Lehmann black cube Linear - Page 3

What annoyed me most was that I found that I inadvertedly kept turning the volume up, but that didn't help any. I even checked the back to see if there was maybe a gain switch..... And I don't usually play my music loud.

Turning the volume up to help...what?

The Lehmann BCL's gain switches are on the bottom.

If I do something inadvertedly, I don't know why I do it the moment I do it. My wild guess now would be: To compensate for the perceived lack of *dynamics?*. I know it doesn't help, that is why it annoyed me that I found myself doing it.

I must say I never found the gain switches on the bottom. I don't think it would have made a lot of difference, considering I had the same experience with widely varying impedances (30, 65, 300 ohm), don't you think? Maybe for the K340, a bit.

This is how I experienced it. It may very well be different for other people.

Interesting to read so much positive feedback for the black cube. I even wondered about the "good value" some posted.

In germand boards it's more like "yeah, it's a good amp, no queation. But it's too expensive for what it actually does.".
I can agree that it is a good amp for Senns. (Although I think there are lower priced amps that handle Senns equaly well)
But I really didn't like it with Beyers. The BCL has some kind of artificial "glimmer" in the highest registers which annoyed me after some listening time with my DT880s. And maybe this is the reason for why it seems to have a nice synergy with Senns...

Just wanted to add my oppinion here.

m00h

I hadn't even taken that in account, but I agree: >600 euro ($750) is a lot of money for this amp. A comparable amp (I think) like Amity HPA4 cost less than half as much.

Maybe it was that your source lacked dynamics? Or a wrong pair of ic's that were too smooth?

Source: Cyrus CD8X. Ample dynamics I think. IC: I don't remember.

It is not a big deal to me. It is just that I was very curious because of all the positive press it got here, and (also since it is rather expensive) I expected a lot. A local shop allowed me to try it and I was rather disappointed, but that can happen. Different people have different preferences.

btw the shopkeeper told me he sold it almost exclusively in combination with HD650.....

I use a Cardas recabled DT880-'03. I think the Cardas cable makes it a bit warmer compared to a stock DT880-'03. I usually listen at low volume levels with most headphones, and do have a tendency to turn up the volume with the HD650.

The DT880-'03 with Cardas cable sounds very good in this configuration:

CDP > toslink > Chord DAC64 > XLR to RCA > Lehmann BCL > DT880

I don't agree that the Lehmann BCL has an artificial treble "glimmer." It doesn't make the HD650 brigher-sounding or enhance its treble energy.

I think the Lehmann has a smooth, detailed sound that adds very little coloration and no treble sibilance. It can be very revealing of brightness/sibilance in the upstream chain.

What rates as a "suitable power cord" for this amp? I assume the one it comes with isn't so good?

I didn't realize there was a big difference between power cords...

Elephas:

How do the BCL and the CEC pictured below your BCL compare?

Hi,

The CEC in the photo is the DA53, a DAC.

If you're thinking of the HD53R, I've heard a demo unit several times, and think it's not bad. I like its dual headphone 6.3mm and 3.5mm outputs, its ability to drive speakers, and the XLR inputs.

Soundwise, it is punchier and more edgy than the Lehmann BCL, which is smoother. Both amps have plenty of power, but can't really drive the K1000. I liked the AD2000 with the HD53R. I prefer the Lehmann for the K701, HD650, DT880-'03 and DT990-'05. Note that my HD53R impressions are based only on brief auditions.

Recently I've been thinking of acquiring an HD53R customized for the L3000.

Elephas:

Thanks for your reply. A couple of questions: where's the best place to order the BCL these days? Also, who does this CEC mod for the AT headphones? Just curious more than anything

Lehmann Audio website: www.lehmannaudio.de

It would be best if you can find a dealer nearby with a demo unit.

--

I'm not sure who does the custom CEC HD53R; some Germany-based headfiers have posted about it.

Where was the gain switch when you listened to it? I had the very same problem with this amp until I figured out that setting it at 18dB and 20dB totally sped it up, gave it focus, and generally made everything more immediate and engaging. At 10dB I find this amp to be totally unengaging and distant-sounding with my HD650. I now have it set at 18dB and am blown away by it.