Looking for a powerful Headphone Amp + DAC combo for my LCD-XC

[YSCHER97]

Hi everyone.

I'm from Belgium (Europe) and recently purchased the Audeze LCD-XC. I'm currently looking for a DAC + headphone amp combo that can truly bring out the best in these headphones, especially in terms of deep, powerful bass, punchy midbass, clear and detailed highs, and an overall immersive sound.

I did a demo with the Chord Hugo TT 2, but to my surprise, the bass felt rather underwhelming. I did check out the Yamaha HA-L7A on their website but I have limited technical knowledge therefore I wanted to make this post.

That said, the LCD-XC is known to be quite power hungry, so I’m looking for a high current solution that can drive them with perfectly. I primarily use my setup for:

• Music (electronic, cinematic, ambient, rock/metal, soundtrack)
• Movies
• Gaming (immersion is important)

Budget: up to €4000
Location: Europe (easy EU availability preferred)
Form: DAC + Headphone Amp combo

Any recommendations for a setup that offers powerful slam and clarity would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[dunring]

I just had the Burson Conductor 3 for the loaner tour, the power was always there, being a class A and tuning was so good I couldn't even recommend they change anything. I had the LCD-DX and you just need enough power to bump the bass up and handle a preamp reduction to avoid distortion. A Topping DX9 will do the job, or SMSL DO400. Any are good picks, just up to availability and aesthetics. I think anyone who can afford the Burson Conductor 3 should get one, but it's class A so it's fully powered all the time it's on, no standby. Also the air blows out the sides at 124F measured with a laser thermometer. A plus if you have a cold room