[Norman314]

How does one hook an LCD2 into a portable amp? The LCD2s that I tried at a recent meet all had the big 1/4" plugs that are too big to plug directly into a portable amp. Is the stock LCD2 plug convertible to a thinner plug? Or do you have to get some sort of converter hardware, and if so, where do you buy it?

 

[grokit]

You get an aftermarket cable with a 3.5mm plug, or an adapter like Grado makes.
 

 

[Norman314]

Thanks

 

[zilch0md]

Hi grokit,
 
Quote:

I've heard great things about the LCD-2/71B combo. What about the iBasso PB1/PB2 balanced portables, did you get a chance to compare?

 
You've probably found information elsewhere, by now, but when I last visited this thread, I was still using the Meier Stepdance -> LCD-2.  
 
For several months now, I've been using the iBasso PB2 with LME49990 op-amps + HA5002 buffers, powered with the maximum permissible 16-Volts from an Energizer XP8000 lithium-ion battery pack connected via an XPAL WI16 inline voltage regulator cable.
 
I'm using the PB2 balanced out to the LCD-2 rev.1 via Toxic Cables' Silver Poison.
 
I'm really thrilled with the 16V powered, transportable, iBasso PB2.  The increase in power relative to the Meier Stepdance is obvious, and thanks to the upgraded op-amps, it sounds very neutral, transparent, and detailed, without color or warmth but not at all dry or thin.  The Silver Poison cables add just enough brightness to compensate the LCD-2's shelved highs and, compared to running single-ended with the stock ADZ-5 cables, they have unveiled the clarity across the entire spectrum.  But it's the added power of running the PB2 balanced out with a regulated 16V external battery pack (vs. the internal 12.6V battery pack), that has made the greatest difference vs. the single-ended Meier Stepdance - greater dynamic range and punch, tighter control of the bass, and perhaps a bit more bass extension, too.  
 
Mike 

 

[swifttal]

Since we've had a few more great portable amps come out I thought I'd give this a bump... Has anyone tried the LCD-2 with the Intruder, RX Mk3, or HiFi-M8?

 

[zilch0md]

Not me, but I'm now using a "transportable" amp with my LCD-2 rev.1 that delivers 5.1 Watts per channel into 50 Ohms...
 
The TBI Audio Millenia MG3, a 24V DC-powered speaker amp that's rated at 32 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms:
 

 

 
 
See this post for pictures of my new "travel rig":  http:http://www.head-fi.org/t/633511/pictures-of-your-portable-rig-part-xvi/7060_20#post_9857369
 
Mike

 

[badgerbimmer]

Portaphile 627x!

 

[swifttal]

Thanks for the additional mentions... the TBI setup looks very tempting. Are you running an external battery pack with it or the AAs?
 
Also have either of you listened to either the intruder (or sr-71b) or HiFi-M8?
 
Thanks again

 

[zilch0md]

Hi swiftal,

Thanks for the additional mentions... the TBI setup looks very tempting. Are you running an external battery pack with it or the AAs?

Also have either of you listened to either the intruder (or sr-71b) or HiFi-M8?

Thanks again

I've not heard the SR71B or the HiFi-M8, but from what I've read about them, the M8 is more neutral - perhaps better for warm headphones.

I'm using a 3600 mAh 6-cell 25.2V LiPo battery to power the TBI Audio Millenia MG3

I've corrected the link I had provided earlier, but I'll just post the contents here:

-----

 
 

 
44.1/16 and 96/24 WAVs on multiple 64GB MicroSD > Sony PCM-M10 Line Out > 24VDC-powered TBI Audio Millenia MG3 (5.1 Watts into 50-Ohm) > TBI Impedance Match > Audeze LCD-2 rev.1
 
 

 
1)  Open the case
2)  Connect headphone cable to the LCD-2's mini-XLRs
3)  Connect the 24VDC LiPo battery and attach alarm/monitor
4)  Connect interconnect cable to Sony PCM-M10
5)  Turn on the TBI Audio Millenia MG3 and listen to music!  
 

 
HPRC 2400F case, with Touch shown for scale.
 
Mike

 

[jjvvcckk]

nice thread. but I still doubt if a portable amp can drive LCD-2 well

 

[zilch0md]

From first-hand experience, the Meier Stepdance and iBasso PB2 can each do a fine job with the LCD-2.

Mike

 

[jjvvcckk]

what about mk2? solo +mk2 is it drive well with LCD-2? if so, i d like to try one..

 

[Rednuht]

  nice thread. but I still doubt if a portable amp can drive LCD-2 well

I've heard the LCD2 with M8 and I think that little amp can do quite a job, of course it might not drive the LCD2 to the best, but in case we are talking about portable, so I think that's Ok

 

[Currawong]

The RX-3 and M8 do surprisingly well with them. 

 

[MusiCol]

The iBasso D10 with Hi Flight's "Top kit" of opamps and buffers drives the LCD-2 very well, and has a good DAC stage onboard. Battery life is a wopping 20 to 30hours too - even when driving the LCD-2!