@mulveling - while I've not personally heard them yet, the Empyrian 2's and the Elites are not supposed to be as dark/thick as the original Empyrians are.
Just Getting Started With Headphones
Hello Goners,
I just wanted to put this out there but I bought my first headphone amplifier. I purchased a well cared for, preowned Schiit Lyr 3. I'm currently using a Linlai E 6sn7 that's early in the burn in stage. My only headphones were built by my Quad ESL technician. He was able to acquire the drivers that's used in a well received pair of dynamic headphones (the name escapes me). I honestly think my headphones sound better than a pair of Audeze LCD X's that I auditioned at my local audio store.They may lack some when it comes to detail but they are an all around good performer. They are low impedance, so I keep the gain switch set on low.
So the Lyr 3 isn't much more than a switch box with a volume control, because I'm using the tape outs on my power amp. I'm using an ASR Emitter II Exclusive power amp and its a bit of a mismatch to run a signal from the ASR into the Schiit but the sound signature from my power amp is very noticeable and there's nothing objectionable to the overall sound. I am able to hear the characteristics between different tubes as well. The Linlai Elite creates a very satisfying sound and is my top performer. Other tubes that I've tried were; Apos Ray Select, Ken-Rad and a TungSol.
If I ever decide to upgrade and I believe that's likely to happen in a year or two, a pair of Meze Empyrean II headphones are on my radar. But as I said, that's not happening for a while so I need to be content with the here and now.
Any comments are appreciated as always. Thanks!