Audeze LCD-4z - Impressions Thread

[Fibre101]

Thanks for the replies all. My LCD-4 I bought 2022 and the owner said it was post the 2020 change. To me it sounded amazing in so many ways. Unparalleled for movie soundtracks (except maybe Susvara, but I preferred the weighted sound of the LCD-4 over that headphone for this kind of stuff), bass stuff, the holographic nature of it was also amazing... but the mids just seemed too dipped for my taste. I ultimately switched to LCD-3 almost every time because of it.

I see that you own a Caldera. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the comparison to the LCD 4 from memory? Does the Caldera have the same weighty sound?

 

[AcousticMatt]

I see that you own a Caldera. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the comparison to the LCD 4 from memory? Does the Caldera have the same weighty sound?

I think Caldera sounds lighter overall. Still a warm-ish sound, but it's got more upper midrange happening so it sound a little tilted towards that overall, but not in a fatiguing way. It is my favorite headphone. It sounds more emotional to me versus the LCD-4, other than the emotional pull that comes from that big bass and visceral holography of the LCD-4.

 

[Fibre101]

I think Caldera sounds lighter overall. Still a warm-ish sound, but it's got more upper midrange happening so it sound a little tilted towards that overall, but not in a fatiguing way. It is my favorite headphone. It sounds more emotional to me versus the LCD-4, other than the emotional pull that comes from that big bass and visceral holography of the LCD-4.

If it helps, I do think that my lcd 4z has much more of an elevated mid compared to the og 4 I had. So much that so that I thought something was wrong but then I got used to it. Not sure if it's because of unit variation. Both had the newest Audeze earpads

 

[Kozwoz]

If it helps, I do think that my lcd 4z has much more of an elevated mid compared to the og 4 I had. So much that so that I thought something was wrong but then I got used to it. Not sure if it's because of unit variation. Both had the newest Audeze earpads

My 4z certainly has less of a dip in the 3-4khz range. It's also much flatter beyond that compared to my LCD4 and plays more upfront in the mids. Worth mentioning my 4z has the newest pads and my LCD4 the old ones.

 

[silkk]

Over the past five years, I've owned two pairs of LCD-4z headphones, but circumstances led me to sell both. I thoroughly enjoyed their sound signature, bass reproduction, and overall warmer voicing. Now, as I consider returning to high-end headphones, I'm curious about how the LCD-4z compares to recent planar magnetic competitors, such as the Meze Empyrean II, Final Audio D8000, Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled, and the apparently increasingly popular ZMF Caldera .

I'm particularly interested in finding headphones with similar voicing to the LCD-4z. While I recognize this is an LCD-4z thread and there might be some bias toward this model, I also must acknowledge that the competition has become more intense for the LCD-4z price point. I find it challenging to justify purchasing the 2024 LCD-4z revision at retail price, especially considering that I sold my previous pairs for half their retail value. Additionally, I've noticed very few new version LCD-4z's available on the secondary market, with only one listing appearing in February.

Could anyone share their thoughts on how the LCD-4z stands against these current competitors, particularly in terms of sound signature (that are also relatively easier to drive by a SS dedicated HP amp)?

 

[betula]

Over the past five years, I've owned two pairs of LCD-4z headphones, but circumstances led me to sell both. I thoroughly enjoyed their sound signature, bass reproduction, and overall warmer voicing. Now, as I consider returning to high-end headphones, I'm curious about how the LCD-4z compares to recent planar magnetic competitors, such as the Meze Empyrean II, Final Audio D8000, Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled, and the apparently increasingly popular ZMF Caldera .

I'm particularly interested in finding headphones with similar voicing to the LCD-4z. While I recognize this is an LCD-4z thread and there might be some bias toward this model, I also must acknowledge that the competition has become more intense for the LCD-4z price point. I find it challenging to justify purchasing the 2024 LCD-4z revision at retail price, especially considering that I sold my previous pairs for half their retail value. Additionally, I've noticed very few new version LCD-4z's available on the secondary market, with only one listing appearing in February.

Could anyone share their thoughts on how the LCD-4z stands against these current competitors, particularly in terms of sound signature (that are also relatively easier to drive by a SS dedicated HP amp)?

First post with a 20-year-old registration? Welcome and sorry for your wallet!

I really like the 4Z sound (and look) but wouldn't be my first choice on today's market at full retail price. The 4Z is 7 years old now (the 4 is 10 years old) and the competition has caught up. For half the retail price on the second-hand market I think they are still a bargain though.

Empy 2, D8K and Caldera move around a similar tuning philosophy, but the HEKUV is the odd one out with a vastly different approach. HEKUV sounds a lot lighter and a lot thinner. Also sounds the largest and very detailed but does not have the body and weight of the others. (I would worry about the exposed diaphragm too.)

Empy 2 has a bit of a 'V-shape' tuning versus the rest on the list, even compared to the Elite. It is a fun Meze sound, but the least detailed on your list and the least technical in comparison, lacking micro dynamics versus the others. (I really like the Elite though, but that is also a softer, milder sound in comparison.)

