Another review many are wanting to see. Literarily the first review I've seen on the LYR+ anywhere. And I've searched like crazy. Wave Theory coming through FIRST again!! Nice. My biggest question is for those who already own the LY3 like I do... is to ask is the LYR+ Hybrid Tube section doing anything better than the LYR3 that makes it worth getting the LYR+? And I actually don't mind the power switch on the back with the Schiit products. I have an SMSL Stack (SU-9 Pro DAC and SH-9 Amp) where the Power Button is the volume knob on the front. And if you so gently bump the Volume-On/Off knob by accident the unit turns on. Aggravating. I can see the Schiit stuff being annoying with the power Switch on the back if your setup is hard to reach in the back... but overall it's not a biggie for me. Minor annoyances on great products can be forgiven. To add to your point about Balanced vs Single Ended... Burson now has the "Conductor 3 GT" which is basically the Conductor 3X GT(Which has Balanced XLR front and back)... but the GT is only SE/RCA front and back. In other words Burson was able to make the Conductor 3 GT with the same exact Specs as the 3X GT but without the XLR stuff
Thanks for watching and commenting! I never heard Lyr 3, unfortunately, so I can't speak to the differences there. As for the switch on the back, I think it's only an issue with tube gear like this. Leaving it powered on round the clock will chew through tubes' finite life much quicker than only powering it on for use. Schiit even recommends in their user manual that you power the unit off to preserve the tube. Given that, I think the power switch on back is an irritation. Now, because of the tube the unit won't have anything on top of it which makes it easier to reach around, but it's still less than ideal. Before I become misunderstood by anyone out there: tubes still last 10000+ hours. You should NOT be afraid to use the tubes you buy for listening. The above simply means if you leave a tube device powered on you chew through 10000 hours much faster than if you only power it on for use.
@@wavetheorysound I have a surge-protector/power conditioner that provides power to my streamer, dac, and headphone amp all with one power switch, so I don't care about the individual power switches on each unit or where they are located.
Excellent point about the balanced inputs. Many dacs and headphone amps are designed as balanced these days with single ended added as an afterthought. Great review!
Great review man. I actually rather appreciated you hammering the most glaring issues people might experience during ownership because at this price when looking at everything else on the market, it’s important to spend wisely and know what things are dealbreakers for me and what are a non-issue. Keep up the good work, Wave!
Speaking about the SE inputs, one solution allowing to use the BAL outputs of DACs, is to use adaptors. Cardas proposes a very good (although a bit expensive) solution.
Hi. I cannot answer to this question. However, I use Cardas connectors to link RCA interconnect cables to the XLR inputs of my DAC and it works very very well. I would assume that if good connectors are used (such, for example, the Cardas), there should be no problem. Again, it is only an assumption and there may be other factors to take into consideration(?)@@seditious1627
i recently bought this amp and was playing around with the switching issue you mentioned. When you have the amp in tube mode (light off) you can shut the amp off remove the tube and it will automatically switch to solid state mode( light on) when you turn it back on. Then if you turn it off and add a tube, when you turn it back on it will remain in solid state mode and not automatically switch to tube. You have to do that with the remote, but if the amp is in tube mode and you turn it off and leave the tube in it will resume in tube mode when turned back on. Basically, if a tube is left in, the amp remains in whatever mode it was in when you turn it off. I don't think it's supposed to automatically switch to tube mode. In the manual it only mentions auto switching to solid state when removing the tube then says to use the remote to switch after that.
" *So why not balanced?* You tell us where to put the balanced connections and supporting circuitry, and we’ll make it happen. *Seriously?* Come on, look at the chassis. It’s full." But yes, I agree. Would be convenient to be able to use the nice xlr cables I bought for my new hardware balanced 64 card.
Lol. I suspect that will be the response. To that I say: "It's not the end user's job to figure out how to fit a balanced-to-SE conversion in there. That's Schiit's job." Then, as a reviewer, it's also my job to say that the lack of balanced connection sets this amp apart in the market context and introduces system building challenges that most (all?) other $599 amps don't have. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@wavetheorysound The modular panel idea for IO is a good one, they've implemented that exact functionality idea with the new Yggy chassis, but that obviously has a lot more room to work with. Looking at the picture of the internals, I'm not so sure it's hand-wavy, does seem pretty jam packed on that pcb with the new solid state stage design. But who knows, I agree with you either way, give me Balanced.
