Amp recommendations for Audeze LCD-2 - Page 57

Sorry if I missed it, but what kind of voltage would these headphones like to see?

I'm thinking about building a speaker to headphone adapter but need to get a better hold of voltage so I can determine resitor values.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull 

 

Interesting description SP Wild, strange, but I find Eric Clapton recording is thin, harsh, unrealistic with HD650, unlistenable, hmm ...  not all Chesky's are good though, like The Raven is quite good, but I like John Pizarelli's album better, the depth, timbre, imaging and realism is amazing in this album.

I don't have a large collection of HD recordings - there were a few that I felt were too warmly recorded and a little congested when busy sections occur.  I have downloaded some more HD tracks and on average - they are excellent, on a whole different league to commercial recordings.

I like how there are some very good commercial albums that do not try to emulate the "live" sound of HD tracks - there is no venue reverberence and the sound is solid and stable - I guess attributable to a sound deadend studio where the instruments are recorded separately and strung together to form a piece.  Top notch commercial recordings seem to bring me onto the drumkit with the band.  I also have a best of Heart CD - some tracks are clearly retouched with more brightness over the original releases.  So I don't know how one pressing of a track might differ from another pressing.

HDtracks always seem to emulate the audience's perspective - and by an large, majority of the track succeed with astonishing clarity - but none of them give me the sense that I am on stage - definitely not with the LCD2s.  Undoubtedly most will appreciate this perspective - I do too.  But I do wish at least some of them would take me on stage.  But I do love how HDtracks can give frontal staging to the LCD2s - sometimes you really can imagine the stage towards the front with superb lifelike imaging.

I took possession of my pair last Friday, and I'm loving them. You do have to sort of see past the way they feel on your head a bit, but the sound is really perhaps my favorite from any headphone yet. Great extension, detail, and authority.

They sound really great out of my Rx... I've been sharing them with my coworkers, and the best they probably heard before the LCD-2 was my Edition 8. I think everyone has been basically amazed at what these headphones can do. Where the Ed8 glossed over the details, my LCD-2 show them to me like a magnifying glass. The sound is also somehow bigger and more encompassing.

When I use them at home with my [USB] DL3 (Cullen modified level 3) -> RPX-33, everything is kicked up a notch. The biggest thing is just a more filled out and effortless sound. Even still, I'm quite impressed with the performance of the UMDAC/Rx combo for what it is.

The stock cable is annoying. The mesh sheathing between the Y and the headphones rubs against things -- even itself -- and is mega annoying. Especially if replacement cables can improve the sound, using one seems to be a no-brainer, unfortunately.

Edit: Realized I was missing a whole thought...

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP Wild 

Can anybody share impressions of the LCD2s with the HA160 Burson?

 

There's also a local distributor for the Schiit Asgard.  If I could sell of my other cans, I wouldn't mind picking up one of each for a German, US and Aussie solid state showdown...would be awesome!

I did already... but in the other threads I guess. Basically I'm loving the sound (especially now with the ALO V2 cable), but since I have heard no other amps with it I realize that doesn't help alot. I'd be quite surprised though to hear it driven noticeably better though as it just sounds that good. Hope to get to a meet soon though so I can open up my wallet again.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP Wild 

I like how there are some very good commercial albums that do not try to emulate the "live" sound of HD tracks - there is no venue reverberence and the sound is solid and stable - I guess attributable to a sound deadend studio where the instruments are recorded separately and strung together to form a piece.  Top notch commercial recordings seem to bring me onto the drumkit with the band.  I also have a best of Heart CD - some tracks are clearly retouched with more brightness over the original releases.  So I don't know how one pressing of a track might differ from another pressing.

 

HDtracks always seem to emulate the audience's perspective - and by an large, majority of the track succeed with astonishing clarity - but none of them give me the sense that I am on stage - definitely not with the LCD2s.  Undoubtedly most will appreciate this perspective - I do too.  But I do wish at least some of them would take me on stage.  But I do love how HDtracks can give frontal staging to the LCD2s - sometimes you really can imagine the stage towards the front with superb lifelike imaging.

