figaro69
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Just checked FedEx Tracking and the LCD-Xs will be IN DA HOUSE tomorrow. Oh, Joy!!!
Audeze LCD-X
- Thread starter Icenine2
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Barry S
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Nice. I continue to be impressed by the LCD-Xs performance. I was listening to some electronica today and I've never heard bass hitting so low and extending so smoothly into the mids. The whole signature from sub-bass to upper treble is so smooth and balanced, yet beautifully detailed. At this point, I wouldn't trade the LCD-X for any other headphone I've heard.
dan.gheorghe
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Jones Bob
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figaro69
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Oh my God...I'll be tossing and turning all night long! My Darkstar and Taboo are planning on having a lengthy Menage au Trois with their new girl-friend-to-be tomorrow night! It's gonna be dirty...it's gonna be nasty...but it will feel so right!!!
dukeskd
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SMG52
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I have to say that even though I feel I have a very nice hi fi system, including a small REL subwoofer, I actually am beginning to like the LCD-X more in certain ways (at the present, just driven by the Oppo BDP105 directly). They take you so deep into the music, it's almost hypnotic......transformative. I believe I am understanding what dan.gheorge was describing with regard to a new appreciation of the treble in music. At first I was a bit afraid of this statement because I am SO sensitive to any brightness. But that is not what is being talked about at all. There is new found information that just emerges in an unforced, almost eerie manner. I am sure they will scale well, but another attribute is that they DO sound very nice even out of 'lowly' equipment (not bad even out of my little FIO E10). And comfort is not an issue for me either. Within a few moments, I almost forget I have them on, I'm so entranced in the music.....almost, anyway.
dan.gheorghe
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I have to say that even though I feel I have a very nice hi fi system, including a small REL subwoofer, I actually am beginning to like the LCD-X more in certain ways (at the present, just driven by the Oppo BDP105 directly). They take you so deep into the music, it's almost hypnotic......transformative. I believe I am understanding what dan.gheorge was describing with regard to a new appreciation of the treble in music. At first I was a bit afraid of this statement because I am SO sensitive to any brightness. But that is not what is being talked about at all. There is new found information that just emerges in an unforced, almost eerie manner. I am sure they will scale well, but another attribute is that they DO sound very nice even out of 'lowly' equipment (not bad even out of my little FIO E10). And comfort is not an issue for me either. Within a few moments, I almost forget I have them on, I'm so entranced in the music.....almost, anyway.
SMG52
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In terms of amp pairings, some have mentioned excellent results with the Schiit Mojo. I have a Vali on the way, just out of curiosity. Anyone have a sense of how well the Violectric V200 might mate with the LCD-X headphones? That amp appears to offer a tube-like quality. Just wondering what amp combination could be seen as an endgame set up (within some budget limitations). I have lots of experience with various tube amps in my hi fi system over the years, but I am afraid to go down that road because I tend to be OCD in tube rolling and I know how costly that can be. Although I have to admit that some of the best sounding systems I've owned and listened to used tube amps, or had tubes in there somewhere. I once used an Audio Research Classic 60 triode tube amp with a pair of Apogee Stage ribbon speakers. Had to keep the volume low due to limited power from the amp, but man oh man, that midrange was about as life-like as it gets!
Icenine2
Headphoneus Supremus
Too bad I don't have these right now. I've got a new Cavalli Liquid Cobalt prototype I'm listening to right now...................
alan73
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I'm sooo jealous of you Barry. I really want to have three rigs (one for home, one for the office and one for on the go) with very similar sound signature (lush midrange, smooth treble). Currently I have HD650 and am saving for an LCD2. It really pissed me off when I learned that RE262 was out of production.
Barry S
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Well sir, I feel fortunate to have my gear, but it all required some hard work, sacrifice, and patience. Keep saving and you'll reach your goals before you know it. The HD650 is first rate in my book and so you're already off to a great start.
GilT
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Hi I'm new 
.
