Audeze LCD-4z - Impressions Thread

[mixman]

Last year I compared my 4z to a 4 in my system. The difference was very small and I came away liking my 4z better. The 4z felt lighter on my head and a bit less dark in SQ but definitely not bright. I also thought the 4z imaged better. If you don’t like the the 4z, I wouldn’t recommend the 4 or even vice versa because difference is so small.

It's funny, until i went to Canjam I preferred the 4z too, but after comparing it to the 4 and LCD24 on a TT2/Mscaler, the 4 came out on top. I thought the resolution and air was just better than the other too. The 4z has more upper mids, hence, sounds a little brighter which many including myself prefer, but I thought as far as resolution and soundstage the 4 was better. It's the other factors such as ease of drive and weight that make the 4z more appealing.

 

[SteveM324]

It's funny, until i went to Canjam I preferred the 4z too, but after comparing it to the 4 and LCD24 on a TT2/Mscaler, the 4 came out on top. I thought the resolution and air was just better than the other too. The 4z has more upper mids, hence, sounds a little brighter which many including myself prefer, but I thought as far as resolution and soundstage the 4 was better. It's the other factors such as ease of drive and weight that make the 4z more appealing.

Two completely different systems, two different sets of ears, different music, two different opinions. No surprise. The owner of the LCD 4 and I agreed that the difference was insignificant. I stand by what I said before, if one doesn’t like the 4z then they’re not going to like the 4. I certainly wouldn’t recommend a person using a DAP or Benchmark 3 for their source/amp to try the LCD 4.

 

[Kozwoz]

I thought the whole point was that it was easy to drive but seems not so. Any portable amp recommendations that are powerful enough to drive the 4z that provide a smoother treble response and a punchy low end? Ideally for less than $1000. I feel like getting a dedicated desktop unit would defeat the purpose of the 4z as it's supposed to be a more portable solution. Don't intend to take it out but being able to go listen to it on my couch say or in another room would be nice. I was wondering if the VorzAMPduo II could be a good match. I think it has enough power. Unfortunately reviews are a bit limited as it's a bit a of a niche product but there is a good review paired with the LCD2. For $799 it could be a bit of gamble.

 

[drummerdimitri]

I thought the whole point was that it was easy to drive but seems not so. Any portable amp recommendations that are powerful enough to drive the 4z that provide a smoother treble response and a punchy low end? Ideally for less than $1000. I feel like getting a dedicated desktop unit would defeat the purpose of the 4z as it's supposed to be a more portable solution. Don't intend to take it out but being able to go listen to it on my couch say or in another room would be nice. I was wondering if the VorzAMPduo II could be a good match. I think it has enough power. Unfortunately reviews are a bit limited as it's a bit a of a niche product but there is a good review paired with the LCD2. For $799 it could be a bit of gamble.

My vote would be the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz as it can provide 1.2W into 30 Ohm so even more probably into 15 Ohm and its Class-A topology should work well with these headphones as my Questyle CMA400i is also Class-A and the sound out of that amp is so wonderful and organic. It's a bit over your budget at 1259$ but I feel like it would make for a sweet pairing even looks wise!

 

[Kozwoz]

I would like to add that I found the LCD2 Classic much easier to drive than the 4z despite the fact it was 70 ohm. My 4z sounds tilted towards the mid and high frequencies which is probably an indication that I'm not giving it enough juice. In comparison using the same devices the LCD2 Classic sounded very full and smooth.

Can someone make a brief comparison between the LCD-X and 4z? Is the 4z an upgrade or is the the LCD X different enough to warrant an audition? People have said it might be better for dance music and might not require such a powerful amp as with the 4z. Is bass presented differently between these models?

 

[SteveM324]

I upgraded from the LCD X to the 4z and I think it was a substantial improvement in the midrange, highs, soundstage, and details. If you want something much easier to drive, look into the LCD i4. It's quite a bit more sensitive per the spec sheets on the Audeze site and still gives you the Audeze sound. The i4 is rated at 110dB/1mW, where as the 4z is rated 98dB/1mW. The X is in between those two at 103dB/1mW. The LCD 2 Classic is rated at 101dB/1mW but its impedance is much higher at 70 ohms where as the others are 15-32 ohms. The minimum power for the i4 per the spec sheets is half the power of the 4z and X but I don't put much stock into the minimum power numbers. If the 4z is brand new, you might try burning it in for 150-200hrs before moving on to something else. I think the 4z will scale higher than any of the ones I mentioned but if you want to go with a full size headphone, the X appears to be the easiest to drive in the Audeze higher end line up.

 

[astrostar59]

Agree, the 4z is the ultimate easier to drive top level Audeze. Having said that the DAVE powers the LCD4 just fine, and the Abyss TC as well.

 

[Slim1970]

A friend on mine let me hang on to the 4z's. I've been wanting to hear these for awhile. Now I finally get my chance.

 

[MacedonianHero]

I absolutely love them..one of my top 5 headphones!

 

[Slim1970]

I absolutely love them..one of my top 5 headphones!

After initial my impression, I can understand why. They have great tonality.

 

[Slim1970]

I have the LCD-4’s on order after trading in some headphones. Now I’m wondering if I should switch the order to the 4z’s? I have the amp to push the 4’s so that’s not an issue. The comfort level and being easy to drive is really winning me over.

 

[mixman]

I have the LCD-4’s on order after trading in some headphones. Now I’m wondering if I should switch the order to the 4z’s? I have the amp to push the 4’s so that’s not an issue. The comfort level and being easy to drive is really winning me over.

Nope don't do it!!!

 

[Slim1970]

Nope don't do it!!!

 

[astrostar59]

I have the LCD-4’s on order after trading in some headphones. Now I’m wondering if I should switch the order to the 4z’s? I have the amp to push the 4’s so that’s not an issue. The comfort level and being easy to drive is really winning me over.

Nice to see an order for the 4z, and you already have the Susvara. THe LCD4z and LCD4 are great headphones, I'll NEVER sell my LCD4s, but have to bow to the Abyss TC as beating them on performance though.

 

[Tekunda]

Nice to see an order for the 4z, and you already have the Susvara. THe LCD4z and LCD4 are great headphones, I'll NEVER sell my LCD4s, but have to bow to the Abyss TC as beating them on performance though.

"Performance" is a pretty broad term. Could you describe in more detail, what you mean when you say that the Abyss TC will beat the LCD4s performance wise?