$600 Head Amp Shootout! Lake People G111mk2; HiFiMan EF400; Schiit Lyr+; Singxer SA-1; Topping A90D

Thanks to Apos Audio, HiFiMan, a friend of the channel, and Power Holdings, Inc. for providing all these pieces!
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Patreon: / wavetheory1
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Buy Each (HiFiMan, Singxer & Topping links are affiliate links from Apos Audio):
HiFiMan EF400: apos.audio/products/hifiman-e...
Singxer SA-1: apos.audio/products/singxer-s...
Topping A90D: apos.audio/products/topping-a...
Lake People G111mk2: power-holdings-inc.com/Lake-P...
Schiit Lyr+: www.schiit.com/products/lyr
My Reviews of Each...
Lake People G111mk2: • Lake People G111mk2 He...
HiFiMan EF400: • HiFiMan EF400 DAC/Head...
Schiit Lyr+: • Schiit Lyr+ Hybrid Tub...
Singxer SA-1 stock: • Singxer SA-1 Headphone...
SA-1 DC Offset Modded: • Singxer SA-1 Review Pa...
Topping A90D: • Topping A90D Headphone...
Channel Intro: • Channel Introduction
My Hearing Quirks: • WaveTheory's Hearing Q...
Timestamps...
00:00 Intro & Disclaimers
02:37 Shameless Self-Promotion
03:04 Unit Descriptions
08:33 Connections for Each
12:36 Ergonomics & Usability Comparisons
26:10 Sound Comparison
38:22 What Can They Drive?
43:17 Wrapping Up Each Unit & Concluding Thoughts

[@PixelPipes]

It's here! Really great and thorough breakdown. I'm waiting on the Lyr+ in the mail but I'm definitely looking forward to trying out some tubes and upgrading the sound. Thank you for your hard work!

[@Soundoverload]

Great and very useful comparison - you put a lot of work into it, thank you 👍🏻

[@dHolbach77]

First view of any of your reviews; I appreciate how you're critical/honest. Too many reviewers won't commit to just plainly saying what they think is the case with gear; they use terms like "a bit less/more" or "not quite" or "slightly" or "more of a/less of a" type of sound or technicality when the differences are really larger and make certain gear significantly different sounding or even clearly deficient or superior. Too many times I have fallen for this language which leads one to think that all the gear in a certain price range is good; there's just modest differences and strengths/weaknesses, when the truth is that some components are basically just junk and sound lo-fi while others are mid-fi and still others perform well above their price. For instance, I've read review after review of how good the Topping A90D is; but your assessment I'm sure is much closer to reality: that it sounds like clinical, plasticky, metallicy, unmusical junk. Other reviews sort of say this if you read carefully, but the language is still deceptive enough to make an uncritical reader think it performs a lot better than it does. And I bet the Schiit Lyr+ sounds significantly better than the Topping in all respects, not just "slightly" or "a bit more..." or "leans more towards"... . It's like most reviewers try to level the differences between all gear in a certain price tier to make all the choices seem good...probably because they are paid by all the makers or at least want to not be too critical so they can keep getting the companies to send them gear so they can keep making reviews that they monetize.

[@TimpTim]

Thanks for the Detail and subsequent Separation!

[@jurumal]

I’m really glad this comparison and the preceding Lyr+ review backed up my purchase. I knew that amp was worth picking up when I heard it at CanJam listening with my HE6SE. It’s ability to drive it really surprised me. Now I’m a proud owner. Great review/shoot out.

[@stevendavis1135]

Whoa man, this is insane wave. Haven't seen you do something this crazy since you did the state of the market headphones awhile back.

[@pappsa8]

Okey okey,i waited for this!Thanks a lot!

[@TOM7952]

Thanks for the shootout!

[@GregoryfromTrier]

As usual, a very good review.

[@cau8365]

Thanks for the great work. You gain a new subscriber!

[@mehradzarourian3429]

Thumbs up man, keep up the good work.👍👍👍

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good morning from Toronto☕️ I’m still running the Drop 789 along with the Drop Grace SDAC..they’re old and they’re still rocking! I’ve also picked up the Xduoo 604 ..for my Sen’s 650…exclusively. If stuff is good back in the day …it probably still decent today. Great video 👍

[@RdandTrk1]

I've been watching several of your videos. Don't know why I haven't subscribed yet, so I did. Thanks for the content.

