I think you nailed it, I got to try these recently. They're awesome for what they are especially given portability and weight, but sitting on a table next to full sized LCD-2, LCD-X, etc. I didn't find myself excited by these in comparison.

Thank you very much. I do believe they could prove a gateway into the Audeze family and sound; and one in which you could travel with that Audeze sound. Thanks again. Cheers.

The cable they come with is easily upgradable to a 4.4mm balanced connector. Plugging this into something like the IFI Zen DAC produces great results.

I agree. Changing to a balanced cable would certainly help. I guess my expectations were of LCD3-level performance. Within its own market, the LCD-1 is a pretty good performer.

Glad you are happy with yours! Cheers.

The cable is already balanced. Just a bit of time with a soldering iron is needed