the stock cable is actually quite good and pairs well.....I had good luck with the violectric 281 and my present formula s/powerman....as hard as they are to drive the dave does a pretty good job on its own as well
I'm sure the LCD4 scales up, but they actually do still sound pretty good on my WA22 (currently using 7236 tubes-- Sylvania?). I do need to turn it up a bit though. But then these cans wake up and become more dynamic. I guess I've been used to more efficient headphones at lower volumes, and usually less neutral/linear-- I'm used to a midbass/lower midrange bump. A touch of equalization can fit the bill.
Any notable sonic differences between a 7236 and 5998 tube?
I'm sure the LCD4 scales up, but they actually do still sound pretty good on my WA22 (currently using 7236 tubes-- Sylvania?) do need to turn it up a bit though. But then these cans wake up and become more dynamic.
It sounds great with the WA-6 SE using the High impedance output. I never turn it above 11:30, but that will depend on the amount of gain you are getting from your source. I've also used it with my WA 5 LE which is an improvement, but not a huge one.
Just put in some Tung Sol 5998's into my WA22. Ah, yes. I don't want to overstate it, but the LCD4 sounds even better now-- more alive. I used to think this can was a little too polite. Hmm, not so much now. I still need to do more listening though. Also what stands out with the swap of tubes is the soundstage-- more '3D' like. More transparent. Really nice. Thoroughly enjoying this combo...
Just put in some Tung Sol 5998's into my WA22. Ah, yes. I don't want to overstate it, but the LCD4 sounds even better now-- more alive. I used to think this can was a little too polite. Hmm, not so much now. I still need to do more listening though. Also what stands out with the swap of tubes is the soundstage-- more '3D' like. More transparent. Really nice. Thoroughly enjoying this combo...
And to take things to "the max" with the WA22 you can also consider using an ECC33 or ECC35 as driver. The only downside is this might start to generate a little noise with the 5998, but it's a winning combo if you have quiet tubes.
The LCD4 is one of the hardest headphones out there to drive. But, with a beefy amp it truly is an exceptional headphone. I still have a WA22, and I like it a lot, but I prefer the LCD4 with my two custom headphone amps.
I just cant understand. I tried just for fun my lcd 4 200ohm out from ipad pro. Running roon. I a-b them with my desktop setup, 430ha and qutest. There was just marginal difference. How is this possible? I was to he honest a bit Sad that the difference wasnt bigger. Sure my desktop setup sound a tad larger and more airy/controlled. But its like a 20% improvement over the ipad pro alone.
I just cant understand. I tried just for fun my lcd 4 200ohm out from ipad pro. Running roon. I a-b them with my desktop setup, 430ha and qutest. There was just marginal difference. How is this possible? I was to he honest a bit Sad that the difference wasnt bigger. Sure my desktop setup sound a tad larger and more airy/controlled. But its like a 20% improvement over the ipad pro alone.
Many variables but I've experienced the same thing with my Hugo 2. Big quality improvements came with using the Corning optical USB cable, moving to HQPlayer from Roon/JRiver, and investing in a lot of power upgrades like a linear power supply, power conditioners, voltage regulators, but still, after all that upgrades, the mid-range distortion on the Hugo 2 (and likely the Qutest) became more apparent. After trying different DACs like Matrix Audio, SMSL M500, the clarity in the mids made the distortion on the mids of the Hugo 2 more apparent. And it's also consistent with the measurements on ASR.
I've upgraded my cables to monocrystal silver and it made the stock LCD 4 sound like a grainy cassette tape by comparison.
Many variables but I've experienced the same thing with my Hugo 2. Big quality improvements came with using the Corning optical USB cable, moving to HQPlayer from Roon/JRiver, and investing in a lot of power upgrades like a linear power supply, power conditioners, voltage regulators, but still, after all that upgrades, the mid-range distortion on the Hugo 2 (and likely the Qutest) became more apparent. After trying different DACs like Matrix Audio, SMSL M500, the clarity in the mids made the distortion on the mids of the Hugo 2 more apparent. And it's also consistent with the measurements on ASR.
I've upgraded my cables to monocrystal silver and it made the stock LCD 4 sound like a grainy cassette tape by comparison.
I had the same experience with the iPad pro as endpoint vs the Hugo 2 over Roon. Personally, Roon was the bottleneck and when I switched to HQPlayer, I had more resolution and speed that the iPad Pro is left in the dust.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
