I could see the ZTD Jr. and HD800 achieving a good balance when combined given their standalone character, whereas with the HD650 there might be too much warmth (per its destruction/demise). I have a Modi Multibit DAC. I’m in the process of acquiring a ZMF - whose house sound is probably more in line with my immediate next headphone desire compared to Focal, the other Senn., Audeze, Hifiman, Dan Clark, other.
Thanks for mentioning Auris. I forgot that they had a model in this price range.
I think I need to update my personal criteria for the following: does not have a DAC (I have had better experience with separates); and low-hassle warranty coverage/service availability in the US.
If the Hagerman had a preamp output, I’d likely lean toward that one based on my research and I find it cool that he designs and makes them himself out of Hawaii. Tuba is an alcoholic beverage made from the sweet sap of a coconut tree; hopefully, the sound signature is representative!
There is a small tube amp company in Ontario, Canada called Mapletree Audio Design. I bought one of their amps several months ago.
You can check out their selection at:
I would save for those headphones…maybe a Schiit Lyr 3.
The one amp that I really like is the $2K ECP Audio T4 amp, hand built by Tom at Beezar Audio. There is an excellent build discussion on this amp here in the site.
Thanks Alex. I’ll see about the Lyr 3, but I’m uncertain that the hybrid will have enough tube influence. The T4 is a good suggestion, but I wish it had preamp outputs.
Congratulations on the ZMF! Which pair are you getting, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve seen people drive their ZMF out of an Asgard 3 (at least with the Vérité - not sure about other models). The nice and long ZMF threads here will keep you out of trouble for a while!
I very much like the idea of the Lyr 3 as a versatile amp, with an excellent price-to-performance ratio, and one that could do double duty for my Clear and LCD2-C (simplifying my setups, which now involve the MCTH for the former and the Magni 3 for the latter). I wonder how well it pairs with ZMF headphones?
If you have the budget for a Feliks Echo, I’d step up to that. It is a straight recommendation from Zach. Maybe look at other products if your budget is higher. Lyr 3 is good for what it is though.
Thank you, that’s very kind of you. I’d be keen to hear whether you think the Lyr 3 offers much of an improvement over the CTH when it comes to macro-dynamics, resolution, and baas and treble extension. And would you say the Lyr 3 is warmer? I appreciate the offer of help!
Thank you! ZMF Eikon with Eikon Suede pads. The Asgard 3 is working out well for me, both as a headphone amplifier and speaker preamplifier. I prefer the Asgard 3 over the THX AAA 789 for enjoying the music, where the latter has a more reference sound that seems to be better suited for comparing and evaluating gear.
True, lots of good ZMF content in this forum!
The Lyr 3 is definitely in the running for me, along with the Decware CSP3, Feliks (TBD how each model compares in terms of tubey-ness), and Linear Tube Audio MZ2 (which I came across today that you may want to consider).
I like what you’ve done with your collection of the LCD-2C, Clear, HD800, and HD6XX – each have their strengths and profile to suit a certain mood or genre.
I would think the Lyr 3 probably pairs well with the Aeolus and Atticus, but possibly not as well with the Eikon or Auteur for someone who is looking for more of a tubey profile. There’s only one way to find out when I visit The Schiitr!
Thanks for your advice. I think I’ve seen him recommend the Feliks and also the CSP3 and ZOTL MZ2, which I’m also considering. I’d be interested in getting his/someone’s impressions on how each compare. I’m trying to keep my budget to less than $1500, which all of these fall under. I’m keeping an eye out for your response to @Tchoupitoulas on the Atticus and Lyr3!
I know this is not a tube amp, but I wanted to mention a brand to you: Violectric. If you can find one used, they are AMAZING! I recently bought a used HPS V220 and it is improving every week. Talk about clean, clear and good solid bass.
There was recently a V280 on Drop in your price range, but they are long gone. They should start arriving soon and you might see some pop up for sale.
I didn’t know anything about the brand before buying, but it was strongly recommended by a trusted advisor. It was a VERY pleasant surprise!
Thanks for your suggestion! I believe I came across these and their related brand Lake People which were on InnerFidelity Tyll’s Wall of Fame. Great to hear it’s working out well for you and improving with age. I’ll remember to track these going for sale.
