Audiophilepure

I’ll be interested to get my hands on a Lyr+ and see what it does in the event of tube failure as I have not seen a full description of the tube sensing mechanism (how the Lyr+ determines that a tube is present).

The 6SN7 is a fairly common tube but good ones are becoming harder to find, and the prices are certainly climbing. The $599 USD price will turn out to be a good value once tube prices become sane again and users can use the Schiit Lyr+ as a line stage with active loudspeakers or a power amplifier.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/ferrum-erco-dacheadphone-preamp

The high-end DAC/headphone amp sector isn’t exactly a barren landscape, but Ferrum’s ERCO sits at the top of the hill. Its sound is as finely detailed as it’s weighty and dynamic, typically driving headphones to stunning effect whether with gritty blues or whirling orchestral strings. There’s focus, finesse and control here when required, but it’s just as adept at slamming out rock with a ferrum-clad fist!

Stoddard also explained he didn’t expect Folkvangr to be a big seller in any case, since it’s a very hot-running, impractical amplifier that doesn’t put out an especially large amount of power.

For those who are interested in Schiit’s all-out tube headphone amp, Folkvangr uses a total of 10 tubes–two matched 6N1Ps for input and voltage gain, and eight 6N6Ps for output. Eight separate DC servos keep the output tubes at a low level of offset, and an analog-computer-style protection system monitors and mutes the output in case of any tube mishaps.

At idle, the 10 tubes run 7.2A of heater current and 100mA of standing bias.

In addition to the tubes, Folkvangr offers a switchable impedance multiplier—an electronic circuit that operates similar to a transformer. Stoddard emphasizes this is “not a buffer, it’s output is in parallel with the tube stage, and has the same distortion profile.

The first option impacts the performance and it as such is called the Performance pack. It sets you back €500 Euro and in exchange you get upgraded 300b tubes (Full Music) and UPOCC (single crystal copper) signal wiring. Our review sample has the performance pack. The second option is all about the looks: Oak wood is included and American walnut (our version) is €200 Euro extra. That brings the price of our review sample to €7.199 Euro. If you want another special type of wood, it’ll set you back another €400. Other customisations are possible, just ask Feliks Audio about them. In example your own laser engraving, custom internal components or multiple inputs and outputs for maximum functionality. Everything goes.