@@wavetheorysound Why would you want to convert a balanced out to a SE out, unless your DAC lacks an SE out? If your DAC only has balanced out, then it's on you to buy a separate adapter. The vast majority of users do not expect a balanced in for an amp that only has SE out. We do not want an extra cost tagged onto the amp for a feature only a few users would care for, that they can add on their own dime.
Thank you for the review. I'm currently running the Arya V2 and Elex through the Bifrost 2 (not 2/64) and Jotunheim 2. In your opinion, Would this be upgrade over the Jot 2? I've never played with tubes. Thank you for your time.
I had a unit completely fail with switching around things within 2 days of ownership. Schiit was great with sending a replacement right away. I ordered pretty much as soon as it was released. My new one I've just been pretty careful about not going ham on switching between stages like a Muppet and it's been great for months
Excellent review! I’m enjoying my Lyr+ as we speak. One thing to note is the volume knob in this case is a relay ladder attenuator, not a potentiometer. Difference is you get equal channel balance throughout the entire volume range vs turning a pot to specific volume before getting equal channel balance.
30 min summary, it does not have balanced inputs and a tube/SS circuit blew. Sonically your review jives with my experience with the prior Lyr3, which came with a tube installed. I also have the solid state tube replacement device thing that actually sounds pretty good, not as good as the actual tube, but maybe better than SS mode on this model. I prefer the Lyr3 to the Topping A90D with either the tube or SS thingy installed. The Lyr pairs well with ZMF headphones.
Nice review though you screwed it up with your explanation of balanced topology. Nothing to do with dual mono. Balanced (differential) amp topology requires separate amplification circuits that each deals with either the positive or the negative part of the waveform. Thus you need 2 amplification circuits per channel, 4 in total for a stereo device. These circuits are connected in reverse polarity to each other and should be very closely matched to work properly which is another potential enemy of sq in cheap or sloppy implementations compared to single ended. Btw in a good implementation internal conversion from SE to balanced or vice versa shouldn't cause any sq deterioration.
A great review, I've got to tell you a tube hybrid with lots of power is very appearling, but the step attenuator adjustments resulting in an audible click during music playback is unfortunate. Cant wait to see whats next.
Here some selected FAQ from the users manual: There’s no sound for quite a long time after I turn Lyr+ on. That’s perfectly normal. Lyr+ monitors operational parameters as it is turning on, and only connects the output when everything is fine. This can take 30-45 seconds. There’s no output for a while after I switch gain. Correct. And completely normal. Lyr’s microprocessor protection system mutes the output while it changes gain, and monitors operational points until all is settled. What’s with the clicking noises when I turn the volume? That’s the sound of the mechanical relays in the relay-switched stepped attenuator. Also normal. Can I leave Lyr+ on all the time? You can, but it would be best to do it when in solid state mode (no tube inserted). The tube heater is on all the time, in all modes, and leaving it powered on all the time will significantly shorten the tube lifespan. The Lyr+ clicks and I don’t hear any music, then it clicks back on, then click and no music, over and over again. Aha! We bet you’re using a TRRS jack (typically found on headphones with microphones) that has been “converted” to 1/4” using an adapter. This can short the outputs, forcing Lyr+ to protect itself. If you want to use a TRRS headphone, we sell a proper conversion kit.
Great review as always. I just ordered a Lyr+ after watching yours and Passion for Sounds review. My question is, although I would love a bifrost 2 I am having trouble justifying the $799 cost. Is there a sub $500 DAC you would recommend to pair with the Lyr+, Geshelli J2 maybe? I currently have Arya Stealth headphones and am looking for a fun listen not so much an analytical one and mostly listen to Classic Rock and Country with a little Funk, Jazz and acoustic on occasions.
A couple of friends have said the Schiit Modi Multibit 2 is surpsingly good. I should be getting one for review in near future. But might be worth checking out. The J2 is excellent but performs better from its balanced output. This is one reason I chastised Schiit for not including a balanced input. High quality SE options around this price are rare.
I had the last iteration of the Lyr and Modi MB and it is a great sounding combo. Later I "upgraded" to the Bifrost. The Modi MB is very close in performance to the Bifrost.
