[PLEASE vote] AUDEZ'E LCD-2 vs. Beyerdynamic T1 vs. Sennheiser HD 800 (vs. AUDEZ'E LCD-3)

[Andrew_WOT]

Out of the right source HD800 is something magical and special.
T1 could be more forgiving to the system but SQ wise quite mediocre in comparison, never portrays the material as realistic as HD800.
I still own both and when I have HD800 around, T1 just silently hides in the corner ashamed

, but I do use Beyer in my lesser setup at work, they seem to be more robust than Senn to take the some beating there.
 
LCD-2 - slightly better HD650 with much worse ergonomic, skip, or get Mad Dog if you want to get a taste of orthos.

 

[roskodan]

just a perfect example of how important is to have a capable chain that won't discriminate between headphones at such extent to make the listener deceived
 
the not properly driven cans will be greatly limited and regarded as being inferior

 

[barid]

Quote:

just a perfect example of how important is to have a capable chain that won't discriminate between headphones at such extent to make the listener deceived
 
the not properly driven cans will be greatly limited and regarded as being inferior

 
Probably more like a perfect example of personal preference.

 

[TooPoor]

 Havent heard the LCD3's yet, but I have heard the rest and none of them come close to the HD800, I guess assuming you gear is up to the task... And to the user that 'looks like a dork'... is that a real comment? Are you wearing your HD800's outside your home? If so, please enlighten me on what can properly power them remotely. Sorry, I've never heard a more ridiculous reason for not liking the HD800...

 

[roskodan]

i can understand someone saying, i like this better than that, but sometimes the statements about technical superiority of one can over the other, especially in this range, are just pointless in terms of music enjoyment
 
btw, when i was about a one can setup, the t1 was clearly the one that covered better all my music, later adding the lcd2 and hd800, i cannot say one of the 3 is absolutely better, enjoyed all, but decided that the lcd2 + hd800 combo was clearly more complementary than the t1 with either the lcd2 or hd800, so i let go the t1 to finance other gear
 
eventually a can that could replace the lcd2 and hd800 altogether would be nice
 
or upgrading to lcd3 + hd800 in case that having a lcd2 beside the lcd3 turns to be obsolete
 
or could a lcd3 be obsolete having already the lcd2-hd800 combo
 
guess the next step for me is to audition a lcd3
 
wondering about the next generation flagships too

 

[Canadian411]

I have owned and currently have all above headphones except LCD3 and LCD2r2


If I had to pick one I will go for HD800.
Audeze headphones are NOT comfortable at all to me, serious issue with an angle pad IMO

T1 and HD800 are non angled pads but angled drivers so it's lot more comfortable to wear for longer session.


Cheers,

 

[AnsBjork]

I have been auditioning both the HD800 and the LCD2r2 and it is a tough call... They have quite a different sound signature both pleasing in their own ways. It is hard to choose one when you know that you are going to miss the characteristics of the other. Even if it was done a hundred times before let me state my impressions:

 
HD800 
 
+ Clarity
+ Resolving power (details in the layers)
+ Precise soundstage (too open sometimes if you like more intimacy in the presentation...)

+ Fast response

+ Natural timbres

+ Comfort
+ Rigorous quality control 
+ Replaceable parts
+ Better (and longer) cord than LCD2r2
 
- Aggressive highs
- Fragile paint 
- Higher price than LCD2r2

 
 
LCD2r2
 
+ Lush sound (very pleasing to the ear)
+ Natural timbres
+ Solid build
+ Intimate (closer) presentation
+ Lower price than HD800

 
 

- Darker sound with less detail than HD800
- Not very comfortable, can be downright annoying some times.
- Some quality issues (larger variation between sets and breaking parts)*
 
* These are based from information I gathered on forums but I personally believe that Sennheiser long experience in manufacturing and huge resources give them the upper hand. 
 
I can compare the HD800 to a fresh glass of orange juice and the LCD2 to a hot rich coffee. Both are very good and you may have your personal preference but I crave for an Orange Juice Coffee!

 

In the end I choose the HD800 but sometimes I regret the LCD2r2... I’ve heard that the LCD3 get all the good characteristics of the LCD2 and some of the HD800… But 2000$ ouch!

 

[Canadian411]

  I have been auditioning both the HD800 and the LCD2r2 and it is a tough call... They have quite a different sound signature both pleasing in their own ways. It is hard to choose one when you know that you are going to miss the characteristics of the other. Even if it was done a hundred times before let me state my impressions:

 
HD800 
 
+ Clarity
+ Resolving power (details in the layers)
+ Precise soundstage (too open sometimes if you like more intimacy in the presentation...)

+ Fast response

+ Natural timbres

+ Comfort
+ Rigorous quality control 
+ Replaceable parts
+ Better (and longer) cord than LCD2r2
 
- Aggressive highs
- Fragile paint 
- Higher price than LCD2r2

 
 
LCD2r2
 
+ Lush sound (very pleasing to the ear)
+ Natural timbres
+ Solid build
+ Intimate (closer) presentation
+ Lower price than HD800

 
 

- Darker sound with less detail than HD800
- Not very comfortable, can be downright annoying some times.
- Some quality issues (larger variation between sets and breaking parts)*
 
* These are based from information I gathered on forums but I personally believe that Sennheiser long experience in manufacturing and huge resources give them the upper hand. 
 
I can compare the HD800 to a fresh glass of orange juice and the LCD2 to a hot rich coffee. Both are very good and you may have your personal preference but I crave for an Orange Juice Coffee!

 

In the end I choose the HD800 but sometimes I regret the LCD2r2... I’ve heard that the LCD3 get all the good characteristics of the LCD2 and some of the HD800… But 2000$ ouch!

 
Get both
 
But if you are limited to one headphone I think you made the right choice. LCD2 is not comfortable at all, especially with the pivot placement of the yoke and the angled pads.  The leather pads on Audeze are very sticky during the summer time. Vegan will be the choice for Audeze headphones.
 
HD800, is way more comfortable and extracts more detail than LCD2 IMO, that doesn't mean LCD2 lacks, it's just different Sound Signature IMO.  
 
Audeze should really start to redesign their next flagship headphones with the angled driver and the bigger earcups to support larger ears.
And at last reduce the weight, perhaps use more aluminum ?

 

[MacedonianHero]

   
Get both
 

 
This is really the most logical solution. 

 

[Dubstep Girl]

   
This is really the most logical solution. 

 
 
+1

 

[preproman]

I'm I the only HE-6 fan on here?
 
MH - don't you even start..

 

 

[DefQon]

HE-7 fan here. Come at me. 

 

[preproman]

  HE-7 fan here. Come at me. 

 

  Can't wait 
 

 

[G600]

Very interesting poll and reviews.
Helpful to choose the ones to hear in priority.
 
Anyway, still in a desperate needing of an LCD-2 

 

[tamleo]

  .. from what I've read the newer line of r.2's sound different to the old Rosewoods as well.
 

Hi,
What is the difference?

Can you give me the links? Thanks