Amp recommendations for Audeze LCD-2 - Page 348

has anyone ever used their lcd-2's with a vintage marantz model 30?

not the best. vintage pioneer works best on lcd-2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchi MerenGue 

has anyone ever used their lcd-2's with a vintage marantz model 30?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sling5s 

not the best. vintage pioneer works best on lcd-2

marantz in general or that one specific model?

check out the thread: calling all vintage integrated/receiver owners

http://www.head-fi.org/t/537704/calling-all-vintage-integrated-receiver-owners/6225#post_8905296

There's a lot of info about which vintage receivers work well with lcd-2

I have had several Marantz, Pioneers, and Sansui.  Marantz was good for Grados and Pioneers for LCD-2.

But I did prefer the Pioneer SX-737 over SX-850.  The SX-737 had more warmth and sweeter midrange than the SX-850.  SX-850 was thinner and brighter by comparison. So while certain brands have a certain sound signature, they do vary somewhat. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchi MerenGue 

 

marantz in general or that one specific model?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MorbidToaster 

I pushed my LCD 2 with a Marantz 2238 before my LF and it was admirable. I generally think Pioneers sound bright and thin compared to Marantz.

lol ahhh, good, just the sound signature i was looking for, never been a fan of the highs im sad to say

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacedonianHero 

I can confirm that my MAD tube amp runs the LCD-2s very well. Although, I think I prefer the Concerto (disclaimer: subject to change with some more listening time and tube rolling).

Okay, I'm a little late this party, but I'm listening to LCD-3 on a Mapletree EAR+ HD and I'm floored by how good it sounds. There's probably not much headroom available, but pure Class A tube amping is so liquid it's mesmerizing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtinto 

Okay, I'm a little late this party, but I'm listening to LCD-3 on a Mapletree EAR+ HD and I'm floored by how good it sounds. There's probably not much headroom available, but pure Class A tube amping is so liquid it's mesmerizing.

Interesting. What tubes are you using?

I've recommended this amp on a few threads but just want to document on here. It's the Mistral HP509 cheap as chips and works wonders with my LCD2's. I bought it a bout a year ago and it didn't play well with my then RS1's, 650's... but when I tried it with both the LCD2 and HE500 I was very pleased! Especially the Audeze. It really brings out the speed and detail. It has a tube like sound with a welcome sharpness and light aswell as being smooth. No grain (I would expect some in the treble with an amp of this price even with orthos but there is none). It complements the LCD2's more so than my Audio gd c2.2 in regards to spead and control. I have it paired with an old warm sounding Arcam dac, but when I tried it with my more modern rdac the resolution was very good and clean. It's also very sturdily built and solid. So anyone on a budget or if you just want to try something a bit different it comes recommended. (the in-built dac is poor) Fleabay has them.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Back on topic - and by way of segue - one amp that certainly has all the power you could ever need for the LCD-2, and still my favorite by far with them, is the Leben CS300X. Every time I go back to this combination I am reminded of justbhow much better it is than other combos. I can enjoy the LCD-2 with other amps, but with the Leben, there is some very serious synergy. The pair has to be an all-time top-tier combo.

Has anyone compared the Leben CS300X to the Cavalli Audio Liquid Fire? If so, would anyone care to elaborate?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacedonianHero 

Interesting. What tubes are you using?

the 12B4A are GE and the 12ax7 is new issue GoldLion

comfortable listening levels, in my system, is about 11 o'clock with LCD-3 and 10 o'clock with RS1

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtinto 

 

the 12B4A are GE and the 12ax7 is new issue GoldLion

comfortable listening levels, in my system, is about 11 o'clock with LCD-3 and 10 o'clock with RS1

Nice. With the LCD-3, the 12AX7 GL is great. For the RS1s, I'd look into an NOS Sylvania (black plate).

Cheers.

I really don't even think it's close to my ears. They both sound good (and I may very well own the 300XS soon), don't get me wrong...but the LF just out did the 300XS on pretty much every level except maybe pure musicality (tube magic). 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man7rah 

Has anyone compared the Leben CS300X to the Cavalli Audio Liquid Fire? If so, would anyone care to elaborate?

I have owned the Leben 300 and the CS 600 and the CS 600 is a FAR better head amp than the 300. Never heard a Cavali - but boy I would love to.