saveanimals
Head-Fier
Love the sound of the Ayre Codex DAC as a DAC. I know I researched this, but can't remember what I found - would it track with you guys that an amp section like that on the Codex would maybe not be capable enough to bring out the best of either of these 'phones (Focal Clear or LCD-X). I am not in love with either set with in combo with this HPA/DAC (possibly I am not a fan of open-back, generally, not entirely sure - think I would take better bass 'punch' over clarity). Super underwhelmed with the Focals, especially, which sound fairly harsh and tinny to me, and bass quality isn't great on most of what I listen to. Yes, they are clear, but I find myself wanting to take them off. Thinking a great HPA like BHA-1 or whatnot might bring out the best of these 'phones, since their rep seems obviously well-established. I am using the Clears in balanced mode FWIW. I am going 'do I downgrade the phones or upgrade the amp' (I was happier with how ATH series sounded in combo with the Pono than either of these phones with the Codex)? Another wildcard option is the prospect that this is more a situation of great 'phones revealing too much - but a combo is not succeeding at the end of the day if it makes you want to stop listening to Sam Cooke. I can't get over the harshness & (IMO) poor bass quality - makes me think the amp is just not capable of producing/remediating those qualities in these 'phones. Thanks for anyone who cares to weigh in.