[abvolt]

I agree with @doggiemom the sound stage is bigger I feel a balanced cable is the only way to listen with this amp..enjoy

 

[Th3Drizzl3]

so with the current batch of lcx going out are they still using the terrible black finish that turns white if u stare at it to hard? I have one of the first 500 and compared to my cth the finish is terrible.

 

[SamusAran]

Funny you mention that because my CTH is that way, but my LCX doesn't mark up and turn white like my CTH does. I'm not sure if it's over 500. But I did read something on the MD discussion about the finish problem for the LCX+SDAC dropping now: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdr...k/2112849?utm_source=linkshare&referer=N47VNG

 

[Bazirker]

so with the current batch of lcx going out are they still using the terrible black finish that turns white if u stare at it to hard? I have one of the first 500 and compared to my cth the finish is terrible.

Odd, because my CTH is that way. Love that amp but damn do I hate the white marks.

 

[SpeedSmith]

Odd, because my CTH is that way. Love that amp but damn do I hate the white marks.

Same here...CTH is visibly a lighter shade of black when compared to the LCX. My LCX is the first release of the LCX + SDAC (serial 0055). So I'd say any of the newer models have the alternate black chassis.

Also my initial impression is that the SE vs Balanced output is not as noticeable a difference as high vs low gain. Low gain is muddy even on my low impedance/easier to drive cans. I've been running everything on high gain so far. But I should say that this amp is better (more resolving) over balanced (just use high gain too).

Cans tested so far...Audeze LCD-X (thumbs up), Elear (liked it but think the LCX brings out the lack of oomph in the 4k region - I like the Elears on the CTH better), Clear (borrowed - thumbs up), and HD650x (Thumbs up - though we did notice some tracks had resolution challenges - crashing of the sound - in particular Ray LaMontagne's Goodbye Blue Sky). All cans were compared using balanced cables. So the HD650x issue may have been the Venture Electronics balanced cable we were using or the LCX amp is good enough to start showing resolution weaknesses in my cans. I'm thinking the former...

Result of testing: I need to rob a bank so I can get my hands on Focal Clears. Also surprised that the LCX is a little dark sounding than expected. But I like it even with my relatively dark selection of cans.

Disclaimer: My ears aren't perfect, so YMMV.

 

[SpeedSmith]

Same here...CTH is visibly a lighter shade of black when compared to the LCX. My LCX is the first release of the LCX + SDAC (serial 0055). So I'd say any of the newer models have the alternate black chassis.

Also my initial impression is that the SE vs Balanced output is not as noticeable a difference as high vs low gain. Low gain is muddy even on my low impedance/easier to drive cans. I've been running everything on high gain so far. But I should say that this amp is better (more resolving) over balanced (just use high gain too).

Cans tested so far...Audeze LCD-X (thumbs up), Elear (liked it but think the LCX brings out the lack of oomph in the 4k region - I like the Elears on the CTH better), Clear (borrowed - thumbs up), and HD650x (Thumbs up - though we did notice some tracks had resolution challenges - crashing of the sound - in particular Ray LaMontagne's Goodbye Blue Sky). All cans were compared using balanced cables. So the HD650x issue may have been the Venture Electronics balanced cable we were using or the LCX amp is good enough to start showing resolution weaknesses in my cans. I'm thinking the former...

Result of testing: I need to rob a bank so I can get my hands on Focal Clears. Also surprised that the LCX is a little dark sounding than expected. But I like it even with my relatively dark selection of cans.

Disclaimer: My ears are perfect, so YMMV.

Forgot to mention...The DAC used for this was a Modi 2 Uber. Need to try my Mimby next and then the SDAC.

 

[Bazirker]

Forgot to mention...The DAC used for this was a Modi 2 Uber. Need to try my Mimby next and then the SDAC.

What did you think about the hd650 with the CTH versus the lcx? I'm considering jumping on the lcx drop right now but I already have a CTH to pair with my hd6xx.

 

[UNOE]

For what it is worth (which may not be much), I bought this amp for use in an earbuds setup......... as much as I love full sized cans, sometimes I don't want the weight on my head or am too lazy to get the computer going or whatever.......

Most earbuds are 3.5mm SE, but lately more models have become available in 2.5 or 3.5 mm TRRS. Using the same TRRS-terminated earbuds with this amp in 2 configurations:
- TRRS>3.5mm SE>1/4" to SE out
-TRRS>4-pin XLR to balanced out
results in the balanced out being more rewarding: fuller soundstage and more 'musical' sounding.

In either case, admittedly there are adapters involved and the earbuds cost is <$200, so YRMV.

I've also tried the ZMF Vibros with balanced cables on the Massdrop x Liquid Carbon as well as with the Liquid Gold......... nod to the LAu (though using a different source, DAC, interconnects etc), but for the price point the LC is respectable and is very, very enjoyable. Law of diminishing returns.