[@wavetheorysound]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@kjg_95]

great review!

[@aceofspades6667]

Really informative shootout

[@Leon-lg7zm]

Thanks for the informative video. I actually have the Topping A90D and I want to upgrade my amp. I am looking at buying the Ifi Pro Ican Signature so I'll wait for your review.

[@enushalu2548]

Please do a $1000 Review as. Very Interesting and Informative !

[@ldcp9919]

literally the only one who has reviewed schiit lyr+ until now - december 6, 2022; thanks to you I just bought it without hesitation.

[@wavetheorysound]

Nice! Hope you like it! You buy a tube from Schiit, get something else, or go without?

[@ldcp9919]

@@wavetheorysound I bought a psvana :B

[@David-fo6oy]

Damnnnnn, tell it like it is brother -- preach on, praise be!

[@UnHoLyHooLiGaN]

really good video

[@Steve0310]

I have the EF400 (bought it on sale for $499). I really like it. I mainly run it off my LG G8 with a USB B to USB B cable. I added a Samsung 512 GK Micro SD card so I have 6000+ songs (I ripped all my aroun250- 300 CD's to FLAC). I also have quite a few Hi Rez Album Rip in that collection. On top of that I also have a XDUOO MT-604 (bought on sale from Apos for $143) that I have hooked up via a very good/thick Monoprice Premier Series Balanced Cable (I got two 25 ft cables for ~$25 shipped - killer deal). What I'm saying is for ~$650 I have the best in all worlds IMHO. I can hook up either through the EF400 or the MT-604 to add a little Tube flavor. I also like having the built-in R2R DAC. I think for less that $650 total I couldn't do better. I'm very happy with this system! PS Either output (EF400 or MT-604) can handily drive my HE6se V2. The funny thing is even though the MT-604 is rared at 2 Watts, it seems like it's at least, if not a tough more powerful that the EF400. I think it must be a tad underrated.

[@dalejail]

is it possible the a90d has the character of fast initial dynamic impact followed by quick decay you describe because it is more studio neutral as though the sound is from a well treated room, which would be ideal and reference for audio engineers, as opposed to audiophiles who may prefer the warm neutral sound and more exaggerated soundstages of the other amps you compared it to?

[@ChicagoRob2]

Really great review. I would buy anything based on your appraisals.

[@wneubert2]

I'm listening to you complaining about the Schitt having power on the back while I'm looking at a picture of the back of the 5 amps and I am noticing that 4 of the 5 have power on the back:) I also prefer power on the front.

[@ryanhostudio]

i do wanna try that hifiman dac amp looks interesting

[@AndreaDiLiddo]

Great review and comparison, as always. Really appreciate your work. If i may ask: considering I already own the EF400 (mostly thanks to your review, as the Arya Stealth :D ) is it worth to upgrade to/add the G111 or the Lyr? I’m not loving the EF400 with the Arya, mostly cause at my listening level i get channel imbalance. I would still use the EF400 as a DAC for those.

[@S.G54321]

Awesome review. What would be a tube for amazing soundstage and imaging on the Lyr+ ?

[@jonandresen1483]

Good breakdown. I've enjoyed the Lyr3 for several years so it's good hear the Lyr+ availed itself well. I'm not so sure the lack of balanced inputs as a problem rises to the level you suggest but to some maybe so especially if using long cable runs in an electrically noisy environment. Lake People is almost as amusing a name as is Schitt.

[@wavetheorysound]

Thanks! Agreed it might sound like I was really ripping Schiit for the lack of balanced input. Some of the depth I went into on this point was in response to comments on the Lyr+ review. It was my interpretation that many missed why I thought balanced would be helpful, so I tried to explain here. I agree, though, that if you have a DAC with good SE output (BF2, Soekris dac1321, I bet the Mojo 2 in line-out mode is also a strong pairing), and a quiet system, the lack of balanced input will not be a big issue for many. Thanks for commenting.