Great that you’re getting an Eikon - I hope you love it - I should think you’re in a nice place, one where it’s fun to read about and anticipate auditioning amps for your newcomer!
Thank you. I’m still not sure if the Clear has made the LCD2-C and the HD 6XX redundant. The thing is, though, I can’t bear the thought of parting with either of them - at least until I need to build up a war chest to upgrade…
I’m looking forward to hearing about your amp adventures and what you end up going with. Good luck!
Tonality
The CTH is a not far from neutral at all. It’s an amp for people wanting the benefits of a hybrid changing as little as possible from their headphone’s stock sound. Lots of confidence in its mid bass being careful to not cross into any excess bloom, adding in a hint of tube character in the mid range. Going to the Lyr 3, a fair bit more of that holographic nature is added, especially on the bottom end and lower mid range. It bathes music in an effortlessly rich presentation going for full bodied luster.
Kind of a yeah and nah thing going on. Yes, Lyr is warmer as a whole. Bass is slightly rounded, full of authority, and isn’t afraid to show off when it comes to layering. Linus from Headfonia even said it was reminiscent of analog. You just know how much of a hidden beast it can be when a track calls for dual bass guitars to be distinguishable. The macro dynamics of the CTH may convince you at first it is a warmer amp from the consistent mid bass weight, but it loses out everywhere else. Still REALLY good for the most part. Not to say the Lyr isn’t colored, because it certainly is to a much greater degree refusing to be overshadowed by any other part of the spectrum. Just less of a “Hey, look at me!” effect going on. It can slam like a monster. Think of the CTH as a peacock presenting its feathers and the Lyr as a harpie eagle demonstrating strength.
Not too obvious switching between the two on an SDAC. Of course it all changed moving on to the Modius. Most of the impressions for detail are summed up to you get what you pay for. Of course the Lyr can pull apart music better. It should for $325 more than the CTH when available on Drop. I’ll follow up going more into the nitty gritty if you want it.
One amp is damn honest while the other is full on geared toward musicality. The CTH stays faithful to whatever cans you plug in doing little to soften any edge or glare that may be present. That being said, there’s still the advantage of this amp doing what hybrids do well adding a special coherent character to the whole picture; I found the treble to be free of any harshness, but it didn’t iron out any peaks I’ve become familiar with. Lyr’s treble on the other hand favored a smooth operator approach pulling back sparkle and glare. Would guess this would be a good amp for some Beyerdynamic owners.
TL;DR
Both are very spacious in soundstage giving the upper hand to Lyr when it comes to depth. The CTH is pretty neutral while the Lyr is unapologetically musical dragging everything into its slightly fun tuned, organic nature.
You may have different thoughts pairing either of these with your gear at home. I used the SDAC, Modius, ZMF Atticus, and Focal Elex for the four hours swapping this evening
Curious what @MRHifiReviews would have to say as he has both amps, too.
Keep in mind Schiit’s OTL tube amp is a shockingly transparent option. Great choice for people looking to get a holographic experience without the color. Some people actually buy it to lean out the bass of their headphones in search of a faster, more airy sound so the upper end can shine. All I’m trying to say is don’t look at the Valhalla 2 as a reference point for what tube amps can be like. I’m excited to hear what you think of the Eikon being used on what’s available at Schiit. Please update when you make the trip.
The Vahalla 2, which I dont own anymore with the Senns is right up there with the BH Crack for a very euphonic presentation…I sold the Vahalla 2 just to buy a Lyr 3 and to be able to use the Lyr 3 with more headphones and kpet the BH Crack just for the HD600’s.
Got a bunch of tubes for the Crack, but the issue with the Crack again well known , is below 120 hz the amp just doesnt pair well and all my new cans are less than 60 ohms impedance…
Listening right now with hd 600s on BH Crack…SUPERB. EXCELLENT. WONDERFUL. One of the best pairings.
The LYR 3 is very close, its less “euphonic” being a hybrid. The Crack has this wierd special openess that not many amps seem to have with the 600/800 cans.
There is more of a holographic presentation with the 600s on the Crack…less with the Lyr or other amps I have.
Alex
Note: I built a BH Mainline so I could experience their TOTL amp, a parafeed type of amp. That works well with all impedances, stepped attenuator etc…had it for several years and sold it to a fellow in California…really great amp but again I have or had 20+ amps so it was time to rotate out!