Audeze LCD-2 Impressions Thread

[PinkyPowers]

Nice! That looks much better than the stock cable.

 

[Zoom25]

Thanks for the update on the cables. I had only used the flat cables in the past along with third party cables from Headphone Lounge and Toxic (or was it Norne?). For those that have tried both the new and older ones, is there any difference?

Regarding the versions, among those that liked the old LCD-2.2 pre fazor, the 2016 version is the closest. However, I still wonder if people still find them peaky occasionally? Whereas, the LCD-2.2 were never peaky. Just smooth and comfortable. People did find the original 2014 to be the most peaky. Also, I don't know if there is a new 2017 version as well as some people put it, or they are simply stating that they bought theirs in 2017 for posterity, without implying a new 2017 version? Until now, I had assumed there was only 2016 as the latest, but I have been wrong before.

 

[SRKRAM]

Just bought a new pair of LCD-2s and an Audeze Deckard. My regular desk-top amp is an M9xx which I believe has plenty of power for the LCDs, so I'll see whether I prefer the sound of the Deckard.
The LCDs came with the new braided cable.

 

[LugBug1]

Talking about cables, just treat my LCD2 to a new silver cable courtesy of mavismodz6 off fleabay uk.

 

[thecrow]

Just bought a new pair of LCD-2s and an Audeze Deckard. My regular desk-top amp is an M9xx which I believe has plenty of power for the LCDs, so I'll see whether I prefer the sound of the Deckard.
The LCDs came with the new braided cable.

Please let me/us know about the deckard

Thanks

 

[Burt Macklin]

That BF B-stock sale I see mentioned - was it exclusive to Audeze site, or some stores offered it as well?

I'm looking at EU stores, quite high prices everywhere.

 

[KingCharizard]

That BF B-stock sale I see mentioned - was it exclusive to Audeze site, or some stores offered it as well?

Exclusive to the Audeze website. Sign up for their email list, that’s how I found out about it.

 

[SRKRAM]

In the the UK at the moment you get a free Deckard when you buy a pair of LCDs. Hence why I just got a set of LCD-2s and a Deckard.
I was considering getting some LCD-2s, and this offer just tipped me over the edge

 

[Burt Macklin]

Yeah, I saw that (Audiosanctuary, right?) - it's still almost double the price of, say, that Adorama offer.
Damn it, EU.

@KingCharizard

Thanks, but combined with high shipping and import taxes
it's much less attractive deal.

 

[gLer]

Hey guys, just finished reading through 700+ pages on this thread over the last week. Can you tell I’m invested in my new Aluminium LCD-2Fs!?

Well not all-new, I bought them in mint condition from a HF member for $525 shipped - with a Lohb strap, extended yokes and Venus Canare 10’ balanced cable to boot. Manufactured 8/2016 so they’re the latest Fazor models. More than anything I’m just so gratefull to be part of this exclusive little club of LCD appreciators.

Long story short, my interest piqued when Audeze announced the LCD-2C, which seemed to perfectly fit the profile I wanted from a TOTL open headphone: warm, solid bass, lush mids, rolled off highs but with detail. Having already owned a closed bass-heavy, fun and excitable headphone (Fostex TH-X00), I wanted something more laid back and airy for easy listening, something refined and well built. The LCD-2 pre fazor seemed to be it, but I was never a fan of the LCD wood look (and all the problems that came with it). The LCD X and XC were options, but overpriced and tuned too close to neutral for my taste. Then I saw the LCD-2C, and it seemed tailor made for me.

I placed a preorder with my local supplier (I’m not in the US), only to be told the price I paid could change, and that availability couldn’t be guaranteed before Q1 2018! Dissapointed, I looked at other options when I noticed Adorama’s unique looking Aluminium version - and then by pure chance found a seller willing to let them go for less than I’ve ever seen them sell.

Three weeks later and several hours of preliminary listening sessions and I’m absolutely in love. Not only does the Aluminium look stylish and modern - sans all the reliability hassles of thin wood rings - it also matches my modern desktop decor. But the sound is what’s making me swoon over these; the only other time I’ve heard so much detail from my music was with a friend’s LCD-3, and yet I prefer the LCD-2’s slightly warmer, slightly smoother sound. I’m now learning all about that ‘planar bass’ and appreciating that quantity (Fostex) doesn’t always trump quality and texture (although my Fostex has plenty of both, and is still the best bass headphone I’ve ever heard).