[@tigonridge]

@@wavetheorysound Nobody. Nobody puts balanced inputs on a SE output amp. I don't know why you keep doubling down on this. It's not even the fact that you have this opinion that annoys me, but the fact that you assert it with such a condescending tone. If you're gonna have that attitude, you'd better damn well be right...which you're not here.

[@wavetheorysound]

@@tigonridge condescension wasn't my intent but I see why you took it that way. I am confused by your confidence that I'm wrong, though. In this very video there is an example of SE amp with balanced input (G111). The Violectric HPA V200 did the same over a decade ago. The Rupert Neve RNHP also does this. I realize it's standard for tube amps to be SE but with Lyr+ also being solid state and being a competitor at $600 I think it would help Schiit sell more units if they had it as an input option. I tried to be very clear that balanced is not inherently sonically superior but the nature of

[@mastaboog749]

Picked up a lyr 3 cheap with someone upgrading to the +. Sadly it doesn't have the multibit Dac built in but I might add it down the road

[@theodorezurla496]

Awesome shootout review! Please do a high end one next ! such as GSX Mini /violetric V280/shiit ragnerok /ifi can signiture

[@kellustzall3057]

Yeah! But maybe with the Violectric V222. Basically the V280 but reincarnation.

[@theodorezurla496]

@@kellustzall3057 interesting

[@wavetheorysound]

I have an older written review of GSX Mini and I have the iFi in-house right now. The Vio will land here at some point I'm sure. As far as the Ragnarok Schiit told me recently that they're so backed up (lol, there's a Schiit pun!) that they are putting a pause on review units. So either I buy one (can't afford rn), someone loans me one (care to step up? 😜), or Schiit finds a laxative to ease their supply constipation. Roundups like this are fun and great for potential buyers but a lot has to come together to make them possible, making them somewhat rare.

[@kyleo2113]

Dang bought the a90d and also noticed that it doesn’t have the level of dimension even compared to my dragonfly red 😢 too bad outside the window for return as well…. It has a nice feature set and it’s too bad all these better products in terms of sound all have their individual quirks as well maybe I will sell the a90d after I find the right one for me - leaning lyr due to the tube options which I really want to try out - unfortunate it lacks balanced in which is ideal for my Geshelli - I may splurge a bit more if I can find a good tube / solid state amp combo with balanced inputs if that exists 🤔

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Interesting that you mentioned the minute differences among the contenders. As I see it, above a certain quality level most amps would not withstand a blind a/b test. That's actually good. It makes choice hinge on other aspects and tastes while being perfectly valid. (Difficult hp's excepted)

[@hdsarma]

Nice comparison, please consider reviewing the Violectric V550 and Quicksilver in future.

[@carlsitler9071]

My headphone amp, dac and planars totaled $550. Beyond that, diminishing returns are substantial (Asgard 3, Sanskrit 2, M570). $300 more for a BasX on sale with your speakers of choice and you have 2 channel as well.

[@andypeterson9630]

A $150 limited run from Nitsch/Schiit got my money for sound in this class (price and availability notwithstanding). Piety reminds me of a favored sound from my now vintage preamp. But I’m still interested in one unit reviewed here. Use case varies by user application. Price is driven largely by cost structure and market objectives. Most of the issues cited here are not issues to many people. The reality is that any of these products will likely suit most people. Fortunately, the market extends beyond what’s represented by KZbin reviews. But one of these companies is simply more interesting to watch than the others, at least to me :)

[@kato2395]

I already bought the G111 mk2 since black Friday, waiting for it to arrive to my country at late December, hopefully in time for Christmas. Lets hope it wont dissappoint!

[@wavetheorysound]

Congrats! It's great!

[@kato2395]

@@wavetheorysound It really exceeded my expectation! Thanks for recommending it. I'd say the price I pay for it is totally worth it. Topping L50 killed my music enjoyment, it makes music sound boring and flat. Your description of how good the Lake People G111 MK2 in showing the micro details is so accurate. In my L50 the music was muddy and everything is jumbled together into 1 layer. Lake People G111 MK2 fixes that and the music is clear and layered correctly now. Not to mention, everything sounds more natural and doesn't have that metallic tinge which was the case with Topping L50. I also didn't expect the bass and sub-bass to be so full sounding and punchy (which is good and preferable to me), since I believe this is not marketed as an "audiophile" amplifier. I am still using the same DAC, the E50 but the difference is already so immense!

