Hi guys,
so I did I it and build an adapter to use the LCD-R on my new Sparkos Labs Aries
This will be a little longer read, because of the pre-caution I did, and think everybody should do before plug the LCD-R on anything other than the Jotunheim.
Still: If you plug in them in some other amp, its on your own risk.
Gear used: Ifi micro signature as DAC, Sparkos Labs Aries as amp
My pre-caution measures:
I asked Andrew Sparks if the Aries could technically handle the 2 ohm load --> Luckily he said yes
Then i checked the volume output level of my DAC with the Jotunheim-R. First output from DAC via RCA, then via 4.4-->RCA cable in ecomode on the ifi --> RCA was louder. So I decided to go with the 4.4mm output to RCA in the Aries RCA input. Put the ifi to high sensitivity (usally made for IEMs) and Ecomode for power.
On the Aries I put the volume to minimum (-53db) and turned it off. Plugged in everything and started the ifi micro on a really low volume (DAC). After this I turned on the Aries and went up with the volume. I did this in this order because the ifi makes a low distortion noise when you start it, and I didnt want to get this to the LCD-R.
In the end of the experiment I used the normal gain mode and normal sensitivity on the ifi (not eco anymore) and volume around 20%.
The sparko labs is as -20db for loud volume, -30db for moderate listening level. This combination is super quiet with other headphones.
Now the interesting part, the sound:
I totally agree with
@Currawong . Made some A/B testing, but all is subjective because i need to change the plugs by hand and don´t have a "switch box".
The soundstage is much more open, details are even finer.
Mids are more accurate, i would say but not so warm anymore.
bass is a little punchier, but still not on the level of an he6
How much you earn in %, for risking 2500$
Soundstage:+20% (biggest improvement)
Treble:+15%
Mids: +5%, more accurate, but also a little colder than on the jotunheim
Bass:+10%
If you made it until here, thanks a lot for the read.
One more thing: I wouldnt plug them into my ifi micro signature (build in amp) directly, due to the "distortion" sound /click when the ifi is turned on. If you any similiar issue with you gear, just don´t.
Best regards
Sma0815