No question, the Lyr is a great amp, and should work well if you simply feed it a line level signal from your DAC. I wouldn't recommend the Lyr for use with IEMs or uber sensitive low impedance cans, but for everything else, it's great. I would recommend you order it fitted with GE 6BZ7 tubes from Schiit. The 6BZ7s really sound great in that amp.
Hello kwkarth
you seem to know a lot about stuff. Would you recommend this amp for Hifiman HE series and HD800? I am looking for a new tube amp and would like to upgrade from LD MKIV SE.
thanks, Peter
Peter,
Although I don't own any of the HE series cans, I've heard a couple different models. I've spent some time listening to the HD-800. I think the Lyr easily has the power and finesse to do an exemplary job with any of those cans. The fact that tube rolling can be used to further "tune" the amp for the particular cans you want to use it with is icing on the cake. As a point of reference, I have never heard my AKG K-701, and K1000s sound better with any other amp. The Lyr seems to give them new life. I've found the same to be true for almost every can I have, including the HD600s, K501s, Grados, etc. I'm sure there are ultimately better amplifiers available if cost is no object, but for me personally the Lyr with the 6BZ7 is right at the top of the curve before you start to see diminishing returns on your investment.
Bast of luck!
For under $700, the Lyr is the best amp I've heard with my HD800s. 6moons was quite intoxicated with the pairing...oh, and the Lyr is my "go to" amp for my HE-6s.