I have pretty much read through this thread.
I have posted the same in the LCD2C thread looking for answers from both camps:
I am considering buying these headphones, but I am at a phase where I am trying to collect as many first hand experiences as possible.
I am a one headphone guy for several reasons, wouldn't go into it. AFO/LCD2C is pretty much the highest end of my wallet.
For 18 months I own the Nighthawks. I know, it is a very controversial pair of headphones, but I like it a lot. Once your brain adjusts to the sound and you have a proper DAC, it is very likeable. Organic, lush, smooth, natural. Good depth. I like my bass, so the bass quantity the NH gives is sufficient for me. Mids are organic and lifelike due to the biocellulose membrane. Highs are natural, but quite laid back. People who need sparkle or shiny treble hate NH by default. I like it as I am pretty treble sensitive, I hear nothing over 15k.
Since I know NH will be discontinued, after the initial thought of buying a second pair the upgraditis bug bit me and I had a look around what else is available which might be a subjective upgrade for me over my beloved NH.
After reading and watching the available reviews and considering my wallet the choice basically came down for the Aeon Flow Open and the LCD2C.
Unfortunately here in the UK it is not as easy to try out all these headphones before purchase as it is in the USA hence I am asking around on the forums.
In the past I owned X00. I loved that bass, still miss it. NH was a compromise on bass compared to X00. But the treble on the Fostex was piercing to me, fatiguing almost painful. Also the sound is cramped, too much in your face. I need a more laid back sound. X2 was mentioned in this thread. I did like them a few years ago a lot, but there are superior cans. And although the bass quantity was quite good, it did roll off as it does with almost all open cans.
I listen to all sorts of music, vocals too, but maybe 60% of my music is ambient, electronica, downtempo, slower type of EDM where bass and sub-bass is important. I do love lush and lifelike mids, I don't mind if mids are slightly forward. I am treble sensitive, so I need a laid back and smooth treble which is rather natural than sparky.
AFC might be better for EDM due to the closed bass, but I read everywhere that AFO is superior to AFC. So I need to decide between AFO and LCD2C.
I don't mind a little coloration, I don't want my headphones to be audio microscopes for detail hunting. I also prefer a little excitement over neutrality. I want to enjoy my music and get lost in it instead of monitoring. I want fun and happy hours instead of a precise measurement graph.
I am a bit worried about the AFO's initially harsh treble, and TBH I don't really want to play around with filters. I also hate EQ-ing. For me a headphone should be ready to enjoy as they come out from the factory.
So, here I am hopefully provided enough background for you to give me a useful advice. AFO or LCD2C? Or I shouldn't bother and keep the NH? (unlikely)
I do love the comfort of my NHs. Lightweight and the most comfortable headphones I have ever touched. I am a bit worried of the Audeze weight. This held me back from trying any of their headphones before. Some consider the 2C an improvement, some still complain, so this pushes me towards the AFO.
Might worth mentioning too, that my first and only introduction to planars was the 400s. (Not the i.) I was utterly disappointed by the lack of character and total lack of bass. Voices were nice and natural, but that's about it. I know the LCDs are on another planar level, but thought I share to give a better picture of my preferences.
I am really excited about the LCD2C at the moment, but don't want to miss out the AFO if that is better for my taste.
Here in the UK however the Aeons cost 25% more than the LCD2Cs, so that is another factor.
I will use my beloved Chord Mojo which I prefer even to the iDSD BL due to its more natural sound. Many like this combo with the LCD2Cand AFO so I am not worried about that. (Although some say they wouldn't use Mojo to drive neither the LCD2C nor the AFO.)
Thanks for any replies and happy listening!