[Lohb]

Has 4z had a driver revision from 2020 to 2021 or is it just purely earpads and grill mesh being only difference ?

 

[Slim1970]

Has 4z had a driver revision from 2020 to 2021 or is it just purely earpads and grill mesh being only difference ?

When I spoke to the Audeze rep, it was only the pads and grills that were updated. He assured me that the drivers are the same. I sent my pair in for those updates as my set had the old gold mesh and pads. I couldn't be happier. Nice improvement to the bass response. The sound overall is more balanced, fuller with more clarity and resolution.

 

[xfusion]

Congrats for the purchase! Now you have a new task: What amplifier to use

Any suggestion for amplifier to match the 4z? Let say we divide into 3 category, the best for under $1000, the best for $1000-$3000, and the best for $3000 and above.

 

[xfusion]

When I spoke to the Audeze rep, it was only the pads and grills that were updated. He assured me that the drivers are the same. I sent my pair in for those updates as my set had the old gold mesh and pads. I couldn't be happier. Nice improvement to the bass response. The sound overall is more balanced, fuller with more clarity and resolution.

Regardless only pad and mesh update, I found the difference is quite apparent though.

 

[Lohb]

Sigh of relief !...after picking up a set, then thinking it's an 'old driver' as of now.

 

[Slim1970]

Regardless only pad and mesh update, I found the difference is quite apparent though.

Agreed

 

[Slim1970]

Sigh of relief !...after picking up a set, then thinking it's an 'old driver' as of now.

Rest easy for now, haha!

 

[chargedcapacitor]

Regardless only pad and mesh update, I found the difference is quite apparent though.

Does anyone have a frequency response of the updated 4Z? While not the end-all be-all, it could certainly shine a light on any sonic changes.

 

[Kozwoz]

The mesh was implemented a few years ago. I think this thread is a bit behind in regards to that. That’s not to say there haven’t been further silent revisions and the pads certainly will have made a difference but the mesh has been around a longer that people think.

 

[utdeep]

I compared a 2021 LCD-4Z to a 2018 LCD-4Z and didn't notice anything different. Is there anyone else who has done a side by side comparison?

 

[Slim1970]

I compared a 2021 LCD-4Z to a 2018 LCD-4Z and didn't notice anything different. Is there anyone else who has done a side by side comparison?

I thought the tuning change was a little more apparent between the two. The copper mesh version of the LCD-4Z's with the new pads where better balanced and had a better bass response to my ears.

 

[Mrinfinity]

I thought the tuning change was a little more apparent between the two. The copper mesh version of the LCD-4Z's with the new pads where better balanced and had a better bass response to my ears.

Agreed, I traded a pair of 4zs with old pads, and then scooped a pair of 4zs with new pads, and the difference was substantial. New pads opened up soundstage and tremendously helped bass response

 

[utdeep]

Is there something to see the old pads vs new pads? I noticed no difference in the pads.

 

[Mrinfinity]

Is there something to see the old pads vs new pads? I noticed no difference in the pads.

The old pads were a very stiff and sturdy leather that created a super airtight seal. The new pads are more of a pleather and seal a lot less. Its funny cause the new pads feel like some crap pads youd buy at the dollar store compared to the old ones but they sound so much better lol

 

[Slim1970]

The old pads were a very stiff and sturdy leather that created a super airtight seal. The new pads are more of a pleather and seal a lot less. Its funny cause the new pads feel like some crap pads youd buy at the dollar store compared to the old ones but they sound so much better lol

The new pads are softer and slightly less thick. They bring the LCD-4Z's closer to your ears. I agree, the changes in sound are a plus to my ears.