[size=10pt]This post addresses three subjects:[/size]
[size=10pt]The LCD 2 in general[/size]
[size=10pt]The LCD 2 when driven by the [size=x-small]HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp[/size][/size]
[size=10pt][size=x-small]The LCD 2 with same amp plus a new cable[/size][/size]
[size=10pt]I've been listening to a pair of LCD2s for the past few weeks, driving them via a HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp (the amp is actually the version that comes with a DAC, which they've since stopped offering in a balanced version; both the DAC and amp portions have all possible upgrades). I feel I've had adequate time to form an opinion.[/size]
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[size=10pt]First, my references[/size][size=10pt] in the headphone world are few; I own a pair of closed Audiotechnica ATH M-50s and a pair of Sennheiser HD200s (closed cans that I bought to use when evaluating CDs at the local library). My references in the non headphone world are extensive; I've spent years building and perfecting a multi-SET-amped, 6-way, all-horn system.[/size]
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[size=10pt]Initial impressions: [/size][size=10pt]Using the very well-made (nicely soldered; I checked) balanced cable purchased from Audieze, Right out of the box, the headphones were, to my ears, underwhelming; yes they sounded better than my other "cheap" headphones, but they also sounded congested; a little congested relative to my other headphones, and way congested relative to my horn system. I listen mainly to classical (orchestral) and jazz, and I'm used to hearing the texture in acoustic instruments; that goes for strings wood winds and brass.[/size]
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[size=10pt]I tried the unbalanced cable and confirmed that, in the case of the amp in question driving these phones, balanced is clearly the way to go.[/size]
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[size=10pt]I decided to give myself the next few days to think it over; translation; "did I really want to keep them?"[/size]
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[size=10pt]New cable: [/size][size=10pt]That weekend, I pulled out a box of cable I bought from a military surplus source. I selected, mostly based on diameter and insulation material, what looked to me like an appropriate cable. Stripping off the insulation confirmed that it was Teflon, revealing conductors (multi stranded) that were not gold in color, but a silvery grey; I have no idea if its real silver or what. The wire comes as a twisted pair; the guy that sold it to me said it was from the 1980's. He could almost certainly tell me more, as it came off a large spool that likely has a reference, but at the time I had no idea I'd be using it for this purpose, so didn't ask.[/size]
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[size=10pt]I ran eight single conductors (four twisted pairs), from XLRs to mini XLRs (eight feet length); this is the same number of conductors that ALO use in their recent version of the Chainmail cable.[/size]
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[size=10pt]By the way, I laughed at the price of that ALO cable until I tried making my own... I now know that I would not do the work for one penny less than what ALO ask.[/size]
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[size=10pt]Time for a test listen; didn't even bother shrinking the heat shrink... I was totally prepared to toss the whole thing without wasting another second, and this frankly is exactly what I expected I'd be doing. However...[/size]
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[size=10pt]Results with new cable: [/size][size=10pt]Whoa!!! It took me a couple minutes to believe the difference. Gone were ALL signs of congestion; everything opened up; it sounded like I had been cured of a head cold, and there was texture galore; brass had that brassy "blatt" when called for (I hate that expression!); strings had the grunge and the hairiness, woodwinds; I don't know how to describe that quality, whatever, it all sounded instantly right; the kind of right that makes you want to turn up the volume and forget about shrinking that heat-shrink. Three weeks later I finally shrunk (shrank?) it. I should also mention that the new cable cleaned up, opened up, and relaxed the bass; with the original cable, I found the bass a bit heavy-handed and slightly clouded. If it was not already understood by my coments regarding openness, s[size=x-small]ound stage benefited significantly. [size=x-small]Regarding what is sometimes said about the LCD 2s possibly rolling off treble, yes, with the orig cable, they do, and I think this is one reason why they are known to be so forgiving of badly mastered recordings (dynamically compressed). What I feel is the rolling off is purely a result of the original cable, as the cable I made totally fixed that. [/size]Negatives? Well, t[/size]he only possible negative is what I just mentioned; a somewhat reduced tolerance to badly mastered (dynamically compressed) music, which is normal, as the upper end is now open and clear, but I'm talking only the really horribly mastered stuff here... I have no problem listening to the majority of my pop and rock recordings.[/size]
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[size=10pt]Conclusions:[/size]
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[size=10pt]Regarding the LCD 2; based on my little experiment, I'd say if you're not completely happy, don't even think about selling them until you've tried a good (whatever that means; lots of conductors?) cable, and if you have or can swing a balanced amp, so much the better.[/size]
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[size=10pt]Regarding the LDC 2 with the HeadRoom Balanced Desktop Amp; I haven't tried any others (I'm afraid to drive the LCD 2s with my SET amps), but I can tell you, this is one nice-sounding combination; I can't find anything I'd want to change. The "Home DAC" upgrade in this amp by the way is outstanding, but I was not able to compare it to the standard DAC.[/size]
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[size=10pt]I have on hand some nice oxygen-free copper wire (two kinds actually; one just copper and the other plated with silver, both of which I can easily identify by manufacturer etc); its a little too fat for the mini XLRs, but if I can stop listening, I might go ahead and make up some other cables just for comparison; if I do, I'll post a follow up, probably in a "cable thread".[/size]