LCD-XC + Dekoni Velours
Mar 27, 2019 at 4:08 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 25

omegaorgun

Previously known as FireLion
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I wouldn't have made this post unless it was actually worth writing it. Closed back Audeze owners need to read this. Some say the LCD-XC is the worst Audeze, I did note that it had some harshness in the upper mids and highs.
I was then reading through a post and a few members had got the Dekoni velour pads and in one case there was a user @cskippy who took a measurement before and after fitting Dekoni veolours on an LCD2C where the treble was looking much more even with added mid bass at the expense of some sub bass and here is his graph.(hope you don't mind me showing it here). :L3000:
9938196_l.png


The effect might actually be even greater on the LCD-XC being closed (semi) cans now more air can pass therough.To my ears the sound is much more lush and it's an absolute joy to listen to them, in fact I actually kind of get excited before putting them on.
The harshness in the upper mid and treble region is diminished and there is added mid-bass much like what it did for the LCD2C above to my ears at least. The sound stage is also wider almost rivaling a T50RP Argon which is supposed to be one of the widest sounding headphones out there.

I even put off giving my new EMU teaks some play time as the sound is so addictive on these. I also generally prefer lambskins on my headphones but in this case I am unable to put them back on as it's so darn good.

You will get the usual Dekoni box and 3m adhesive rings already applied. The clamp force was increased but after having them on that gets better as the memory foam settles.
EDIT! this clampforce is more apparent due to the pads being wider and there is a design flaw with some of the Audeze suspension headbands as it does not distribute the weight correctly.
I will have a custom headband soon and it should alleviate any weight distribution issues.


I also tried the Audeze protein leathers and they were very bright and I had them on for all of 10 minutes.The effect fabric pads have on closed back Audeze's is very good and i am surprised that they don't ship with them like this from the factory.
Another thing to note is the LCD also benefits from some EQ but even with a flat setting the sound is fairly neutral sounding and not in any way harsh.

I'll leave you with a few pics and would like to hear back from Audeze owners especially closed-back's if they decide to roll these pads. If you need the actual graph for the XC please PM me.

 
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Mar 28, 2019 at 4:00 PM Post #5 of 25
People also seem to report wider soundstage on 2C with velours. Very similar in bass response as well. Highs I have read some mixed opinions on that.

That's probably subjective, but we found velours comfier.
 
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Apr 1, 2019 at 12:15 PM Post #8 of 25
How much is leakage/isolation with the Velours and closed backs?

I use the Dekoni LCD Velours on my EL-8s and HE-400is, they're really fantastic pads.
 
Apr 1, 2019 at 4:09 PM Post #9 of 25
Not great if turned up but I can have an almost flat EQ curve in peace and it's great. I bumped up bass slightly.

LCD-XC - Bass Boost.png

I also want to add that the extended rods improve the comfort by a considerable amount, must be the angle or something as pressure is greatly reduced.
 
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Apr 1, 2019 at 4:14 PM Post #10 of 25
Not great if turned up but I can have an almost flat EQ curve in peace and it's great. I bumped up bass slightly.

I also want to add that the extended rods improve the comfort by a considerable amount, must be the angle or something as pressure is greatly reduced.

Figured as much xD

Those measurements confirm my experiences with switching from the stock protein leather pads on the EL-8 to the lcd velours. significantly smoother treble response. and my experience mirrors yours with an inproved soundstage and imaging as well. I use my Alpha Primes when I need isolation as with the Alpha Pads they have a very smooth response, but I prefer the el8 velour for impact and fullness.

I also removed the stock headpad, made a makeshift headpad, and bent out the metal headband to reduce the clamp.

20180831_234624.jpg 20180831_234728.jpg 20180831_234638.jpg
 
Apr 1, 2019 at 5:30 PM Post #11 of 25
Figured as much xD

Those measurements confirm my experiences with switching from the stock protein leather pads on the EL-8 to the lcd velours. significantly smoother treble response. and my experience mirrors yours with an inproved soundstage and imaging as well. I use my Alpha Primes when I need isolation as with the Alpha Pads they have a very smooth response, but I prefer the el8 velour for impact and fullness.

I also removed the stock headpad, made a makeshift headpad, and bent out the metal headband to reduce the clamp.


That headband looks like an overkill, but then again probably a comfy one!
 
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Apr 1, 2019 at 5:33 PM Post #12 of 25
That headband looks like an overkill, but then again probably a comfy one!
They practically disappear they're so comfortable. A feat for a 450g headphone xD
 
Apr 2, 2019 at 4:59 PM Post #14 of 25
OK, fair enough :ksc75smile:
I had originally tried folding the seat belt cover over an extra time so it was thinner but it still wasn't that comfortable so i just folded it over once with a wider foam pad in there and that did the trick, kind of like the LCD headbands are wider. of course a suspension headband like the lcds would be better, but i couldnt figure out how to do that with the el8s =/
 
Apr 2, 2019 at 5:07 PM Post #15 of 25
in the case of the hifiman he400i the suspension headband had to come off, the lcd velours pushed the cans out to far, again had to reduce the clamp on the metal band. Also awesome for comfort and sound though.
20190402_170444.jpg 20190402_170345.jpg
 

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