You mentioned rupert neve headphone amp. How does it compare with the lyr? I am really considering buying this to go with me chord mojo2. Btw awesome review!
Unfortunately I haven't heard the RNHP. But, it's not known for being very powerful so a big advantage of the Lyr+ will be the ability to drive demanding loads.
Thanks for the review. I have had something that sounds like the loud popping you describe with this amp coming from my monitors (Mackie HS7). If I turn it off without disabling the preouts with the front panel button, about 10 seconds after I turn it back on I get extremely loud popping from the monitors. Scared the schiit out of me. I contacted support but they didn't seem to see it as a problem. Other than that I'm enjoying the amp, but something to be aware of.
What exactly does it matter if you hook up the balanced DAC connectors to balance amp connectors, or just run unbalanced from the DAC (assuming they didn't cheap out on the design for the unbalanced side of things)? Does the modius have the problem where they cheaped out on the non balanced outs?
Do you know whether the signal to the headphone jack cuts when you press the pre button? I haven't been successful in clarifying this via the manual or Schiit Customer Service. It would seem a bad idea to have phones being driven when actually listening through speakers. I'm asking because I prefer not to have to unplug phones whenever listening through speakers...
Is it suppossed to auto switch modes based on tube physically in/out? I think it remembers the LAST mode it was in, and you can run it in MOSFET mode with the tube in. Did it ever auto switch? Also... if you long press the MOSFET/TUBE mode button, it switches modes; ie don't need the remote.
As I read their website auto-switch is implied. Either way, Schiit has asked my lender to send the unit back to them for evaluation. They clearly don't like the sound of what happened either.
The Lyr+ can be considered "hybrid" in two senses. First, it can be operated as a tube pre-amp and solid state amp. Second, it can be operated with a tube pre-amp or solid state pre-amp (solid state amp in all cases).
Schiit has managed to gain a huge customer base based on their marketing and messaging, but in general I haven’t been very impressed with the quality of their products. There is a repeated pattern of their products doing things that well-engineered, well-built products simply don’t do. Killing headphones, popping sounds, background humming noises, Schiit seems to play fast and loose with their engineering practices and QA.
The Lyr+ is not really designed for someone repeatedly pulling and reinserting the tube. The mode can be switched between tube and solid state with the remote (no tube inserting or pulling required). If someone did want to pull or insert the tube, they should wait at least one minute after powering the unit down to do that.
Schiit doesn't need to make it balanced. They have other balanced products. Sucks that at broke. Did you contact them to see if it's a common issue? Also, why do you repeat yourself so many times throughout the video? Thank you for the review.
Schiit doesn't "need" to make the Lyr+ balanced, true. The point is that with it only having SE inputs and the vast majority of price appropriate DACs being balanced and sounding noticeably better from their balanced outputs, the system-building options for Lyr+ are limited. End users need to put more thought into what they match this with than many other $599ish amps. As for the repetitivness, I wanted to be able to say the above without adding to the normal confusion that balanced is inherently better. So I hammered a couple of points. Overdone? Maybe. I'll try to keep it tighter going forward.
@@wavetheorysound I understood the point. Lyr+ limitations are purposely done. Sure, more options would be great, and I do agree. In the end, it doesn't matter. If we want balanced, we look somewhere else.
@@bubblehead5394 I think Schiit limits their sales opportunities for this unit. Ordinarily I would be fully behind you on "look someplace else" but this product is rather unique at this price. If you already have something like an Ares 2 DAC and want to try some tube flavor, this would be attractive but for the fact that Ares 2 SE output is not on the level of its balanced out. MLP is out there for $200 more but struggles with some harder planar loads that Lyr handles well, etc. And Schiit's "you tell us where to put (a balanced input)" pre-response just comes across as childish excuse-making worded in a way to make us feel bad for asking, IMO. It's just company line hyperbole. I'm not ragging on the Lyr+ performance here. I think it is one of the best sounding $599ish amps right now. But, no balanced input (the amp being SE is fine) is a mistake given market context, IMO.
@@wavetheorysound Maybe they have something lined up for 2023? Idk, but I do agree with you. I'm not interested in the Lyr+ because of the shortcomings you've pointed out. At the moment, I'm satisfied with my Bifrost 2 OG / Jotunheim 2 combo.
