Introducing the Audeze LCD-R!

[heliosphann]

Story time! I actually purchased these from Audeze the day they went on sale. However, the next day I started having some hearing issues. Thankfully I didn't have any hearing loss, but I was experiencing some ear discomfort as well as volume sensitivity. Turns out it was related to stress and jaw related issues (and possibly from listening to headphones to loudly) . This meant I couldn't use headphones for the last month or so, which was brutal. Even more so knowing that these were sitting unopened in a closet in my house!

Everything is pretty much back to normal and I've been back listening to my other headphones this week. Now it's time to crack these sucker out and see what the fuss is about.

p.s. Make sure you take care of your ears. Hearing issues can be scary because they're really hard to diagnose and treat. And sometimes they can be permanent, you've only got one pair...

 

[heliosphann]

Some initial thoughts after a few hours of listening:

• Great sign when you listen to entire test tracks that you've heard hundreds of times
• Outstanding resolution and detail
• Still retains the Audeze house sound and musicality
• Treble is extended, but never harsh or sibilant
• Low end feels ample, but also feels very nimble and accurate
• TOTL instrument separation and staging
• Comfort is decent once the sweet spot is found
• Fazor barely touches my left ear, but is virtually unnoticeable
• How was this only $2500?

 

[ThanatosVI]

How was this only $2500?

Including amp!
So the headphones alone are like 1800$

 

[heliosphann]

Including amp!
So the headphones alone are like 1800$

Still early diving into these, but it feels crazy what you get for your money. I could easily see them charging $1k more if they do another release of these. And even then it would still be a great deal.

 

[paradoxper]

Still early diving into these, but it feels crazy what you get for your money. I could easily see them charging $1k more if they do another release of these. And even then it would still be a great deal.

Grovels. I agree. They need to address the ear pad compression for those affected but this phone is a disruption if in mass production.

 

[VandyMan]

Grovels. I agree. They need to address the ear pad compression for those affected but this phone is a disruption if in mass production.

Totally agree, but we would also need more amp choices. The Jot-A is the weak point.

 

[eskamobob1]

Totally agree, but we would also need more amp choices. The Jot-A is the weak point.

Given the number of amps that are now confirmed to run it i don't feel like opening that up a bit would be too hard. Hell, even if it's just an adaptor box or only the hsa-1b (raal's amp designer is also in socal even) it would be a big step up

 

[VandyMan]

Anyone care to make a list of amps that can drive the LCD-R? I sent Headamp an inquiry two weeks ago to check on their plans. They put out a video about a year ago showing a work-in-progress Real amp. I have not yet heard back.

 

[chargedcapacitor]

Anyone care to make a list of amps that can drive the LCD-R? I sent Headamp an inquiry two weeks ago to check on their plans. They put out a video about a year ago showing a work-in-progress Real amp. I have not yet heard back.

I would only trust a list provided by Audeze. Just because an amp can sustain a 2ohm load without letting the magic smoke out, doesn't mean the LCD-R will be safe, or sound better than the Jot-A.

 

[VandyMan]

I would only trust a list provided by Audeze. Just because an amp can sustain a 2ohm load without letting the magic smoke out, doesn't mean the LCD-R will be safe, or sound better than the Jot-A.

Considering it voids the warranty, that is understandable. However, I don't expect Audeze to ever publish such a list, so that would mean sticking with the Jot-A forever. I'm fairly sure it is holding back the LCD-R, so I'd really like to risk trying some other amps. I'd be ok with trying an amp if the manufacturer says can handle a 2 ohm load. As long as the amp does not output too much power, I don't think there would be any risk to the LCD-R, but I can understand others not wanting to take the chance.

 

[brams]

Can't the earpad issue be resolved by using a stiffer Audeze earpad or perhaps an aftermarket Audeze compatible pad?

If we all agree this headphone is such a bargain, performs at a really high level and can be further improved by using another amp, I would think selling it on this early in the game is perhaps premature especially given its limited release. 67 units worldwide is not a lot even in the context of limited runs for ultra high end equipment ...

 

[HK_sends]

Can't the earpad issue be resolved by using a stiffer Audeze earpad or perhaps an aftermarket Audeze compatible pad?

If we all agree this headphone is such a bargain, performs at a really high level and can be further improved by using another amp, I would think selling it on this early in the game is perhaps premature especially given its limited release. 67 units worldwide is not a lot even in the context of limited runs for ultra high end equipment ...

I'm not sure anyone has dared changing the earpads to see. I would but I'm short on funds at the moment...
Cheers!
-HK sends

 

[cwoo]

I'm not sure anyone has dared changing the earpads to see. I would but I'm short on funds at the moment...
Cheers!
-HK sends

Any idea if these are the leather LCD ear pads or the leather-free? They don’t really look like the leather pads from Audeze’s website.

I’m one of the lucky ones that doesn’t have the fazors touch my ears. The pads on the LCD-R are considerably thinner than the leather pads that came with my LCD-3.

 

[Reverriie]

Looks very nice, and the frequency response is very promising, I'm assuming these have the technical performance you come to expect from Audeze too!

 

[HK_sends]

Any idea if these are the leather LCD ear pads or the leather-free? They don’t really look like the leather pads from Audeze’s website.

I’m one of the lucky ones that doesn’t have the fazors touch my ears. The pads on the LCD-R are considerably thinner than the leather pads that came with my LCD-3.

I'm pretty sure they are leather-free. If the pads were a little thicker or if the foam wasn't so soft then I don't think there would be (m)any issues with the fazors.
Cheers!
-HK sends