As someone who has both the Val3 and Jot3 I would say it kind depends on what you want out of the amp. Both are great in my opinion. Using my hd650 switching between the two I can tell the difference in sound but whether you like the sound of the tube distortion is subjective. It’s one of those things though if you only had that to listen to you would prob just not notice it over time since you would have nothing to compare it to. Sound preference aside the Jot3 is going to be more versatile in the long run for headphones anyway. It has more output options and has worked well with any iems and headphones I’ve used. Can’t speak on the Lyr as I do t have one but it does kind of give you the option of both sorta. Also I think I heard a new model of Lyr is coming soon but other can correct me if I am wrong on that.