Ah, now I know, it's preference then, I like being on the audience seat than on-stage, problem solved

I see you have Lehmann BCL, how's that little cute amp driving LCD-2?  still liking BCL?  if you plan to sell, please do drop me PM first

BCL for $769 on audiogon.  I'd go for it but I'm saving for a leben.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1289076896&/Lehmannaudio-Black-Cube-Linear
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull 

Ah, now I know, it's preference then, I like being on the audience seat than on-stage, problem solved " class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />

 

I see you have Lehmann BCL, how's that little cute amp driving LCD-2?  still liking BCL?  if you plan to sell, please do drop me PM first " class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

BCL for $769 on audiogon.  I'd go for it but I'm saving for a leben.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1289076896&/Lehmannaudio-Black-Cube-Linear
 

 

really wonder how leben competes against WA5

The WA5 isn't on the radar for me, mainly because with all the upgrading of parts it runs around 5K (if you're going to buy an amp of that caliber it might as well have the premo parts, goes the upgrade-itis voice in my head) vs Leben's 2.  Skylab, I know you like the WA6, ever tried the WA5 (with headphones/speakers)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull 

Ah, now I know, it's preference then, I like being on the audience seat than on-stage, problem solved " width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" width="" />" width="" />" width="" />

 

I see you have Lehmann BCL, how's that little cute amp driving LCD-2?  still liking BCL?  if you plan to sell, please do drop me PM first " width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />" width="" />" width="" />" width="" />

I'm adapting real well to being in the audience.  Front row!!!

Its the only solid state amp I have.  I *think* its neutral (compared to my other amps, I have leaner amps and warmer amps) - its sharp, quick and extremely detailed - at moderate to loud volumes its what gives me the most accurate portrayal of music as compared to real jamming sessions (incidently when I was jamming it was in a sound deadened room as well).  I do feel at the highest of volume (approaching real orchestra/rock concert levels) the BCL runs out of puff and its lower power output may explain why its soundstage is not as big as my higher powered Cayin tube amp - which sounds effortless at the highest of volumes.  Bass is supremely controlled all the way to the lowest notes.  These observations are made when mated to the Bryston Dac.

I truly feel that the LCD2s need massive current (hence the BCL lacks that last 2/10ths)- once that's in place, the source must be attended to.  In fact I truly believe one should gun for the absolute best possible source one can afford - even if you have to sell other cans to obtain the source.  Then tuning the LCDs to the hi-end source via amp matching...all this before one even think of cables.

Does your place of origin work at 220-240volts?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

The WA5 isn't on the radar for me, mainly because with all the upgrading of parts it runs around 5K (if you're going to buy an amp of that caliber it might as well have the premo parts, goes the upgrade-itis voice in my head) vs Leben's 2.  Skylab, I know you like the WA6, ever tried the WA5 (with headphones/speakers)?

Gasp!  5K...I didn't realise this thing cost so much with upgrades - I couldn't live with an amp knowing I didn't tick the option boxes - that somehow, I had bottle necked the thing - which wouldn't happen if Jack didn't offer upgrades at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

The WA5 isn't on the radar for me, mainly because with all the upgrading of parts it runs around 5K (if you're going to buy an amp of that caliber it might as well have the premo parts, goes the upgrade-itis voice in my head) vs Leben's 2.  Skylab, I know you like the WA6, ever tried the WA5 (with headphones/speakers)?

Only heard the WA5 at CanJam (where I thought it sounded great).  So can't make any judgments/comparisons.  I do like the WA6 and WA2 a lot, for sure, at their respective price points and paired with the the right headphones they are truly excellent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP Wild 

I'm adapting real well to being in the audience.  Front row!!!

 

Its the only solid state amp I have.  I *think* its neutral (compared to my other amps, I have leaner amps and warmer amps) - its sharp, quick and extremely detailed - at moderate to loud volumes its what gives me the most accurate portrayal of music as compared to real jamming sessions (incidently when I was jamming it was in a sound deadened room as well).  I do feel at the highest of volume (approaching real orchestra/rock concert levels) the BCL runs out of puff and its lower power output may explain why its soundstage is not as big as my higher powered Cayin tube amp - which sounds effortless at the highest of volumes.  Bass is supremely controlled all the way to the lowest notes.  These observations are made when mated to the Bryston Dac.

 

I truly feel that the LCD2s need massive current (hence the BCL lacks that last 2/10ths)- once that's in place, the source must be attended to.  In fact I truly believe one should gun for the absolute best possible source one can afford - even if you have to sell other cans to obtain the source.  Then tuning the LCDs to the hi-end source via amp matching...all this before one even think of cables.

 

Does your place of origin work at 220-240volts?
 

Gasp!  5K...I didn't realise this thing cost so much with upgrades - I couldn't live with an amp knowing I didn't tick the option boxes - that somehow, I had bottle necked the thing - which wouldn't happen if Jack didn't offer upgrades at all.

I am not sure how much of a difference the parts upgrade does but the tubes upgrade is a must. I installed the stock rectifier tubes while I was waiting for my upgraded EML 5U4G Mesh and they were harsh to the point that I went a bought a pair of NOS RCA to use in the meantime and keep them as backup.