I say ‘had’ because having reached the lofty heights of LCD-2 sound, I wanted to pair it with an equally lofty closed headphone that delivered the same level of resolve, but kicked up the bass and “fun” a few notches. The Fostex was very good in that regard, but nothing today comes close at this level to ZMF’s new dynamics, specially the Atticus. So with a gorgeous barnyard cherry Atticus on the way to replace my beloved Fostex, I’m about to achieve something I never thought possible only a few short years ago, when my idea of quality was fashion cans from V-Moda. I’m almost at endgame.

I’ll be posting further impressions as I get to spend more time with the LCD and Atticus, and given how it seems to match my listening preferences so precisely, I’m quite relieved Audeze botched the initial round of LCD-2C communication just long enough for me to find my true match.

Some photos attached for those that love great design and quality. Thanks for all the knowledge and perspectives you’ve shared for so long - I’ve really learned a lot and hope I can help contribute myself to anyone who wants to be part of this gracious community.

 

[DavidA]

@gLer , while the omega style headphone stands look really nice and display headphones nicely I've found that having the ear pads in constant compression leads to early pad failure with some ear pads.

I'm looking forward to your impressions between the LCD-2f and Atticus since the Atticus has been on my radar for a few months

 

[gLer]

@gLer , while the omega style headphone stands look really nice and display headphones nicely I've found that having the ear pads in constant compression leads to early pad failure with some ear pads.

I'm looking forward to your impressions between the LCD-2f and Atticus since the Atticus has been on my radar for a few months

Thanks David. I agree - I only use this stand for the display pics because it looks cool. My LCDs are kept on my desk (gently, padded surface) during sessions, and packed into their case at the end of each session. I’m careful and meticulous with all my personal gear - as well built as they are these are not studio headphones that get tossed around and left unchecked. Kids and wife also know not to touch them when I’m not around!

Will post impressions shorty. Currently running comparisons between a friend’s HD650 and the LCD-2F. I’ve never personally ‘got’ the appeal of the HD650 so trying to get to know them and see how they compare against a headphone I now know to be a class leader for my personal taste in music and sound.

 

[DavidA]

Thanks David. I agree - I only use this stand for the display pics because it looks cool. My LCDs are kept on my desk (gently, padded surface) during sessions, and packed into their case at the end of each session. I’m careful and meticulous with all my personal gear - as well built as they are these are not studio headphones that get tossed around and left unchecked. Kids and wife also know not to touch them when I’m not around!

Will post impressions shorty. Currently running comparisons between a friend’s HD650 and the LCD-2F. I’ve never personally ‘got’ the appeal of the HD650 so trying to get to know them and see how they compare against a headphone I now know to be a class leader for my personal taste in music and sound.

What amp will or are you currently using for the LCD-2f and HD650? I've found that while better amps do elevate the sound quality of the LCD-2f they are not very amp picky as a whole but the choice of amp for the HD650 seems to be more critical in how the HD650 will sound/perform. The Atticus seems to also preform better with amps of higher output impedance which would probably pair better with the HD650 than the LCD-2f

 

[KingCharizard]

@gLer enjoy your new purchase! Definitely interested in a LCD2F - Atticus comparison.

Personally I thought the HD650 excelled in timbre, maybe a little more natural in the treble than the LCD-2F. The LCD-2F definitely has an edge in bass extension and texture, slight edge in soundstage and imaging. Both great cans!

 

[gLer]

What amp will or are you currently using for the LCD-2f and HD650? I've found that while better amps do elevate the sound quality of the LCD-2f they are not very amp picky as a whole but the choice of amp for the HD650 seems to be more critical in how the HD650 will sound/perform. The Atticus seems to also preform better with amps of higher output impedance which would probably pair better with the HD650 than the LCD-2f

Initially I was going to drive all my headphones with the ifi Micro iDSD - it’s just THAT good (with plenty of power). It also has the slightly warm of neutral sound I prefer, further smoothing out my warm of neutral headphones. But then I auditioned my brother’s Matrix HPA-3B balanced setup, and wanted to know how it’s synergised with the iDSD as a dac (the dac being he iDSD’s strength). Turns out it takes it to the next level, both in power and quality, driving my headphones with even more authority. Even though the iDSD is connected via SE inputs, I still get the benefit of the Matrix’s balanced circuits power, pitch black noise floor and warm - almost tubey - presentation.

So long answer to your question, that’s my source. Very low impedance, but still hopeful the Atticus will see fit to impress. As for the 650, not sure? I’d really prefer not to venture into the rabbit hole of tube amps - not really my thing. And if also rather not have to buy separate amps for separate headphones when I’m looking for a complementary systems of TOTL open/closed/source.