I'm surprised earbuds can handle this power without hissing on Balanced it is 2.8W @ 50 ohms

 

[SpeedSmith]

What did you think about the hd650 with the CTH versus the lcx? I'm considering jumping on the lcx drop right now but I already have a CTH to pair with my hd6xx.

I really like my HD6xx's with the CTH. Given I've not had the LCX long enough, it's difficult for me to give a recommendation on if you'll like the LCX with your Sennheisers. But let me see if I can do some A-B testing tonight and circle back.

 

[UNOE]

I really like my HD6xx's with the CTH. Given I've not had the LCX long enough, it's difficult for me to give a recommendation on if you'll like the LCX with your Sennheisers. But let me see if I can do some A-B testing tonight and circle back.

I think its important to point out if your using it with SE or balanced.

 

[SpeedSmith]

I think its important to point out if your using it with SE or balanced.

Good point I'll A-B with SE. Then add balanced on the LCX to re-confirm my previous experience. Sadly, life has gotten in the way of a good listening session tonight. I'm hoping to have more time tomorrow. Stay tuned.

 

[doggiemom]

I'm surprised earbuds can handle this power without hissing on Balanced it is 2.8W @ 50 ohms

No problem! A number of the "TOTL" earbuds are high impedance these days. Earbuds have really come a long way. I use them at work because I need to be able to hear what's going on around me, and sometimes people try to talk to me.

 

[SpeedSmith]

What did you think about the hd650 with the CTH versus the lcx? I'm considering jumping on the lcx drop right now but I already have a CTH to pair with my hd6xx.

Finally got some more time on the LCX last night. I think it's still evolving some. I originally didn't find the LCX and HD6xx to be the best of matches. But that's changed and I'm sadly not sure if it's because I've grown used to it or that the amp is still burning in? I have less that 25 hours on the thing so far...so not a ton of time. Although I'm used to needing to burn-in tubes which is of course not a consideration here.

Anyway..on to my thoughts (standard disclaimer, I have relatively older ears (45+ yrs) that have been abused by loud cars - YMMV). If budget allows, the CTH and LCX can co-exist nicely in a collection. They are different enough experiences and cater to slightly different use cases. The CTH is a fun, easy to listen too amp. I find myself just enjoying the music on the CTH vs analyzing the music on the LCX. The CTH adds that tubey goodness that seems to just work with the Sennheiser HD line. The LCX resolves the music better, has less roll off on the highs, more extension on the lows which sometimes make it sound like a darker amp depending on the source material - bass goes deep. This can sometimes cause my 6xx's to bloom on the low end (especially with modern recordings with muddier tracks and darker voices like Ray LaMontagne's new album). It also causes the 6xx to lose a little resolution up high causing cymbals and the upper registers of guitar and voice to crash. But with older (read: less dynamic) recordings, the LCX brings out parts of the music I had never noticed before. So if your music collection is all over the map like mine and you have some older stuff that you want to experience differently (I'd say better), then get the LCX. Just don't expect a huge difference...it's all nuances. During my listening session, I went back n' forth between the two amps preferring some tracks on one vs the other...usually based on either the bass blooming or treble crashing some. I found the 6xx with sultry female voices to be a treat on the LCX (Melissa Etheridge Tracy Chapman, Tracey Thorn aka Everything but the Girl). Whereas Elle King and Florence + the Machine needed the smoothness of the CTH. Of interesting note, I'd list Hannah Reid from London Grammar as a sultry voice, but her range is off the hook and certain tracks could go either way on these two amps.

A word on the use of balanced cables... For the purposes of this listening session I based all of my thoughts on using the SE ouputs only. Once I switched to balanced on the LCX, things went (slightly) next level. The already resolving LCX became more so. There was more of everything, but in particular there was more air or expanse (The gated reverb on Melissa Etheridge's voice on the Brave and Crazy album was well...crazy good). Of course with more of everything, there was potential for good and bad. While mostly good, the balanced output also punctuated any flaws in the recordings or in the limitations of the headphones. I think this was why I initially preferred my other cans over the Sennheiser 6xx on the LCX. During that extended session I used the balanced input exclusively. But once I sorted source material, the music I like on the LCX was even better via the balanced output. Side note: I found on songs that could get overly bloomy in the lower registers on the HD6xx sounded nicer on the HD600 with the balance cable. The 600's are well known to be less dark than the 650. Interestingly the HD600's also reduced the crash in the upper register...weird.

