. I'm surprised that you don't, at least notice the difference in bass between the HD6XX and HE1000. Though it could also be the music you listen to.
What is your music source? I'd think with a good source (as in not spotify or mp3's) the difference should be noticeable. I'm 68 and i could hear the difference when i upgraded my magni 2 to an Asgard 3 and when i upgraded my Bifrost OG to a Bifrost 2/64, but i'm listening to CDs and hi-res FLAC filed.
I'm 63 and I can't hear treble as well as I used to. I used to wonder if buying good gear was just a waste of money, but then I upgraded from a Vali 2++ to a Pietus Maximus and lo and behold, I CAN tell a difference after all. Now I want a Mjolnir 3...
When I CAN'T tell a difference, I always have to wonder if it's my subconscious telling me there isn't one, in order to save money. My dad used to insist that he couldn't appreciate the difference between Old Milwaukee Light (shudder) and Heineken. I could never quite tell if he really believed it or not, but I always suspected that he just wanted to save money.
I love my 2/64 with my LYR+. I have gone down the tube rabbit hole and enjoy all the different flavors of the different tube sounds. Drives my focal Radiance quite well. Trying to get a Modhouse double sided and hope if I can ever get the order in the LYR+ will drive it. Thanks for the review. I am always at about 12 to 2 o'clock at the volume level.
My living space is really looking like your background there now. See in terms of storing all the different headphones and so forth, I like the way that you have them sort of situated. Could you maybe do a wee video talking about the ergonomics of your space, and how you store your headphones, what you use to hang them etc? I would be very interested and grateful if you are able to do that Amos.
Thank you for your informative reviews. I just re-watched this review and a comment in this review invites correction; Jason did NOT make an amp that can work in both the solid state and tube modes. Rather Jason's partner, crotchety iconoclast Mike Moffet designed an amp that works in either tube or solid state modes. Jason primarily handles feedback based marketing and arguably, Bauhaus principle based aesthetics, i.e. 'form follows function'.
I've been in Jason's office, including seeing all the equipment he uses to design amplification and test things. Mike primarily works on digital design. Nowhere in the chapter on the making on the Lyr+ is Mike mentioned, except in not naming it "Lyr 4". www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-happened-the-story-of-the-worlds-most-improbable-start-up.701900/post-17061207
Another great video. Thank you for your insights
Just put a Aune s17 preamp into the Pontus 2 and Acoustic Energy Ae1 active set up.
Drives the hifiman he500 beautifully also.
Nice review, thanks. Such a pity that Schiit don't have a good distributor/seller downunder.
Thanks! Great review, as always.
I have the Lyr+ with an RCA NOS tube. I made a 5 foot 12 gauge power cable and replaced the stock cable. I am really stunned by the improvement.
Rca on lyr+ is my preference as well. Incredible value.
A good middle ground for DAC is Modius with these wider chassis amps. I stopped using my Asgard 3 for Valhalla 2/Lyr 3, because of what you said about bass distortion. The Modius does tend to be far more dry than the Modi Multibit but the stage is FAR better so it's a worthy upgrade imo (I wish they made a Modius Multibit but ah well).
The Bifrost 2/64 took a looooong time to settle in with the new card. Anyone on a budget should just go with Modius, it gives you what you need and you won't spend hours listening to music. Can't wait for Valhalla 3 (I use Valhalla 2 with the Modius). Lyr+ I can see in a year or two like the 2/64 but not now.
Lyr 3 requires a socket saver to not drive you mad. Any tube sounds reasonably good.
Thanks for the review, I have my eye of the Lyr+. I suspect a better power cord, superior fuse and higher quality tube would make quite a difference in fidelity. The UK's Watford Valves and US Sofia Electric Audio tubes are suppliers I trust.
Speaking of that, I'll have some tube reviews shortly which you may find interesting.
I wonder how the new Apos 6NS7 reserve tube would sound in this ?
I just received mine and it sounds great so far.
I also received one and loved it ... for a day. It developed a problem with the right channel and has to be returned. But it really sounded great!
how does this compare to MJ3?
Schitt is an awesome company!!!
Even though they have yet to respond to my email.
If trying again doesn't work, email Jason. His address is public.
@@Currawong, that was my next move. Thank you!
@@TheVeganVicar Lots of companies are still recovering from COVID!
If I was the owner I’d sure as SHIT(lol) wanna know that one of my customers thought my customer service was SHIT(🤣) as customer service is King!
Nice to see no script needed.🤔😉😇 Learned a lot.😬
Glad to hear that!
I've got an Asgard 3 being driven by a Bifrost 2/64. What kind of change sound wise would i expect if i upgraded to the Lyr + solid state. I'm driving Focal Clears.
Not as much of one as you'd get with a Mjolnir 3. 😀
Also coming from Asgard/BF 2/64 stack, I have been looking for an Amp that will enhance listening on my HD800S. Tried Vali 2+ already. Will the Lyr+ be a significant enough change to warrant a try or go all the way to an OTL tube like Felix Audio Echo Mk2, which is the same price range?
Is it true on lyr 3 or Valhalla volume pot that you want it close to noon for maximum potential of the amp? I can hardy get it past 9 o’clock on low gain for my listening level. I’m using mojo 2 as a dac set to 2.5 volts out. Driving hd800s.
If anything, the Mojo 2's volume control will be better than the pot. The Mojo 2 should drive the HD800s very well already though.
Would love to see a chord mojo 2 review from you. Thanks for the tip.
Good overview, but I was hoping for more detailed sound impressions.
RANDOM question: are you playing 11VR Table Tennis??? I saw someone named Currawong from Australia ranked just above me 🙂can't be a coincidence :P
Not me.
why am I getting sink strainer vibes? :)
Can you review the Vali 3 ?
Curious how the Vali 3 does as a tube pre amp between my turntable's Mani and my speaker amplifier (Cambridge AXR100). I want to buy it to use as both headphone tube amp and tube pre amp for my TT (U turn orbit, ortofon blue)
@@ehiggins7476 I had the Vali 3 with the WE396A tube and it was a blockbuster. It was pretty close to the Jotenheim2 in punch, dynamics, and every other metric. I was stunned. Don't know about the pre-amp function.
I still prefer the go LYR3 to the LYR+
Why?
Schiit Magnus actually punches harder than this.