Balanced means stereo, do u know where stereo came frm brainiac? Its ur ears. Left n right.. Do u have 1 ear or 2? Or 3 Ha2... Dun over do ur limitations brainiac. So balanced is US... Mono is u... peace!
"...what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul." Congratulations, I wasn't ever sure that I would come across someone in this hobby that would warrant the use of that particular quote, but you have gone above and beyond. I would tip my hat to you, but that imply that I have a modicum of respect for you. Unfortunately, your blatant stupidity has ruined any chance of that being the case.
Another review many are wanting to see. Literarily the first review I've seen on the LYR+ anywhere. And I've searched like crazy. Wave Theory coming through FIRST again!! Nice. My biggest question is for those who already own the LY3 like I do... is to ask is the LYR+ Hybrid Tube section doing anything better than the LYR3 that makes it worth getting the LYR+? And I actually don't mind the power switch on the back with the Schiit products. I have an SMSL Stack (SU-9 Pro DAC and SH-9 Amp) where the Power Button is the volume knob on the front. And if you so gently bump the Volume-On/Off knob by accident the unit turns on. Aggravating. I can see the Schiit stuff being annoying with the power Switch on the back if your setup is hard to reach in the back... but overall it's not a biggie for me. Minor annoyances on great products can be forgiven. To add to your point about Balanced vs Single Ended... Burson now has the "Conductor 3 GT" which is basically the Conductor 3X GT(Which has Balanced XLR front and back)... but the GT is only SE/RCA front and back. In other words Burson was able to make the Conductor 3 GT with the same exact Specs as the 3X GT but without the XLR stuff
Thanks for watching and commenting! I never heard Lyr 3, unfortunately, so I can't speak to the differences there. As for the switch on the back, I think it's only an issue with tube gear like this. Leaving it powered on round the clock will chew through tubes' finite life much quicker than only powering it on for use. Schiit even recommends in their user manual that you power the unit off to preserve the tube. Given that, I think the power switch on back is an irritation. Now, because of the tube the unit won't have anything on top of it which makes it easier to reach around, but it's still less than ideal.
Before I become misunderstood by anyone out there: tubes still last 10000+ hours. You should NOT be afraid to use the tubes you buy for listening. The above simply means if you leave a tube device powered on you chew through 10000 hours much faster than if you only power it on for use.
@@wavetheorysound Yeah I always turn off my Tube Amps when I'm done listening to them. I'm OCD probably
I have the Lyr3 too and also the solid state tube replacement thingy. I’m keen to know how this new version differs sonically
@@wavetheorysound I have a surge-protector/power conditioner that provides power to my streamer, dac, and headphone amp all with one power switch, so I don't care about the individual power switches on each unit or where they are located.
Excellent point about the balanced inputs. Many dacs and headphone amps are designed as balanced these days with single ended added as an afterthought. Great review!
All that is needed (if you have a DAC with only balanced outputs) is a balanced to SE adapter that can be attached to the cable.
I’ve been waiting for a lyr+ review - great work!
The level of betrayal that I'm currently feeling is beyond words. Forty-one minutes long, and not a single Schiit pun. You, sir, are dead to me!
🤣 I thought about what to do. I've made them all before 😩
@@wavetheorysound I thinks this gentleman's argument is accusing you of quite some shit..
I guess we were schitt outta luck 🫠
"Schiit house" ?
😂
Great review man. I actually rather appreciated you hammering the most glaring issues people might experience during ownership because at this price when looking at everything else on the market, it’s important to spend wisely and know what things are dealbreakers for me and what are a non-issue. Keep up the good work, Wave!
Speaking about the SE inputs, one solution allowing to use the BAL outputs of DACs, is to use adaptors. Cardas proposes a very good (although a bit expensive) solution.
Are there any problems with using an XLR->RCA cable to connect say a Bifrost 2 to this amp?