Summary... If I had to boil this down to a couple sentences (and yes, I can be wordy)...I'd say this. The CTH/MD Sennheiser HD6xx is a tough combo to beat. Regardless of headphone choice, the CTH is smoother (but not necessarily warmer) easy to listen to and fun. The LCD is more resolving with a larger and more complex sound stage (but not necessarily brighter - in fact can be darker), but certainly more analytical and nuanced. They can easily co-exist, especially if you like to A-B amps, cans and songs. If budget allows, I'd recommend owning both. Even more so if you plan to own super dynamic cans like the Focal Clears, sensitive IEM's or magnetic planar headphones from Mr Speakers, HifiMan or Audeze. Also it's worth owning a set of balanced cables with the LCX.

Hope I'm not too late on this follow-up and hope this proves helpful.

 

[Zachik]

Finally got some more time on the LCX last night. I think it's still evolving some. I originally didn't find the LCX and HD6xx to be the best of matches. But that's changed and I'm sadly not sure if it's because I've grown used to it or that the amp is still burning in? I have less that 25 hours on the thing so far...so not a ton of time. Although I'm used to needing to burn-in tubes which is of course not a consideration here.

Anyway..on to my thoughts (standard disclaimer, I have relatively older ears (45+ yrs) that have been abused by loud cars - YMMV). If budget allows, the CTH and LCX can co-exist nicely in a collection. They are different enough experiences and cater to slightly different use cases. The CTH is a fun, easy to listen too amp. I find myself just enjoying the music on the CTH vs analyzing the music on the LCX. The CTH adds that tubey goodness that seems to just work with the Sennheiser HD line. The LCX resolves the music better, has less roll off on the highs, more extension on the lows which sometimes make it sound like a darker amp depending on the source material - bass goes deep. This can sometimes cause my 6xx's to bloom on the low end (especially with modern recordings with muddier tracks and darker voices like Ray LaMontagne's new album). It also causes the 6xx to lose a little resolution up high causing cymbals and the upper registers of guitar and voice to crash. But with older (read: less dynamic) recordings, the LCX brings out parts of the music I had never noticed before. So if your music collection is all over the map like mine and you have some older stuff that you want to experience differently (I'd say better), then get the LCX. Just don't expect a huge difference...it's all nuances. During my listening session, I went back n' forth between the two amps preferring some tracks on one vs the other...usually based on either the bass blooming or treble crashing some. I found the 6xx with sultry female voices to be a treat on the LCX (Melissa Etheridge Tracy Chapman, Tracey Thorn aka Everything but the Girl). Whereas Elle King and Florence + the Machine needed the smoothness of the CTH. Of interesting note, I'd list Hannah Reid from London Grammar as a sultry voice, but her range is off the hook and certain tracks could go either way on these two amps.

A word on the use of balanced cables... For the purposes of this listening session I based all of my thoughts on using the SE ouputs only. Once I switched to balanced on the LCX, things went (slightly) next level. The already resolving LCX became more so. There was more of everything, but in particular there was more air or expanse (The gated reverb on Melissa Etheridge's voice on the Brave and Crazy album was well...crazy good). Of course with more of everything, there was potential for good and bad. While mostly good, the balanced output also punctuated any flaws in the recordings or in the limitations of the headphones. I think this was why I initially preferred my other cans over the Sennheiser 6xx on the LCX. During that extended session I used the balanced input exclusively. But once I sorted source material, the music I like on the LCX was even better via the balanced output. Side note: I found on songs that could get overly bloomy in the lower registers on the HD6xx sounded nicer on the HD600 with the balance cable. The 600's are well known to be less dark than the 650. Interestingly the HD600's also reduced the crash in the upper register...weird.

Summary... If I had to boil this down to a couple sentences (and yes, I can be wordy)...I'd say this. The CTH/MD Sennheiser HD6xx is a tough combo to beat. Regardless of headphone choice, the CTH is smoother (but not necessarily warmer) easy to listen to and fun. The LCD is more resolving with a larger and more complex sound stage (but not necessarily brighter - in fact can be darker), but certainly more analytical and nuanced. They can easily co-exist, especially if you like to A-B amps, cans and songs. If budget allows, I'd recommend owning both. Even more so if you plan to own super dynamic cans like the Focal Clears, sensitive IEM's or magnetic planar headphones from Mr Speakers, HifiMan or Audeze. Also it's worth owning a set of balanced cables with the LCX.

Hope I'm not too late on this follow-up and hope this proves helpful.

Very nice write up! I agree that one should (budget allowing) own both. I do
To my ears, differences are NOT huge, but are there, and I agree with your findings: LCX being more resolving vs. CTH having more "fun" or smooth sound signature

 

[abvolt]

I also agree with you're write up @SpeedSmith well said, The LCX is a very enjoyable amp I've noticed that it sounds better the warmer it gets don't know if all SS amps are like that but any time I listen it goes on 20 mins before makes all the difference. Or it could be I'm just used to my wa22 warm-up time is a must for that amp..enjoy