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Help me pick! HD800 LCD2 possibly more.....

post #1 of 85
8/5/11 at 8:00pm
Thread Starter 

Hello, going to order new headphones soon.  I have it narrowed down between the LCD-2 and HD800 (possibly others).

 

Here is what I have concluded with the LCD-2 (other than sound quality)

+ Great build especially with leather headband and pads.
+ Looks fantastic and very high class
+ Price point is great at 995

- 1 year warranty compared to Sennheiser's 2 year
-  Revision 2 driver failures already!  This is somewhat disappointing.
- Audeze is a newer company, who knows how long they will stay in business for.  Probably will be more difficult to get parts in the long run compared to Sennheiser.
- Heavy

 
Here is what I have concluded about the HD-800 (other than sound quality)
+ Looks fantastic
+ Very comfortable
+ Lightweight materials
+ 2 year warranty
+ Company has been in business for a long time

- Slightly price gouging at $1500, at least IMO.  $1200-1400 is better but the price is what keeps the company around.
- A little more difficult to maintain with the cloth headband and ear cups.
- Plastic materials
- Did I mention the new price?

---------------------------------------------------------


LCD-2 Sound conclusions
+ Ortho response curve
+ More detailed bass and slam
+ Awesome mid-range
+ Warm and lush like the HD-650 (which I very much so like)

- Slightly recessed highs (not sure if this was 100% fixed in v2 or not)
- Lack of sound stage compared to HD800. I really wish the HD650 sound stage was a bit bigger hopefully the LCD-2 exceeds it.
- Possibly tonality issues (some say there is some people say there is not)

 

HD 800 Sound conclusions
+ Huge sound stage
+ Very good mids and highs
+ More punch than the HD-650 (based on other reviews)
+ Airy

 
- Lack of slam compared to the orthos
- Treble peak?
- Sounds bright on some gear
- Some say it is a side step from HD-650s

-------------------------------------------------

 
I am currently using HD650s with a Burson amp and Burson dac.  I do like the warm feeling from it but sometimes the combo seems a bit too relaxed. I do not want anything that has less bass than the HD-650 (silver silk) but then again I'm not sure if more bass would make the experience more fatiguing. I want something that is a bit more involving than the HD-650. It feels like I can go to sleep sometimes wearing them.  I do wear my phones for 3+ hours sometimes so fatigue could be a real problem if either of the headphones listed above provoke that feeling.  I do not listen extremely loud but I don't like things quiet either.  Any thoughts? I listen to a very wide variety of music and I want a clear upgrade from the HD-650.
 

Sorry for the long thread, but opinions would be appreciated. Thanks


Edited by snaps11 - 8/5/11 at 8:10pm
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post #2 of 85
8/5/11 at 8:48pm

 

Quote:
Hello, going to order new headphones soon.  I have it narrowed down between the LCD-2 and HD800 (possibly others).

 

Either one will do as long as you don't hear the other.........  then the trouble starts..

 

Ignorance is BLISS and much easier on the wallet......

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post #3 of 85
8/5/11 at 9:15pm

Definitely go for the LCD-2 (especially rev1) if you already enjoy the HD650 but find it too boring. The HD800 would be more of a gamble for you as it has an entirely different signature (with much less bass).

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post #4 of 85
8/5/11 at 10:00pm

If you find the HD650 to be too relaxed then go HD800.

 

It sounds like you and I have had similar experiences with the HD650. IMHO both the LCD-2 and HD650 are on the "warm" side of things. You may find the lack of energy in the LCD-2 treble boring like you find the HD650s.

 

I have owned both the HD800 and LCD-2 and I kept the HD800. I don't think I'll ever sell it. Unless you are really really sensitive to brightness I think it'll suit you as well as it suits me. Don't be fooled... the HD800 has some of the best and most natural deep bass of any production headphones. Look at the low bass extension on Tyll's measurements. I have no complaints in the bass department, none.

 

I personally think the hype on the LCD-2 is waaaay out of control. The LCD-2 thread is one of the most active on head-fi and seems to get a minimum of 25 posts a day. If that ain't hype then I don't know what is. What was the name of that old Public Enemy song again?

 

Ideally you'd be able to sample both headphones at a meet, but sadly that isn't always possible.

 

Best of luck, and much happy listening in your future!


Edited by TMoney - 8/5/11 at 10:05pm
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post #5 of 85
8/6/11 at 1:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alghazanth View Post

Definitely go for the LCD-2 (especially rev1) if you already enjoy the HD650 but find it too boring. The HD800 would be more of a gamble for you as it has an entirely different signature (with much less bass).


Less bass? One of the reasons I bought the HD-800 was for its superior bass extension and clarity. I find the bass to be slightly boosted, but it is very deep, tuneful and othereise accurate.

OP, I don't think you could go wrong with either. I've listened to the LCD2 and found it very good, but I didn't listen long enough to give a firm impression. However, I did like it enough to buy one. I didn't because it wouldn't get that much head time. I really love the HD-800 and also spend a lot of time with speakers. I don't want $1k sitting in a box in the closet.

