I have both the LCD3 and MX4. The 3 is like a refined LCD2. Better detail and speed. The MX4 has the sound signature of the X. More neutral. But it is faster and has better fine detail, especially in the treble as compared to the 3. Both are great headphones but definitely sound different. The MX4 is easier to power, the Jot is plenty for either. This won't help but I prefer the warmth of the 3 for vocals, and the MX4 for pop and EDM.
Audeze LCD-3 Impressions Thread
- Thread starter MacedonianHero
- Start date
raphaelchan
Head-Fier
u guys are dangerous ... I am going to be broke real soon lol
lamaslamas
Head-Fier
I'm in the same boat as you
I cannot decide between mx4 and 3, especially with the current holiday sale, as I would like something clearer than my lcd2 but I really don't want to lose that bass.
Which one did you get at the end?
raphaelchan
Head-Fier
I waited too long
both of them sold out!
lamaslamas
Head-Fier
Sorry.. Which one would you have picked then?I waited too long
I have the 3 and MX4. The MX4 is very neutral. If you like a warm headphone the 3 is the way to go. If portable or low power amps are a concern, the MX4 is really easy to drive. I like the 3 to just relax and chill, the MX4 is much more in your face.
I picked up a pair of LCD-3 during the holiday sale as well, it is a steal at the price it was going for. Kudos to Audeze for making the sale happen!
The difference between the MX4 and LCD-3 will come down to preference, both are very capable headphones and are entertaining in their own way. The MX4 is more 'neutral/balanced' while the mids and highs are more 'accurate'. The LCD-3 punches deeper down low and the mids are much sweeter. The MX4 sounds nice out of the Hugo2 or SP1000M directly while the LCD-3 (I feel) needs a beastly amp to show what it is capable of. Either way I don't think you can make a bad choice with either the MX4 or LCD-3.
Happy listening!
The difference between the MX4 and LCD-3 will come down to preference, both are very capable headphones and are entertaining in their own way. The MX4 is more 'neutral/balanced' while the mids and highs are more 'accurate'. The LCD-3 punches deeper down low and the mids are much sweeter. The MX4 sounds nice out of the Hugo2 or SP1000M directly while the LCD-3 (I feel) needs a beastly amp to show what it is capable of. Either way I don't think you can make a bad choice with either the MX4 or LCD-3.
Happy listening!
Last edited:
ChaChaRealSmooth
100+ Head-Fier
I haven't auditioned the MX4, but I've heard most LCD models and they honestly sound more similar than different.
I actually don't necessarily agree with the sentiment that the LCD-3 is a warm headphone; yes, it has a slight upper mid/low treble roll-off (which gives off an impression of being slightly warm), but it comes back after a bit back to neutral (and the dip might not be that bad due to the way human ears are shaped. I certainly don't hear it as super-rolled off). I find the post-2016 LCD-3 to be more neutral with a touch of warmth. I believe the perception of being warm comes from its liquid and slightly euphonic timbre (which is different than FR).
Of course, YMMV.
That may be in regards to the 2016 and after. Mine are razor, but early 2016. And I guess warm is a relative term. Warm sounding when compared to the MX4 and Utopia which are the other headphones I listen to the most. As well as the HD800s. But I find the MX4 to sound more different than the other LCD models. I currently have LCD2 closed, 3,4, and MX4. And the MX4 is the most neutral of the lot. I also feel it has a slightly lean signature as compared to the others in the LCD line. Not lean like my HD800s' but definitely different from the rest of the line.
raphaelchan
Head-Fier
How would you rate LCD 2 closed in term of warm sounding compare to 3, 4, MX4? Thanks
lamaslamas
Head-Fier
How do mx4 and 3 compare in terms of soundstage width and depth, and in terms of imaging precision ?
I heard that the lcd3 might have a wider soundstage?
The LCD2 closed are very similar to the LCD3 in terms of warmth. The 4 and MX4 have more treble energy. The MX4 is the most neutral while the 4 has more bass, or at least more slam and texture in the bass. But the 4 also has more fine detail in the treble as compared to the MX4. If you like to LCD3 but want to save a few bucks the LCD2 closed gets you most of the way. Especially if noise isolation is a concern. I haven't put a lot of hours on the 2's yet, but I really like them so far.
ChaChaRealSmooth
100+ Head-Fier
My advice to both of you at this point is to go to a local hifi store and try stuff out (if possible). It's fine to ask for advice here; I'm happy to see @JLoud here answering questions, but there's only so much he (she?) can tell you, especially since you may hear things differently.
whirlwind
Headphoneus Supremus
I just recently scored on an GSX-Mk2 and after hearing the ZMF Ori on it for a small time....I already want to hear an LCD 2.2 or LCD 3 pre-fazor with this amp.
Users who are viewing this thread
