Hey Guys,
I got to test out some really cool cans today, mainly focusing on the HD800S, LCD-XC, and LCD-4. I thought I would post some impressions for those who may be interested.
HD800S: I tried these first. WOW! I used to own the regular HD800 and these are a clear improvement. They take all of the good about the HD800 and keep it, and add in a bit something extra. They are warmer, have more bass, and have better treble than the originals. I wouldn’t say the treble annoyed me on the original HD800 like it does some people, it never did, but the S’s treble is just smoother, and more refined. The soundstage and imaging are fantastic, just like the originals. Tall and very wide. I ALMOST bought these, they were that god damn good. With the prices headphones are commanding these days in the high end market, these are a god damn bargain. Highly recommended listen if you get a chance. Of course, fit and finish are typical sennheiser. Wonderful. I can’t say enough good about these headphones.
LCD-XC: I tried these out next. It was like there was a veil over the treble coming from the HD800S. Very “audeze” sounding headphones. If you like Audeze, and want a closed back headphone, you could do a lot worse than these. However, I find them hard to recommend, as you could have the Ether C a bit cheaper, and they are a better headphone. I didn’t spend too long with these cans as I knew they weren’t for me almost as soon as I put them on my head. Great bass though.
LCD-4: I was trying to be skeptical of these cans, save money etc.. I wanted to buy the HD800S, they were half the price and bloody good. However, I was actually really impressed by the LCD-4 once I got a few songs in. Its like they took my LCD-3’s which I used to own, made them comfier (the new headband is good, they are still heavy, but good) and mixed them with the original HD800. There is a bigger soundstage than the LCD-3’s, not as big as the HD800, but definitely improved over the LCD-3. They retain the kick and punch of the LCD-3’s though, which is pretty cool. The bass is great, extends nice and low, and is pretty much perfect in quantity in my opinion, but I like a fair amount of bass. YMMV. Tyll has beef with the treble of the LCD-4. Others probably do as well. I don’t. I’m not a professional. I can’t be arsed to listen for a valley at 7khz and a peak at 10. I just don’t give a ****. They sound dope. The mids are warm and juicy. To say I am stoked on the LCD-4 is an understatement.
Also fit and finish wise, very good. Very pretty. Kind of a cherry on top of the superb sound.
Abyss: I like the Abyss. I have posted impressions before. I’ll keep this short. They aren’t as comfy as the LCD-4 and HD800S. They are totally different. 100% different than any other headphone I have tried. I’m glad I own them. Many hate them, I love them.
Conclusion: If you don’t have love for the LCD-4 and Audeze sound, or just like the original HD800, try the HD800S. What a god damn great headphone. If I had the money I would have bought them. The LCD-4 is like the LCD-3 on steroids for lack of a better analogy. Great soundstage, not as open and airy and huge as the Abyss, but better than any previous Audeze, and more similar to the HD800 than I was expecting. All in all, a cool day for headphones. Any questions just ask, hope these impressions help someone on the hunt for new cans.
