First, I see a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about general dissatisfaction with the DAC modules, but what about the phono module? Does it compare favorably to the Mani? (Incidentally, I think the Multibit module is pretty decent for an insertable, all-in-one solution).
Second, after living with my Bifrost 2 / Jotunheim combo for a month or so now (and loving every minute of it), would the Lyr be enough of a departure from the solid state Jot to warrant adding it to my Schiit head-fi stack? I realize that there are a million options for someone wanting to experience their first tube headphone amp, but I’m attracted to the idea of synergy (both aesthetic and aural), so I’m strongly considering the Lyr to ‘complete’ my stack.
Also would welcome any recommendations for alternatives, preferably in the same or smaller footprint as I’m limited in desk space.
I preferred the Lyr 3 to the Jot. There was a time when I owned both. The Lyr sound was a little less impactful, more musical, and only having to roll 1 tube was nice to get a slightly different customized sound.
With that said, I think the Jot was a better match for the ZMF Aeolus than it was for the ZMF Auteur or Verite, where I preferred the Lyr.
As for the phono module, I have no clue. Vinyl isn’t an evil I’ve partaken in yet. It’s way down on the list, right after “kick kittens”.
Vinyl is one of my vices. However I don’t run the Lyr3 in the vinyl area, so no need for phono amp. I presently use a Musical Fidelity v90 phono stage. Cost is roughly comparable to the Lyr3 card, and I’m quite satisfied with it. Should I want to upgrade, it’s very easy to do. Unless I had a specific need to combine phono with the Lyr, I think I would prefer to stick with separates.
I’m kind of confused about the prospect of running a nice vinyl setup on headphones anyway. It seems like something meant for speakers. I guess not bothering people who don’t like music could be a good reason, but kicking them out of my house is easier.
I am also wondering if it would make sense to just drop the extra $ and get the phono stage as their is always a chance I move my turntable to the listening area my eventual LYR 3 will live… hmmmm
Or, just pick up a Mani It is a great value and that way you can just hold off until you actually need one save you a lil bit of cash over the Preamp module for the Lyr3…
When I had my turntables set-up the Mani is what I used… I think I’ll be sending in my “special” AR turntable from a certain wordsmith on this forum to a specialty shop again for some upgrades and some tender loving care soon. I hear there is a cool shop out east I can send it to that is actually reputable unlike my experience with some of the custom turntable shops in Seattle so far.
You are correct, apparently I made the dislexic typo twice in my later edit. @TylersEclectic or @Torq, I’m no longer able to edit the original post. Are you able to correct to 5692 in the last two references for me? See post reference a couple above.
I just ordered this tube amp today. I really like the idea of it only using a single tube because I have such a bad luck with tube matching. I hope I’ll be spending less time trying to find a good matched pair. The only thing I’m worry about is that I never use 6SN7 tube before. I’m thinking about Electro Harmonix 6SN7 Gold or the Northern Electric 6SN7. Does anyone here have any experience with these combination or maybe other tube recommendation for Lyr 3?
@Wes_S has more tubes than a 1940’s Michelin commercial. I have only the TungSol “upgrade” tube and the RCA Red Base 5692. Wes was not overly impressed with the RCA, but I like it just fine - perhaps there is a bit of manufacturing variation over the years. There was nothing wrong with the TungSol either, but the RCA factory is just past spitting distance away, so I went for the local nostalgia. I have heard good things about the Sylvania “Bad Boy” tube also, but have not heard it.
I am still listening in with the one from Schiit that came with it and will for awhile but eventually I will snag maybe one or two others to play around.
I see…Thanks for the input. I’ll get them rolling as soon as I got the goodies
I’ll report back here if I found a great combo @MRHifiReviews. If I remember correctly, we both have/love HD6XX and Ananda
save you a lil bit of cash over the Preamp module for the Lyr3…
ipad keyboard errors are commonplace for me.
