HD800, T1 or LCD-2 on a small system - Page 2

I'm still thinking what to do as well,

I own T1/ED8 If you're looking to buy something high-end without buying an amp/dac for now I suggest you ED8 It work great on my iPhone/Macbook , It just has one thing that high frequency Is a bit harsh Mid/Bass Is really nice even without using amp.

The T1 Isn't hearable without using an amp/dac I believe since It's 600ohm

I'm looking forward to buy either HD800 Or LCD2 (Since I heard LCD3 Is a overpriced and didn't sound better than LCD2) Or Stax SR-007
And I'm not sure about the amp whether Fostex-HP-P1 Or  Beyerdynamic A1.

If anyone can help concerning this

I hope I didn't trash your thread with my questions

I've auditioned LCD-2 with Alo Continental (before settle with desktop amp Violectric V100) and it sound quite good.

I read on headfonia that Continental also paired well with HD800, but not so with T1, however, I haven't had a chance to hear those pairing.

If i were you i would opt for the HD800 as long as you know you will upgrade your amp in the future. Just expect to not get the most out of them in the meanwhile.

If you buy a HD650 or D2000 now and plan on upgrading them as well as your amp in the future, you'll ultimately be spending more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IV10K 

Thanks alot for your reply
So basically HD800 Is better overall since I heard LCD2 Vocal Is shifting a bit to the left Im not sure though
Would you recommend any desktop/portable amp/dac that Is suitable with HD800/T1/ED8

All I know is, HD800 is very amp picky

Quote:

Originally Posted by IV10K 

Thanks alot for your reply
So basically HD800 Is better overall since I heard LCD2 Vocal Is shifting a bit to the left Im not sure though
Would you recommend any desktop/portable amp/dac that Is suitable with HD800/T1/ED8

Honestly i have no clue. That question would be best asked in the HD800 appreciation thread. 

Apart from sound quality, you may want to take build quality into consideration as well. The T1s are IMHO most well built with its clean and minimalist look, built like a brick. The HD800s cup design is a bit awkward and looks like a plastic toy to me(no offense) whereas the LCD2 which comes with wooden cups may appeal to those who love a conservative look.

You could check out senn 7000, they are easy to drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyerFan 

Apart from sound quality, you may want to take build quality into consideration as well. The T1s are IMHO most well built with its clean and minimalist look, built like a brick. The HD800s cup design is a bit awkward and looks like a plastic toy to me(no offense) whereas the LCD2 which comes with wooden cups may appeal to those who love a conservative look.

IMO build durability is much much more important than build quality for high-end headphones; I'd rather have a roughly-made pair of cans out of high-strength polymer / metal that will last decades regardless of what you throw at it, than something intricately carved out of exotic material that may last many years but may also just crack or break due to temperature fluctuations.

I think the issue of build quality raised up by few folks here is quite relevant. I would have to admit that apart from sound quality aspects, I chose the T1 for its elegant, understated and classy look apart from the fact that it's quite sturdily built as some have suggested here. Similarly I felt the HD800 looks quite cheap and flimsy. One who doesn't have any knowledge in headphones may regard the HD800 as a piece of elaborate toy rather than a high-end piece of gear. Having said that, I suppose the build quality may have contributed to the light and comfortable feel of it.

On the other side of the spectrum, the build quality of the LCD2 is quite solid as well although the wooden cups and assembly may have contributed to the overall higher weight of the phones which makes it less comfortable to wear than the T1 and HD800. Personally I think the T1 is the best compromise in terms of comfort and build quality(built like a brick!). And for the OP's criteria of a good all-rounder, the T1 is the best choice.

Honestly, playing w/ the T1 last weekend it felt cheaper in my hands to me than the HD800.  I only think it has an aesthetic advantage, not a quality one.  The 800 feels more refined to me despite my dislike of the design and the use of high-grade plastic.  I think this T1 built like a brick thing is a bit over the top.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anaxilus 

Honestly, playing w/ the T1 last weekend it felt cheaper in my hands to me than the HD800.  I only think it has an aesthetic advantage, not a quality one.  The 800 feels more refined to me despite my dislike of the design and the use of high-grade plastic.  I think this T1 built like a brick thing is a bit over the top.

To each his own I guess. The HD800 certainly looks and feels cheap to me in comparison to the T1, though it does feel more of its worth when compared to headphones in the lower price range below $300(having said that a respected reviewer here on Headfi thought both T1 and HD800 should cost nearer to the $500 mark and not at their retail). Obviously sound quality is subjective as everyone has a specific preference of how his or her music should sound like, but that is another matter.

I can't comment on the HD800s since I've yet to hear them, but I admit I'm addicted to Beyer build quality. First the 880s, then the T1s, and now the 1350s...all very comfortable and solid. 

Yes, perhaps I was exaggerating on the build quality of the T1. It may not be built like a brick but it does feel high quality in comparison to other headphones in the similar price range. I'm not afraid to admit that I actually chose the T1 for its aesthetics and build quality other than sound(which is stellar on its own account).