Audeze LCD-3 Appreciation Thread - Page 11

I currently have the LCD-2 rev. 2 and am debating a change.  I have the option to pay the difference between the LCD-2 and the LCD-3 to upgrade to the newer version without loss on the LCD-2... or I can use that money to purchase the HD-800s (I can get those cheaper than MSRP thanks to an accomodation).

 

What would you recommend?

 

LCD-2.2 + HD-800

 

OR

 

LCD-3

 

Which gives the better experience over all?

 

The amp I am using is the Schiit Lyr with various tubes.

Comes down to what direction you want to take your experience?  Similar but scaled, LCD-3... different but equally good, HD800.

 

Yeah, it's hard to decide having not heard the HD-800s or the LCD-3s.  I guess I am looking for someone who has listened to all three and can tell me what their end preference was.

 

I know the HD-800 does things better than the LCD-3.  I know the LCD-3 does things better than the LCD-2, but you also give up things in return (part of life).

 

However, I'm wondering out of the two possibilities, which would provide the better end game listening experience.

 

If that makes sense...

 

EDIT:  Aside from some company figuring out how to merge the pros of the HD-800 and the LCDs in to a single nirvana headphone, what option is overall the better one from what both options would offer the listener?

Edited by tokendog - 9/11/12 at 6:41am

I mean, what you listen to in this case would be a good indicator. They both have different tonalities; what type of sound do you prefer? One's more of detail monster with one of the best imaging/soundstage capabilities, whereas the other is probably the most musical headphone I've listened to that doesnt stand out in any specific areas, but just sounds fabulous across the spectrum. It's not quite as boomy as the lcd-2, which to me is a big reason why I prefer the LCD-3.

 

I own the HD-800's, but I would not mind swapping for LCD-3's to get a new flavor. I liked the LCD-3; I did not like the LCD-2 r1/r2

 

I primarily listen to dubstep flavors of music; but I also listen to artist such as Adele, Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Radiohead, Hurt, Alice in Chains, etc.

 

But 80% of my listening is dubstep.  The main concern for me with the LCD-2s and even the 3s is comfort.  On occassion, I find the sweet spot and the head phones don't bother me that much at all, but usually I find myself adjusting them to remain comfortable...

 

It's the main reason I use my Mad Dogs - 85% of the sound, but 10x the comfort.

 

I did enjoy the HE-500s, but I did not enjoy the T1s (aside from the comfort).  I'm not sure if that helps in determining which option would be best for me (and yeah, I know only I can ultimately decide that, but I'm looking for input from others who have experienced the same setups).

 

I do find myself very intrigued by the sound stage of the HD-800 and the comfort level.  I can get them for around 1k brand new, which is the same cost of upgrading to the LCD-3 for me.

IMO for dubstep, LCD2s should serve you well but if you want to hear the likes of Alison Kraus, Norah Jones, et al, there are few better than the HD800s.

Get the Senns, they'll complement the LCDs 

 

If you believe this then your next purchase should be an amp or source.  But for electronica I'd stop at the LCD-2.2 as the ideal.  Can't imagine the more laidback LCD-3 would suit the genre.

 

Well I actually listen to mostly electronic and LCD-3 "suits" me just fine. More than fine. And no matter what genre I tried, it just sounded more natural and enjoyable. So yes I wouldn't try to overanalyze things too much. It's a steep price (unless used), but personally I'd take a decend amp (like my G109-S) and LCD-3 over LCD-2.2 any day.

 

Dub with a nice 6-9dB boost <80hz, just heavenly. Mad Dogs just can't output anywhere near such a clear and visceral bass.

Edited by hekeli - 9/11/12 at 11:20am

 

I agree, but I don't want this to turn in to a price / performance debate for the Mad Dogs and the LCD-3s.  I just need to suck it up and give the LCD-3s a listen.

Hi Solude

As much as I try to get interested in the tech bits, I can't.

All I can say is yes, the B-52 is fantastic with the Senns-only problem is that they're far too loud.I'm on the lowest volume settings and certain passages of loud music are just too loud for continued safe listening-I'll end up with no hearing!!

But... with the LCD3s... absolutely exquisite....as natural a representation (of the original)as I think I could possibly want.Yes,everybody has different tastes and hear things differently but I can't see me  'moving on'. I was going to go to the UK Headphone Meet this weekend but I don't think I'll bother!

(After 45mins, I'm just about to stop listening to the B-52/Senns 800 combo-Too loud!)

LCD-3 aren't loud because 85% of the power doesn't reach the headphone ;)  Would have thought the B52 had a volume control?  Dropping the source level is another option.  Attenuators if not.

Deafening is how Ray likes it.

I have own LCD 2 rev 2 with angle jack and LCD 3 the latest batch from July 2012 and hd 800

Too

In my opinion the ranked from these three headphone as follow :

LCD 3 july edition 2012 > HD 800 > LCD 2 rev 2 with angle jack

For your music genre are mostly rock , I think LCD 3 is better for you

HD 800 : is very good for classical music and for rock music is not so good , becausethe bass is

not as Good as LCD 2 rev 2 or LCD 3

Mid in HD 800 is a bit grainy And the high is breiter than LCD 2 rev 2 and. LCD 3

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My RMA'd LCD-3s are back! Same great sound and no more cutting off of the right driver.
Loving them with the NOS Mullard ECC35 in the ECBA
Will post a picture of the graph this evening