Intro
I reviewed the Zaylli Lyro earlier this year and came away very impressed by it. Since then, I’ve ended up using it more than I expected. Its warm, smooth tuning is easy to listen to, and the low weight makes a real difference when you need to wear headphones for hours.
Zaylli has since released two additions: the MX over-ear module and a USB-C cable with DSP and microphone. They sent both over for me to try, so I thought this would be a good opportunity for a follow-up review.
For more on the original design, tuning system and measurements, see my original Lyro review.
Disclaimer: The MX module, USB-C cable and second Lyro sample were provided by Zaylli for testing. There are no conditions attached to the content. I do not get paid for doing this review, nor do I use affiliate links or sell the products for money. They are either returned, given away or kept for comparison purposes.
Pros and Cons
+ Smooth, balanced, non-fatiguing tuning
+ Lightweight and breathable in over-ear form
+ Modular design, mechanical tuning and USB-C DSP
− Sound is very sensitive to positioning
− Individual accessories are relatively expensive
Specs
Lyrö MX module
RRP: $99 USD / ~$142 AUD
Design: fully open, ‘floating’ over-ear module (no enclosing ear cup)
Sensitivity (mounted on Lyrö): 107 dB SPL/V @ 500 Hz
Weight: 63 grams per pair (module only); 165 grams complete with drivers and headband
USB-C Cable
RRP: $69 USD / ~$99 AUD (1.2 m); $87 USD / ~$124 AUD (2.5 m)
Connector: dual MMCX to USB-C
Features: built-in DAC, three DSP presets, dual microphones; ZAYLLI Control web tool six-band parametric EQ
Design
The MX module converts the Lyro into a very open over-ear headphone while retaining the same driver and the SCS (Sound Curve Switching) tuning dial. Instead of conventional circumaural pads, it uses a front cushion and a small silicone support behind the ear. Both the driver distance and angle can be adjusted.
Installation is straightforward. Zaylli has provided a video guide for the process. Getting the right fit takes a little experimentation, but once adjusted, I find the MX very comfortable. There is plenty of airflow around the ears, and the complete headphone remains extremely light at around 165 grams.
The USB-C cable adds a built-in DAC, three DSP presets (detailed in the section below), customisable 6-band PEQ and microphone support. The PEQ is set through Zaylli EQ Studio, a web-based interface that is easy to use. The microphone is decent for calls and meetings, and having everything through a single USB-C connection makes the Lyro much more convenient for everyday use.
Alongside the standard 1.2 m version, there is also a 2.5 m version, which comes in handy if you tend to move around while you work. For a small brand, stocking an extra version for user convenience is something I appreciate.
There is also a small revision to the original on-ear pads worth mentioning. The newer Lyro sample I received came with slightly flatter pads made from thinner, more breathable foam. They measure noticeably different from the original pads, and out of the box, I actually prefer the older version.
I asked Zaylli about this, and they explained that the change was intended to make the pads easier to position consistently and more comfortable for long sessions. The trade-off is that the new pads initially produce a more V-shaped response.
According to Zaylli, the foam gradually settles with use, bringing the tuning closer to the intended target. They also claim that the revised pads can eventually measure more evenly than the original design. So, I’ll reserve judgement on the revised version until it has had more time to settle.
Sound
Fit and sound
With such an open structure, adjustable driver positioning and the SCS dial all in play, getting a consistent sound out of the MX is no easy task. The sound response is very sensitive to positioning. Moving the driver closer gives a fuller sound with more bass, while increasing the angle or distance reduces the low end by several decibels.
The 3D-printed lattice dome in front of the driver is listed by Zaylli only as a ‘precision-printed acoustic resin’ core. It is printed separately from the nylon frame, to a claimed tolerance under 0.03 mm, so I suspect it plays an acoustic role, perhaps as a resistive element to fine tune the sound.
The SCS tuning dial remains functional and provides another way to adjust the bass. I’ve measured several combinations of driver position, dial setting and USB-C preset, which you can find on my squiglink database.
