Amp recommendations for Audeze LCD-2 - Page 382

Well, to me, I consider soundstage as a means of quantifying the largeness of the perception of sound with measurement terms such as width, height, and depth. Then there are different aspects of the sound, instrument placement accuracy and separation, which describes the peculiarities of imaging that the headphones render. Again, I'm not saying this is universal of any sort but just opining.

So how about them amplifiers...

Which ones?

 

 

But seriously, good point! We did get a little off track there...

You mean this $1500 stack of room heaters that makes my headphones make noise?

I would argue that many dynamic louspeakers have the impedance that they have because that's just the nature of that kind of beast.

It's just reality, as headphone owners, we need to get an amp that can drive the headphone impedance.

 

Douglas Self has said that speaker designers should work on building a good sounding loudspeaker, not an easy to drive loudspeaker.

The amplifier designers (like Douglas Self) will then design an amplifier to drive that loudspeaker.

Of course, this all assumes the speaker designers will design a loudspekaer with a reasonable load, i.e. not like some of the early MartinLogans which had the impedance of a nail. 

Cheers, C

There's a balance I think. Like you said, it "assumes speaker designers will design a loudspeaker with a reasonable load". But what defines the word reasonable? 

Is it possible to tell if an amp can power the lcd2 just by looking at its voltage? I am deciding whether or not to go all out on the LCD 2 or get the cheap-skate lcd2, the hd650. One of my worries are the budget I have left for my amp after buying the lcd2 is not enough to buy a good amp.

Take the better headphone every time, imho.

 

Headphone>source>amp.

 

Just my $0.02.....

The true answer would be to shop around and perfectly mate the best value combo, but unfortunately, there is no place in the world that allows you to go demo all this gear in one quiet listening room so you kind of have to weigh the opinions of others who also have not heard all variations available. Makes it tough. That is where I am at ATM.

I rather enjoyed the LCD3, but to say that an amp won't make a difference on a headphone that can handle 15 watts is a stretch too. It would be nice if I could get the LCD3 for $1,500 so I could pair it with my $1,500 Decware Zen Taboo MK3 and make the $3000 budget, but I also need a DAC. I started with the Amp first and that isn't normal, but I fell in love with the Decware gear! Whatever you do at that level you will love it. Also, keep in mind that the LCDs are not super comfortable for long sessions if that is a consideration. That is what has me taking pause for now. I really enjoyed the LCD3, but they are not nearly as comfortable as some of the other high end cans. I haven't been able to demo the LCD2.2 yet which is what I was originally set upon buying. The comfort thing has me back in my underground lair working up a new diabolical master plan for world sound domination

True but you still have to find a right balance and compromise if within a limited budget. i.e) $2000 LCD3 isn't a smart choice when you can have 93% of the same sound with half the price.

Blah. LCD-3 brings in over x2 the enjoyment of LCD-2.

 

IMO, spend a few more $ and get the HD800. The LCD-2 is good, but not special. 

 

 

I also love your 93% figure. Haha. 

If the HD800 looked as good as an LCD2 in rosewood, I would have already made the decision. Unfortunately, I think it looks like a cheap plastic headphone. Just my opinion. With my tube settup I am assembling, it would take the edge off the HD800 sound. I really didn't enjoy the HD800 out of a very expensive SS Fostex amp/dac as much. The pairing really does make a huge difference, IMO. In fact I was amazed at how much difference synergy can create. Unfortunately, no where to go to play around with a bunch of equipment except an occasional head-fi meet. This board really is vital to getting things figured out.

The 650's are a lot more amp picky than the LCD2's. LCD2's will play well with most quality amps, but the 650's need loads of voltage.

 

Also depends on what music you listen too. If you want a great alrounder then the 650's. If you want a more intimate dark sound with brilliant resolution then LCD's.

Not unless you're using a Fiio with the 3.

 

 

+1  yeah.  93% of the LCD-3?  Not in my book.  How does one come up with a % anyway?