We all know what clean sounds like, thanks to JDS and THX, but who makes the most “unclean” amp? Is hybrid tube the best way to get this with planar headphones?
Yeah a hybrid would be a good option for tubes, that’s what I used for my Ori. The Massdrop ZDT Jr puts out enough voltage(or whatever planars need) for most planars so that could be an option too. The ZDT truly is a steal if you can find one that’s been fixed of the hum problems
I didn’t think ZDT was hybrid, is it? It is pretty cool though. Currently at the top of my list is Lyr 3, but I’m curious if there’s anything else that has a reputation for being an anti-analytical amp.
The ZDT is a “transformer coupled output,” I’m no expert on tube amps but I can say that I’ve had a Lyr2 and Mjolnir 2 and this thing is much much better. Works with planars and there is a little bit of tube rolling that you can do to slightly improve the, admittedly extremely good, stock tubes. I usually dont believe marketing material, but after having an $850 mjolnir with some expensive 6922 tubes installed this thing very much is a steal. If you can find a fixed one with mo hum or channel imbalance under MSRP it’s a safe bet to best anything under $1k
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I misread, you’re looking for an unclean tube amp… well the Lyr3 would be good for that or if you can find a mj2 used that would also work. The loxjie P20 is an ok amp for the price but I wouldnt really recommend it
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schiit lyr is a good option for planars, the lyr 3 should be a cheap option for tube swapping 6sn7 tubes are common and cheap.