[SMG52]

Quote:

I've tried an LCD2 with the microsuede pads and didn't feel much of a difference in comfort compared to the leather. My leather pads feel pretty cushy and comfortable. If clamping pressure is the issue, that can be easily adjusted. If the size and weight are the issue, there's not much you can do. My HD650s have greater clamping pressure than my LCD2s, but the HD650’s are more comfortable for long-term listening because of the lighter weight.

It's pretty much the clamping pressure I would say. Maybe the pair I had had particularly stiff cushions....I wouldn't have called them 'cushy'. The weight was not such a problem, I could move them around on my head which helped. I thought the suede pads might not be as stiff and feel softer on the sides of my head. Maybe it ultimately takes more stretching/bending of the metal headband than I attempted to do. 
Thanks!

 

[TMRaven]

Ya the 650 had greater clamping force than lcd2 for me as well. Lcd2's headband was bumpy and created pressure points though.

 

[thegrobe]

I talked to someone at the Cable Company and even though they do not have a model with the velour pads available for demo, they would not take back a new pair should I order them with the velour pads and still find them too uncomfortable.

I would suggest that you buy them from someone else who has a return policy. There's plenty of sellers out there who will accept an LCD return if you are not satisfied for whatever reason, usually within 30 days. Sorry, but that's a crummy policy, telling you they won't take returns.

 

[SMG52]

Quote:

I would suggest that you buy them from someone else who has a return policy. There's plenty of sellers out there who will accept an LCD return if you are not satisfied for whatever reason, usually within 30 days. Sorry, but that's a crummy policy, telling you they won't take returns.

Yeah, I thought they would make an exception in this case, since they didn't have the velour version for demo. But, I've already got about $50 on my account there toward a future purchase with them due to the loan of the LCDs, so I'm kinda, sorta somewhat committed to working with them. Unless I figured I would use that balance toward something else in the future. I thought I might be listening to other phones as well, that's why I decided to use Cable Company. But as it turned out, except for the comfort level, I really liked the Audeze and as far as I am concerned, sound-wise (and budget-wise), I could end my search with these. 

 

 

[K_19]

Quote:

Ya the 650 had greater clamping force than lcd2 for me as well. Lcd2's headband was bumpy and created pressure points though.

 
HD650 is actually the only headphone I ever gave up ONLY due to the comfort problem.  It was not just because of their hard clamp (which loosens over time and can also be done by yourself by bending the metal bars) but also due to how their pads aligned with the sensitive points of my face/jaw... no matter how much I loosened it I always felt it.  More of a swivel in the cups would have helped loosen it but they only swivel very little thus I had to give them up even though I loved its sound from day one.  LCD-2, while heavier and likely comparable in clamping force manages to avoid this problem for me and I am able to wear them for 2+ hours if I want to.
 
The leather headband is indeed uncomfortable though... Audeze needs to look into making the padding a bit softer or at make it bumpless, or even perhaps reintroduce the foam headband (which I have on and is miles more comfortable) as an option again.  Due to how heavy the headphone is it the bumps they do become bit of an issue, especially for people with less hair.

 

[Barry S]

Good advice from thegrobe. I got my LCD2s from Sound Earphones and they were very friendly with good service. They have a no-nonsense return policy. The headband can be bent to reduce the clamping pressure, so that shouldn't be a show stopper. You might prefer the microsuede, but I just noticed that Audeze now lists the LCD3 pads for sale separately. It used to be they wouldn't sell them to LCD2 owners, but maybe that's changed. The LCD3 pads are super cushy--too soft for my taste, but maybe better for you?

It would be cool if Audeze offered a super light version of the LCD-2, I think it would be popular. The hardwood/bamboo and machined aluminum are beautiful materials, but I can see some composites doing the job without the weight.

 

[SMG52]

Quote:

 
HD650 is actually the only headphone I ever gave up ONLY due to the comfort problem.  It was not just because of their hard clamp (which loosens over time and can also be done by yourself by bending the metal bars) but also due to how their pads aligned with the sensitive points of my face/jaw... no matter how much I loosened it I always felt it.  More of a swivel in the cups would have helped loosen it but they only swivel very little thus I had to give them up even though I loved its sound from day one.  LCD-2, while heavier and likely comparable in clamping force manages to avoid this problem for me and I am able to wear them for 2+ hours if I want to.
 
The leather headband is indeed uncomfortable though... Audeze needs to look into making the padding a bit softer or at make it bumpless, or even perhaps reintroduce the foam headband (which I have on and is miles more comfortable) as an option again.  Due to how heavy the headphone is it the bumps they do become bit of an issue, especially for people with less hair.

