A Beloved Affordable Hi-Fi Brand Just Dropped a Serious Desktop Amplifier

Designed and manufactured in the USA.

Silver brushed metal audio amplifier with a large central knob and a visible vacuum tube on top.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published March 25, 2026

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Since its founding in 2010, Schiit Audio (yes, pronounced shit audio) has established itself as one of the premium names in affordable desktop hi-fi. The now-Texas-based manufacturer has a direct-to-consumer business model, so its audiophile-grade gear is priced lower than it should be.

The company makes several headphone amplifiers, which can range from $150 to $1,200. The newest addition to those offerings sits at the more premium end of that spectrum.

Schiit Lyr 5

Black Schiit Lyr headphone amplifier with a visible vacuum tube and silver control knobs on a reflective black surface. — The front buttons let you toggle between tube and solid state gain modes.

Tubes, solid state or both?

The Schiit Lyr 5 is a desktop amplifier destined to drive high-performing wired headphones. And, most interestingly, it has a hybrid design that gives you two different gain modes for doing just that: either with a vacuum tube or with a solid-state.

Silver metal audio amplifier with a large central knob and a visible vacuum tube on top, reflected on a black surface. — The Lyr 5 is a desktop headphone amplifier that’s designed and manufactured in the US.

Basically, depending on the headphones the amp is driving and the sound you’re looking for, you can easily switch between modes. (Tubes generally deliver a warmer and layered sound, while solid-state delivers a cleaner and purer sound.)

The Lyr features 1/4-inch and 4.4mm headphone outputs. And it’s capable of delivering 6 watts per channel into 32 ohms, which should be enough to drive most headphones.

Close-up of a black audio device with gold RCA input/output ports and a red USB drive plugged in. — On the back, there are two single-ended inputs.

A Schiit first

What’s more, Schiit has integrated the Lyr 5 with support for Forkbeard, its proprietary app that lets you adjust EQ, balance, loudness, and volume, as well as monitor advanced system settings.

For instance, you can use the Forbeard app to check if the Lyr 5 is running in Class A, Class A/B amplification, or if the headphone amp is nearing its output limit.

Rear view of a silver Schiit Lyr 5 headphone amplifier with RCA inputs, pre-out, USB port, power switch, and power socket on a reflective black surface. — Thanks to a preamp output, the Lyr 5 can also double as a preamp for an active speaker system.

In fact, the Lyr 5 is Schiit’s first headphone amplifier to have Forkbeard. (Previously, it was only compatible with its higher-end amplifiers, preamplifiers and DACs. )

It’s worth noting that the Lyr 5 does not have its own built-in DAC and thus its not an all-in-one desktop solution. For those looking to build out their system, Schiit recommends pairing it with one of its Forkbeard-compatible DACs, such as its Mimir ($299)

Close-up of a silver audio device with a glowing vacuum tube and black circular vent labeled "FUSION ARCHITECTURE. — For a complete desktop solution, Schiit recommends pairing the Lyr 5 with one of its Forkbeard-compatible DACs.

Availability and pricing

The Schiit Lyr 5 is available now from the company’s website. It comes in two finishes, black or silver, the latter comes at a $30 premium.

In black, the Lyr 5 costs $799. In silver, the Lyr 5 costs $829.

Black Schiit Lyr headphone amplifier with silver volume knob and visible vacuum tube on top, reflected on glossy black surface.

Schiit Lyr 5

Starts at $799

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.