I think the one I listened to at CanJam did had some of the tube upgraded and not parts upgrade and IMO sounded better than the Manley 300B. That was the one that sold me into the WA5-LE.

Quote:

Originally Posted by superjohny 

really wonder how leben competes against WA5

I'm really curious about this as well, waiting for Skylab's comment
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

BCL for $769 on audiogon.  I'd go for it but I'm saving for a leben.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1289076896&/Lehmannaudio-Black-Cube-Linear

Thanks for the info Radio_head, I'm checking it now.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_head 

The WA5 isn't on the radar for me, mainly because with all the upgrading of parts it runs around 5K (if you're going to buy an amp of that caliber it might as well have the premo parts, goes the upgrade-itis voice in my head) vs Leben's 2.  Skylab, I know you like the WA6, ever tried the WA5 (with headphones/speakers)?

Not considering WA5LE?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP Wild 

I'm adapting real well to being in the audience.  Front row!!!

 

Its the only solid state amp I have.  I *think* its neutral (compared to my other amps, I have leaner amps and warmer amps) - its sharp, quick and extremely detailed - at moderate to loud volumes its what gives me the most accurate portrayal of music as compared to real jamming sessions (incidently when I was jamming it was in a sound deadened room as well).  I do feel at the highest of volume (approaching real orchestra/rock concert levels) the BCL runs out of puff and its lower power output may explain why its soundstage is not as big as my higher powered Cayin tube amp - which sounds effortless at the highest of volumes.  Bass is supremely controlled all the way to the lowest notes.  These observations are made when mated to the Bryston Dac.

 

I truly feel that the LCD2s need massive current (hence the BCL lacks that last 2/10ths)- once that's in place, the source must be attended to.  In fact I truly believe one should gun for the absolute best possible source one can afford - even if you have to sell other cans to obtain the source.  Then tuning the LCDs to the hi-end source via amp matching...all this before one even think of cables.

 

Does your place of origin work at 220-240volts?

Front row rocks!!!    Thanks for your comment for BCL, ya, I guess that's due to BCL's max output only 200 mW, rather small huh? right, I guess it's not a good match for 50 ohm LCD-2.   But I really love the bass control, 'almost' tube smoothness, detail, instrument separation, 'clean' sound out to HD650/HD800, quite rare for an SS amp this small.  Yes, my location is 220-240 V.  Thinking thinking thinking ..........  maybe I should hunt for a good DAC first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull .

 

 

Not considering WA5LE?
 

I'd prefer the Leben over the LE because it also drives speakers.  So the only real apples to apples would be the WA5, which can get much pricier than both the LE and the Leben.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

Only heard the WA5 at CanJam (where I thought it sounded great).  So can't make any judgments/comparisons.  I do like the WA6 and WA2 a lot, for sure, at their respective price points and paired with the the right headphones they are truly excellent.

The Leben and WA5 should sound very different through speakers, and I would have initially guessed through headphones.  One is a PP design with EL-84 output tubes, while the WA-5 is an SET design with 300Bs.  I've heard that Leben (once) and many 300B amps through the same speakers: the PP vs SET differences were there. I really enjoyed the Leben, but never thought to listen through headphones (or even remembered the headphone jack, to tell the truth).   That said, I have heard the WA5 through the LCD-2s and also the ZDT through the same cans.  I wasn't impressed by the WA-5 by comparison.  It just didn't convey the magic of the 300B.  Interestingly, the ZDT -- which is an SET amp -- didn't remind me of any 300B amp either (duh, it's not a 300B amp, and my experience is limited), but somewhere between a SS amp and a 2A3.  If I imagined the ZDT hooked to speakers, it would also have sounded different tonally than the Leben (SET vs PP).  My next effort is to connect the LCD-2s to the speaker outputs of my 300B SET, although I sadly doubt I will get another chance at the Leben, since the model I heard was a used item and got gobbled up quickly. By doing this, I hope to be able to answer some of the questions I have posed at the end of the next paragraph.

I wonder if the headphone presentation of amps with dual speaker-headphone capability isn't quite different than through speakers?  Certainly, the headphone presentation of any amp is different than what you hear through speakers-more immediate and involving, but without the sound-stage that speakers are capable of.  But maybe these differences are so great that it "homogenizes" (but not necessarily in a bad way) the sonics of even very good amps  so that PP and SET designs and even different tubes within these two typologies sound quite different?  Or is the LCD-2s that do this?  Or my ears and brain?

I just made a small comparison between my Woo WA5-LE and my Rudistor RP010B MkII. My personal conclusion is that the LCD-2 really shine better with a good solid state amplifier.

Read here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/453116/audeze-lcd-2-orthos/4830