Schiit Audio release gorgeous six-watt Lyr headphone amplifier that claims to have zero feedback and more power than most headphones will ever have use for…….
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.Lyr is 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.
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 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.
The Lyr is available for pre-order now with a targeted ship date of March 1, 2011.
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.
