Thanks so much! I just ordered one. You can also order it off of eBay at the same price.

Quote: Great article! Thanks for the post.

I haven't done double-blind testing, but I have often done single blind testing, either with my wife or a friend. I would play a minute or two of a tune, make a change that they couldn't see, and play the same piece again. I'd often switch back and forth a couple of times, sometimes with the...

Really appreciate this thread! It's great to get some new recommendations.   I listen to mostly classical, especially choral music, like Talis Scholars, Anonymous 4, Chanticleer... Also lots of chamber music. I like Arvo Part, Tavener, and some other minimalists.   For Pop, I'm a big fan...

Boy, I agree with that. Listening to my LCD3 without a DAC, even with an excellent amp, loses way too much. Of course, there's always a DAC--in my case, built into my Macbook Pro, but even a modest outboard DAC is a big improvement over that.

I've been very happy with the Peak/Volcano combo sold by TTVJ. Haven't heard a wide range of other options in the same price range, but the ones I have tried don't measure up.

Amazon lists an open box pair (S model) never used, for $113, with fulfillment by Amazon. If (like me) you get free two-day shipping, that's a great deal. I've always had good luck with returns when needed with Amazon.

Thanks so much for your responses.  

I used to read articles that claimed that all that mattered about audio gear was whether it produced a flat frequency response curve. It's obvious now that much more is required. For example, transient response is critical to creating the sound of an instrument. Other features, like very low...

I've been thinking about getting one of these. I have a Macbook Pro and LCD3's, and while I don't take them on the road often, I'd like something a step up from my Fiio E17 for when I do. While someone said this will drive the LCD3, has anyone tried it? Is this a step you would recommend for me...

I was feeling very hopeful about this device based on Meridian's reputation and the very positive review in Absolute Sound. I feel puzzled but cautious after reading some of the items on this thread. I have a Fiio E17 and was expecting this or a Dragonfly to be a step up. Am I better off staying...

I find myself puzzled by the whole blind testing issue. As a scientist, I certainly believe in the value of double-blind testing. I am very much aware that our expectation color our experience. If you're told some amp costs $30K, you are likely to say it sounds better than one that costs $3K...

Bummer--discovered I will be out of town that day--sorry to miss all of you.   --Wahhab  

This sounds great! Would love to come and bring my LCD3's. I don't have any other gear that is portable enough to bring at this time. Thanks for organizing.

I have to go with the ATHM50S. Bought mine on Amazon for $120, and to my ears, they sound as good as most cans I've heard at twice the price. I listen to mostly classical, vocalists, and some jazz--that is, primarily acoustic music. I find them comfortable, well-made, like that they fold so I...

I bought the Peak/Volcano along with a pair of LCD-3's from TTVJ. As it happens, I am in process of selling much of my megabuck main system and buying more compact gear, as my wife and I sold our home and downsizing includes stereo. So when I sold my Mark Levinson No. 32 Reference preamp, I...

I auditioned the LCD-2 and ended up buying the LCD-3. I find it physically much more comfortable on my head--the LCD-2 had too much pressure. I'm not made out of money, but I am passionate about sound quality, and headphones are very cheap compared to comparable loudspeakers (mine cost $19K)...

I listened to the LCD-2 and the LCD-3, and ended up getting the latter. Not only does it sound far more neutral to me, but I find it much more comfortable on my head--the LCD-2 put too much pressure on. In my experience, there's a certain magic that happens once a high quality bar is passed...