Hi. I cannot answer to this question. However, I use Cardas connectors to link RCA interconnect cables to the XLR inputs of my DAC and it works very very well. I would assume that if good connectors are used (such, for example, the Cardas), there should be no problem. Again, it is only an assumption and there may be other factors to take into consideration(?)@@seditious1627
Some sources say that certain sacs dacs performer from (Yggy GS) xlr, however others work that well going from xlr-rca and sound better rca to rca
i recently bought this amp and was playing around with the switching issue you mentioned. When you have the amp in tube mode (light off) you can shut the amp off remove the tube and it will automatically switch to solid state mode( light on) when you turn it back on. Then if you turn it off and add a tube, when you turn it back on it will remain in solid state mode and not automatically switch to tube. You have to do that with the remote, but if the amp is in tube mode and you turn it off and leave the tube in it will resume in tube mode when turned back on. Basically, if a tube is left in, the amp remains in whatever mode it was in when you turn it off. I don't think it's supposed to automatically switch to tube mode. In the manual it only mentions auto switching to solid state when removing the tube then says to use the remote to switch after that.
Finally a review on this amp. Been waiting for someone to review this.
Excellent review and thank you so much for your clarification on single end and balance connection.
spotted the ember in background 😍greetz out from another ember 2 user from germany 👋
Excellent review! Solid analytics. Thank you !
Finally someone’s covering this
Solid Schiit man! Earned a new subscriber
" *So why not balanced?*
You tell us where to put the balanced connections and supporting circuitry, and we’ll make it happen.
*Seriously?*
Come on, look at the chassis. It’s full."
But yes, I agree. Would be convenient to be able to use the nice xlr cables I bought for my new hardware balanced 64 card.
Lol. I suspect that will be the response. To that I say: "It's not the end user's job to figure out how to fit a balanced-to-SE conversion in there. That's Schiit's job." Then, as a reviewer, it's also my job to say that the lack of balanced connection sets this amp apart in the market context and introduces system building challenges that most (all?) other $599 amps don't have. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@wavetheorysound Thanks for the review! I copy pasted that from the Lyr product faq on their site.
@@dar._ 😆 good catch! Sounds like a hand-wavy "argument" just trying to get people like me to shut up. I think my points stand.
@@wavetheorysound The modular panel idea for IO is a good one, they've implemented that exact functionality idea with the new Yggy chassis, but that obviously has a lot more room to work with. Looking at the picture of the internals, I'm not so sure it's hand-wavy, does seem pretty jam packed on that pcb with the new solid state stage design. But who knows, I agree with you either way, give me Balanced.
@@wavetheorysound Why would you want to convert a balanced out to a SE out, unless your DAC lacks an SE out? If your DAC only has balanced out, then it's on you to buy a separate adapter. The vast majority of users do not expect a balanced in for an amp that only has SE out. We do not want an extra cost tagged onto the amp for a feature only a few users would care for, that they can add on their own dime.
Thank you for the review. I'm currently running the Arya V2 and Elex through the Bifrost 2 (not 2/64) and Jotunheim 2. In your opinion, Would this be upgrade over the Jot 2? I've never played with tubes. Thank you for your time.
Been waiting for someone to review this!
I had a unit completely fail with switching around things within 2 days of ownership. Schiit was great with sending a replacement right away. I ordered pretty much as soon as it was released. My new one I've just been pretty careful about not going ham on switching between stages like a Muppet and it's been great for months
Good idea about not switching back and forth by pulling the tube or reinserting it. Probably best to control that with the remote.
Excellent review! I’m enjoying my Lyr+ as we speak. One thing to note is the volume knob in this case is a relay ladder attenuator, not a potentiometer. Difference is you get equal channel balance throughout the entire volume range vs turning a pot to specific volume before getting equal channel balance.
@jurumal could you tell me the exact height of the Lyr+ from base to the top of the valve? Thanks a lot
30 min summary, it does not have balanced inputs and a tube/SS circuit blew. Sonically your review jives with my experience with the prior Lyr3, which came with a tube installed. I also have the solid state tube replacement device thing that actually sounds pretty good, not as good as the actual tube, but maybe better than SS mode on this model. I prefer the Lyr3 to the Topping A90D with either the tube or SS thingy installed. The Lyr pairs well with ZMF headphones.
Nice review though you screwed it up with your explanation of balanced topology. Nothing to do with dual mono. Balanced (differential) amp topology requires separate amplification circuits that each deals with either the positive or the negative part of the waveform. Thus you need 2 amplification circuits per channel, 4 in total for a stereo device. These circuits are connected in reverse polarity to each other and should be very closely matched to work properly which is another potential enemy of sq in cheap or sloppy implementations compared to single ended. Btw in a good implementation internal conversion from SE to balanced or vice versa shouldn't cause any sq deterioration.
