Audeze LCD-3 Impressions Thread

[NZtechfreak]

Chord Hugo and Resonessence gear, couple more options for DSD (obviously of those options only the Resonessence stuff has Sabre DACs).

 

[Chikolad]

  Now that I've finally decided on the GS-X mk2 amp (And that's final - putting an order in this coming month) I would like to ask you people a question, I need a DAC with the following requirements: Sabre 9018 chip, Balanced, DSD, DXD - No treble harshness! everything else should be perfect and I'm thinking $2,000 tops
 
Keep em rolling, I got the LCD-3 because of the high rave about them, and I'm not disappointed (and good for those who prefer the LCD-X). So the amp, I'm betting I'll be very happy with it... and now I need a DAC that I might be getting before the amp (I mean while I wait).
 
Thanks people

 
Congrats on the decision!
 
BTW received the Soloist today(!!!) and just hooked it up to my rig. It's still getting warm and not to mention not broken in, but it's SO different from my X-Can v8 out of the Modi and going into the GS1000. And I like it

 

[XVampireX]

   
Congrats on the decision!
 
BTW received the Soloist today(!!!) and just hooked it up to my rig. It's still getting warm and not to mention not broken in, but it's SO different from my X-Can v8 out of the Modi and going into the GS1000. And I like it

Good stuff, hit me up when you wanna listen to the LCD-3's if you don't get them soon, I'll gladly come over and have a listen, I haven't had any experience with burson or schiit, would be interesting.
 
And regarding the PWD2, it sadly doesn't do DSD/DXD, otherwise, I would have got it, hell, at least DSD64/128 because DXD is really nowhere to be found (Even DSD128... lol)

 

[Chikolad]

  Good stuff, hit me up when you wanna listen to the LCD-3's if you don't get them soon, I'll gladly come over and have a listen, I haven't had any experience with burson or schiit, would be interesting.

 
Even if I do get them soon (which I should), you're always welcome

 

[Saraugie]

   
What would that short list be? X-Sabre and Yulong DA8? I've heard good things about both, is it good enough to start me out maybe second to last DAC, I'm not that picky about DACs and Amps, but specs should be promising and both on paper gave me a slight wow (SNR/THD+N/Features/etc...) any other good choices?
 
I've heard a lot of raving going on regarding the PWD MKII, but sadly it only supports PCM up to 192KHz... QB-9 supports DSD64 only and specs don't look that very promising, the other two I'm not sure about.

Mr. XV a question. How much DSD music do you have or plan to have. It's about $20-25 a pop to purchase a album. Should you base your decision on the ability to play DSD? A question for yourself.
 
I have the PWD MKII and have not listened to any other high end DAC for a long period of time and it is spectacular with the LCD3s. I use the Mojo as am amp.

 

[citraian]

Good stuff, hit me up when you wanna listen to the LCD-3's if you don't get them soon, I'll gladly come over and have a listen, I haven't had any experience with burson or schiit, would be interesting.

And regarding the PWD2, it sadly doesn't do DSD/DXD, otherwise, I would have got it, hell, at least DSD64/128 because DXD is really nowhere to be found (Even DSD128... lol)

PWD will likely get DSD in the future via a software update. If you really want DSD go for the Vega. If not, there are a lot of great choices.

 

[XVampireX]

  Mr. XV a question. How much DSD music do you have or plan to have. It's about $20-25 a pop to purchase a album. Should you base your decision on the ability to play DSD? A question for yourself.
 
I have the PWD MKII and have not listened to any other high end DAC for a long period of time and it is spectacular with the LCD3s. I use the Mojo as am amp.

Got a couple planning to get more, interested in the latest album that was crowd-funded recently.
 
I've noticed that PWD2 is even more expensive than the Auralic Vega, which is a no-no, even if it does end up sounding amazing. And an even bigger no-no based on the massive size of it!!!! I'm willing to go as far as Auralic Vega, but most likely if I get the Auralic Vega, that would really be an end game setup for me.

 

[Greed]

Don't pay anymore than $2500 for the PWD MKII. There are a bunch on agon and one here for $1800. 

 

[Saraugie]

  Don't pay anymore than $2500 for the PWD MKII. There are a bunch on agon and one here for $1800. 

Agreed, I paid like $2650. with shipping and had to pay sales tax as the company I bought it from is based in Hawaii.

 

[XVampireX]

I couldn't find their dealer network, their page is broken about that.
I'm talking about the PWD mk2

 

[MacedonianHero]

   
No idea.  Personally gave up on the Sabre after the W4S DAC2.

I've given up on the Sabre after the W4S DAC-2, Benchmark DAC-2, Peachtree Nova...

 

[Dubstep Girl]

happy with my mytek 192

 

[En_R]

  happy with my mytek 192

 
Sounds like a bad idea considering he asked for no treble harshness.
 
 
 
You could try the Resonessence Invicta (I hear there is an upgraded version?). Haven't found many cheap good 9018 dacs though I have not heard the Buffalo III.
 
Oh yeah the X-sabre is not bad either.

 

[mowglycdb]

NFB-7.32?  doesn't have DSD support though

 

[dukeskd]

LCD-3 would benefit from some "treble harshness" (even though I don't experience it with this DAC).