[DrNope]

Well, im about to get the lcd3 anyway, even though they are early ones, from about january i guess. Looking at the graphs the slightly less treble looks nice to me, or should I reconsider you think? Still has warrenty on them so no worries?
Also would burson amp be à good match? Not the DA-one, but the headamp only.

 

[themouse]

Well we all know from experience they will take care of you. So like you say, no worries.

 

[our martin]

This might help...

The best headphones in the world?

Audeze LCD-3 headphones are made in the U.S.A., and like the best cars, clothes, and everything else high-end, they're expensive.
by Steve Guttenberg May 19, 2012 7:36 AM PDT

Audeze LCD-3 headphones
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)
I've written about the Audeze LCD-2 headphones in this blog before, but now I'm going to cover the LCD-3 model, Audeze's best headphones. At first glance the two don't look all that different, but the LCD-3s sport real zebrawood earcups and have thicker and softer real lambskin leather cushions to coddle your ears. This is a fairly heavy (550-gram) set of headphones, but they're comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Details of why the LCD-2s and LCD-3s sound different aren't forthcoming from Audeze, other than the drivers, which use similar technology, are different. I can't say the two sound hugely different, but the LCD-3s are definitely more transparent and clear. Are they worth double the price? No, the LCD-2 model remains in the line and gets you 80 percent of the LCD-3's sound, but if you want the very best, get the LCD-3s.
Rather than use standard headphone drivers that operate like miniature woofers or tweeters, the LCD-3s, like the LCD-2s, use a large, 6.17-square-inch thin-film planar magnetic driver to make sound. The Audeze circular flat diaphragm is sandwiched between rows of neodymium bar magnets. When audio signals pass through the diaphragm it moves in and out to produce sound, but thanks to its large size and superlow mass the planar magnetic drivers generate significantly lower distortion than conventional headphone designs. The LCD-3's headphone cable is detachable, via locking connectors, and is therefore user-replaceable.
During the course of the review I brought the LCD-3s to a recording session to use as monitors, and they blew my mind. As impressive as they were at home -- and they are exceptional -- it was great to have the opportunity to hear the sound of a blues band playing live in the studio, and then hear their music over the LCD-3s. I have never heard a set of headphones that got even remotely close to the sound of live music the way this one does. To put the LCD-3's sound in perspective, I borrowed the engineer's Sennheiser HD 650 headphones ($650), and it was really shocking how much better the LCD-3s were. The HD 650 is a great set of headphones, but it sounded small, thin, dynamically compressed, and its stereo imaging was relatively flat next to that of the LCD-3. Both headphones were played with the same Grace Design m901 headphone amplifier.
The engineers and musicians at the session all took turns checking out the LCD-3s, and they were all knocked out by the sound. They weren't audiophiles, but they all heard the difference great headphones can make.

Ray Samuels' Dark Star headphone amplifier
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg/CNET)
Back at home I used Schiit Lyr and Hifiman EF6 (review in the works) headphone amps for the bulk of my listening tests. The LCD-3's dynamic punch is simply the best I've heard, bass definition and power are phenomenal, stereo imaging is remarkably open and spacious. No dynamic headphone at any price comes close to the LCD-3's sound. Some audiophiles think the Stax SR-009 ($5,250) is the best sounding headphone on the market; I don't agree. Yes, it's even more transparent and clear, but the SR-009 lacks the LCD-3's power, dynamics, natural midrange, and potent bass.
What's the ultimate headphone amplifier for the LCD-3? That honor goes to Ray Samuels' Dark Star balanced amp. I briefly had it at home, and its brute-force dynamic impact, out-of-head imaging, and transparency all improved the sound of the LCD-3s. I also love the design; the Dark Star is a drop-dead gorgeous, handmade amplifier.
The LCD 3 headphones are available directly from Audeze for $1,945, or from its worldwide dealers.


  Topics: Reviews, High-End Audio, Sound Tags: headphone amplifiers, headphone amps, Audeze, high-end headphones, Ray Samuels, Audeze LCD-2, headphones, Audeze LCD-3

Steve Guttenberg Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Home Theater, Inner Fidelity, Tone Audio, and Stereophile. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.

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11 comments
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  That's almost two thirds of a monthly net wage for an audiophile in his twenties/thirties. No matter how good they are, I can't pay that much.

