Hifiman HE-6 vs Audeze LCD-3

I'd recommend you go for the LCD-3s, especially since you've already got the HE-500s. The LCD-3s are just spectacular at what they do well and are imo, the only headphones that can compete with the brilliant Stax 009s. Though the HD-800s run well are pretty close imo. Anyway, I think this review by Steve Guttenberg is pretty spot on. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57437164-47/the-best-headphones-in-the-world/?tag=mncol;txt

Both are fantastic headphones! I owned both at the same time for several months, but I STILL own the LCD-3s.

A HE-6 driven well (like from a RSA Darkstar) is a fabulous headphone with gobs of detail, nice tonality that works well with most music and is just enjoyable. However, the LCD-3s from a similarly good amp are imo just more engaging, drawing you into the music. I find the LCD-3s do transients, layering and prat better as well as have a more realistic midrange and that is what makes them better to me. I'm currently using a Woo WA-5 and Littledot Mk6+ for amps and a NAD M51 DAC.

I like the HE-6, but the amp situation is more challenging than the LCD-3.  I think most standard headphone amps which would work well with the LCD-3 would struggle with the HE-6, so the HE-6 may not be a good solution for people who don't want to change their system.  I wonder how many negative impressions of the HE-6 are due to inadequate amping.

Edited by Elysian - 5/21/12 at 12:47pm

For details, HE-6 is slightly better. For bass impact, LCD-3 is moderately better. If you listen to mostly rock and such, I'd go LCD-3. If you listen to mostly classical, I'd go HE-6.

 

I kept the LCD-3 and sold the HE-6 because I got tired of chasing proper amping for the HE-6. If you've determined to purchase at least the EF-6 with your cans, then it's a pretty even split. Don't beat yourself up about it, you can't go wrong.

HE-6s are my go-to metal/hard rock cans, plus they're very nice for classical and strings. I rotate between them and my STAX SR-007s a lot, and that's rather high praise for the HE-6s. However, they aren't the best for pop, hip-hop, or dubstep. Their bass is very flat and neutral and will often sound a bit too lean with those styles.

BUT, they EQ extremely well, being so flat and neutral, and you can easily mimic other stats out there. I found that out when I was fiddling around, and they did so well that I decided not to get a set of LCD-2s. All that aside, though, they need juice. I run mine off a Cary SLI-80 F1 with an HE-adapter and it's a match made in heaven... but that's a rather sizable investment. Other more reasonable options are the EF-6 from HiFiMan or the Schiit LYR, either will easily drive the HE-6. Heck, even my EF-5 does a decent job, but it doesn't extract every last ounce you can get from these great cans.

If you love the HE-500; the LCD-3 will suit your taste beter than the HE-6 - is my guess (having all 3 headphones).

 

The only drawback with the LCD-3, is that the vocal presentation is more "distant" than the HE-500.

Edited by Loevhagen - 5/21/12 at 2:19pm

If you have the funds to do it, having both will settle the nagging regret of not getting the other. As others have mentioned, amping for the HE-6 is not an easy task. They are more of a speaker than a headphone for power demands.

100% LCD-3

HE-6 is bright, sibilant and bassless :p

 

ooops.. just see that you ordered the HE-6... Good Luck!

Edited by brat - 5/22/12 at 12:48pm

My HE-6 is definitely not bright, sibilant, or bassless. It has excellent bass, maybe the best.

 

True... if poorly amplified. When properly amped, the HE-6 is none of those.