I shave my head, so couldn't have less hair than me. 

 But that being said, the headband was not such an issue. Just that clamping force around the side of the head, jaw, etc. Maybe I will try to connect with Audeze and see what kind of feedback they have gotten as to the suede vs. leather earpads with regard to comfort. And also if people have had a good experience with the LCD3 earpads. Maybe I could special order a pair of LCD2s with the 3s earpads......

 

[K_19]

Quote:

Good advice from thegrobe. I got my LCD2s from Sound Earphones and they were very friendly with good service. They have a no-nonsense return policy. The headband can be bent to reduce the clamping pressure, so that shouldn't be a show stopper. You might prefer the microsuede, but I just noticed that Audeze now lists the LCD3 pads for sale separately. It used to be they wouldn't sell them to LCD2 owners, but maybe that's changed. The LCD3 pads are super cushy--too soft for my taste, but maybe better for you?

It would be cool if Audeze offered a super light version of the LCD-2, I think it would be popular. The hardwood/bamboo and machined aluminum are beautiful materials, but I can see some composites doing the job without the weight.

 
Much of the weight is due to the magnets I believe? Probably not much that can be done about the magnets themselves without sacrificing sound quality, it's the nature of Planar Magnetic headphones....
 
But it would indeed be interesting if they made it as light as possible as they can with lighter materials (perhaps reduce the magnet size a bit as well).  A portable version perhaps?

 

[K_19]

Quote:

I shave my head, so couldn't have less hair than me. 

 But that being said, the headband was not such an issue. Just that clamping force around the side of the head, jaw, etc. Maybe I will try to connect with Audeze and see what kind of feedback they have gotten as to the suede vs. leather earpads with regard to comfort. And also if people have had a good experience with the LCD3 earpads. Maybe I could special order a pair of LCD2s with the 3s earpads......

 
Yeah, clamping problem is unfortunately something that's going to vary from person to person IMO... not only due to the clamping pressure itself but as I mentioned, more due to how and where it aligns with the sensitive areas of your face.  Best of luck in trying to work it out, hopefully you can at least find a tolerable alternative that you can accept as a tradeoff for it's amazing sound.

 

[M-13]

My new LCD-2, just 2 weeks old doesn't clamp very hard at all. It's also got softer leather pads. Not LCD-3 soft, but it's softer than I remember, like Audeze used softer foam under the leather. The headband surface is still hard and bumpy as ever, but the comfort is also improved by the lighter Bamboo. Not sure why but it definitely feels significantly ligther than my previous LCD-2s. Overall I'm pretty happy with the comfort.
 
I'm glad this topic came up as I was going to mention it anyway.

 

[SMG52]

Quote:

My new LCD-2, just 2 weeks old doesn't clamp very hard at all. It's also got softer leather pads. Not LCD-3 soft, but it's softer than I remember, like Audeze used softer foam under the leather. The headband surface is still hard and bumpy as ever, but the comfort is also improved by the lighter Bamboo. Not sure why but it definitely feels significantly ligther than my previous LCD-2s. Overall I'm pretty happy with the comfort.
 
I'm glad this topic came up as I was going to mention it anyway.

Thanks for that. Makes me wonder how old (new) the demo pair was that they sent me from Cable Company. I have read that more recent versions have somewhat softer pads then older versions, so maybe previous models had even stiffer earpads than what I experienced. 

   I'll see what Audeze has to say about the suede vs leather in terms of comfort. 

 

[brunk]

Quote:

So I have a LCD-2.2 coming in the mail with a Silver Dragon Cable. Got a sweet deal for $750

Now comes the question of driving these babies. I am conflicted with what to use my budget on...

The cable is 4pin, which makes my decision a bit difficult. I am interested in some schiit audio stuff obviously, but I'm not sure whether I should go with the Mjolnir+Cheap DAC (perhaps a modi?) or should I go for a Bifrost/Lyr? Any suggestions?

On a different note. I'm quite excited and all giddy inside

 
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Mjolnir is all I can say really.

+1 Definitely get the Mjolnir over anything else. Buy O2 DAC, you can resell for a minimal loss and upgrade down the road.

 

[yellowcun]

lcd-2 is one of the most beatuiful headphone I have seen. I hope I can get one someday soon.

 

[Lorspeaker]

the sound is lovely, especially with tubes. Go get one fassssst b4 i change my mind.

 

[breadvan]

ran across this quite technical analysis of the LCD2 and thought some of you might enjoy it:

http://rinchoi.blogspot.hk/2013/07/audeze-lcd-2-rev2-part-1-aesthetics.html