[@wavetheorysound]

@@kato2395 glad to hear that! Now be prepared for the measurement fanatics to come shame you for your heresy 😜😆

[@kato2395]

@@wavetheorysound 🤣🤣

[@20puskinas1992]

@@kato2395 thats the problem, you use shitty dac with probably noisy usb source.

[@x-techgaming]

God, what a video lol... Looking to see if I can find an upgrade to my A90D. Probably needs to be fully Class A, such as GS-X Mini. Might try MLP, too. If only that G111MK2 was balanced, I would be interested. #BudgetAmpProblems

[@wavetheorysound]

The G111 is balanced where it counts: between dac and amp. On my system that removes ground loop noise and in general uses the higher quality output of balanced DACs. The fact that it's SE after that really doesn't matter. If you have balanced headphone cables, adapters to 6.35mm are rather inexpensive.

[@smeier8817]

Any recommendations for tube upgrades? I don't know anything about tubes so I'm not sure how much you'd need to spend for an upgraded sound but if you buy a couple $100 tubes to test now your getting into burson soloist 3x price range.

[@khinglouie]

2 Devil’s horns 🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@tibormichalcik9381]

Hii. very helpful review! I am torn between G111 and Lyr+, maybe i should get both :D Ehm, could you open G111 and take a pic of internals please? :) Thank you!

[@Reeeepicheep]

47:46 - One way around that is to use an XLR to RCA cable. I personally use the superior XLR output of my Bifrost 2 into the RCA inputs of my Feliks Echo II OTL tube amp which is single-ended.

[@wavetheorysound]

I avoid using and recommending this approach. Some gear can handle this. But other gear can't. The XLR output level is twice as high and it carries the shared ground for reasons. Simply not connecting it has differing results. Some of those results could be damaging. So I don't bring this up as a option.

[@Reeeepicheep]

I’ve had success in the aforementioned scenario with both the Feliks and the Lyr 3 tube amps using a WBC RCA male to XLR female cable into the Bifrost 2 (OG) and I also had success in using a WBC RCA male to XLR male cable in connecting a Modi Multibit to a THX amp with balanced inputs. Maybe because none of these components are truly hardware balanced is the reason it worked out?

[@littlebit8901]

I know it's extremely subjective, but what tube would you buy and use for the Lyr+? You personal preference.

[@admiralnorman]

46:24 Luckily the DAC is pretty awesome.

[@Boss90x]

Hats off to you for the mega comparison. Would the g111 or the lyr+ pair well with low impedance dynamic headphones (ie kennerton gjallahorn). If you can get the g111 around $100 cheaper than the lyr+ which one would you get (ill be running them off a mojo2).

[@wavetheorysound]

Either amp performed well with pretty much every headphone type, save the G111mk2 which struggled slightly with the most inefficient of planars. I'd say generally if the G111 drops to $500 it is the better deal. Your specific case is one of the few that gives me pause. The Chord DACs I've heard pair very well with vaccum tubes. When there are tubes in the chain somewhere with a Chord DAC magic can happen. So, no definite answer there, but hopefully helpful considerations.

[@paulaj2829]

Is it possible for you guys to talk to normal people about some thing in the $350 bracket so that all the younger people out there can understand that not everybody has to take out a mortgage to buy HiFi gear, I do see where you are coming from but just take it on board that we all love music & all want to be able to have the best gear we can have but until you can listen to the right sound for your self I would think let us all into the secret would of HiFi. & this is coming from a guy who's approaching his mid 70s & still listens to everything the world can put each side of my head ... & they are called ears. Again a great video which is good to listen too.

[@wavetheorysound]

I have a video out about entry level audiophile headphones. I also did a written round up of

[@JMAudioEditions]

five thumbs up

[@chaoticorder532]

Cool vid. For a DAC what about Modius?