A great review, I've got to tell you a tube hybrid with lots of power is very appearling, but the step attenuator adjustments resulting in an audible click during music playback is unfortunate. Cant wait to see whats next.
Here some selected FAQ from the users manual:
There’s no sound for quite a long time after I turn Lyr+ on.
That’s perfectly normal. Lyr+ monitors operational parameters as it is turning on, and only connects the output when everything is fine. This can take
30-45 seconds.
There’s no output for a while after I switch gain.
Correct. And completely normal. Lyr’s microprocessor protection system mutes the output while it changes gain, and monitors operational points
until all is settled.
What’s with the clicking noises when I turn the volume?
That’s the sound of the mechanical relays in the relay-switched stepped attenuator. Also normal.
Can I leave Lyr+ on all the time?
You can, but it would be best to do it when in solid state mode (no tube inserted). The tube heater is on all the time, in all modes, and leaving it powered on all the time will significantly shorten the tube lifespan.
The Lyr+ clicks and I don’t hear any music, then it clicks back on, then click and no music, over and over again.
Aha! We bet you’re using a TRRS jack (typically found on headphones with microphones) that has been “converted” to 1/4” using an adapter. This can short the outputs, forcing Lyr+ to protect itself. If you want to use a TRRS headphone, we sell a proper conversion kit.
Thanks for the excellent review. Does the pre-out sounds as good as the headphone output?
Thanks for the review 👍 Would you recommend this for the Sennheiser HD800S? If not, what would you recommend?
Thank goodness that on/off switch is in the back. That would be the last thing I want on this beautiful front
Great review as always. I just ordered a Lyr+ after watching yours and Passion for Sounds review. My question is, although I would love a bifrost 2 I am having trouble justifying the $799 cost. Is there a sub $500 DAC you would recommend to pair with the Lyr+, Geshelli J2 maybe? I currently have Arya Stealth headphones and am looking for a fun listen not so much an analytical one and mostly listen to Classic Rock and Country with a little Funk, Jazz and acoustic on occasions.
A couple of friends have said the Schiit Modi Multibit 2 is surpsingly good. I should be getting one for review in near future. But might be worth checking out. The J2 is excellent but performs better from its balanced output. This is one reason I chastised Schiit for not including a balanced input. High quality SE options around this price are rare.
I had the last iteration of the Lyr and Modi MB and it is a great sounding combo. Later I "upgraded" to the Bifrost. The Modi MB is very close in performance to the Bifrost.
You mentioned rupert neve headphone amp. How does it compare with the lyr? I am really considering buying this to go with me chord mojo2.
Btw awesome review!
Unfortunately I haven't heard the RNHP. But, it's not known for being very powerful so a big advantage of the Lyr+ will be the ability to drive demanding loads.
Another very very good review.
Thanks for the review. I have had something that sounds like the loud popping you describe with this amp coming from my monitors (Mackie HS7). If I turn it off without disabling the preouts with the front panel button, about 10 seconds after I turn it back on I get extremely loud popping from the monitors. Scared the schiit out of me. I contacted support but they didn't seem to see it as a problem. Other than that I'm enjoying the amp, but something to be aware of.
Good quality equipment doesn't do this
What exactly does it matter if you hook up the balanced DAC connectors to balance amp connectors, or just run unbalanced from the DAC (assuming they didn't cheap out on the design for the unbalanced side of things)? Does the modius have the problem where they cheaped out on the non balanced outs?
What is recommended for warm tubes? Looking to analogify some harmonic distortions to my sound more.
“Schiit-House Sound” 🤣
It does not benefit you from using a balance if you are only running a cable for less than 5ft in length.
Any problem with low gain? I have to crank up to 2-3 o'clock vol knob in order to hear something. Did you run your test on high or low gain? Thanks.
Do you know whether the signal to the headphone jack cuts when you press the pre button? I haven't been successful in clarifying this via the manual or Schiit Customer Service. It would seem a bad idea to have phones being driven when actually listening through speakers. I'm asking because I prefer not to have to unplug phones whenever listening through speakers...
How much breaking in did you do?
Is it suppossed to auto switch modes based on tube physically in/out? I think it remembers the LAST mode it was in, and you can run it in MOSFET mode with the tube in. Did it ever auto switch? Also... if you long press the MOSFET/TUBE mode button, it switches modes; ie don't need the remote.
