[DesignTaylor]

Hey gang,

Looking to add a nice pair of full-size open-back planars to my collection. I typically buy used gear to stretch my dollar. I've got a pair of Hifiman HE400i which I think sounds really fun bit a bit unrefined and a set of Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow Closed Back which have some great detail but feel a bit boring and narrow. I have a handful of other non-planar cans but I'd really like something that delivers on the planar sound in a big way. $500 - 600 used is my starting budget.

I've been looking at the Audeze LCD-2 Classics but what else should I be thinking about???

Thanks!

 

[Darksoul]

Sendyaudio Aiva to start with. I'm really satisfied with them, maybe its ilk too, Blon something and Takstar something else.

 

[DesignTaylor]

Yeah, the reviews of the SendyAudio Aivas are really positive. Have you compared to anything in the Audeze line up by chance?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

You might be able to get a pair of LCD-2C new for that budget. I think they're great all-rounders with no glaring weaknesses. I have not heard the Sendys nor the Hifimans.

 

[CTR640]

Too bad I won't be able to my hands on the SendyAudio Aiva because no sellers in EU...

 

[FastAndClean]

you can find Hifiman HE500 for 300-500$, it is one of the best planars produced under 1000$

 

[CoryGillmore]

when it comes to the LCD2C and Aiva, I own both, it comes down to which is more important to you. Treble detail or bass. If treble detail and air is what you like, get the Aiva, if bass impact and presence is what you're after, go for the LCD2C. The LCD2C is also wider with more height. It also has a more prestigious reputation in the community.

My ears seem to be really close to the top of my head...so I have to use pretty much every headphone I own on the smallest setting, the Aiva is perfect for me at its smallest setting. I find myself wishing the LCD2C was a bit smaller.

 

[DesignTaylor]

CoryGillmore thanks for you detailed notes on the two, very helpful. I tend to care about the width of the soundstage and warmth. I enjoy hearing all the subtle details but tend to shy away from sharp or bright high-end. Sounds like the LCD-2C would be more aligned to my taste.

FastAndClean the HE500 have interested me as well but since I already own a pair of Hifiman (all be it lower in their lineup) I think it would be fun to spend time with another brand's offerings.

 

[CoryGillmore]

CoryGillmore thanks for you detailed notes on the two, very helpful. I tend to care about the width of the soundstage and warmth. I enjoy hearing all the subtle details but tend to shy away from sharp or bright high-end. Sounds like the LCD-2C would be more aligned to my taste.

FastAndClean the HE500 have interested me as well but since I already own a pair of Hifiman (all be it lower in their lineup) I think it would be fun to spend time with another brand's offerings.

I never found the Aiva to be too sharp or fatiguing. Quite the opposite actually. It’s every much smooth. But also incredibly detailed. But yeah I still think I would recommend the LCD2C over it. I feel like the Aiva is built better though. It really is special in terms of build quality, fit and finish. Plus I like the idea of it being a handmade Chinese headphone. Which I think it pretty cool.

 

[chandleryesfriends]

I can recommend the Ananda.

 

[DesignTaylor]

Looking at reviews that compare the Anada and the LCD-2C most reviewers seem to suggest that the Anada is a bit more neutral with more detailed highs and the LCD-2C has stronger bass hit and maybe a bit more natural.

Anyone have similar, or contradictory, experience with these two?

 

[Darksoul]

Yeah, the reviews of the SendyAudio Aivas are really positive. Have you compared to anything in the Audeze line up by chance?

I'm a treble head, more like a V-shape..."head." I managed to listen to the LCD-2C briefly, at that time coming from a Beyerdynamic DT-1990. Altough the LCD-2C was allright, I prefer a more prominent treble, I didn't enjoy the LCD-2C. Aiva has a MUCH more vivid treble presentation, with some tweaking the bass becomes adequate. Besides, some people have at least two headphones; one for eye gouging detail, other for jaw breaking bass. Aside from summit-fi stuff, those two sound characteristics seem to be mutually exclusive on the mid-fi/hi-fi offerings the average joe can acquire.

 

[DesignTaylor]

Darksoul yeah, in the common man price tier I like to hang out in it does seem to be a world of trade-offs (but what isn't?). I do have a pair of Fostex TR-X00 that are super fun and scratch the bass itch when it comes on. I also have a pair of Focal Elex which are clarity and high-end masters, but, I keep going back to the Hifiman HE400i which makes me curious about a higher-end set of open-back planar.

Thanks for all the feedback gang.

 

[CoryGillmore]

I'm a treble head, more like a V-shape..."head." I managed to listen to the LCD-2C briefly, at that time coming from a Beyerdynamic DT-1990. Altough the LCD-2C was allright, I prefer a more prominent treble, I didn't enjoy the LCD-2C. Aiva has a MUCH more vivid treble presentation, with some tweaking the bass becomes adequate. Besides, some people have at least two headphones; one for eye gouging detail, other for jaw breaking bass. Aside from summit-fi stuff, those two sound characteristics seem to be mutually exclusive on the mid-fi/hi-fi offerings the average joe can acquire.

Exactly. I definitely feel like the LCD2C and the Aiva are both worth having, and I intend to keep them both. Two different flavors and they both do something the other cannot.

 

[KarlAgathon]

Just out of curiosity, can anyone recommend a 4.4 balanced cable for the LCD-2s?

Preferably under $100 USD. If that’s even possible.

Just bought a pair of Sony MDR-Z7M2s. They’re still currently sealed in the box from Amazon, And can easily be returned.