The Audiophiliac: making earporn since forever Posted by Silmarunya (694 comments ) May 19, 2012 8:03 AM (PDT) Like (1)ReplyLinkFlag     But males start losing hearing high frequencies in our forties and it's downhill from there, so ability to benefit from and appreciate high-end gear declines as men get to the stage in life where they can start to afford it. Posted by steve4lee (138 comments ) May 19, 2012 8:40 AM (PDT) Like (1)LinkFlag  
 
 
 
    I never got into "headphones",... I always preferred good old fashioned speakers. However, I would say that for the "cash-strapped" audiophile this is a "cheap" way to go. Yes, even with $2,000 headphones and a $1,000 headphone amp. To get the top of the line setup with speakers you are taking MANY $10,000's dollars. Steve is saying that you could get the "best sounding headphones in the world" and it only costs you 1/10th of the price the average Joe spent on his car. I would say this is highly affordable. If you never made a $2,000 purchase in your life, then I feel very sorry for you, but then end of the day this is possibility for just about everybody who is interested in high quality music. Posted by InvenioCNET (69 comments ) May 19, 2012 8:43 AM (PDT) LikeLinkFlag  
 
 
 
    here r my top

akg 242hd

akg 311

akg k304

Audio-Technica ATH-PRO5 Posted by mykosss88 (29 comments ) May 19, 2012 8:25 AM (PDT) LikeReplyLinkFlag     I totally agree! Posted by garmtz (1 comment ) May 19, 2012 8:33 AM (PDT) LikeReplyLinkFlag     Steve - I really like your work and am hoping you read the comments and respond to questions.

Looking for a highend set of headphones for use at home with my PC.

I use Foobar2000 to play 24-bit/192khz FLACs. I output via a fiber optic cable to a Centrance DACmini (DAC and headphone amp) to a pair of Airmotiva 6s (thanks to your review). But when the wife is around she makes me use my Bose QC15s - which are fine for listening to MP3s on the go - but not quite "AudioPhile".

Looking at Cnet's reviews I WAS thinking that the Ultrasone Edition 8s were best for me as their closed back design would provide a more powerful sound then the Sennheiser HD 800s or Grado PS1000s. I REALLY wish they had a 1/4" connector for the Centrance DACmini though.

But with these new reviews for the Audeze 2 & 3 and Ultrasone Signature Pro - I am back to undecided. How do these compare to the above headphones in terms of loudness, power, detail, movies, music, mp3s???

Have you ever thought of doing a $1,000-$2,000 headphone faceoff? The reviews of the Ultrasone 8s, Sennheisers and Grados do a good job of comparing and contrasting those specific sets across a number of scenarios (movies, vs music, vs ipods, power vs detail). Posted by douglord (30 comments ) May 19, 2012 8:43 AM (PDT) Like (1)ReplyLinkFlag     Steve I your review should have mentioned all the issues with this headphone such as failing drivers. A veil issue and big differences in headphone to headphone. I think people should know all the facts on this headphone. it twice the price of the LCD2 which has had the same issues of failed drivers and cracked wood and bunches of other stuff cracked blocks etc. These products are always in a beta testing mode and are revised too often and readers should be told all the facts. Plus he wood being used on both this and LCD2 are considered endangered species. Posted by frankiebrooklyn (4 comments ) May 19, 2012 9:48 AM (PDT) Like (3)ReplyLinkFlag     When Does the law of diminishing returns apply. Even being a premium product how much better can it really be against a Headphone costing $500. 3 or X times better. Not really. Posted by ismaelmartinez (2 comments ) May 19, 2012 11:25 AM (PDT) LikeReplyLinkFlag     I guess you missed that part where I said, "I borrowed the engineer's Sennheiser HD 650 headphones ($650), and it was really shocking how much better the LCD-3s were. The HD 650 is a great set of headphones, but it sounded small, thin, dynamically compressed, and its stereo imaging was relatively flat next to that of the LCD-3." I write about a wide range of products on this blog, and gave a very favorable review to MonoPrice's $22 headphones not so long ago. The LCD-3 is an exceptional product, and deserves at least equal coverage. Posted by TheAudiophiliac (158 comments ) May 19, 2012 11:59 AM (PDT) LikeLinkFlag  
 