As I read their website auto-switch is implied. Either way, Schiit has asked my lender to send the unit back to them for evaluation. They clearly don't like the sound of what happened either.
@@wavetheorysound Cool, please let us know the outcome!
Is it dangerous to place the magnetic remote on the amp chassis? I see you did it on the thumbnail
Shouldn't be a problem.
Ives had 2 lyrs there were fine. I’ve seen moved on from the hybrids. I find I’d rather go full SS or full tubes.
Some say the SS mode in the Lyr 3+ is even better than Jotunheim 2, a full SS.
The Lyr+ can be considered "hybrid" in two senses. First, it can be operated as a tube pre-amp and solid state amp. Second, it can be operated with a tube pre-amp or solid state pre-amp (solid state amp in all cases).
please review a Cayin iHA-6 amp
Thanks for this review. Everything well said, but too long ..
Schiit has managed to gain a huge customer base based on their marketing and messaging, but in general I haven’t been very impressed with the quality of their products. There is a repeated pattern of their products doing things that well-engineered, well-built products simply don’t do. Killing headphones, popping sounds, background humming noises, Schiit seems to play fast and loose with their engineering practices and QA.
I’ve had four of their products and never had an issue. Are you basing this on personal experience or reading things on the internet?
The Lyr+ is not really designed for someone repeatedly pulling and reinserting the tube. The mode can be switched between tube and solid state with the remote (no tube inserting or pulling required). If someone did want to pull or insert the tube, they should wait at least one minute after powering the unit down to do that.
This is the experience I personally had with Burson, moving to Schiit solved all the issues you described. Roll of the dice sometimes.
Schiit doesn't need to make it balanced. They have other balanced products. Sucks that at broke. Did you contact them to see if it's a common issue? Also, why do you repeat yourself so many times throughout the video? Thank you for the review.
Schiit doesn't "need" to make the Lyr+ balanced, true. The point is that with it only having SE inputs and the vast majority of price appropriate DACs being balanced and sounding noticeably better from their balanced outputs, the system-building options for Lyr+ are limited. End users need to put more thought into what they match this with than many other $599ish amps. As for the repetitivness, I wanted to be able to say the above without adding to the normal confusion that balanced is inherently better. So I hammered a couple of points. Overdone? Maybe. I'll try to keep it tighter going forward.
@@wavetheorysound I understood the point. Lyr+ limitations are purposely done. Sure, more options would be great, and I do agree. In the end, it doesn't matter. If we want balanced, we look somewhere else.
@@bubblehead5394 I think Schiit limits their sales opportunities for this unit. Ordinarily I would be fully behind you on "look someplace else" but this product is rather unique at this price. If you already have something like an Ares 2 DAC and want to try some tube flavor, this would be attractive but for the fact that Ares 2 SE output is not on the level of its balanced out. MLP is out there for $200 more but struggles with some harder planar loads that Lyr handles well, etc. And Schiit's "you tell us where to put (a balanced input)" pre-response just comes across as childish excuse-making worded in a way to make us feel bad for asking, IMO. It's just company line hyperbole. I'm not ragging on the Lyr+ performance here. I think it is one of the best sounding $599ish amps right now. But, no balanced input (the amp being SE is fine) is a mistake given market context, IMO.
@@wavetheorysound Maybe they have something lined up for 2023? Idk, but I do agree with you. I'm not interested in the Lyr+ because of the shortcomings you've pointed out. At the moment, I'm satisfied with my Bifrost 2 OG / Jotunheim 2 combo.
@@bubblehead5394 maybe. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🍻
That looks more like a power tube. I have guitar amps that are tubes
It's pronounced "lawyer".
Balanced means stereo, do u know where stereo came frm brainiac?
Its ur ears. Left n right.. Do u have 1 ear or 2? Or 3 Ha2... Dun over do ur limitations brainiac. So balanced is US... Mono is u... peace!
"...what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."
Congratulations, I wasn't ever sure that I would come across someone in this hobby that would warrant the use of that particular quote, but you have gone above and beyond. I would tip my hat to you, but that imply that I have a modicum of respect for you. Unfortunately, your blatant stupidity has ruined any chance of that being the case.