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I'm considering the following high-end setup, please tell me if it's a bad idea. [Audez'e LCD-2,...

post #1 of 11
6/28/11 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 

 

I exclusively listen to music on my PC. Right now, my setup consists of a pair of AudioTechnica ATH-M30s and a Creative Audigy SoundBlaster soundcard, and while it's better than what most non-nerds have, it's still obviously very low budget (below 100 bucks).

Since I listen to music a LOT, and since I have a rather big enthusiast collection of high quality audio, I would like to upgrade to the following:


Headphones: Audez'e LCD-2

Amp: Meier Audio Corda Concerto

DAC: NuForce Icon HDP

 

I'm living in Austria, so I'm getting the amp used from some dude in Germany for around 400 euros, and the rest from the online stores of the manufacturers.

The NuForce Icon HDP is apparently both an amp and a DAC; but as I understand it, it has very high value, so can I use it as a DAC only so I have a high-quality source going into the Corda Concerto? Also, would a NuForce Icon HD (100 bucks cheaper than the HDP) suffice for connecting it to my PC via optical cable, then the amp to the DAC? Or is the HD-version missing some of the ports or something?

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post #2 of 11
6/28/11 at 2:31pm

The HDP powers the LCD-2s very well indeed. I know that as I'm listening to it as we speak, and have a Burson 160D next to me in the A/B test. Very, very insignificant differences, to the point I might even be imagining them. I think I'd fail miserably in a blind test, which is the real test. They are that close :¬)

 

Some members here A/B compared the Meier combo vs the 160D and deemed them impossible to tell apart.


Edited by Yoga - 6/28/11 at 2:33pm
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post #3 of 11
6/29/11 at 6:21am

I my opinion the the NuForce HDP is overated and mediocre at everything it does, more consumer audio than hi-fi. Just my opinion of course.

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post #4 of 11
6/29/11 at 7:26am

I've had the HDP and the LCD 2 for half a year now, it good enough for me, i would recommend just getting the HDP for now and maybe trying a tube amp in the future, as the HDP has a reasonable solid state amp already.

 

If you look here:

http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconhd/index.php

the Icon HD does not say it has optical input. So i assume it doesn't

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post #5 of 11
6/29/11 at 8:43am

I love the contrasting opinions here!biggrin.gif

 

One person says the HDP is mediocre and overrated, while another says it is not that diffferent from an amp/dac costing over twice as much.

 

I've just ordered a HDP for my soon to arrive LCD-2 based on the opinions I've read about them pairing quite well. There doesn't seem to be many other options around ~£300.

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post #6 of 11
6/29/11 at 8:58am

I replaced my HDP with HM-602 and consider it as upgrade in terms of DAC. I am not sure whether HM-602 can drive LCD-2 directly.

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post #7 of 11
6/29/11 at 8:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kostalex View Post

I replaced my HDP with HM-602 and consider it as upgrade in terms of DAC. I am not sure whether HM-602 can drive LCD-2 directly.



While I don't own the LCD-2, I did just try my driving my AKG K340's with my HM-602.  The K340's are notoriously hard to drive, but my 602 can drive them to my normal listening level without strain or clipping.  That said, the volume setting hovered around "8" on the dial.  Given that the LCD-2 is much lower impedance and higher sensitivity than the K340, it would be my guess that the 602 will be quite a satisfactory pairing with the LCD-2.  

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post #8 of 11
6/29/11 at 8:40pm

I've driven the LCD2 from my DACPort before just fine.  Was it the best setup?  No, but you can get loud volume if that's all you are after.

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post #9 of 11
7/1/11 at 2:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kostalex View Post

I replaced my HDP with HM-602 and consider it as upgrade in terms of DAC. I am not sure whether HM-602 can drive LCD-2 directly.



I find the optical part of the HDP to be better than the usb input, the usb input sounded dull and lifeless. luckily i have my new Asus laptop which supports optical out, also have a cheap sony portable dvd player lying around so i'm quiet happy with it. Tho i have to say i was quiet disappointed with the usb input when i first got my HDP (i was also dumb enough to get the 'better' usb cable when i ordered it broke in 2 weeks).

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post #10 of 11
7/9/11 at 2:58am
Instead of the HDP, I would consider the Centrance DacMini instead, it a piece o well engineered gear and should provide plenty of power for the LCD-2.
Just don't forget to add the 1 ohm output mod, it should be useful if you decide to get a pair of dynamic headphones in the future.
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post #11 of 11
7/9/11 at 4:21pm

The Yulong D100 is highend DAC and it exceed HDP in many ways(many inputs and outputs).

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