[@alexandertkatchev6552]

Ok,but I am an engeneer and I like to analyse what is inside. I analised a lot of Lake People and Violectric amplifiers based on internet pictures like v1xxx, v280, v222 etc. My conclusion is that it does not cost even the half of it price. Ne5534, jrc 7818/7919, UTC copies of Toshiba transistors, 7-30 VA transformators, etc. Schematica? It looks like an Op amp + diamond buffer. Replica like Byerdinamic or Lehman amps. I do not understand for what I should pay?

[@thepoolisdead7481]

For the logistics, manufacturing, marketing, warranty, software development and assembly of the device. No-one is keeping you from buying the parts one by one and assembling it yourself Mr. engeneer

[@AJ99401080]

Well if you are able to build one yourself and make it sing heavenly ,sure people will totally buy it for whatever the price you ask for 😂

[@alexandertkatchev6552]

@@AJ99401080 Sorry, I did not undertand your humor. I just said that this product is highly overpriced.

[@belotan4218]

Even the parts only cost a dollar, how about the rnd whos designed and tested this product , labor cost and logistics. If you’re an engineer you must have figured this out.

[@1oldson]

would love to know how the LP G108 would compare to this little lot and also the Violectric V222, as i am considering buying one or the other

[@reckulurn3038]

Great breakdown of each amp. What would be the best dac to pair with the Schiit Lyr+ and Lake People G111mk2?

[@wavetheorysound]

A single DAC to use with both? Or one for each? Bifrost 2/64 if you want one DAC to output to both, at least for a DAC in a similar price range. I also like the Bifrost 2/64 with the G111mk2 on its own. The Lyr+ is trickier because it's only SE and there are VERY few SE DACs in the price range. Soekris dac1421 is a good bet, tho I can't confirm. I had the dac1321 for a stretch and really like it. I'd also wager the Chord Mojo 2 does a great job in line-out mode. My experience with Chord DACs with tubes in the signal chain has been very positive.

[@reckulurn3038]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I’ve been looking to purchase either the Schiit Lyr+ or Lake People G111mk2. Just want to make sure I get a good Dac to pair with the one I choose. I saw some reviews online that SABAJ A20d 2022 amp Dac combo has a good Dac. I don’t know that much about sabaj other than they are owned by Smsl. Loving your channel!! Thanks again! 🍻

[@reter312]

hey mate i just wanted to thank you, i bought the lake people g111 mk2 and i like it so much!!! I was using the topping a90d and omg, the way the lake people crushes it is ridiculous, seems like the topping was only noise if compared now i'm thinking on upgrading the dac to a Schiit bifrost 2, do you think is a good idea? also, what is a good future amp upgrade? i was thinking on violectric but i don't know which one should be the greatest

[@TheLeFartiste]

The Lyr + looks interesting. I do my headphone listening mainly out of my AMB Labs Beta22 (built by me in 2010) and it has been flawless (as in it has never failed on me in any way). I am curious if the Lyr + would be any sort of an “upgrade” in terms of sound. Anyone?

[@christophergaus3996]

Thank you! I have a question regarding balanced to single end conversion. I have a Lokius, and am considering the Lyr. I agree with you, I need to used the balanced output from my dac as it's about $500. I'm wondering what the difference would be in conversion going from my dac to the Lokius balanced, then single out to Lyr. VS using XLR to RCA adapters straight into the Lyr (or on the dac side) These adapters don't seem to cost much, is this a different/worse conversion vs. using the Lokius or other conversion within the box? Do you think adapters would sound worse than if the Lyr came equipped with XLR in? I'm new to balanced and am just starting to experiment. Thanks for any input, your vids are excellent!!

[@wavetheorysound]

My understanding is that it depends on the adapters you use. I don't know if using simple XLR-to-RCA cables is a good idea as it's unclear what happens to the ground signal. Different pieces of gear will react differently to it just being dropped. There are some converter boxes out there that safely remove the ground but they will cost close to what a Lokius costs. My guess is the Lokius is a solid option. At that price though...sell the existing DAC and combine that $ with what you would pay for the Lokius and buy a DAC with high quality SE output? These are the kinds of questions that need to be considered, IMO. And thanks for getting the point here. I don't think everyone understood why I'm harping on this one. But your example is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. For someone who already has a DAC they like that sounds better from its balanced output than its SE output, the Lyr+ creates a barrier that I'm not convinced it needs to. Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes!