 
 
    i want more headphone send me some Posted by mykosss88 (29 comments ) May 19, 2012 11:33 AM (PDT) LikeReplyLinkFlag     I personally don't think the LCD-3 is worth owning. I had a pair and sold it. To me the LCD-2 was 95% of the LCD-3 for half the price. I have the SR-007 Mk1 now, which is better than both. Posted by TruBrew (12 comments ) May 19, 2012 12:14 PM (PDT) LikeReplyLinkFlag  

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About The Audiophiliac

Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has more or less successfully hitched his future to home theater, but he still pines for the clickity-clack of 35mm projectors and all the stale popcorn he could eat. Between projectionist gigs, he worked as a high-end audio salesman and produced records for an audiophile label. Oh, and nothing annoys Steve more than being confused with the other Steve Guttenberg, the Police Academy actor. The wordsmith Guttenberg writes for a number of magazines and Web sites, including Home Entertainment, Tone Audio, and Stereophile. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.

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ie8 fix

​

 

[DrNope]

Thanks, sort of does help. But I still can't decide after reading that. I think the 3's looks nicer, but there's build-quality and possible veiling. I also know an iphone and little dot II++ with old tubes isn't directly the best source/driver, nor is the CD-player, a denon DCD-755, a good candidate to bring out the best of the phones. I really do want the best imaging and a smooth and airy, open sound which shines and is clear without any harsh upper frequency. I have a pair of Dynaudio 1.3SE at home, those are like that IMHO, the new Contours I've listened to have a harsh treble which I don't like, as if they tried to make people think they are more detailed that way.

 

[Matt head 777]

find out if you can send the LCD-3's back to the factory if you have a problem. Remember there is also eq and dolby headphone which can make the LCD-2 even better.. I'm so happy with the LCD-2.
 

 

[Devarika Woulf]

Quote:

Remember there is also eq and dolby headphone which can make the LCD-2 even better.. I'm so happy with the LCD-2.

1+. Isone Pro too. 

 

[orrb_05]

Quote:

I would still buy the LCD-2.  They are built better, have fewer distortion issues than the LCD-3, and cost way less.  In fact if someone were to offer me a free LCD-2 or LCD-3, and I could not sell them, I would go with the LCD-2.  To me it sounds better.  The LCD-2 has a bit more treble that gives it a more open sound.  The LCD-3 is stuffy and with all of the build issues I would shy away from the LCD-3 for now.

I guess we all hear different because I would not describe my LCD-3s as "stuffy" and I have experienced zero build issues. Its possible you got hold of a set of the so-called "veiled" LCD-3s. What are the build issues - other than the batch of bad drivers that's been addressed?

 

[DrNope]

How aparant is this veil? Very obvious as if someone put a thick blanket between the HP and your ears, or more the case that some recordings sounds as if the singer has a slight cold? When I listened to the LCD3 with a burson 160AD (?) I could not stand the low-ohmic output, everything was as if they were standing screaming into my ears, but with the high-ohmic output it sounded great with loads of space I could not think a headphone was able to reproduce. But it did sound as if they were a bit recessed in the higher frequencies, boring and polished but I simply though this was due to the high output impedance. I've listened to the LCD2 once and IIRC I prefered the low-ohmic output over the high one simply due to the lesser repsonce in the treble the same way I did with the LCD3.

 

[SteveM324]

Quote:

^^ FWIW, the most recent pairs (since around March) seem to be fairly consistent with regards to precision of sound. Those graphs on Headroom are most likely of a veiled pair from when they were posted back in January-ish so they're basically meaningless now.
 
Funny my pair (original release) were very good (as were Muppetface's, Skylab's and many others), but some did seem to suffer from a veil effect. But if you look at the ones released since the March timeframe, they look very similar.
 
I did send mine back to be "upgraded" to the latest version and here are my thoughts:
 
So after some reports of LCD-3 owners sending back their "unveiled" LCD-3s to Audeze and for a check up and having the returned ones sounding even better, I got really curious. I contacted Sankar and he offered that I return them too. The thicker foam in front of the drivers has been replaced with a thin fabric that is quite a bit more transparent than the original foam. Purrin took his unveiled LCD-3s apart to find that the damping behind the drivers was changed too.
 
So how do they sound? They aren't totally different from the non-veiled pair that I sent in last week, but the mids are a bit more forward and the treble seems less pushed back (but still smooth, not peaky like the LCD-2 r.2s...only in comparative terms...the LCD-2 r.2's treble is still outstanding and better than most cans). My returned FR graph looks like the ones posted on the LCD-3 thread now. My original looked almost identical to the one Skylab posted on his review. Overall I'm even happier now.
 
