[VanHai]

Does anyone have experience with planar magnetic headphones with their MZ3? While at the LTA shop last year, I recall listening with (I think, if I recall correctly) a pair of Audeze LCD-4, which were impressive. @jtnt , any input is appreciated!

I have LCD- XC and a bunch of modded Fostex T50RP MK2, MK3, Modhouse Argons. LTA MZ3 can drive them all without any problems at all. Bellow is the spec for Fostex T50RP.

SPECS​

• Driver: Regular Phase (or Orthdynamic)
• Impedance: 50 ohm
• Sensitivity: 92dB (at 1kHz, 1mW)
• Frequency Response: 15Hz – 35kHz
• Maximum Input Power: 3000mW

 

[Rhodey]

Only thing I would caution with planars and amps similar to this is current. The amp may have plenty of watts or in this case, one powerful watt, but current is important for some planars.

 

[David A Silva]

Does anyone have experience with planar magnetic headphones with their MZ3? While at the LTA shop last year, I recall listening with (I think, if I recall correctly) a pair of Audeze LCD-4, which were impressive. @jtnt , any input is appreciated!

I have a pair of DCA Aeon Closed X that play very well on my MZ3.

 

[jamato8]

It works extremely well with the Abyss. Open and airy and very good bass. Extremely enjoyable.

 

[JacobLTA]

It works extremely well with the Abyss. Open and airy and very good bass. Extremely enjoyable.

We just took in a pair of Diana MR today and, at first listen, this is an excellent pairing.

 

[jonathan c]

Does anyone have experience with planar magnetic headphones with their MZ3? While at the LTA shop last year, I recall listening with (I think, if I recall correctly) a pair of Audeze LCD-4, which were impressive. @jtnt , any input is appreciated!

Audeze LCD-X (20 ohms, 120 dB/V) is easily & fantastically driven by MZ3. LCD-4 (200 ohms, 104 dB/V) is a bit of a struggle.

 

[skhan007]

We just took in a pair of Diana MR today and, at first listen, this is an excellent pairing.

Oh nice, I was reading up on those and was interested. Do you guys still have the LCD-3 & LCD-4? Curious how those compare? Maybe I should schedule a time to drive back up.

 

[JacobLTA]

Oh nice, I was reading up on those and was interested. Do you guys still have the LCD-3 & LCD-4? Curious how those compare? Maybe I should schedule a time to drive back up.

We have the LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-4, and LCD-5. I would say that the LCD-X & XC mate best with the MZ3. The LCD-4 & 5 are better suited to the Z10e, imo.

If you're coming from VA, we'll be at the next DC-area meet in a couple of weeks. You're always welcome to schedule a time to visit us in Takoma as well.

 

[George Hincapie]

Does anyone have experience with planar magnetic headphones with their MZ3? While at the LTA shop last year, I recall listening with (I think, if I recall correctly) a pair of Audeze LCD-4, which were impressive. @jtnt , any input is appreciated!

I use Arya Stealth in rotation. They sound excellent with MZ3.

 

[jonathan c]

We have the LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-4, and LCD-5. I would say that the LCD-X & XC mate best with the MZ3. The LCD-4 & 5 are better suited to the Z10e, imo.*****

If you're coming from VA, we'll be at the next DC-area meet in a couple of weeks. You're always welcome to schedule a time to visit us in Takoma as well.

*****

 

[VanHai]

I'll see what I can dig up at LTA HQ and bring it along...

Most likely:

Z10e electrostatic + dynamic headphone amp
Velo headphone amp / preamp
Aero DAC
A variety of headphones from Audeze, ZMF, Meze

LTA will bring the new Aero DAC and Velo amp to our local meet at Burke Library on 2/17/24, It is an opportunity for us to sample new gear.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/dc-...ing Meet At Burke Centre Library On 2/17/2024

 

[skhan007]

It works extremely well with the Abyss. Open and airy and very good bass. Extremely enjoyable.

Agreed! I just got my Abyss 1266⏀ a few days ago and can absolutely confirm that these headphones are driven just fine on the MZ3. Granted, the volume needs to be up higher than my typical setting for my 300 Ω cans, as the 1266⏀ are low impedance and low sensitivity. Like you said, open and airy with very good bass. I'd go so far as to say, likely the most well-defined and resonant bass I've experienced on any headphone to date.

 

[AussieMick]

Agreed! I just got my Abyss 1266⏀ a few days ago and can absolutely confirm that these headphones are driven just fine on the MZ3. Granted, the volume needs to be up higher than my typical setting for my 300 Ω cans, as the 1266⏀ are low impedance and low sensitivity. Like you said, open and airy with very good bass. I'd go so far as to say, likely the most well-defined and resonant bass I've experienced on any headphone to date.

Please can you let us know your usual volume range for your 300 ohm cans, and the range you’re using for the 1266?

 

[skhan007]

Please can you let us know your usual volume range for your 300 ohm cans, and the range you’re using for the 1266?

I can double check with a proper A/B test, but around volume level 25-27 with 300 Ohm headphones and about volume level 35 on the Abyss 1266.

 

[George Hincapie]

I can double check with a proper A/B test, but around volume level 25-27 with 300 Ohm headphones and about volume level 35 on the Abyss 1266.

I must be going deaf - mine run 40-50!