I currently listen to my music and music videos directly from my Mac Pro. My current headphones are the Sennheiser HD 600 and Shure 530. I have been satisfied for years as you can see from my model numbers but lately I got motivated to move up to better gear.
I started with the summer equipment guide and got lucky that winter guide came out just in time to help me narrow my options. After reading through both guides I was most interested in the Audeze LCD-3.
Just as I was going to go forward I decided to look at the Audeze X closer.
I changed my mind after going through this thread, that the X would be a good match for me
I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for their thoughts on the Audeze X.
PS I also bought the Meridian Explorer as a transition piece to keep me satisfied until I decide on my first DAC and AMP setup :tongue_smile:
. I currently listen to my music and music videos directly from my Mac Pro. My current headphones are the Sennheiser HD 600 and Shure 530. I have been satisfied for years as you can see from my model numbers but lately I got motivated to move up to better gear.
I started with the summer equipment guide and got lucky that winter guide came out just in time to help me narrow my options. After reading through both guides I was most interested in the Audeze LCD-3.
Just as I was going to go forward I decided to look at the Audeze X closer.
I changed my mind after going through this thread, that the X would be a good match for me
I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for their thoughts on the Audeze X.
PS I also bought the Meridian Explorer as a transition piece to keep me satisfied until I decide on my first DAC and AMP setup :tongue_smile:
dan.gheorghe
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Hi I'm new.
I currently listen to my music and music videos directly from my Mac Pro. My current headphones are the Sennheiser HD 600 and Shure 530. I have been satisfied for years as you can see from my model numbers but lately I got motivated to move up to better gear.
I started with the summer equipment guide and got lucky that winter guide came out just in time to help me narrow my options. After reading through both guides I was most interested in the Audeze LCD-3.
Just as I was going to go forward I decided to look at the Audeze X closer.
I changed my mind after going through this thread, that the X would be a good match for me
I just wanted to say thanks to everybody for their thoughts on the Audeze X.
PS I also bought the Meridian Explorer as a transition piece to keep me satisfied until I decide on my first DAC and AMP setup
Congrats on the decision.
Just make sure that your Meridian Explorer is not the version with 50 Ohms output impedance.
figaro69
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Okay...so today I received the LCD-Xs. I listened to them for approximately three hours. The gear I used: Oppo BDP-95 Universal Player; Ray Samuels Darkstar Headphone Amp (connected by balanced Black Dragon [copper] Moon Audio interconnect cables); Moon Audio Silver Dragon replacement headphone cable (balanced, 4-pin).
Only three hours listening to them (listened to both classical and rock, more specifically the Mahler 6th symphony SACD recording conducted by Ivan Fischer and Dire Straits Greatest Hits double album). Since I just got them, no burning time was given to the headphones. The Silver Dragon cable arrived today with the headphones, so they have not been burned either. Just as a point of reference, I own multiple headamps besides the Darkstar (i.e., CSP2; Taboo; Headroom Ultra Desktop Amp; Burson Soloist; Grace 902B). I also have a large collection of top-of-the-line headphones that include the HD800, HE-6, T1, Ultrasone ed. 8, Ultrason ed. 12, Fostex TH900, Audio Technica's Raffinato and ATH3000anv, AKG 701, Beyer T5p, Audeze LCD2, Grado PS-1000, and Grado RS1. The ones I've never heard are the SR009, LCD3, Sennheiser Orfeus (or for that matter, I've never heard an electrostatic headphone). I am prefacing my impressions of the LCD-Xs with this information so that you are aware about my experience regarding headphone listening and where I am coming from with regard to what I hear from the LCD-Xs.
