Schiit Lyr+ Previewed

July 22, 2022, Valencia, CA. Today, Schiit Audio previewed the upcoming Lyr+ headphone amp and preamp, the first and only tube product that switches seamlessly between tube and solid state, for complete freedom--to explore tubes, and to be free of tube nervosa. In addition to this tube/solid-state Fusion Architecture (TM), Lyr+ is the most technologically advanced desktop product from Schiit, ever, featuring relay ladder volume control, microprocessor control and oversight, and remote control. Lyr+ is expected to ship in 4-6 weeks, at $599 without a tube, or $699 with a selected premium 6SN7 type tube.

 

"We've offered tube alternatives before," Jason Stoddard, Schiit's co-founder and head of analog development, said. "Freya+ has a completely separate solid state buffer stage that you can select. And, you can choose our solid-state LISST tube replacements. But Lyr+ is the first product that completely fuses both tube and solid state, in the same topology, and allows you to switch seamlessly between them."

 

With Lyr+, there's no need for a tube. Leave the tube out (and cover the tube receptacle with the provided cover), and it's a supremely capable solid state headphone amp and preamp, providing 6W RMS output per channel into 32 ohms from Schiit's unique Continuity output stage. Gain is via depletion-mode MOSFETs in the same topology as tubes. Volume is handled with a discrete relay-stepped attenuator, for perfect channel matching from bottom to top. A microprocessor monitors all operating points, including current and DC, to protect the most expensive headphones. 

 

Or, you can choose to plug in a tube. Lyr+ switches to tube hybrid mode, and provides exceptional performance from 6SN7 new-production and NOS tubes. The tubes are gently run, with conservative operating points and DC heaters for long life. In addition, you can switch between tube and solid state mode and compare performance.

 

"Lyr+ is completely unique," said Jason. "It's the only amp that switches out tubes for depletion MOSFETs in real time, internally, preserving the tube topology. The solid state and tube stages are exactly the same, with the exception of what makes the gain--tube or MOSFET."

 

This Fusion Architecture is the result of two years of R&D at Schiit, including multiple prototypes, stress tests, and rounds of both objective and subjective evaluation. With Fusion Architecture, Lyr+ gives owners a way to experience tubes, while always having a solid-state backup.

 

"It's a great solid state amp...that just happens to use tubes. Or a great tube amp...that always has a backup plan," Jason said.

 

Lyr+ is expected to be available in 4-6 weeks from schiit.com at $599 without a tube, or $699 with a premium 6SN7.

 

Founded in 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat, Schiit has grown into a leader in affordable high-end audio, with a wide range of products spanning DACs, headphone amplifiers, and preamplifiers, from $49 to $2599. 

 

Denise Martin, [email protected]