Schiit Audio Lyr 5
The Lyr 5 puts versatile headphone listening first, pairing a button-led choice of tube character or solid-state precision. Head-Fi highlights its seamless mode switching, while plentiful power, low-gain operation and a compact desktop footprint broaden its appeal. With remote control and relay-ladder volume, this is a feature-rich hybrid for systems that value adaptable amplification.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
50/100
Build Quality
50/100
Features Usability
82/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Seamlessly switches between tube and solid-state modes at the press of a button, offering unusually flexible amplification.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 50/100
The supplied review only confirms that the Lyr 5 can switch seamlessly between tube and solid-state operation. It offers no listening observations about clarity, tonal character, dynamics, background noise, or performance with specific headphones.
Transparency Resolution
50/100
The available review does not discuss detail retrieval, separation, openness, or resolution. There is therefore no reviewer listening evidence on the Lyr 5's transparency.
Tonal Balance Musicality
50/100
The review notes selectable tube and solid-state operation, which may allow different presentation options. It does not describe either mode's tonal balance, timbre, warmth, neutrality, or musical engagement.
Dynamics
50/100
No reviewer comments address transient attack, punch, headroom, bass control, or a sense of effortlessness. The supplied material does not establish how the amplifier sounds under demanding dynamic swings.
Noise Floor
50/100
The review contains no observations about hiss, hum, or background silence with headphones or IEMs. Manufacturer specifications claim quiet low-gain operation, but this has not been independently described in the supplied review.
Headphone Compatibility
50/100
No reviewer pairing information is provided for high-impedance dynamics, planars, or sensitive IEMs. The review only confirms the tube-to-solid-state switching function, not real-world performance across headphone loads.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
50/100
The supplied review does not comment on chassis construction, controls, connectors, heat handling, or long-term reliability. As a result, there is no reviewer evidence to characterize the Lyr 5's physical execution.
Features Usability
82/100
The review specifically praises seamless switching between tube and solid-state modes at the press of a button. The product information also lists low and high gain, a relay-ladder volume control, and an included IR remote, although the review does not assess their day-to-day operation.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $799–$829, the Lyr 5 sits in a competitive desktop-amplifier segment. None of the supplied review material compares its performance, features, or price against rivals, so there is no direct reviewer verdict on value.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- Power
- plenty for all headphones
- Noise
- inaudible on all headphones and most IEMs in low gain
- Distortion
- unmeasurable at normal listening levels; 10-100x lower than the typical headphones you're using
- Heat
- amp gets moderately warm
- Size
- desk-friendly
- THD
- < 0.002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 2V RMS, 32 ohms
- IMD
- < 0.002%, CCIR at 2V RMS, 32 ohms
- SNR
- > 114db, unweighted, referenced to 2V RMS
- Crosstalk
- < -80dB, 20Hz-20KHz, 32 ohms
- Output Impedance
- 0.4 ohms, 2 ohms (Halo)
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.1db
- Maximum Power
- 9.0W RMS per channel\n6.0W RMS per channel\n4.0W RMS per channel\n900mW RMS per channel\n450mW RMS per channel
- Gain
- High 6.5 (16dB), Low 1.2 (1.35dB)
- Topology
- Coherence ™ fully discrete, current-mode noninverting 6SN7/bipolar hybrid with Continuity A™ output stage and Fusion Architecture™ tube or solid-state gain, 64-step relay ladder volume control
- Protection
- microprocessor oversight for high DC, over-current, and tube presence; mute on any fault and management of tube and solid state modes
- Convenience
- tube is shut off when amp is in solid state mode (no heater, no HV rail)
- IR remote control
- included
- Forkbeard capabilities
- Full remote control of input, output, volume, gain, and mode.\nSystem intelligence including Continuous Class A Monitor, showing mode of operation at all times, temperature and overcurrent fault reporting.\nIntegration with all Forkbeard-enabled Schiit devices, enabling unique understanding of system performance with features such as Visual Volume
- Power Supply
- 100% linear, two internal power transformers with 72VA total rating, plus with over 55,000uf of filter capacitance; two discrete regulated +/-100V supplies, two high-current +/-26V supplies, four regulated oversight supplies—20V, +/-15V, 5V
- Power Consumption
- 30W
- Size
- 9 x 6 x 2”
- Weight
- 6 lbs
Manufacturer's Description — Schiit Audio
Want tube sound—and the comfort of solid state? Want real tactile controls—with the latest app-based control and integration? That’s Lyr 5, the only headamp that goes seamlessly from tube to solid state and combines the precision of relays with the intelligence of Forkbeard.
I Can Live…With or Without Tube
Lyr 5 delivers exceptional tube sound. But, if you don’t want to use a tube, you can switch seamlessly to MOSFET gain. That’s a device that’s like a tube, but lasts virtually forever. And it’s built into Lyr 5. Even better, when you’re in solid state mode, the tube is completely powered down, extending its life. That’s the magic of Fusion™.
Forkbeard Tour De Force
Ever wondered if you are running in Class A, Class AB, or hitting the limits of your headphone amp? Lyr 5 tells you through Forkbeard. Forkbeard, our integrated control system, also gives you complete control over every Lyr 5 function, and provides advanced features such as Visual Volume when used with a Forkbeard-enabled DAC.
More than Balanced Power
Lyr 5 delivers up to 6000mW RMS through both the 4.4mm and ¼” jacks, so it doesn’t matter if you’re using balanced or single-ended headphones. The 4.4mm jack also includes our unique Halo mixed-mode motion feedback system, which can enhance acoustic performance. At the same time, advanced oversight including DC, overcurrent, temperature, and tube presence sensing ensures Lyr is safe for every headphone.
Uber-High-End Quality
Go ahead and pick up Lyr 5, and you’ll feel the difference between its two-transformer, 100% linear power supply and the rest. Then consider the relay ladder volume control, for ultimate transparency and perfect channel matching, full DC coupling from input to output, the use of quality MELF resistors, and separate regulated high-voltage and low-voltage supplies, and you’ll quickly understand: Lyr 5 is all-out high-end.
Designed and Built in the USA
We do our own PCBs in Corpus Christi on our own dedicated production line, and our chassis and transformers are made by partners in California or Utah. From there, it all comes together in our San Antonio facility. So. Yeah. Actually made in the USA.
5-Year Warranty, Easy Returns
Lyr 5 is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your Lyr, you can send it back for a refund, minus 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Schiit Audio Lyr 5
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- Class D Audio USA — online — United States (website)
- Golden Acoustics — in-store — Athina, Greece (website)
- Schiit Audio — online and in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- The Analog Shop — in-store — Victor, New York, United States (website)