Introducing the LCD-i3

[Vitandus]

@Matias How about mobile?

 

[Letros]

I am using Kmann's official parametric EQ settings, but lowered the bass boost high shelf from -5.91dB to only -1.0dB (original was too bass heavy for my taste, same as Cipher), and also added an overall -7.6 dB preamp to compensate the peaks. I manually entered all of these parameters in JRiver's Parametric Equalizer section (for its playback using WASAPI Exclusive Mode), and also on Equalizer APO for overall Windows playback (streaming, YouTube). Hardware is a Dell notebook => Hidizs S8 => Audeze LCDi3.

Sounds marvelous!

Why not just use the reveal plugin with EQAPO for EQ?

 

[m8o]

@Matias How about mobile?

Kindly direct your attention to this earlier post of mine in this thread:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/introducing-the-lcd-i3.913365/page-35#post-15497813

I am a iSine20 owner only currently. And EQ curve I tuned-in to the dac+amp pictured is for that. But I -will- be buying the i3 in a few months and making a DSP curve for that when I own it. From the test drive I gave it @ canjam nyc w/this dac+amp, I felt far less equalization was called for w/the i3 over the iSine20.

 

[Vitandus]

Kindly direct your attention to this earlier post of mine in this thread:

I saw your post. That's dedication. With a 3 year old, no way I am toting that many cables

 

[mikejazz]

You're right about the eq. Cables will not solve that. I use one of three---Uapp has an add-on parametric app. Can't remember if was Audeze or Uapp----someone posted the eq settings. My Monoprice Monolith has parametric eq. Once you know the parameters it's easy to use any parametric. The Uapp is cheap and works great. I just bought an Ibasso 220 which has extensive eq. The Cipher makes it easy and convenient. When I'm on the go that's what I use. The difference---to me--between the Cipher and a good Dac/Amp and cable is like comparing the sound of the Bluetooth to the Cipher. The Bluetooth is convenient--but the Cipher sounds better.

 

[Vitandus]

Uapp has an add-on parametric app

I did not know that. I was using Neutron - and I did use an app with a PEQ, but again, still sounded empty. Maybe I'll try it again. Either that or sell this @&^$* Moon Audio cable.

 

[Matias]

@Matias How about mobile?

I don't use it mobile, ever.

Why not just use the reveal plugin with EQAPO for EQ?

Because I tweaked the bass response. Parametric EQ is more flexible.

 

[McCol]

My combo of Fiio M15 with the LCD I3 has meant no other earphone gets a look in now. Stunning earphones

 

[Ant92]

My combo of Fiio M15 with the LCD I3 has meant no other earphone gets a look in now. Stunning earphones

How do you find the LCD i3 compares with your IMR Rah when it comes to soundstage, bass etc.?

 

[mikejazz]

My combo of Fiio M15 with the LCD I3 has meant no other earphone gets a look in now. Stunning earphones

What are you using for eq?

 

[McCol]

What are you using for eq?

Nothing, sound awesome with no eq for me

 

[McCol]

How do you find the LCD i3 compares with your IMR Rah when it comes to soundstage, bass etc.?

The bass is more detailed and refined on the I3, it also overall just sounds better with bass however it doesn't have the slam that the bass of the RAH has.
Soundstage is better on the I3, the RAH despite having vents still sounds like an I'm whereas the i3 sounds far 'bigger.
Treble and miss on the i3 are also more detailed and smooth.

Bear in mind though that the RAH is half the price and is a totally different type of earphone, almost seems unfair to compare them.

I'm in self isolation for 12 weeks and working from home so I'm going to have more time to spend comparing the two.

 

[Ant92]

The bass is more detailed and refined on the I3, it also overall just sounds better with bass however it doesn't have the slam that the bass of the RAH has.
Soundstage is better on the I3, the RAH despite having vents still sounds like an I'm whereas the i3 sounds far 'bigger.
Treble and miss on the i3 are also more detailed and smooth.

Bear in mind though that the RAH is half the price and is a totally different type of earphone, almost seems unfair to compare them.

I'm in self isolation for 12 weeks and working from home so I'm going to have more time to spend comparing the two.

Yeh same. Thanks for the comparison. I'm looking for the comfort of an iem that can give that big sound headphone feel with deep bass (i plan to watch films with these as well) and a smooth non fatiguing sound signature. Would these fit that description?

 

[Vitandus]

My combo of Fiio M15 with the LCD I3 has meant no other earphone gets a look in now. Stunning earphones

Are you using an app on the M15 for PEQ?

 

[Monstieur]

I’ve traded messages with @KMann about it. He posited that a DAP/DAC along with good EQ would be superior to the cipher. I’ve tried EQing until cross eyed but, again, it’s the feeling of “depth” I just found missing. The series does require EQ - I find it odd that folks think that an expensive cable alone will remediate that need.

The Cipher cable is current limited due to Apple specifications for the Lightning Audio Module. The only time this is an issue is if the volume is too high. You can instead use the Reveal+ plugin on a PC with a more powerful amp. In any case either the Cipher DSP or Reveal+ plugin is required or the headphone is incomplete.

I've given the Cipher cable a good period of time with an Iphone X and it doesnt sound in the same league as when I use with my DAP. Not all DAP discussion is BS

It's like the guys who say "cables only transmit electrical current. BS. There is a huge difference in sound between cables. And DACS. My i3's with my Xduoo 05 plus--with the Burson chip and the PW Audio no. 10--sounded WAY better than the Cipher . I just received the ISN AG8 cable. Huge improvement over the PW. Go ahead and use the Cipher---I do--it's convenient and sounds great. When I'm sitting down listening I use the other stuff. The difference in soundstage ,layering, and instrument placement is amazing. Unless you don't have ears. Which apparently applies to some.

A complete misunderstanding of what the Cipher cable does, and a flawed apples to oranges comparison with a neutral source. The Cipher cable imparts a tuning by design and obviously sounds different from a DAP. You cannot make the headphone "better" with an inferior EQ (or no EQ). The best you can do is use the Reveal+ plugin with a better amp, and then add EQ on top of it to your preference.

If you have N DAPs or cables which sound different within their operating parameters, at least N-1 of them are defective.