A similar sound signature to the LCD-2 Pre-fazor

[chimney189]

I'm hoping to find a headphone that has a sound signature akin to that of the LCD-2 Pre-fazor.
The main reason for this search is because the discomfort of the LCD-2 is becoming an issue that I'm not willing to resolve with a $200 headband replacement, considering that the main issue seems to be the clamp force.


Any suggestions? Comfort is definitely more of a priority at this point.
Thanks!

 

[cossix]

I always fail to wrap my head around the idea of the LCD2 being too tight for some people! Its heavy as hell but I can't see how it's too clampy, perhaps I'm just used to my HD650

Not sure if the extended yolks help with clamp but perhaps that could be a fix?

Also are you trying to stick to planar headphones? ZMF seems to have a relaxed sound so perhaps one of their models could work for you! Other than that, maybe Fostex has something for you but I think that's starting to veer away from the LCD2 sound.

Good luck!

 

[NA Blur]

The HE-400i comes to mind.

 

[chimney189]

I always fail to wrap my head around the idea of the LCD2 being too tight for some people! Its heavy as hell but I can't see how it's too clampy, perhaps I'm just used to my HD650

Not sure if the extended yolks help with clamp but perhaps that could be a fix?

Also are you trying to stick to planar headphones? ZMF seems to have a relaxed sound so perhaps one of their models could work for you! Other than that, maybe Fostex has something for you but I think that's starting to veer away from the LCD2 sound.

Good luck!

I'm actually taking a look at a used pair of ZMF Blackwoods. Have you heard those?
I'll try to bend the headband a bit tonight on the LCD-2 and see if anything changes.
The clamp might also be tighter because I have the non-leather vegan pads which tend to squish more on the head when worn.

 

[cossix]

I'm actually taking a look at a used pair of ZMF Blackwoods. Have you heard those?
I'll try to bend the headband a bit tonight on the LCD-2 and see if anything changes.
The clamp might also be tighter because I have the non-leather vegan pads which tend to squish more on the head when worn.

Hmm it could be the pads. I use the leather ones and they're great

 

[seamon]

I'm hoping to find a headphone that has a sound signature akin to that of the LCD-2 Pre-fazor.
The main reason for this search is because the discomfort of the LCD-2 is becoming an issue that I'm not willing to resolve with a $200 headband replacement, considering that the main issue seems to be the clamp force.


Any suggestions? Comfort is definitely more of a priority at this point.
Thanks!

Audeze LCD comfort guide:

Step 1: Get ear-pad spacers. You can email Audeze directly and they'll ship these to you. You place these inside the earcups, between Drivers and Pads, these add extra cushion and reduce clamp force by a looooooot.

Step 2: Get @Lohb strap. These pretty much solve the weight distribution problem and also reduce clamp somewhat by virtue of better distributing weight.

 

[seamon]

I always fail to wrap my head around the idea of the LCD2 being too tight for some people! Its heavy as hell but I can't see how it's too clampy, perhaps I'm just used to my HD650

Not sure if the extended yolks help with clamp but perhaps that could be a fix?

Also are you trying to stick to planar headphones? ZMF seems to have a relaxed sound so perhaps one of their models could work for you! Other than that, maybe Fostex has something for you but I think that's starting to veer away from the LCD2 sound.

Good luck!

Fostex is like Treble murder to people who like LCD xD, especially TH900

 

[chimney189]

Audeze LCD comfort guide:

Step 1: Get ear-pad spacers. You can email Audeze directly and they'll ship these to you. You place these inside the earcups, between Drivers and Pads, these add extra cushion and reduce clamp force by a looooooot.

Step 2: Get @Lohb strap. These pretty much solve the weight distribution problem and also reduce clamp somewhat by virtue of better distributing weight.

I have the ear-pad spacers. Is this something that I put on when I'm not wearing the headphones that will slowly loosen up the clamping force?

 

[seamon]

I have the ear-pad spacers. Is this something that I put on when I'm not wearing the headphones that will slowly loosen up the clamping force?

Official Audeze Ear-Pad spacers?

It's something that you put inside the earpads that acts as extra cushion so the headband doesn't clamp as tight. Also have you tried Lohb strap? It's a complete game changer. IMO, it's the single accessory that you should always use with a LCD

 

[Monsterzero]

I'm actually taking a look at a used pair of ZMF Blackwoods. Have you heard those?

Used to own the LCD-2.2pf and listening to the ZMF Blackwoods as I type this.

couple observations....

Blackwoods are harder to driver,have better mids,have better detail,and thus a bit brighter,have good sub-bass,but not quite LCD-2...but good.
Make sure if you get a pair to order the padded headband from Zach if your pair doesnt come with it.

IMHO Blackwoods are a better HP than the LCD-2....YMMV.

 

[seamon]

Used to own the LCD-2.2pf and listening to the ZMF Blackwoods as I type this.

couple observations....

Blackwoods are harder to driver,have better mids,have better detail,and thus a bit brighter,have good sub-bass,but not quite LCD-2...but good.
Make sure if you get a pair to order the padded headband from Zach if your pair doesnt come with it.

IMHO Blackwoods are a better HP than the LCD-2....YMMV.

Makes sense LCD 2PF lacked detail and were very dark but surprised about the mids

 

[Monsterzero]

I found the mids on the LCD-2 to be quite small in size and boxed in sounding,not natural at all to my ears.If you like the mids on the Audeze than you might have a different opinion on the Blackwood than I.
If the mids had been better never wouldve sold them.

 

[chimney189]

Official Audeze Ear-Pad spacers?

It's something that you put inside the earpads that acts as extra cushion so the headband doesn't clamp as tight. Also have you tried Lohb strap? It's a complete game changer. IMO, it's the single accessory that you should always use with a LCD

Yes, the official one.
I haven't tried the lohb strap, but it's something I'll definitely look into.

 

[chimney189]

Used to own the LCD-2.2pf and listening to the ZMF Blackwoods as I type this.

couple observations....

Blackwoods are harder to driver,have better mids,have better detail,and thus a bit brighter,have good sub-bass,but not quite LCD-2...but good.
Make sure if you get a pair to order the padded headband from Zach if your pair doesnt come with it.

IMHO Blackwoods are a better HP than the LCD-2....YMMV.

How is the soundstage on the Blackwoods? I like the soundstage on the LCD-2 for its holographic effect.
I've also heard that people liken the Blackwoods to the LCD-X.

 

[Monsterzero]

I wasnt blown away by the sound stage of the LCD-2,so take my comments with a few grains of salt.

The Blackwood is closed,so inherently the stage will be compromised to a certain extent.On some tracks I am surprised by its width,and then on other tracks its smaller than I wouldve thought. Other times Ive heard the stage being pushed R/L vs. the holographic presentation you mentioned you like on your Audeze.

I havent heard the Audeze X,so I cant comment.

In summary for a closed back its stage is good,but if staging is a priority,then I would suggest an open back.