LCD3 vs Ether Flow

[Faucet_Evangelist]

I am shopping for my next headphone upgrade and wanted to get some opinions before the NYC CanJam. I have owned Fostex TH-X00 and HiFiMAN HE560 in the past and am looking to upgrade to something higher-end. I will be driving them with a Jotunheim w/ phono, which I know probably could use an upgrade to match either of these but that's what I will be using in the short term.

I am also not opposed to LCD2/2C, it seems as though they are quite similar to LCD3 and would save me some money for upgrades elsewhere. Same with Aeon Flow, I'm not sure how they compare to Ether.

Anyway, in my past headphones, as well as others I have tried, I have really enjoyed a good soundstage and punchy bass. The Fostex were too heavy in the low end for me, and the 560s a little too light. I listen mostly to electronic music and alt/indie rock, so the soundstage isn't a hard requirement but I really enjoy it when it's there.

I should mention that I have tried Elear and didn't really care for them. I like Clear (and Utopia) but I think I am looking for something with a bit of a different sound. HD800/800S were too light in the low end and a bit too harsh.

Feel free to recommend any other headphones you think I might be interested in as well! I'd like to stay below $1200 for a used pair. Thanks!

 

[buke9]

You need to ask this question after CanJam. It will be noisy so take that into account. Just have to say was not totally impressed by the Clears. Love the Utopias.

 

[Faucet_Evangelist]

You need to ask this question after CanJam. It will be noisy so take that into account. Just have to say was not totally impressed by the Clears. Love the Utopias.

Good point. I did get to try quite a bit at RMAF, but I have gotten a lot more into the hobby since then and I didn't really know what I was looking for in a pair of headphones at that point. I did enjoy Clear but Utopia is on another level. Unfortunately out of my budget by a bit. Plus, a friend of mine has a pair that I have spent a lot of time listening to, and I want something a little bit different.

 

[poilsoup2]

Have you looked into the aeon flow opens? Innerfidelity removed the ethers from the wall of fame because the flows (he said) sounded so similar at a cheaper price point

Edit: I see you mentioned the aeons, i missed that. I own the flow c's and really like them. I think I like my lcd2's a bit more. Id say the lcd2 are a bit more open sounding and better in the uppers n mids. (NOte: I have pre-Fazors)

 

[Faucet_Evangelist]

Have you looked into the aeon flow opens? Innerfidelity removed the ethers from the wall of fame because the flows (he said) sounded so similar at a cheaper price point

Edit: I see you mentioned the aeons, i missed that. I own the flow c's and really like them. I think I like my lcd2's a bit more. Id say the lcd2 are a bit more open sounding and better in the uppers n mids. (NOte: I have pre-Fazors)

Thanks for the input! As I'm doing more research I suspect LCD2 or 2C would probably suit my tastes better than Aeon/Ether. I definitely will spend some time comparing them at the show this weekend!

 

[mtmercer]

Have you looked into the aeon flow opens? Innerfidelity removed the ethers from the wall of fame because the flows (he said) sounded so similar at a cheaper price point

Edit: I see you mentioned the aeons, i missed that. I own the flow c's and really like them. I think I like my lcd2's a bit more. Id say the lcd2 are a bit more open sounding and better in the uppers n mids. (NOte: I have pre-Fazors)

Adding my personal preference, I much prefer the Ether Flow Open to the Aeon Flow Open. AFO is a good headphone no doubt, but is more closed in than the EFO. I also prefer the frequency response of the EFO. I sold my AFO and purchased a used pair of EFO.

 

[Faucet_Evangelist]

Adding my personal preference, I much prefer the Ether Flow Open to the Aeon Flow Open. AFO is a good headphone no doubt, but is more closed in than the EFO. I also prefer the frequency response of the EFO. I sold my AFO and purchased a used pair of EFO.

That's good to hear, I didn't really like Aeon that much when I tried them.