The improvements in the LCD-3s now make the 2x price tag much easier to take IMO.
 
My first FR graph with my headphones when I received them in Nov. 2011:

 
And now my new FR graph from Audeze (I've gotta say all of the recently released LCD-3 graphs all look very similar):

I sent my LCD-3s back to Audeze a couple of weeks ago due to the left channel going out intermittenly and I just got them back yesterday. Audeze service was great and very fast. They changed both drivers and the material covering the drivers.  I agree with your comments regarding the sound of the RMA'd LCD-3s.  I wasn't unhappy with sound before the repair but I agree that the sound is even better now with the mids and treble being a little more forward.

 

[Rawdawg3234]

Just wondering what the visible differences are between the LCD 2 and 3. Are they the same exterior construction?

 

[jonstatt]

Quote:

Just wondering what the visible differences are between the LCD 2 and 3. Are they the same exterior construction?

 
Close, but not the same. The LCD 3 uses a more exotic wood, (Zebrano), which does not affect the sound but is just cosmetic. The leather used in the earpads is more luxurious and the pads are much softer (AKA more comfortable). There are chrome cable sockets, vs plastic surrounds on the LCD 2(r2 bamboo version).Pads are brown on 3 vs black on 2. While these things do add cost, primary cost differential is in the magic of the drivers.

 

[charliex]

Quote:

Thanks, sort of does help. But I still can't decide after reading that. I think the 3's looks nicer, but there's build-quality and possible veiling. I also know an iphone and little dot II++ with old tubes isn't directly the best source/driver, nor is the CD-player, a denon DCD-755, a good candidate to bring out the best of the phones. I really do want the best imaging and a smooth and airy, open sound which shines and is clear without any harsh upper frequency. I have a pair of Dynaudio 1.3SE at home, those are like that IMHO, the new Contours I've listened to have a harsh treble which I don't like, as if they tried to make people think they are more detailed that way.

 A less than $100 Little Dot II++ is nowhere near able to drive these planar magnetics (like putting a 2 cylinder Tata Nano engine into a Lanborghini Reventen).  To try combining an LCD 3 with a LD II++ is definitely not worth the time nor effort unless you don't care whatsoever about sound quality.

 

[DrNope]

Quote:

 A less than $100 Little Dot II++ is nowhere near able to drive these planar magnetics (like putting a 2 cylinder Tata Nano engine into a Lanborghini Reventen).  To try combining an LCD 3 with a LD II++ is definitely not worth the time nor effort unless you don't care whatsoever about sound quality.

 
The little dot was only to be used until I had the possibillity to exchange it for something nicer.
 
However, I bought a burson DAC and the HA160 headphone amp. Also got myself a Sennheiser HD650 until I can get a set of LCD3. This setup made me wonder how the h*** I could live with the Grado SR80 for such a long time, but I've noticed that the senns still make my ears tired. Guess there's nothing you can do about it since it's down to the records, those that are mixed with a high level are simply not listenable through head phones for me. Others are fine though, so don't think I can blame the equipment at least (unless the burson is underpowered for the senns, but I would not think so).

 

[Cavcalade]

I'm really interested in the LCD-3. But reading about the veiled issues I'm a bit hesitant to buy from a German dealer. It seems I cannot order from Audeze directly.
 
Probably because they make more money selling them over German dealers for €2000 (~$2600, every dealer same price)
 
Does anybody have recent information if they have handled their quality issues now? I'm planning on purchasing a pair in January/February and would like to get a very recent model.
 
I'm thinking of importing one but I have to make sure that it's a new one.
 
Sending them in for a "veiled" issue after purchasing one here in Germany wouldn't be so easy.
 

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

I'm really interested in the LCD-3. But reading about the veiled issues I'm a bit hesitant to buy from a German dealer. It seems I cannot order from Audeze directly.
 
Probably because they make more money selling them over German dealers for €2000 (~$2600, every dealer same price)
 
Does anybody have recent information if they have handled their quality issues now? I'm planning on purchasing a pair in January/February and would like to get a very recent model.
 
I'm thinking of importing one but I have to make sure that it's a new one.
 
Sending them in for a "veiled" issue after purchasing one here in Germany wouldn't be so easy.
 

Unless he has inventory pre-April 2012, you should be ok. That said, how about Head Amp? They're in the US and are a great source for gear.