Help Choosing the Right AMP/DAC for Audeze LCD-2 Closed-Back

[CODEX98]

Hi everyone,

I'm completely new to high-quality audio and could really use some guidance on choosing an AMP/DAC for my headphones.

My Setup:​

I’m currently using the Audeze LCD-2 Closed-Back, which has the following specs:

• Type: Over-ear, closed-back, planar magnetic
• Impedance: 70 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW
• Recommended Power: >250mW

I currently have the following cables:

• 4-pin XLR cable
• 4-pin XLR to 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS adapter
• 1/4" (6.35mm) to 3.5mm adapter

My Questions:​

1. What should I be looking at when choosing an AMP/DAC for these headphones?
   • I assume impedance and sensitivity are important factors, but I'm not entirely sure how they influence my choice.
2. Do I need just an AMP, just a DAC, or both?
3. Since my PC only has a 3.5mm output, would it be better to use an external AMP/DAC instead?
4. Are there any recommended AMP/DAC setups that work particularly well with the LCD-2 Closed-Back?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[Whazzzup]

You can’t hear your dac without an amp. Either seperate or all in one. Now what dac or amp, at that price, some inexpensive all in one, there’s tones. But frankly you started the slippery slope into wallet depletion good luck

 

[CODEX98]

You can’t hear your dac without an amp. Either seperate or all in one. Now what dac or amp, at that price, some inexpensive all in one, there’s tones. But frankly you started the slippery slope into wallet depletion good luck

So, in short, to use a DAC, I also need an AMP—so that answers one of my questions nicely. Thank you.

As for the budget, right now, if I can get a good all-in-one setup around or just under 1500, I’ll be happy. But I know very well that stepping into the audio world is going to tug on my wallet, hahaha.

 

[WILLJS]

everyone say JDS atom stack, personally no experience with them.

for your budget i’d choose an all in one for convenience/simplicity (all
components built into one device means that dac stages are already system matched with power amp stages. Fiio have tons of options (they release so many models i can’t keep up, read some reviews).

 

[dunring]

I've had a few Audeze and they aren't that hard to power, but benefit from current. Quality and quiet noise floor is important more than buying Ampzilla. Some I'd use are:
Topping E50/L50
JDS Atom 2 amp/DAC stack
SMSL HO150X D100 stack
SMSL DL100 or DL200 for an all in one
Schiit Heretic with onboard DAC is really nice

 

[WILLJS]

In reality any of those option (maybe not the heretic) would be interchangeable from a SQ perspective. All chinese amps focussing on amazing noise and distortion specs, ending up with very neutral, capable, all round amplifiers. I own the L50, and find it to be ridiculously transparent, letting me hear the characteristic of the DAC and headphones only, while sonically invisible.