[@christophergaus3996]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks for the clear response, I've also heard of grounding risks w/XLR adapters. I already have a Lokius (LOVE it), but I've also been looking at new/better dacs. I think your right, a dac may be my next upgrade. Thank you, awesome vids man! Also, I have the Topping A90 discrete and agree it lacks emotion. But the analytical sound is neat, I'm planning to try tube preamps and see what happens 😈

[@Nebo600]

Damn I gotta get rid of my Topping A90 and D90se now

[@topalofff]

Thank you for review! Now I have G111 mk2 after Singxer SA-1. I am using Soncoz LA-QXD1 with G111 mk2 and Hi-X60. What DAC can outperform QXD1 under 600$? What DAC should I consider? Good job!

[@lucidmonkey3591]

Did you ever find a better dac ?

[@topalofff]

@@lucidmonkey3591 , yes. Of course. Everything is relative. Now I am using Fiio K9 pro ess and think, that QXD1 sounded cheap. Modification of the QXD1 pushed it further, but not to the high levels. DACs are better nowadays.

[@lucidmonkey3591]

Yes relative for sure.. I just ordered the lake people G103-S mk2 ( on sale $207 ) as I want to listen to music at the same time with the wife.. not easy finding a good unit that does that

[@JTB--]

Excellent Shootout. Did I see the iFi Pro iCAN Signature hiding on the bottom of that rack? I have mixed feelings on it

[@wavetheorysound]

Aye. Indeed.

[@sy0635]

Can you compare any of these to the Gilmore lite mk2?

[@Enihel]

Hello, please advice me im on HD800s with APO EQ on EF400 and its realy good but i never heard TUBE with my HD800s is it worth to try Schiit Lyr+ with tube or maybe something else in TUBE world for similar price?

[@shinyhunterlens]

Could I use both my grado rs1x's and zmf verite open on the lake people without changing the gain?

[@shinyhunterlens]

My DAC has volume control, so it probably doesn't matter either way. Listening to a few of your reviews is making me want the lake people over the a90d. I already have an Eddie Current Balancing Act to do justice to my Verite and auralic Vega, but sometimes I'd rather just use something solid state and *good enough*, without wasting time on the ECBA's tubes. The lake people seems like a good secondary. Esp. when I use the same system for gaming sometimes.

[@jeanbaptistelabelle]

That is always the tricky point : tube amplifiers are known to have much higher 2nd order distorsion. Some SAC have even filters to replicate that. And those are usually perceived ok (not harsh like 3rd order distortion). It still did not make it truer. Listening to a real orchestra for hours is tiring. Listening to music at home may require different expectation and therefore a more rounded sound can be less fatiguing. This is the same with a bass reflex vs closed subwoofer. The slow stop of the membrane with bass reflex makes a for a longer bass note (and less attack) that may please some better than the faster and shorter decay of a closed subwoofer. But there is no question which one is the more accurate of the reality. Said otherwise: closer to real orchestra sound is not always preferred. Just see how many people will push the bass and treble in their car or whatever audio gear, just... Because.

[@laszlokiss3578]

hi, may a used ifi itube2 + Lake People G111 mk2 be a good combo, and an alternative to the Lyr+? i would use it with my Austrian Audio HI-X65. thx

[@wavetheorysound]

I think the G111 is great but I can't say much about the iFi as I haven't heard it.

[@galahippo]

can you try the s17 pro from aune?

[@nelsongracia]

You remember my primo Jorge .

[@jean-michel2489]

I am so happy to listen to your appraisal of topping a90d . I bought that amplifier thinking it would better the sound of a topping dx7pro ( v1 ) . And god how wrong I was !!!😮 I think the old dx7pro is better sounding and as powerful as this a90d. I was so furious against Topping that I just bought the Hifiman ef400 and that one is a real … I mean REAL …good choice. Now selling three Topping sh…s : a dx7s a dx7pro and a brand new a90d, and good bye Topping … never see you again.😅

[@steven2809]

Silly....

