Hi All,

I'm writing to get everyone's thought on a new amp.  I've sent the email below to Nick and Schiit and he recommended the Lyr 2.  Before I pull the trigger, I thought I'd see what the Pirates came up with. . .

I've been using Maple Tree Ear + Purist HD100 headphone amp for the past 8 years or so and love the amp. (You can look it up on the web if interested.)  It has performed flawlessly, but of late has begun to crackle - with or without a source attached.  I've replaced the tubes, but no success in resolving the issue.

Thus, I may be in the market soon for a replacement.

So, given that I like my mapletree amp and typically listen with a set of Luis' Paradox or HD 580 headphones, I thought I would write and get your recommendations.

As a bit more background, I particularly like how quiet the Mapletree amp has been -- there has been absolutely no noise from the amp, from the lowest volume setting to the loudest.  Several amps I've tried always seemed to have an underlying background hiss that I find annoying.  I have a CTH I use at work sparingly as it has an annoying hiss -- probably due to a ground loop or just poor electrical at work.

Lastly I very much like how the mapletree is not fatiguing.  I had a Meier Concerto that was very quiet, but far to clinical - almost sterile sounding.  (If that makes sense.)

My budget is $500 and used or new works. 

Lastly, I listen to blues / classic rock, classical, and jazz.

Thanks,

Tim