Hello, I am considering buying either the Audeze LCD-3 or the HIFIMAN HE-6 (I already have the HE-500 and love the sound).
Considering I get an amp that can properly drive the HE-6 (such as the EF-6) which one would be the better headphone regarding details and bass impact?
I'd recommend you go for the LCD-3s, especially since you've already got the HE-500s. The LCD-3s are just spectacular at what they do well and are imo, the only headphones that can compete with the brilliant Stax 009s. Though the HD-800s run well are pretty close imo. Anyway, I think this review by Steve Guttenberg is pretty spot on. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57437164-47/the-best-headphones-in-the-world/?tag=mncol;txt
Thanks for the responses, so what are the main differences in sound between the two? Ive read that a properly amped HE-6 sounds very good and detailed.
Thanks for the responses, so what are the main differences in sound between the two? Ive read that a properly amped HE-6 sounds very good and detailed.
A HE-6 driven well (like from a RSA Darkstar) is a fabulous headphone with gobs of detail, nice tonality that works well with most music and is just enjoyable. However, the LCD-3s from a similarly good amp are imo just more engaging, drawing you into the music. I find the LCD-3s do transients, layering and prat better as well as have a more realistic midrange and that is what makes them better to me. I'm currently using a Woo WA-5 and Littledot Mk6+ for amps and a NAD M51 DAC.
I like the HE-6, but the amp situation is more challenging than the LCD-3. I think most standard headphone amps which would work well with the LCD-3 would struggle with the HE-6, so the HE-6 may not be a good solution for people who don't want to change their system. I wonder how many negative impressions of the HE-6 are due to inadequate amping.
For details, HE-6 is slightly better. For bass impact, LCD-3 is moderately better. If you listen to mostly rock and such, I'd go LCD-3. If you listen to mostly classical, I'd go HE-6.
I kept the LCD-3 and sold the HE-6 because I got tired of chasing proper amping for the HE-6. If you've determined to purchase at least the EF-6 with your cans, then it's a pretty even split. Don't beat yourself up about it, you can't go wrong.
HE-6s are my go-to metal/hard rock cans, plus they're very nice for classical and strings. I rotate between them and my STAX SR-007s a lot, and that's rather high praise for the HE-6s. However, they aren't the best for pop, hip-hop, or dubstep. Their bass is very flat and neutral and will often sound a bit too lean with those styles.
BUT, they EQ extremely well, being so flat and neutral, and you can easily mimic other stats out there. I found that out when I was fiddling around, and they did so well that I decided not to get a set of LCD-2s. All that aside, though, they need juice. I run mine off a Cary SLI-80 F1 with an HE-adapter and it's a match made in heaven... but that's a rather sizable investment. Other more reasonable options are the EF-6 from HiFiMan or the Schiit LYR, either will easily drive the HE-6. Heck, even my EF-5 does a decent job, but it doesn't extract every last ounce you can get from these great cans.
Hello, I ordered the HIFIMAN EF6 and the Little Dot MK VI+ to try the HE 6 in balanced mode.
I will be using a Nuforce Icon HDP DAC which I don't think has fully balanced output so depeding on how much I like the sound of the amps I may need to upgrade the DAC too.
I am tempted to get both headphones and see how it goes.
If you have the funds to do it, having both will settle the nagging regret of not getting the other. As others have mentioned, amping for the HE-6 is not an easy task. They are more of a speaker than a headphone for power demands.
Well, the EF6 should have enough power for both. I'm also interested to hear the differences in SQ and sound signature of both headphones and amps plus my DAC (Nuforce Icon HDP).
Regarding finish, the LCD-3 seems to be more luxurious though Im not really into wood (but prefer it to plastic). I also have the Ultrasone Edition 8 Limited (Ruthenium) and though the SQ is not comparable the finish is impeccable.
Hello, I am considering buying either the Audeze LCD-3 or the HIFIMAN HE-6 (I already have the HE-500 and love the sound).
Considering I get an amp that can properly drive the HE-6 (such as the EF-6) which one would be the better headphone regarding details and bass impact?
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