I got the LCD3 during it's 2018 holiday sale. Just sold the LCD2c before I ordered it.
I thought I'd be content with the LCD2c but after much tweaking with my setup that led to using passive Power over Ethernet on the LPS 1.2 -> ISO REGEN, the lack of highs on the LCD2c was something I couldn't ignore anymore.
I upgraded the cables to DIY 24awg solid silver from VH Audio with Furutech Rhodium plugs and it's such a noticeable upgrade from my 3 previous cable builds (Kimber Kable, Null Audio Vitesse, 26awg solid silvers) and a pair of Toxic cable I demoed. From a fresh build, the 24awg silver sounded like it decays faster and is quite sharp in detail but after much burn-in, it is very faithful. By comparison, the 26awg sounds 'slower' or has a gloss in the decay that gives it a character. Kimber and Toxic compresses the highs that it hurts my ears and makes one think the LCD3 are bright.
Between listening straight on the Hugo 2 vs Bakoon, Hugo 2 gives an edgier, slightly harsher sound on the upper mids and highs. It can sound congested around these regions. Bass doesn't sound as tight as it can be.
On the Bakoon, I was listening to it on max volume for a good bit during burn in coz it sounded better. After a few days, I heard dips in the lower mids and upper mids that bugged me and made me think it's the character of the cans. But turns out, I found a sweetspot just past the 12'o clock mark. And I adjust the volume on the Hugo 2 from here. I have almost the same position on my LCD2c on the JDS O2 amp with 1x gain. I can understand the varying opinions of posters here with the sound due to the sensitivity of HPs with what kind of amp is driving it. I can give the LCD 3 a softer presentation on the highs if I set the amp at 11 o'clock and I can increase the detail on the highs by cranking it around 1 o'clock. I don't have that advantage running it straight from the Hugo or if the DAC has a firm 2v out.
I feel like I've hit my end game with this but doesn't hurt to try more cans to verify of course. There is zero congestion and compression anywhere when there would be in other setups. While it can come off 'warm', I see it more a full body presentation since there's no bloat not boom and the highs is there to compliment it. My issue if anything is the imaging. It's like it gets realistic if I focus between my eyes and it takes quite a bit of effort. By comparison, the Etymotics er4xr is more effortless on it's imaging and vocals is a bit more proper in it's presentation and staging.