Amp recommendations for Audeze LCD-2

[WarriorAnt]

Quote:

I'll let you know how it goes WA. I thought about a ZStage or CSP2+ as well, then decided to wait and see...

You can also experiment using the Lyr as a preamp into the Taboo.   That should be interesting.

 

[Argo Duck]

I will! And the Opera has a preamp function too - it'll be a good contrast.

 

[Radio_head]

Quote:

 
For my LCD-2's (r1) I chose the Red Wine Audio Balanced Isabellina DAC/Amp. 
 

Correct me if I'm wrong but thats not the Isabellina hpa, its the Audez'e Edition.

 

[leesure]

Quote:

Correct me if I'm wrong but thats not the Isabellina hpa, its the Audez'e Edition.

 
The Balanced Isabellina DAC/HPA is the Audeze Edition.  All the Audeze badge means is that they used the LCD-2's to voice it and that Audeze and ALO agreed to sell it as a package.

 

[Radio_head]

and that they tacked 1.5K onto the price.
 
Also, according to the site:
 

1. Features a new balanced output stage, for optimal performance

 
 

 

[leesure]

Quote:

and that they tacked 1.5K onto the price.

 
 

 
Nope...go here: http://redwineaudio.com/components/isabellina_hpa
 
The Isabellina HPA is $2500.  Add the balanced output stage and the high-res DAC and it's $3500...same as the 'Audeze Edition' which includes those as standard.
 
 

 

[Elysian]

Quote:

If you pursue the DIY route, I think it's possible to build an orthodynamic-friendly AMB M^3 with its Sigma11 power supply complement under $500. Use hi-current op-amps such as the OPA552, spec the transformer at minimum +/-15V and install beefier heatsinks. Should be good to go.

Thanks for the recommendation, will definitely read up on it.  I'm not familiar with the AMB M^3, but it sounds like a fun project.
 
Not to get too far off-topic, but are the amp recommendations the same with the HE-500?  May need to go for the HE-500 over the LCD-2 due to comfort (the person I'd be buying it for usually wears glasses and the LCD-2 clamps way too hard for people who wear glasses, unless the clamping force can be substantially reduced without negatively affecting the sound).

 

[grokit]

My original rev.1 clamped hard enough to give me headaches, but my end of last year rev.1 doesn't bother me a bit with my glasses and I have pretty thick frames.

 

[SHAHZADA123]

Quote:

Oh wow. I'm going to go smack my self with a frying pan.

Balanced makes a big difference huh.... Hmm..... I would've liked for you to try the 15volt stepdance but that's too late ... I'm still considering Just Audio AHA-120 but that comparison and your bold statement about SR71B in balanced mode has me persuaded 90%

Do try out the Colorfly C4.
IMO its very good with the LCD-2s & a fantastic all-in-one (source/dac/amp) solution. Oh and it looks great too.
 
 
 
 

 

[Skylab]

From what I have heard so far from the Lyr, if my main or only headphones were the LCD-2, and I didn't want to experiment with vintage gear, the Lyr is THE way to go for under $1K. It's performance with the LCD-2 is far better than I expected, which is to say that it is very, very good indeed. Frankly it makes spending several thousand dollars on one of the "super-amps" targeted at the LCD-2 look like a very questionable proposition.

 

[adydula]

Now...thats what I am 'talking' about....
 
Sending bit perfect source in to the Lyr with the LCD2's is a 'marraige made in heaven'....
 
Now back to the listening & music!
 
Alex
 
Using a matched pair of really high dollar EH 6922's...all of $30.
 

 
 

 

[Bucko]

Right i'm just about to purchase the LCD-2's and Schiit Lyr amp, as I mainly listen to music off my computer, and the Schiit doesn't have a built in DAC, should I buy the Asus Essence STX? I need a new soundcard for my PC anyway, and when Schiit bring out there DAC I can always upgrade. What do you guys think?

 

[WarriorAnt]

Quote:

From what I have heard so far from the Lyr, if my main or only headphones were the LCD-2, and I didn't want to experiment with vintage gear, the Lyr is THE way to go for under $1K. It's performance with the LCD-2 is far better than I expected, which is to say that it is very, very good indeed. Frankly it makes spending several thousand dollars on one of the "super-amps" targeted at the LCD-2 look like a very questionable proposition.

Hmmm and just last night I got interested in the Apex/Volcano again.    But the Lyr is financially so prudent and I'll only be using the LCD's.  
 
which tubes are you using on the Lyr?   

 

[ninjikiran]

your not going to want that Asus STX as your source tbh if your already buying such expensive headphones.
 
If your going Schiit you might as well check out that bifrost which should be out soon, and if not there are plenty of dacs within the $500 price range that would work wonders.

 

[Skylab]

Hmmm and just last night I got interested in the Apex/Volcano again.    But the Lyr is financially so prudent and I'll only be using the LCD's.  
 
which tubes are you using on the Lyr?   

NOS GE 6BZ7's, which sound great.