Let me start by saying that these are, without a doubt, the most perfect pair of headphones I've heard in my life. Mind you, I haven't burned these, and I don't truly expect them to get any better than the way the sound right out of the box. It is, in my opinion, not even close...these are the best I've heard, PERIOD! One can always say with a pair of headphones something like..."it has great treble, but...", "it had great mids, but..", "it has great bass, but...", "it has a big soundstage, but...", etc. Believe me when I say that the LCD-Xs are the first pair of headphones with which I found myself saying, "there is nothing to fault...there is nothing to nitpick at...this is perfection!". Even though there is a somewhat dark mahogany hue to the sound that is extremely seductive and addictive, nothing is really colored or overly prominent with these miraculous headphones. I guess this is what they call "neutral" or "monitor-like".
These headphones sound amazing with large orchestral classical; they also sound amazing with Rock. Three hours listening to them and I could have gone 10 straight hours without experiencing ear fatigue. There is no sibilance, period. The bass is there with just the right amount and quality; the mids are liquid and creamy, the treble is extended, yet never fatiguing; the soundstage is large, but not unnatural so or artificial/cavernous like I feel that of the HD800s can sound at times; they are detailed, but the details do not distract you from the gestalt of the music. This is not a U-shaped sounding headphone, yet it is still a supremely FUN pair of headphones to listen to. Everything is just in the right place...they give the listener (or at least this listener) everything he/she wishes for. Even though the reviews at Head-Fi have been virtually unanimous in praising these headphones, they have been, if anything rather tame considering what I heard tonight.
Since my LCD2s are probably my least favorite pair of headphones in my stable, I was definitely not expecting the LCD-X to floor me the way they did. This is a mixture of clinical and romantic sound, blended together, that I just thought would be impossible to produce in a pair of headphones. You just sit there, with the headphones on top of your head, and you just forget about the gear...you are simply there in a real venue listening to the musicians...nothing is highlighted; nothing is intrusive...you are just there enjoying the performance. Not a cacophonous, piercing, or flabby sound emanates from these headphones. It is just sublime perfection.
It is worth mentioning that the LCD-Xs feel, if anything, less heavy than the LCD2s. I think the engineers and designers at Audeze have done a remarkable job at evenly distributing the weight of these headphones in a way that they just simply disappear from one's head after a while despite their weight. Moreover, the pads are very comfortable (and they have that lovely smell of new car to them) and cushy. I was afraid about weight and fit since the Audeze LCD2s are, probably, the most uncomfortable pair of headphones I have in my stable - the HE-6s running a close second in that regard - and I can't even wear them for more than 30 minutes without feeling like my head is inside a vise and holding the weight of the world.
I have no idea how the Audeze engineers were able to come up with perfection. Maybe the Orpheus and SR009 are even better than the LCD-Xs, but I find it just impossible to think that anything can sound better than these. I am just in awe of these headphones...it sounds like they have been designed by God himself. Maybe my Darkstar and balanced cables are major contributors to the magic I am experiencing...who knows. Are these supposed to get better following a burn-in period...I can't truly imagine that perfection can get any more perfect. Oh, my goodness....We have a new King of Kings. This is not hyperbole, new toy syndrome, or me wanting to like them because I just spent $1,700 and they are being driven by a trophy headamp. I had never experienced this feeling, with regard to headphones, before in my life. I just feel like I have just reached the apex of Mount Everest...and when I look around I see much smaller mountains each bearing the names of the rest of the headphones in my collection. You owe it to yourself to listen to these. Words cannot describe what I experienced tonight...Figaro is in a trance...in ecstasy!
Only three hours listening to them (listened to both classical and rock, more specifically the Mahler 6th symphony SACD recording conducted by Ivan Fischer and Dire Straits Greatest Hits double album). Since I just got them, no burning time was given to the headphones. The Silver Dragon cable arrived today with the headphones, so they have not been burned either. Just as a point of reference, I own multiple headamps besides the Darkstar (i.e., CSP2; Taboo; Headroom Ultra Desktop Amp; Burson Soloist; Grace 902B). I also have a large collection of top-of-the-line headphones that include the HD800, HE-6, T1, Ultrasone ed. 8, Ultrason ed. 12, Fostex TH900, Audio Technica's Raffinato and ATH3000anv, AKG 701, Beyer T5p, Audeze LCD2, Grado PS-1000, and Grado RS1. The ones I've never heard are the SR009, LCD3, Sennheiser Orfeus (or for that matter, I've never heard an electrostatic headphone). I am prefacing my impressions of the LCD-Xs with this information so that you are aware about my experience regarding headphone listening and where I am coming from with regard to what I hear from the LCD-Xs.
