LPGT Ti Impressions post
It took me a while to decide what I want to really say about the LPGT Ti - at 3600$ it is in a very particular DAP price bracket, where it has relatively few direct competitors - only ones I've tried would probably be the SP2000, the LPGT and the P6 Pro. I thought the SP2000 was terrible, the P6P too dark, LPGT just right but ended up going for the PAW6000 as daily, so really this will be a post just on the LPGT Ti without as much comparison.
The LPGT Ti is well, bright. There's no getting around that, the original LPGT was my golden standard for neutrality, the PAW6000 I'd place as neutral with a hint of decay and warmth for a little more enjoyability, and then there's the Ti which is like a cold, relentless winter. No decay, relatively little bass, loads of upper treble, a fair bit of upper midrange forwardness - it's saved by the fact that it's also the most technical DAP I've tried, with massive soundstage expansion in all directions and detail for days (through both tuning and dynamics).
While "bright" would be my one word TLDR, this isn't to be mistaken with harsh Imo - at no point does the LPGT Ti push any of my IEMs close to sibilance the same way the OG LPGT would dodge all lower treble peaks. Vocals, while forward, are never shouty or harsh either (at least from my IEMs, but those tend to be pretty upper-mid relaxed as is), so while it definitely is a treble-head territory DAP, I don't think Lotoo have gone overboard on the brightness in the tuning. It's also worth noting that the 3.5 is almost identical to the OG LPGT in tuning from memory, so if you have access to a pigtail/adapter you can go for the more treble-relaxed output depending on preference.
The soundstage on it is truly remarkable, and I've never heard anything like it compared to any DAP I've tried. Listening to the Kr5 off the LPGT Ti regularly makes me look around me because the sounds come from so far away I get surprised it's actually the IEMs. That effect is further boosted by the top-tier separation and pitch-black background.
On the negatives - really just the bass imo. The brightness is more of a tuning choice that won't agree with a lot of people, but its execution is flawless - I am however missing a little bass impact as a more "objective" complaint. The low end suckout works really well with something like the Xe6 which has heavy impact as is, and I can imagine it being an excellent pairing with something like the Thummim too, almost as a band aid - paired with the Kr5 however, the result is just too bass light - it works well with some genres, and I often use them together, but the pairing just doesn't feel optimal all around.
The LPGT Ti does get a recommendation from me, but a cautious one. If you're someone like me that heavily values technical ability over musicality, comfortable recommendation - there's also a certain pride and comfort in ownership - the build quality is outrageous, and Lotoo DAPs never really get outdated - the LPGT has been around pretty much since I've been in the hobby and it's still relevant to say the least, and AFAIK there won't be any TOTL DAP release for a while still. I spam Hanako regularly asking for new releases since I've owned the LPGT 3 times, the Ti once and the PAW6000 twice, as well as maybe 4 PAW S1s, but I'm more glad than anything that when they release something I know it's going to be current for more than 4 months (looking at you iBasso, Hiby, FiiO, Shanling etc etc)
The other situation where the LPGT Ti gets a more universal recommendation from me is if your collection is already based on warm IEMs - the pairing with the Xe6 and Aeneid is straight up phenomenal, and quite possibly the most balanced and refined portable sound I've ever experienced. The combination of the brightness of the Ti and the excessive warmth of the Xe6 just accomplishes a perfect middle ground.
Lotoo fanboyism to be continued <3
Only if the EU dealers get their stock now.
