Although I've just placed an order for the LCD-XC which I'll be using with my GS-Xmk2, for the last three hours I've been listening to my 009 / BHSE combo, after the BHSE had been on power for two hours. And all I can say is that 009 / BHSE combo is going to take some bettering. But I'll find out when I have the LCD-XC.
Although I've just placed an order for the LCD-XC which I'll be using with my GS-Xmk2, for the last three hours I've been listening to my 009 / BHSE combo, after the BHSE had been on power for two hours. And all I can say is that 009 / BHSE combo is going to take some bettering. But I'll find out when I have the LCD-XC.
The XCs don't stand a chance.
Don't get me wrong, they're excellent closed back headphones, but thats it. They're closed cans.
A fairer comparison would be between other well regarded closed ones; TH900 & AT 3000ANV
^ I never understood the notion of closed not being able to compete with open. Now, I've never tried a Stax 009, so it may well be in a different league (for $5K excluding amp, it better be), but I actually auditioned the TH900 and LCD-3 side-by-side for more than a week before deciding on the TH900 (mind you, this was with a Bakoon HPA-21, so don't go saying the LCD-3 was underamped). Granted, the TH900 is more of a semi-closed headphone, but the LCD-3 was still a fully-open one. Isn't it about preference at the end of the day? There's no such thing as "de facto" in this hobby.
I wasn't trying to knock the LCD-XC in my previous post, it's just what I was hearing last night sounded very special, and after the BHSE has been on power a few hours before use, it seems to turn into a lot better sounding amp. I also believe the source I was using last night played a huge part in what I was hearing, and seeing I'll be using the same source with the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 , I'm very confident that the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 will also sound very good, but time will tell.
^ I never understood the notion of closed not being able to compete with open. Now, I've never tried a Stax 009, so it may well be in a different league (for $5K excluding amp, it better be), but I actually auditioned the TH900 and LCD-3 side-by-side for more than a week before deciding on the TH900 (mind you, this was with a Bakoon HPA-21, so don't go saying the LCD-3 was underamped). Granted, the TH900 is more of a semi-closed headphone, but the LCD-3 was still a fully-open one. Isn't it about preference at the end of the day? There's no such thing as "de facto" in this hobby.
I was specifically talking about the Stax 009 which I've previously owned for a little over 6 months and in my opinion the LCD-XCs just can't compete in any areas. The 009s are truly special. The most resolving and transparent headphones I've had the fortune of hearing. Unfortunately I had to sell them due to financial reasons but will most certainly get them at a later stage.
As far as comparisons between open & closed headphones are concerned, I don't know how closed ones can be as airy and open. Even the LCD3s, which are not known for a great soundstage, have a bigger soundstage than the XCs. Let's not even get into the HD800s.
Preferences obviously are a different thing altogether.
My reason for getting the XCs was only because I needed closed headphones for outdoors and am extremely happy with them
I wasn't trying to knock the LCD-XC in my previous post, it's just what I was hearing last night sounded very special, and after the BHSE has been on power a few hours before use, it seems to turn into a lot better sounding amp. I also believe the source I was using last night played a huge part in what I was hearing, and seeing I'll be using the same source with the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 , I'm very confident that the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 will also sound very good, but time will tell.
I wasn't trying to knock the LCD-XC in my previous post, it's just what I was hearing last night sounded very special, and after the BHSE has been on power a few hours before use, it seems to turn into a lot better sounding amp. I also believe the source I was using last night played a huge part in what I was hearing, and seeing I'll be using the same source with the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 , I'm very confident that the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 will also sound very good, but time will tell.
This is why I turn on my tube amp first thing in the morning, and THEN it's the rest of morning chores.
Even with some SS gear I had, there was very noticeable warm-up change. Talking about SS, the Auralic Vega DAC does not even offer all the menu options until it's fully warmed up.
I wasn't trying to knock the LCD-XC in my previous post, it's just what I was hearing last night sounded very special, and after the BHSE has been on power a few hours before use, it seems to turn into a lot better sounding amp. I also believe the source I was using last night played a huge part in what I was hearing, and seeing I'll be using the same source with the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 , I'm very confident that the LCD-XC / GS-Xmk2 will also sound very good, but time will tell.
This is why I turn on my tube amp first thing in the morning, and THEN it's the rest of morning chores.
Even with some SS gear I had, there was very noticeable warm-up change. Talking about SS, the Auralic Vega DAC does not even offer all the menu options until it's fully warmed up.
While I can hear a difference with the BHSE after it's been on power a few hours, I can't say I've heard a difference with the GS-Xmk2 after it's been on power for a bit.
That's why if I want to listen to anything straight away, I always use the GS-X.
While I can hear a difference with the BHSE after it's been on power a few hours, I can't say I've heard a difference with the GS-Xmk2 after it's been on power for a bit.
That's why if I want to listen to anything straight away, I always use the GS-X.
SS gear probably would be safe to leave on 24/7, but I'd never do that unattended, in fact I wouldn't do that with any of my audio gear. However I've had my BHSE on for above 9hours continuously and it worked like dream.
The XCs don't stand a chance.
Don't get me wrong, they're excellent closed back headphones, but thats it. They're closed cans.
A fairer comparison would be between other well regarded closed ones; TH900 & AT 3000ANV
In me ordering the LCD-XC, I'm hoping it doesn't sound anything like the SR-009's, if it did then there'd be no point in getting one. However SQ from the LCD-XC's isn't the main reason why I'm getting a pair.
In me ordering the LCD-XC, I'm hoping it doesn't sound anything like the SR-009's, if it did then there'd be no point in getting one. However SQ from the LCD-XC's isn't the main reason why I'm getting a pair.
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