Amp recommendations for Audeze LCD-3
Jun 28, 2014 at 10:27 AM Post #991 of 1,285
Try to demo the V200 if you can. It's solid state and sounds pretty neutral to my ears, but it brings a lot of thump and is sometimes described as being slightly warm of neutral.

I'm guessing you might be able to find used ones on the market from people upgrading to the V220 or V281 in the near future, too.


^ I really wouldn't recommend the V200 with the LCD3, unless you are really into laid back sound. Maybe it is a different thing with tFazorzor version, but my LCD3 gets a bit too dark with the V200. Not bad, but somewhat dull.
 
Jun 28, 2014 at 11:18 AM Post #992 of 1,285
 
Try to demo the V200 if you can. It's solid state and sounds pretty neutral to my ears, but it brings a lot of thump and is sometimes described as being slightly warm of neutral.

I'm guessing you might be able to find used ones on the market from people upgrading to the V220 or V281 in the near future, too.


^ I really wouldn't recommend the V200 with the LCD3, unless you are really into laid back sound. Maybe it is a different thing with tFazorzor version, but my LCD3 gets a bit too dark with the V200. Not bad, but somewhat dull.

 
I do have the Fazored version, and I think I'm somewhat sensitive towards harsh treble, so it's a great for me. Not sure if I'd recommend a buy sight-unseen, hence my recommendation for a demo.

That being said, my recommendation still holds.
 
Jun 29, 2014 at 8:56 AM Post #993 of 1,285
^ I really wouldn't recommend the V200 with the LCD3, unless you are really into laid back sound. Maybe it is a different thing with tFazorzor version, but my LCD3 gets a bit too dark with the V200. Not bad, but somewhat dull.


I am also not a fan of v200 driving my LCD3. It is not necessarily bad but for the price I would prefer the burson soloist or the cheaper audio-gd nfb10/28. I find the v200 very clean sounding but too sterile and dry even with LCD3. But for anyone consider it or other amp, if possible, always give it a demo as we all listen differently.
 
Jun 29, 2014 at 1:34 PM Post #994 of 1,285
I am also not a fan of v200 driving my LCD3. It is not necessarily bad but for the price I would prefer the burson soloist or the cheaper audio-gd nfb10/28. I find the v200 very clean sounding but too sterile and dry even with LCD3. But for anyone consider it or other amp, if possible, always give it a demo as we all listen differently.


Hmmm.. Generally I really like the V200, and wouldn't call it dry. It is clean, yet dark with full bass. It is great with LCD2, and lots of other cans, but not with the LCD3. I have a feeling the LCD3 likes an amp that gives a little extra push in the upper mids, like the WA22.
 
Jun 30, 2014 at 3:47 AM Post #995 of 1,285
Hmmm.. Generally I really like the V200, and wouldn't call it dry. It is clean, yet dark with full bass. It is great with LCD2, and lots of other cans, but not with the LCD3. I have a feeling the LCD3 likes an amp that gives a little extra push in the upper mids, like the WA22.


Yes, WA22 pairs well with LCD3 for me. Even with stock tubes got sound very good. Very transparent and smooth with good bass and soundstage. Even better with upgraded tubes.
 
Jul 1, 2014 at 6:35 AM Post #997 of 1,285
May I know what tubes are good? Shall be getting my WA22 & LCD3 very soon.

 
Loads of tubes are good, and I guess you get the most qualified asnwer in the Woo-thread http://www.head-fi.org/t/428570/woo-audio-amp-owner-unite 
 
I've played around a bit. Lately I have been using a NOS black base Mullard GZ34 , TS5998s and Sylvania VT231. The rectifier is the somehow especially significant for the sound signature, so if you start tuberolling, I'd start with that. Also - be warned - you can easily spend more than the cost of the amp on tubes. But you do not have to, it sounds great with good budget tubes too :wink:
 
Jul 1, 2014 at 11:35 AM Post #998 of 1,285
   
Loads of tubes are good, and I guess you get the most qualified asnwer in the Woo-thread http://www.head-fi.org/t/428570/woo-audio-amp-owner-unite 
 
I've played around a bit. Lately I have been using a NOS black base Mullard GZ34 , TS5998s and Sylvania VT231. The rectifier is the somehow especially significant for the sound signature, so if you start tuberolling, I'd start with that. Also - be warned - you can easily spend more than the cost of the amp on tubes. But you do not have to, it sounds great with good budget tubes too :wink:

 
I'm rocking similar tubes, TS2399 instead of 5998 but they're essentially the same tube, Sylvania vt231, and the Princess or metal base GZ34 but leaning to the Princess with LCD3.  Personally I find the power tubes changes things more than rectifier for me, but I guess wa22 is quite receptive to tuberoll in the grand scheme of things and yes, overspending (but in terms of buying too many, and buying too expensively) is the common theme.....  
 
