Thursday, December 30th 2010
Schiit Introduces Lyr, High-Power Hybrid Headphone Amplifier
Schiit Audio introduced the Lyr headphone amplifier today, a high-power hybrid design producing 6W RMS per channel into 32 ohms-10X more power than a typical headphone amplifier. Lyr is aimed at power-hungry orthodynamic headphones, as well as other difficult-to-drive designs.
"The popularity of orthodynamic headphones such as the Audeze LCD-2 and HiFiMan HE-4, HE-5, and HE-6 has created a need for very high-power headphone amps," said Jason Stoddard, Co-Founder of Schiit. "Lyr exceeds the power needs of these low-impedance, low-efficiency headphones, while also being easy on the wallet."
Lyr, priced at $449 direct from the manufacturer, is a hybrid (tube-MOSFET) fully discrete, no-feedback, noninverting headphone amplifier with a unique Dynamically Adaptive output stage. The Dynamically Adaptive output stage allows Lyr to operate essentially like a single-ended Class A amp into high impedance loads or at low volumes, then seamlessly transition to push-pull Class A and Class AB at higher output levels.
"The upshot of the Dynamically Adaptive output stage is that it gives us much higher efficiency," said Jason Stoddard. "We can pack almost 6x the output power of our Asgard Class-A amp in the same size chassis-and, at the same time, have it run slightly cooler."
Lyr's hybrid design uses JJ ECC88 tubes for voltage gain. The tubes are exchangeable ("rollable") for any 6DJ8, 6922, or ECC88 type, up to and including 6N1Ps, which allows owners to fine-tune the sonic characteristics of the amplifier, with literally hundreds of different tube choices, from NOS American to new-build Russian and Chinese tubes.
Other details of Lyr's topology include a single voltage gain stage, and DC-coupling at the input and output, for exceptional transparency and enhanced dynamics. "Lyr shouldn't just be considered a 'ortho' amp," Mike Moffat, Schiit Co-Founder, adds. "It's also a good choice for high-impedance, 300-to-600 ohm headphones that need high voltage output."
Lyr is covered by a limited 5 year warranty, with the exception of the tubes, which are covered by a 90-day warranty. Replacement JJ ECC88 tubes are available from the manufacturer for $40 for a set of two matched tubes, or from many other resellers.
Lyr Quick Reference
Like all Schiit products, Lyr is made in the USA, primarily of USA-sourced components. Innovative engineering allows Schiit Audio to keep the overall prices of their products similar to those from Chinese companies.
"The popularity of orthodynamic headphones such as the Audeze LCD-2 and HiFiMan HE-4, HE-5, and HE-6 has created a need for very high-power headphone amps," said Jason Stoddard, Co-Founder of Schiit. "Lyr exceeds the power needs of these low-impedance, low-efficiency headphones, while also being easy on the wallet."
"The upshot of the Dynamically Adaptive output stage is that it gives us much higher efficiency," said Jason Stoddard. "We can pack almost 6x the output power of our Asgard Class-A amp in the same size chassis-and, at the same time, have it run slightly cooler."
Lyr's hybrid design uses JJ ECC88 tubes for voltage gain. The tubes are exchangeable ("rollable") for any 6DJ8, 6922, or ECC88 type, up to and including 6N1Ps, which allows owners to fine-tune the sonic characteristics of the amplifier, with literally hundreds of different tube choices, from NOS American to new-build Russian and Chinese tubes.
Other details of Lyr's topology include a single voltage gain stage, and DC-coupling at the input and output, for exceptional transparency and enhanced dynamics. "Lyr shouldn't just be considered a 'ortho' amp," Mike Moffat, Schiit Co-Founder, adds. "It's also a good choice for high-impedance, 300-to-600 ohm headphones that need high voltage output."
Lyr is covered by a limited 5 year warranty, with the exception of the tubes, which are covered by a 90-day warranty. Replacement JJ ECC88 tubes are available from the manufacturer for $40 for a set of two matched tubes, or from many other resellers.
Lyr Quick Reference
- One of the highest-power headphone amps available: 6W RMS (40V p-p) into 32 ohms
- Unique Dynamically Adaptive output stage provides high power with high efficiency
- Tube rollable to permit use of hundreds of different tube types and brands
- Hybrid tube/MOSFET discrete design, DC coupled at input and output, with no overall feedback
- Low cost for high performance: $449
Like all Schiit products, Lyr is made in the USA, primarily of USA-sourced components. Innovative engineering allows Schiit Audio to keep the overall prices of their products similar to those from Chinese companies.
39 Comments on Schiit Introduces Lyr, High-Power Hybrid Headphone Amplifier
Obviously Schiit doesn't think so since this is a HYBRID amplifier that uses both tubes and transistors.
It really comes down to personal preference, personally I'm a fan of hybrid and solid state... the all tube amps I've tried are nice and warm/lush but sacrificed the detail that hybrid and SS are usually known for.
Some tube amps can actually sound "solid state" and some solid state amps can sound "tube-like" so again, tubes just give more variety to the amp designer and customers.
solidstate is faster, punchier bass, better resolution, and wider soundstage
tube gets, warmer type of sound, intimate vocals, and better midrange..
if you combine both, you get one of the best sounding amp..
I bet they started advertising their products on "tech" websites like here because they had a cold reception in the Audiophile and HIFI world. :banghead:
Sorry for the all-negative and non-constructive bashing, but I just hate this kind of company :shadedshu
great name, truely love it. bout time someone started releasing products with fantastical names like this.
If not, what you posted is worthless.
priceless :roll::roll:
Also, no review that I found showed an open unit or a single comment on build quality but you can just look at the connectors at the back to realize it's all surface mount.