Audeze LCD-4

[Dixter]

for those in the know... just how much different is the sound between the LCD-3 vs LCD-4 .... thanks

 

[George Hincapie]

anyone know where there might be some new stock left over for the LCD-4 that I could purchase... if so please feel free to send me a PM reply..
thanks

Which country?

 

[Dixter]

Which country?

USA... thanks

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

Btw, forgot to ask, do you EQ?

I do use EQ, but... I recently swapped to the latest open cell pads which helped with the upper mids dip quite a bit. This also had the unfortunate consequence of me messing with my eq settings more than actually listening and enjoying the music. Been struggling to find a sweetspot of what sounds best honestly. Between that and equalizer APO constantly breaking after windows updates, I've turned off EQ for the past week and it sounds great on most tracks tbh.

I'll probably revisit soon though. I do enjoy slightly elevated subbass and a smidge lower on the upper treble.

 

[ansel1]

I do use EQ, but... I recently swapped to the latest open cell pads which helped with the upper mids dip quite a bit.

You mean Audeze's current replacement pads? I wonder what I have...were they originally memory foam?

I've been using basically @dfiled's settings, which look like this:

I played with the settings for a long time before trying these, and these were by far my favorite. My only issue that nags me is that the vocals feel just *slight* recessed and thin...but every time I try and tweak this to address it, it makes it worse.

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

What software is that through? If your LCD4's were made before November of 2020 then its using the original memory foam pads. The new pads are open cell and are squishier/softer. It seals better but your ears are closer to the driver. I like the comfort of the new pads more and you don't have to eq the upper mids dip as much.

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

Oh one caveat though, some have mentioned that after extended use your ears may ever so slightly graze the fazers especially if you have big ears. I haven't come across this issue but I've only had the new pads for a month or so.

 

[Fibre101]

What software is that through? If your LCD4's were made before November of 2020 then its using the original memory foam pads. The new pads are open cell and are squishier/softer. It seals better but your ears are closer to the driver. I like the comfort of the new pads more and you don't have to eq the upper mids dip as much.

I feel like the mids become a little too forward with the open cell pads IMO. This is because of the felt pieces they provide with the pads.

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

I feel like the mids become a little too forward with the open cell pads IMO. This is because of the felt pieces they provide with the pads.

I think the felt pieces have a different purpose. Anyway, I enjoy the tuning with the new pads more.. I don't find them too forward. Here's the frequency response courtesy of Audeze.

 

[Fibre101]

I think the felt pieces have a different purpose. Anyway, I enjoy the tuning with the new pads more.. I don't find them too forward. Here's the frequency response courtesy of Audeze.

The felt pieces reduce resonances between the pads and raised section of the drivers. Also, the drivers are much closer to your ear. I think this does make the mids become a bit forward which helps with the mid dip from older pads. This is why EQ is my friend.

 

[ansel1]

What software is that through?

FabFilter Pro-Q 3, through SoundSource

 

[TheAbyss2022]

for those in the know... just how much different is the sound between the LCD-3 vs LCD-4 .... thanks

Quite a big upgrade in terms of stereo imaging, detail, bass, dynamics, vocals and timbre of instruments.

 

[Dixter]

Quite a big upgrade in terms of stereo imaging, detail, bass, dynamics, vocals and timbre of instruments.

thanks for the reply.... now to find a new pair...

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

thanks for the reply.... now to find a new pair...

Don't quote me on it but if you absolutely want "new" I think you can contact Audeze to build you a 4 but with LCD4z parts. The driver will be tuned like an LCD4.. Otherwise just gonna have to keep an eye on the used market for a mint pair

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Don't quote me on it but if you absolutely want "new" I think you can contact Audeze to build you a 4 but with LCD4z parts. The driver will be tuned like an LCD4.. Otherwise just gonna have to keep an eye on the used market for a mint pair

They won't do that anymore.

I spoke to Audeze reps at Canjam and they stated they are not even making the LCD 4 drivers anymore unless they come in for repair.

Can you imagine how much a used LCD 4Z with LCD 4 drivers would cost now? I would pay up to £4K to get that because the weight of the LCD 4 is its biggest knock.