May I know what tubes are good? Shall be getting my WA22 & LCD3 very soon.

 
 
the woo-thread is a great resource and given wa22 has been around for sometime, you can browse thru the whole thing to get more opinions with veterans there... I learned a great deal.
 
Jul 1, 2014 at 8:26 PM Post #1,000 of 1,285
  Other than WA22, is there any other balanced tube amp? reason for asking is because my friend also wanted LCD3 to pair with a different amp so that we can swap and have some fun. 

 
There are plenty of nice amps that can pair well with LCD-3, if you're looking at WA22 then you won't be interested in lower priced amps (I'd suggest Schiit Lyr)
But look into something like DNA Stratus 2A3 - http://www.dnaudio.com/DNA-Stratus-2A3-headphone-amplifier.html
A lot of people here are enjoying this amp.
 
Also might want to look into Cavalli Liquid Glass, then there's Eddie Current Balancing Act (ECBA)
 
Jul 1, 2014 at 8:32 PM Post #1,001 of 1,285
   
There are plenty of nice amps that can pair well with LCD-3, if you're looking at WA22 then you won't be interested in lower priced amps (I'd suggest Schiit Lyr)
But look into something like DNA Stratus 2A3 - http://www.dnaudio.com/DNA-Stratus-2A3-headphone-amplifier.html
A lot of people here are enjoying this amp.
 
Also might want to look into Cavalli Liquid Glass, then there's Eddie Current Balancing Act (ECBA)

 
I m also interested in the Schiit Ragnarok too but no idea when it would be launched. As for Cavalli Liquid Glass, was advised by Alex that its a Single Ended Amp. I want a fully balanced amp. As for Eddie Current and DNA Stratus, somehow they design is not to my taste. hehe... i know its more important on how it sounds, but maybe its just me. Thanks anyway. 
 
Jul 1, 2014 at 8:38 PM Post #1,002 of 1,285
   
I m also interested in the Schiit Ragnarok too but no idea when it would be launched. As for Cavalli Liquid Glass, was advised by Alex that its a Single Ended Amp. I want a fully balanced amp. As for Eddie Current and DNA Stratus, somehow they design is not to my taste. hehe... i know its more important on how it sounds, but maybe its just me. Thanks anyway. 

 
Maybe look into Auralic Taurus mk2? It's a solid state amp, but it has a unique output stage, when used in balanced mode it is said to have a "tube-y" sound :)
 
I don't see the point of wanting a balanced amp that's balanced all the way from input to output... If that matters, than even if DNA Stratus looks good and sounds good, that's a "Single Ended" amp...
 
Don't go for technicalities, go for what sounds good.
 
Also, Schiit Ragnarok is supposed to have a hybrid version at some point, you might want to wait for it.
 
Jul 13, 2014 at 4:48 AM Post #1,003 of 1,285
Maybe look into Auralic Taurus mk2? It's a solid state amp, but it has a unique output stage, when used in balanced mode it is said to have a "tube-y" sound :)

I don't see the point of wanting a balanced amp that's balanced all the way from input to output... If that matters, than even if DNA Stratus looks good and sounds good, that's a "Single Ended" amp...

Don't go for technicalities, go for what sounds good.

Also, Schiit Ragnarok is supposed to have a hybrid version at some point, you might want to wait for it.


Thanks vampire. Shall look around for more suitable amp then. Been considering tube or ss for quite sometime. But juz can't decide. Was afraid I might spend too much on tube rolling.
 
Jul 13, 2014 at 7:36 AM Post #1,004 of 1,285
Been advised by a friend that PanAm is good but it doesn't have enough power to drive LCD-3 to its full potential.

Is there anyone pair Audio-Gd Master9 with LCD-3? Was told by supplier that Master9 is very close to GSX MKII.

One more question, for fully balanced amp, may I ask what balanced source input are u guys using? My knowledge is only limited to my AK240. M juz curious to know what type of balanced source are available. Thx.
 
Jul 13, 2014 at 9:58 AM Post #1,005 of 1,285
Been advised by a friend that PanAm is good but it doesn't have enough power to drive LCD-3 to its full potential.

Is there anyone pair Audio-Gd Master9 with LCD-3? Was told by supplier that Master9 is very close to GSX MKII.

One more question, for fully balanced amp, may I ask what balanced source input are u guys using? My knowledge is only limited to my AK240. M juz curious to know what type of balanced source are available. Thx.

 
What's your budget?
 
You can't go wrong with the Master 9.  It's much cheaper and it's always in stock.  The GS-X mk2 is a great amp.  However, it cost more and the wait times are crazy - but the GS-X mk2 looks much better IMO..
 

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