D8K and Caldera are closer to the 4Z. Perhaps D8K is the closest. Very nice, defined bass with good quantity, almost too much at times. (Pro version is more even, more neutral.) IMO Caldera easily outperforms the old D8K, but I haven't heard the new DC versions yet. A used D8K is still a great headphone, just keep in mind the lack of customer support from Final and the quotes of $1200 for a driver change.

I am obviously biased as a Caldera (open) owner, but I love these headphones. While the stage is not as huge as the HEKUV, still a little bigger than D8K og or 4Z. Instrument separation and dynamics are superb. Bass is snappy. There is good body and a lot of organic midrange, unusual from a planar. I highly recommend using the thick earpads on them. These pads slightly elevate bass, increase soundstage depth and tame the upper-mid/lower-treble area which some people find a bit spicy with stock pads. Overall, with the right amplification I think Caldera is better than 4Z in pretty much everything. 4 and 4Z still have a special flavour and sauce which the other headphones don't offer, but I think Caldera in general is an evolution. At least to me. Caldera also comes with lifetime driver warranty.
That said, if I could afford to keep a collection of flagship headphones, 4Z would definitely be amongst them.

Everyone's list will be different, but here is my order of preference from your list:
- Caldera: nearly perfect for me with thick pads on ZMF Aegis. Natural, organic, yet punchy and detailed with good bass.
- Elite: this was not on your list, but I love the Elite with angled pads. Sounds large, detailed, even. More relaxed and softer than the others, but there is something very engaging in the sound.
- 4Z: I always loved Audeze LCDX/2/3/4/4Z. Not keen on the 5. Bass is phenomenal on these and the sound has great weight and body. Treble is a bit subdued that leads to a less airy and smaller stage in comparison. Today's flagships are also more detailed/higher resolving, although 4Z is still no slouch.
- D8K: another one with great bass and similar stage to the 4Z. Good and fun sound which I like, but in today's tough competition other headphones edge it out for me. I would probably pick the 4Z instead, for the lack of Final support. DC version is said to be a significant improvement, I am yet to hear those. (I found the D7000 poor for the price.)
- Empy 2: I prefer the Elite by a large margin. These are good headphones too, but to me a bit V shaped and not the most technical in this selection.
- HEKUV: I am not keen on oval HiFiMan headphones in general. They sound the largest, but sometimes artificially tall. Very detailed, nimble, but lacks weight, body and impact versus the others. Sound-wise they are still good value, if that is your taste, but build quality is lacklustre with cheap materials.

 

[silkk]

Thank you very much for your detailed reply, @betula - it's extremely useful and much appreciated!


Indeed, I realized that I signed up on this forum exactly 20 years ago. While my main passion has been hi-fi gear, headphones have always been a secondary interest. Being satisfied with my LCD-4z's, I haven't felt the need to upgrade or make nearly as many changes as I have with my main hi-fi system over the years.


In my initial post, I didn't mention all the headphones on my short list - just the ones that immediately came to mind as obvious alternatives. I've since realized that the Abyss Diana MR might also be a contender. Do you have any experience with this specific model?


I'm definitely very interested in the ZMF Caldera (which is on my short list). However, since ZMF doesn't operate through a dealer network in the US, I haven't found anywhere to audition them. I'm hesitant to purchase headphones without having the chance to test them first, though I might contact ZMF directly about this.


I notice that most people, including ZMF themselves, prefer tube amps with their headphones. While I'm not completely ruling out this option (I own a tube integrated amp in my secondary hi-fi system), I'm more inclined toward solid-state amp options.


Thanks!

 

[betula]

Thank you very much for your detailed reply, @betula - it's extremely useful and much appreciated!


Indeed, I realized that I signed up on this forum exactly 20 years ago. While my main passion has been hi-fi gear, headphones have always been a secondary interest. Being satisfied with my LCD-4z's, I haven't felt the need to upgrade or make nearly as many changes as I have with my main hi-fi system over the years.


In my initial post, I didn't mention all the headphones on my short list - just the ones that immediately came to mind as obvious alternatives. I've since realized that the Abyss Diana MR might also be a contender. Do you have any experience with this specific model?


I'm definitely very interested in the ZMF Caldera (which is on my short list). However, since ZMF doesn't operate through a dealer network in the US, I haven't found anywhere to audition them. I'm hesitant to purchase headphones without having the chance to test them first, though I might contact ZMF directly about this.


I notice that most people, including ZMF themselves, prefer tube amps with their headphones. While I'm not completely ruling out this option (I own a tube integrated amp in my secondary hi-fi system), I'm more inclined toward solid-state amp options.


Thanks!

Auditioning before purchase is always a good idea, although I know it can be a bit tricky.
If you can travel to any of the CanJam events, that's a great way to try many headphones and amplifiers. Zach at ZMF is also very helpful, if you reach out to him.

I have experience with the 1266 TC, but not with Diana MR. There are good reviews out about the new Abyss Joel as well. I just found flagship Meze, ZMF and Audeze headphones more interesting than the Diana range, but I do want to hear the Joel. The 1266 TC is an experience, with probably the best planar bass ever. I found the midrange more pleasing and alive elsewhere. (Not to mention weight and comfort.)

Regarding amplifiers with ZMF headphones, the Caldera works well both on SS amps and tubes. I just prefer everything on tubes. ZMF dynamic headphones tend to excel on tubes.