[@YourfriendNextDoor2]

The new price

[@marlowe1537]

I think the fact that your top two sound quality choices both lack balanced outputs deserves mention as a con, at least for some people (namely me). If Schiit's stubborn refusal to place the power switch on the front rates mention as a major con (I don't use a rack and it really is not for me), so does this. This would not have been true a relatively short number of years ago, but in today's market most amps costing this much (at least from non-niche companies) sport balanced outputs. Heck, most dongles have a 4.4mm balanced output. I'm in the market for a new amp, but have balanced amps that I will still regularly use and all my headphones have balanced cables. I have no intention to regularly switch cables (both for convenience and because I have found cable connections to be relatively fragile and prefer to leave them alone as much as possible). Unfortunately, all of these amps have a dealbreaker of some kind for me, so I am probably looking at a (lot) more money and the Burson Soloist 3XP or the new Violectric V222 (which may actually truly be in stock by time I am ready to purchase in a couple of months).

[@wavetheorysound]

I understand your point on balanced cables. However, you can safely adapt a balanced headphone cable to a SE connection on the amp end for relatively little money. It Is NOT safe to adapt an SE-wired headphone cable to a balanced headphone output tho.

[@steven2809]

Playback at 1.25...🙂 You're welcome!

[@duskbiter]

i might have missed it but would be good to know what source(s) and songs you used in this shootout.

[@wavetheorysound]

Discussed in reviews for each. Source gear was mostly Schiit Bifrost 2 with Berkeley Alpha S2 and Chord Hugo 2 occasionally as DACs. For tracks you can check out my test tracks shorts series. I don't use them all all the time, and use other stuff, but it's a start.

[@FlorencioParaon]

what's the name and where did you get the wooden headphone stand on the shelf in the background?

[@wavetheorysound]

I think the exact model has disappeared but there are several similar models on Amazon. For example: a.co/d/cdm7xcG

[@ldcp9919]

Do you have any review of the Ifi iCan Pro? Or do you plan to review it?

[@wavetheorysound]

I'm working on that one yes. Shouldn't be too much longer.

[@ldcp9919]

Do you think you can advance the review with the following question? Trying to be "objective", is it worth it compared to this schiit Lyr+ or an a90d? Or, if you had the money to buy it, would you choose it over those 2 without thinking?

[@alexandertkatchev6552]

As I said I am engenier, but I am agree that good measurements does not equal to good sound. Bad measurements are OK for for some specific equipment like r2r, discrete buffers, nos, etc. But why all Lake People meathers so bad? 80 Db of Thd? Serios? With op amp design?

[@mkang85]

Having gotten into this not too long ago, I followed the measurements crowd until I came across something that measures well, and I really didn't like. Started trying stuff that didn't measure well and but highly praised (e.g., BF2/OG, Soloist 3xp), and have been much, much happier for it. I too thought Topping stuff and the Singxer SA-1 to be just... meh. Good in many ways but ultimately not as enjoyable for my music. I'll keep the Lake People stuff in mind. I've seen it mentioned and praised here and there, but never really looked into it. This video has now piqued my interest in it.

[@henryt9731]

Good measuring gears usually sounds shit for people who prefers musicality. There’s a reason why theres always a group of people who prefers tubes even tho they have horrendous measurements.

[@20puskinas1992]

It could be a bad source like usb that is causing the harshness.

[@Ab-ru1ew]

Lake people has no preouts, that is a huge negative where it should be automatically put in last place. SA-1 imo is the best amp here, has it all.

[@wavetheorysound]

It's somewhat of a trend here. The Lyr and G111 are clearly sonically superior here (to my ears). The A90D and SA-1 offer superior connectivity. We can't have it all I guess. A pair of XLR splitters from the DAC and an outboard XLR pot on the speaker line could be an economical solution.

[@tomriddle2257]

Which one for Hifiman Arya Stealth?

[@wavetheorysound]

Schiit or Lake People.

[@dixter1652]

One of the recent reviewers of the A90D open'd the chassis and discovered that the power supply is actually two wall warts mounted on the inside.... strange for a power supply design... if and when one of those wall wart power supplies goes south its not going to be a good day for your headphones...

[@motjones2341]

are you for sure there are no output protections in this amp?