Let me start by saying that these are, without a doubt, the most perfect pair of headphones I've heard in my life. Mind you, I haven't burned these, and I don't truly expect them to get any better than the way the sound right out of the box. It is, in my opinion, not even close...these are the best I've heard, PERIOD! One can always say with a pair of headphones something like..."it has great treble, but...", "it had great mids, but..", "it has great bass, but...", "it has a big soundstage, but...", etc. Believe me when I say that the LCD-Xs are the first pair of headphones with which I found myself saying, "there is nothing to fault...there is nothing to nitpick at...this is perfection!". Even though there is a somewhat dark mahogany hue to the sound that is extremely seductive and addictive, nothing is really colored or overly prominent with these miraculous headphones. I guess this is what they call "neutral" or "monitor-like".
These headphones sound amazing with large orchestral classical; they also sound amazing with Rock. Three hours listening to them and I could have gone 10 straight hours without experiencing ear fatigue. There is no sibilance, period. The bass is there with just the right amount and quality; the mids are liquid and creamy, the treble is extended, yet never fatiguing; the soundstage is large, but not unnatural so or artificial/cavernous like I feel that of the HD800s can sound at times; they are detailed, but the details do not distract you from the gestalt of the music. This is not a U-shaped sounding headphone, yet it is still a supremely FUN pair of headphones to listen to. Everything is just in the right place...they give the listener (or at least this listener) everything he/she wishes for. Even though the reviews at Head-Fi have been virtually unanimous in praising these headphones, they have been, if anything rather tame considering what I heard tonight.
Since my LCD2s are probably my least favorite pair of headphones in my stable, I was definitely not expecting the LCD-X to floor me the way they did. This is a mixture of clinical and romantic sound, blended together, that I just thought would be impossible to produce in a pair of headphones. You just sit there, with the headphones on top of your head, and you just forget about the gear...you are simply there in a real venue listening to the musicians...nothing is highlighted; nothing is intrusive...you are just there enjoying the performance. Not a cacophonous, piercing, or flabby sound emanates from these headphones. It is just sublime perfection.
It is worth mentioning that the LCD-Xs feel, if anything, less heavy than the LCD2s. I think the engineers and designers at Audeze have done a remarkable job at evenly distributing the weight of these headphones in a way that they just simply disappear from one's head after a while despite their weight. Moreover, the pads are very comfortable (and they have that lovely smell of new car to them) and cushy. I was afraid about weight and fit since the Audeze LCD2s are, probably, the most uncomfortable pair of headphones I have in my stable - the HE-6s running a close second in that regard - and I can't even wear them for more than 30 minutes without feeling like my head is inside a vise and holding the weight of the world.
I have no idea how the Audeze engineers were able to come up with perfection. Maybe the Orpheus and SR009 are even better than the LCD-Xs, but I find it just impossible to think that anything can sound better than these. I am just in awe of these headphones...it sounds like they have been designed by God himself. Maybe my Darkstar and balanced cables are major contributors to the magic I am experiencing...who knows. Are these supposed to get better following a burn-in period...I can't truly imagine that perfection can get any more perfect. Oh, my goodness....We have a new King of Kings. This is not hyperbole, new toy syndrome, or me wanting to like them because I just spent $1,700 and they are being driven by a trophy headamp. I had never experienced this feeling, with regard to headphones, before in my life. I just feel like I have just reached the apex of Mount Everest...and when I look around I see much smaller mountains each bearing the names of the rest of the headphones in my collection. You owe it to yourself to listen to these. Words cannot describe what I experienced tonight...Figaro is in a trance...in ecstasy!
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