LCD-2 earpads have arrived - I have been testing for a few days now. I hope to assemble this information into a review soon but here are some initial pictures and notes:
Leather LCD-2 earpads:
Unfortunately these are a bit bigger than the STAX 007 mkii earpads - but luckily they come with their own plastic base-plates which can then be attached to the HifiMan base-plates.
Comfort wise these are excellent - better than the stock pads or even the STAX 007's - absolutely no contact with my ears at all - ultra supra-aural.
Bass impact is subjectively a step down from the STAX, and those about equal with HifiMan pleathers.
Midrange has greater clarity than the 007 pads as well as the HifiMan pleathers (which have recessed mids to my ears). Upper midrange is more clearly articulated whereas the 007 pads smooth the upper mids. The LCD-2 leathers however retain some body and warmth in the mids while adding clarity.
Imaging is even better than the STAX pads and makes them sound comparatively flawed in this regard. Much more forward projection and space to the soundstage and much better imaging. These are the real deal in this regard.
Cost: $80 plus postage from audeze.com
LCD-2 faux suede "vegan" pads
Unsurprisingly these are very similar to the leather Audeze pads - same imaging, very similar bass response (too close for me to tell at this stage) frequency balance identical as far as I can tell.
What these do offer is unsurpassed clarity and transparency throughout the frequencies but especially in the midrage which is very similar to the stock velour pads in terms of transparency but more balanced in the treble and upper mids.
Almost laid bare, there is very little sign of body-enhancing resonance except for a very slight airiness or dither to the sound which pervades the frequencies. This is really not bothersome at all but it does separate this from the leather Audeze pads. Overall these are slightly less lush than the leather pads, slightly more airy whereas the leather pads had slightly more body - but the two are really very close.
Unfortunately the vegan Audeze do look terrible on the HE-6, but some may not mind how they look.
Overall I preferred both of these to the STAX which by comparison sound compromised. For imaging the STAX are 50% improved on HifiMan, these are 100% there. They are also clear winners for comfort and soundstage, as well as clarity over the 007 pads.
If you don't mind the way these look and are not averse to (a very small amount of) DIY then I highly recommend trying these pads. They are dirt cheap compared to the 007 mkii pads, excellent quality, and will probably make a much greater impact on the sound than aftermarket cables.