[@dixter1652]

@@motjones2341 I don't have the amp here to examine it for your question... if you still have it there then open it up and you will see two wall wart type power supplies mounted there.... just look for the output and see if there is any fuses... but the main point is its not really a discrete build and wall warts normally aren't considered as premium build power supply tech...

[@motjones2341]

@@dixter1652 I do not think you have been keeping up with technology, fuses are so 80's for output protection. A switching power supply as a module could be called a wall wart, but wall warts were linear long before they became switchers, so that old keeping up with technology thing, again. Also Jeff Rowland, unless you do not consider them high end, or chord, they use switching power supplies for years now, the Chord stuff at 15K for an amp is not considered premium, OK, whatever you think. I have no reason to open up my amp, I saw the pictures, so no opening it up until the warranty is expired is my policy. So, where is the definition of what constitutes a discrete build at? Facts are helpful and knowledge of the subject are helpful when posting IMO.

[@dixter1652]

@@motjones2341 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKHQnnWFYsqhepY

[@20puskinas1992]

@@dixter1652 What are you talking about? Its called switched mode power supply and many high end dacs are using it. Chord Dave use Switched mode power supply and its nowhere near as clean as meanwell switchers. Its cheap cause its made in extremely large quantities and in China. You would pay 50bucks if it was made in Usa. Get a grip.

[@maols43]

I don't get it, why does Schiit continue to be all backwards by putting the power switch on the back? Does it save a few bucks in manufacturing? It's an inconvenience none the less.

[@wavetheorysound]

An engineering friend explained to me once that putting the switch close to the power supply is the easiest design and creates the least probability of electrical interference and noise generation. Most power supplies are in the back right by where the power cord goes in. More conductor needs to be printed on a PCB to reach a power button on the front. My guess is it likely started for that reason with Schiit, but then it just became part of their brand and they've stuck with it even when it doesn't make as much sense (like this case). In general it doesn't bother me as solid state amps are fine to leave on, multibit DACs in particular benefit from being left on, etc. But, in the case of preserving tube life like this, switch on the back is an added level of complexity and headache that each end user has to decide is worth the struggle.

[@maols43]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks for explaining. I wish they would reconsider.

[@Dave30867]

i love my music but im not forking out so much cash to hear it sorry companies are just getting greedy .

[@richardsaila8073]

USB only input into a DAC? No way!

[@Michael_mki233]

I am shocked...possibly even flabbergasted that the A90D didn't walk away with this one! 🤣 And by the by, you have a strange alphabetical order. Lake People before Hifiman? Or would that be G111 before EF400? But then That would also be G111 before A90D...?

[@wavetheorysound]

🤣 That's hilarious! Totally messed up the alphabet lol. Sometimes the brain slows down in front of a camera 🤦

[@adamjohari]

That power button at the back is a serious schitt move. The remote can't turn it off?

[@kraig7777]

So after all that he recommends none of these? He makes me not want to buy a headphone amplifier at all.

[@TheLeFartiste]

😄

[@tonym8358]

I think Aiyima07 with upgrades opamp beat up all those

[@Ezees23]

The '07 isn't a headphone amp - nor does it a have a preamp either. Plus, it's a Class D amp too - it won't hold a candle to the better Class AB or Class A amps in quality of sound or SQ presentation.....

[@pietossing]

schiit stuff literally goes up in smoke. kills headphones. etc. avoid at all cost.

[@mkang85]

I mean, so does Topping stuff. E.g., OG L30, A90, etc. At least Schiit is in the US and you can sue them in the worst case scenario (if you live here, that is). =P

[@pietossing]

@@mkang85 buy jds labs instead

[@Ezees23]

@@pietossing JDS Labs, Topping, and other IC based amps are good when you're first starting out - but they don't compete very well as you climb the ladder to the better SQ of discrete Class AB and Class A......

[@pietossing]

@@Ezees23 I've had "better". It's not more competent in reality. To various degrees you might have distortion and incompetent design on any number of products. Digital volume control with the associated channel matching is more important for instance. In dacs the 9018 in my element 3 is giving me 99% of what the qutest did to my ears. It's simply not worth scaling up in the audio world and spending thousands more for a few % difference in the long run.

[@motjones2341]

@@Ezees23 so, the Topping discrete is a better amp then?

[@Djimbe]

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