Audeze LCD-3 Appreciation Thread - Page 52

Given that recently my HD800s turned out to have like 70% percent of head time, I was starting to get a bit concerned. Until I received a couple of new metal albums today. The LCD-3s are so amazing with this genre (which also happens to be one of my favourites). Proper dark, smooth, yet very detailed, dynamic and engaging. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meremoth 

 

What DAC and amp are you using to drive them?

I purchased them mostly for transportable use - so I will be using them primarily with Solo -dB and Pico Power when traveling - quite nice.   I listen to loudspeakers primarily at home, so I probably won't get a full size headphone amp anytime soon.  At home I use an Ayre QB-9 with the Pico Power - was constantly shaking my head at the sound of this combination with the LCD-3's - amazing, and I don't often use that description with audio.  The Solo isn't even close to being in the same league as the QB-9.  Hard to imagine what more a high end headphone amp would bring to the table, though if past experience holds true, I'll be shaking my head even more once I take that step.

A GS-X mk2 would be near the top of my list - but I just don't know how much listening time it would get at present.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hi Rez 

Mine arrived today.  Umm.  Just looked at the time.  They arrived yesterday....

 

Chose them based on the impressions here.  Best way I can say it:  they make glorious music!

 

Friend brought his HD800s over to compare.  I'm guessing he'll have LCD-3's within the year....

 

Thanks to all of you who posted impressions on this thread!

You're welcome, and welcome to our club (of happy LCD-3 owners) :-)

Did you like them rightaway or did you go through a little "psychological" adaptation time ?  And also, which headphones were you listening to before ?

I'm as happy for you as I was the day I got mine, really !  :-)

I think the only thing holding me back from the LCD3 is the fact that I still really enjoy my LCD2 rev1.

How does the LCD3 fare in the "creaminess" arena?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolBurn 

Did you like them rightaway or did you go through a little "psychological" adaptation time ?  And also, which headphones were you listening to before ?

No adaptation time - completely sold at first listen.  They were the first headphones I've had that approached the resolution and musicality of my speaker system.  First listen was with iPhone -> Solo as source - I was totally hooked just with that.  And it only got better as I tried them with improved sources and high res material.

Westone ES5.  Before those, other iems and lower end Grados.  The ES5s get the music right - but knew they wouldn't compare at all with a high end full size.  They'll still be used regularly at work because of their isolation and discreteness.  I have gradually been upgrading my systems, speaker system first.  Now I am nearing the end of the headphone phase....

Thank you Hi Rez, I wish you lots and lots of listening pleasure with your phones and speakers :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by grokit 

I think the only thing holding me back from the LCD3 is the fact that I still really enjoy my LCD2 rev1.

 

How does the LCD3 fare in the "creaminess" arena?

I had the lcd2 rev1 (and rev2) and now have the LCD3, and I realize the signature "creamy" sound was a coloration, even a cover-up, even though it had 

many of the signature Audeze sound characteristics (a non-piercing sound along with great image definition and shaping).

The LCD3 abandons that masking affect but is just as non-fatiguing and even more defined and is simply a great phone.

Something  the 3's do well I think is unraveling complex musical passages. I listened to a cd last night that I clearly remember being congested with my Sennheiser 650's. I smiled as the LCD-3's rendered it all transparent to my ear's.  I'm not exactly sure what is meant by "they have the magic", but I'm sure that's part of it. I have had mine for a little over a month now and they sound much better than when they arrived. There's just so much better tone now and I'm loving the sweet midrange warmth with classical music. Treat em right and they'll reward you.

This is very helpful, Thanks. 

Question: Has anyone heard the LCD-3s paired with Ray Samuels Audio "The Raptor" tube amp? I have it driving my AKG K702s. The combo is really great, but I'd love to upgrade my phones to the Audeze LCD-3 if my Raptor would be a good match.... Opinions?

Cheers!

Alón

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alonski 

This is very helpful, Thanks. 

 

Question: Has anyone heard the LCD-3s paired with Ray Samuels Audio "The Raptor" tube amp? I have it driving my AKG K702s. The combo is really great, but I'd love to upgrade the HP to the Audeze LCD-3 if my amp would be a good match.... Opinions?

 

Cheers!

Alón

The LCD3s are a perfect match with a B52 I have, if that's any help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgs9200m 

The LCD3s are a perfect match with a B52 I have, if that's any help.

That's very reassuring, thanks. Congratulations on owning a B52, I'm sure it's an amazing sounding Pre/Headphone Amp. I assume that Ray has kept the same basic sound signature throughout his Emmeline II line of amps. I compared the specs and my Raptor should be fine --- can't wait to hear the LCD-3s pump out some magic with it!