One consideration about the HD-800 is that I've only really enjoyed it on tubes. YMMV, but I've noticed a lot of owners opt for tubes.
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post #6 of 85
8/6/11 at 1:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alghazanth View Post

Definitely go for the LCD-2 (especially rev1) if you already enjoy the HD650 but find it too boring. The HD800 would be more of a gamble for you as it has an entirely different signature (with much less bass).


Less bass? One of the reasons I bought the HD-800 was for its superior bass extension and clarity. I find the bass to be slightly boosted, but it is very deep, tuneful and othereise accurate.

OP, I don't think you could go wrong with either. I've listened to the LCD2 and found it very good, but I didn't listen long enough to give a firm impression. However, I did like it enough to buy one. I didn't because it wouldn't get that much head time. I really love the HD-800 and also spend a lot of time with speakers. I don't want $1k sitting in a box in the closet.

One consideration about the HD-800 is that I've only really enjoyed it on tubes. YMMV, but I've noticed a lot of owners opt for tubes.

I meant less bass quantity than the HD650, of course the HD800's bass quality is TOTL.
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post #7 of 85
8/6/11 at 6:44pm
Thread Starter 

I will probably never do a tube amp.  A few said that the LCD-2 does not work well on the Burson amp.  It might be because I think the Burson amp is a tad on the warm side and it makes the LCD-2 feel too dark.  On the other hand the new revision came out and it is supposed to be a bit brighter which should make it do better with the Burson rig.

 

Is the LCD-2 really a fad or FOTM?  I have a feeling as soon as I pick one or the other I will think that I have picked the wrong pair. 

 

Anyone have some comments that would make the decision more clear cut?  I realize newer and better will come out in future but I want to choose the one that will be regarded as one of the tops in the years to come. 

 

 

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post #8 of 85
8/6/11 at 7:05pm

There is no right or wrong answer here, snaps. Both are TOTL 'phones. You seem to have a very good idea of the strengths and weakness of each, now you just have to make a choice and live with it.

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post #9 of 85
8/6/11 at 8:28pm

No it's not a FOTM, it's one of the best headphones in the world.

 

I've only heard good things about the LCD-2+160D.

 

None of us know which is truly best for you, but based on the information you've given I'd say the LCD2 r1. Best thing to do would be to try both.

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post #10 of 85
8/6/11 at 9:05pm

since uve got the burson, id say take the LCD-2.. synergy is awesome with rhe burson smily_headphones1.gif

 

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post #11 of 85
8/6/11 at 9:08pm

What type music do you listen to? I think that will be a big deciding factor om which can you should get.

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post #12 of 85
8/6/11 at 11:40pm
Either headphone is a good choice. I personally like the HD800 on the solid state beta22 amp. I've listened to it on many amps and more than a few tube amps and yet I still like it with the beta22. All that means is it's one person's preference. Yours might be different.

I would highly advise you listening to each one, if possible, before you decide. The T1 and HE500 are also excellent. There is no easy answer.
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post #13 of 85
8/6/11 at 11:56pm

I have both of them, and find them hard to compare. Preference depends on what kind of music you listen to. On my Burson 160D, the LCD-2 is way better than the HD-800 (of course, YMMV). The Senn sounds harsh and grainy there. On the Isabellina, the HD-800 sounds excellent, and is easily as good as the LCD-2, so the Senn really seems to like tuby amps better. The LCD-2 doesn't have more bass per se, but it takes some amp to bring it out of the Senn, and the smaller stage and darker mood of the LCD-2 make people think it's bassy. So depending on your budget, you might get more short satisfaction from the LCD-2 on your Burson rig. In the long term, you're going to spend a ton of money anyway, especially if you hang around head-fi a lot - believe me biggrin.gif

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post #14 of 85
8/7/11 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 

Okay great. I will try the LCD-2.  I guess if i don't like it headroom has a 30 day money back guarantee. I really wish I had a way to test both headphones but none of the dealers around carry the higher end gear.  Some of the dealers in my area can get them but its special order only and no returns!

 

I know its a sickness.  I always want newer better gear.  This may be ignorant but I have a feeling if I upgraded the Burson units that my returns would be very small and I would have to spend tons of cash.  I will probably get Senns next flagship phone. I have a feeling they may drop something fixing the very slight pitfalls of the HD 800.  If Senn comes out with a ortho you better belive I will be all over it!

 

BTW don't be confused, I do not have the 160d I have the seperate units from Burson smily_headphones1.gif. Its no big deal though, if its good on the 160d it will be better for sure with their seperate units. 

 

 

 

Edit:  Still deciding on which one to pick.


Edited by snaps11 - 8/8/11 at 5:10pm
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post #15 of 85
8/7/11 at 11:48am

If you want to spend money, get yourself a 'stat wink.gif

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