Tonal balance
With the driver unchanged and only the module’s structure to work with, the Lyro MX nevertheless achieves a smooth, well-balanced tuning. I was a bit surprised by how well it came together, and it clearly took considerable work.
With my preferred positioning (near minimun angle) and the dial around On-ear mode, the MX sounds smooth, warm and ever-so-slightly dark in the treble. It reminds me somewhat of the Sennheiser HD 6XX, although the MX is a little meatier, with a more tamed mid-treble. Much of the attack of percussion sits in that region, so snare hits and cymbals land with less bite than on the HD 6XX.
Compared with the on-ear configuration, the MX is less immediate and less forward. Vocals and midrange instruments sit further back, and the reduced treble energy gives it a softer character. The trade-off is some dynamic energy, but brighter recordings are easier to listen to on the MX.
Vocals and instruments stay clear enough to keep music engaging. Drum hits are slightly rounded off, though, and treble detail isn’t pushed forward. The result is a sound that’s very easy to listen to for hours. I find it well suited to casual, relaxed listening, videos and meetings.
Bass and space
Bass quantity is quite respectable with the drivers positioned close to the ears, although it drops off noticeably as the distance increases. In terms of quality, extension, punch and control are fairly average by conventional over-ear standards. I’d put the overall bass performance somewhere around the Sennheiser HD560S. For such a small and lightweight headphone, it’s a good result.
The sense of space is more impressive. As the driver moves further from the ear, you would need to increase the amplifier’s output to maintain a similar listening level. Once volume-matched, the presentation feels noticeably more spacious and relaxed, with a more natural sense of distance.
Despite the relatively small driver, I don’t find the soundstage lacking in scale compared with conventional over-ear headphones. Imaging is also convincing, without an obvious sense of unnatural image size or positioning. Overall, the MX delivers a fairly natural and open presentation, considering its unusual configuration.
USB-C presets
The cable stores three DSP presets: Flat, Zaylli and Quest. Flat applies no EQ and leaves the tuning unchanged. Zaylli adjusts the upper midrange, giving vocals a more laid-back, easy-going presentation. Quest slightly reduces the bass and lower mids while adding energy to the upper mids and upper treble, resulting in a brighter, clearer sound. Overall, the presets make modest but meaningful changes to the tonal balance, offering useful alternatives for different preferences and use cases.
The filters are the same whether or not the MX is fitted. On the MX, the Flat is the one I’d recommend. If you want to go further, the PEQ is there.
These graphs show the three USB-C presets on the MX at mid angle (top) and shallow angle (between minimum and mid), with the dial at On-ear mode.
Conclusion
At $99 USD for the MX module and $69 USD for the USB-C cable, the two add-ons are practical, well-executed extensions of the Lyro system. The MX is a comfortable, well-tuned over-ear alternative, and the USB-C cable makes the headphone considerably more useful for everyday work and casual listening.
Price is my main reservation. Bought separately, neither is particularly cheap, so whether they’re worth it or not depends on what you need. The MX makes sense if you already own the Lyro and want an over-ear option alongside it. I wouldn’t call either configuration better in sound quality: the on-ear is livelier, while the MX is more relaxed and spacious. The USB-C cable is more useful if you regularly need a microphone, want easy access to EQ, or prefer a simple digital connection.
As a complete package, the case is stronger, though not on sound quality alone. At a similar total price, there are plenty of conventional open-backs that sound excellent. What the Lyro MX offers is the combination: a portable on-ear for out and about, an open over-ear for home and the office, adjustable acoustic tuning, and USB-C audio with presets, PEQ and a microphone.
If you’re after exactly this kind of flexibility, with excellent tuning and a high level of finish, there really aren’t any alternatives. For that particular use case, I’d consider the Lyro MX a must-have. Otherwise, it comes down to how much the additions would improve the way you already use the Lyro, and whether they’re worth the extra cost.
Comments
If there are other comparisons you would like to see, let me know in the comments.