[Liminal]

Hi there, 
 
I'm in the market for a pair of open (preferably), full-size headphones in the $1000-1500 region.
 
I've been happy with my pair of Sennheiser HD555s and my trusty Woo Audio WA7 amp for about eight months. Originally I was set on a pair of HD800s, but the more research I've done, the more I've started to think they would be too bright and clinical for the kind of sound signature I want. (I've demo'd a pair with my amp & was impressed but I didn't get enough time with them.)
 
I mostly listen to pop music and some of my most-listened-to artists are Vampire Weekend, M83, John Mayer, Sufjan Stevens, Kanye West, that sort of thing. I listen to lossless audio through my Macbook via USB to my WA7 amp. 
 
I prefer a more forward, musical sound and I could care less about "monitoring" or hearing the sound as it was recorded. Most of my favourite music is quite over-produced anyway. I am looking for a set of mid- to hi-fi headphones with good resolution and imaging, with a big soundstage and separation between mids and bass. I fear the HD800s would be too bright and fatiguing, and not as "fun", even when paired with the WA7. 
 
Any recommendations (other than "just get the HD800s")? I am tempted by the LCD-2s for my purposes.

 

[ubs28]

  Hi there, 
 
I'm in the market for a pair of open (preferably), full-size headphones in the $1000-1500 region.
 
I've been happy with my pair of Sennheiser HD555s and my trusty Woo Audio WA7 amp for about eight months. Originally I was set on a pair of HD800s, but the more research I've done, the more I've started to think they would be too bright and clinical for the kind of sound signature I want. (I've demo'd a pair with my amp & was impressed but I didn't get enough time with them.)
 
I mostly listen to pop music and some of my most-listened-to artists are Vampire Weekend, M83, John Mayer, Sufjan Stevens, Kanye West, that sort of thing. I listen to lossless audio through my Macbook via USB to my WA7 amp. 
 
I prefer a more forward, musical sound and I could care less about "monitoring" or hearing the sound as it was recorded. Most of my favourite music is quite over-produced anyway. I am looking for a set of mid- to hi-fi headphones with good resolution and imaging, with a big soundstage and separation between mids and bass. I fear the HD800s would be too bright and fatiguing, and not as "fun", even when paired with the WA7. 
 
Any recommendations (other than "just get the HD800s")? I am tempted by the LCD-2s for my purposes.

According to a summit-fi thread, the LCD-2 is considered in general as the most overrated headphone. I'm just warning you before you spend big money on it. 

 

[Claritas]

  According to a summit-fi thread, the LCD-2 is considered in general as the most overrated headphone. I'm just warning you before you spend big money on it. 

 
Rev. 2 is a very good model and not so very expensive used. Why do you think it's over-rated?

 

[ubs28]

   
Rev. 2 is a very good model and not so very expensive used. Why do you think it's over-rated?

 
I haven't heard or owned these headphones myself, but the LCD-2 was mentioned alot of times as the most overrated headphone in a summit-fi thread. That would be a red flag to me if I was shopping for new headphones.

 

[davidsh]

It's just cuz some don't like it, they find it bland and boring. That's my impression. Others find it euphonic, seductive etc..

 

[Claritas]

I don't enjoy it (too dark) but I wouldn't say it's over-rated (or over-priced nowadays relative to most other flagships). I don't believe in public opinion: I trust my own ears/brain/soul, always.

 

[AnalogSavior]

I haven't heard the LCD 2, but I have heard the LCD X.  Personally, it is a darker, lusher sound, but it is very peasant and enjoyable.  The best bass I've ever heard.  Coming from headphones that are brighter, it might take a little getting used to, but they have their appeal.
 
Honestly, my only complaint about the Audezes is that they are heavy.
 
EDIT: Also, the LCD 2 in bamboo is under 1k which isn't too bad, but if you can get a deal or get a nice pair used, its a actually pretty decently priced imo.

 

[davidsh]

Well, I better mention HE-560 which is said to be pretty neutral but not bright. Else, oppo pm-1 which is said to be pretty dark, perhaps more so than LCD-2.
That's about it in planar world..

 

[Claritas]

Well, I better mention HE-560 which is said to be pretty neutral but not bright. Else, oppo pm-1 which is said to be pretty dark, perhaps more so than LCD-2.
That's about it in planar world..

I haven't been following the new Hifimans as there's too much to read and I hope to hear them soon at ChiUiFi 8 anyway. My sense of PM1 based on the three (!) threads is that it's about as dark as HD650, which is less than LCD2, but more mid-centric than either. That sounds promising and if it weren't for Oppo's trickiness and the annoying fans, I'd be more interested.

 

[Dragonzeanse]

   
I haven't heard or owned these headphones myself, but the LCD-2 was mentioned alot of times as the most overrated headphone in a summit-fi thread. That would be a red flag to me if I was shopping for new headphones.

ATH-M50s are called "overrated" all the time and people still love them. Lower price, I know, but the principle is the same. Whatever is popular gets a lot of hate. Some deserved, some not.

 

[davidsh]

If I were to spend such money (which I might) I'd wait for Hifiman to update their line-up with the new Jade and the HE-6 successor. But you might not even want to go there in the first place..

 

[Liminal]

Well I ended up getting the HD800s. I couldn't resist the grey market price of AUD$1000. Good value and great cans. They sound particularly great with classical music.
 
What should be next in my upgrade chain? I am assuming the WA7 power supply... surely not cables? DAC?

 

[davidsh]

A fine choice, though I'd have recommended a better all-rounder that is more forgiving due to your music taste and better possibilities for developing your taste in music.

 

[Liminal]

A fine choice, though I'd have recommended a better all-rounder that is more forgiving due to your music taste and better possibilities for developing your taste in music.

 
Now that I've had a taste for hi-fi cans, I am thinking of springing for the flagship Fostex 'phones. Or maybe the LCD-X, but they may be similar enough to the Sennheisers. 

 

[davidsh]

 

A fine choice, though I'd have recommended a better all-rounder that is more forgiving due to your music taste and better possibilities for developing your taste in music.

 
Now that I've had a taste for hi-fi cans, I am thinking of springing for the flagship Fostex 'phones. Or maybe the LCD-X, but they may be similar enough to the Sennheisers. 

In your place I'd likely have gotten the he560 from the beginning. But that's me..