Audeze LCD-4
Apr 20, 2021 at 3:19 AM Post #9,166 of 11,957
Not to harp on this, but I guess I'm going to. I can't get over how precise the imaging is on these. Was listening to Fleet Foxes' 2008 debut album, which I hadn't heard in ages, and at the end of one track there is a few seconds of studio audio; it seems to be two of the band members speaking to each other at low volume. Well, when I heard this sounded exactly like two guys were in my house like eight feet behind and slightly to the right of me. I thought thieves had broken in and jumped out of my chair until I realized what it really was.

After that I figured, "gee, let's listen to some live recordings now". When the applause hit at the end of one track recorded in a small club, I could literally hear the clapping of each audience member coming from a distinct location. Whoah.
 
Apr 20, 2021 at 4:11 AM Post #9,167 of 11,957
The day I heard LCD-4 powered by Auris Nirvana was the day I fell in love all over again with a headphone setup. It was a surreal experience. DAC on duty was the Chord Qutest. This combination is amazing. I'm not sure if it's the Nirvana or the LCD4 but it's the combination of those 2 that moved me.
 
Apr 22, 2021 at 6:24 AM Post #9,170 of 11,957
I was told the same but they did admit to changes between batches and subtle improvements if not complete upgrades. The drivers are more or less the same but in my case I added a Danacable Lazuli Nirvana cable which is a huge upgrade within itself. The cable costs as much as the headphones but the improvement in sound is worth the expense funds permitting.
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 12:07 AM Post #9,173 of 11,957
With some remastered Led Zep I on the dial, I think I'm forced to conclude I enjoy the LCD-4 more out of the (solid-state) HPA4 than the WA5. This is not the case with any of my more clinical headphones like, of course, the Abyss. High-end tubes do seem to provide a more holographic experience, but I think the LCD-4's house tuning is overly reinforced by tubes. This opinion is subject to change when my WA234s arrive, of course...
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 4:04 AM Post #9,174 of 11,957
With some remastered Led Zep I on the dial, I think I'm forced to conclude I enjoy the LCD-4 more out of the (solid-state) HPA4 than the WA5. This is not the case with any of my more clinical headphones like, of course, the Abyss. High-end tubes do seem to provide a more holographic experience, but I think the LCD-4's house tuning is overly reinforced by tubes. This opinion is subject to change when my WA234s arrive, of course...
WA234 Can't wait for the impressions
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 9:13 AM Post #9,175 of 11,957
I really like the LCD4 out of the WA33. Enough in fact that I sold my HeadAmp gsx mk2. Curious about the WA234.
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 1:39 PM Post #9,176 of 11,957
I am not a tube guy, too much upkeep and more difficult to find a spot for but the wa33 sure has lots of fans
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 2:53 PM Post #9,177 of 11,957
I really like the LCD4 out of the WA33. Enough in fact that I sold my HeadAmp gsx mk2. Curious about the WA234.

An incredibly amazing amp the WA234 is and very customizable. Being able to use 300b, 2a3 or 45 tubes. That's rare. I too am curious about the WA234 but it has a rather big price tag and of course big in size. :)
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 2:57 PM Post #9,178 of 11,957
I am not a tube guy, too much upkeep and more difficult to find a spot for but the wa33 sure has lots of fans

The only upkeep would be because owners love to swap tubes or brands as they produced sightly different tone. Other than that, a well build tube amp is as easy and clean to use as a solid state. Only need to keep children away from those hot tubes when powered on.
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 3:13 PM Post #9,179 of 11,957
Most tubes last a long time. In 5 years of usage I haven’t had to replace a tube. Bought different ones for the sound but no failures. But the tubes do get HOT!
 
Apr 24, 2021 at 3:19 PM Post #9,180 of 11,957
I had a WA5 for several years with no tube failures. I moved up to WA33 EE and have had an 300B 2.5 and a Tak 274B go bad within two months of each other. There maybe a higher power at play here(Karma is a bitch)?
 

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