[ButtUglyJeff]

  So I've got my Audeze LCD-2 and here are the quick thoughts.
 
It's true - they really are HD650 on steroids - overall signature is very similar, but they sound bigger, everything feels bigger, like 1.5x scale compared to HD650. 
 
Soundstage is a bit more wide and open. Slightly more treble details, but not at the expense of the listening comfort. And again, they sound BIG without any effort whatsoever - I can crank the volume up and they absolutely deliver without screaming into my eardrums. Mids are very similar to HD650, almost the same - great. Can't tell any difference so far. Bass is not stronger than HD650, but definitely more textured and reaching a bit lower...
 
I haven't done the direct comparisons yet, so it's just my quick observation after 15 minutes and few familiar tracks. But while an improvement in all ways (except weight), I can't say they're 3x better than HD650. 

 
I'll probably keep both for now and see what happens after a while.

 
I'm curious as to which LCD-2 you purchased?  I would love to audition a rev 2, then listen to a new one with that "fazor" technology implemented.

 

[Kyno]

   
No, they're weight-wise 2.5x scale compared to HD650. 

Oops... Didn't try it, but that 600g version has to be something for extended use!
 
On another note, I wrote a lot about my HD-650 here recently so I thought I would come back with the conclusion: I sent them back.
 
But it's only to pledge alligeance to the bright side of the force, the HD-600 

 
I had read the poll about both of them and noticed it was almost a tie, I suppose my liking is just on the neutral side of sound. I was afraid there might not be enough bass after reading some comments, but it has plenty to me (far more than the stock AKG K701 for instance). It does sound more neutral/balanced but still very musical, which I really like in both cases.
 
I'll be trying the HD-700 later to see if I don't prefer its signature, the HD-600 could use a little more detail/clarity to my taste, although it's already very good at it is!

 

[madwolfa]

I'm curious as to which LCD-2 you purchased?  I would love to audition a rev 2, then listen to a new one with that "fazor" technology implemented.

I got the newest Fazor version. My impression is that it's related to rev 2 as HD650 to HD600, i.e. has clearer, more detailed top end with more opened sound stage and slightly less bloom on the lower end. My FR chart kinda confirms that - it has 8 dB roll-off right below 30 Hz as compared to relatively flat rev 2. I think it's actually a good thing - normally audio engineers filter out everything below 30 Hz anyway as these frequencies considered to be muddying the record and putting more strain on the reproducing equipment.

Fazor version is also much more efficient and easier to drive.

So in the end it's a matter of preference. I love mine.

 

[madwolfa]

But overall characteristic of the (Fazor) sound signature is the following - it's got HD650's low-mids with HD600's top end. But at a bigger scale, with slightly wider soundstage, better imaging and more details all through. It sounds more natural and comfortable. What really striked me is the quality of acoustic piano - even HD600/650 doesn't come close.

Generally I think rev 2 is going to be closer to HD650. Hope that helps.

 

[madwolfa]

I have noticed another thing - binaural recordings sound much better on HD650. On Audeze it's muffled and flat, something is off.

 

[MattTCG]

Is this now the lcd2 thread? 

 

[madwolfa]

Is this now the lcd2 thread? 

Not really, but I wanted to give a better perspective for long-time Sennheiser owners (like myself) as it seems that LCD-2 is a natural upgrading path for those loving HD600/650 sound signature. Nothing really came close to this before Audeze.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

  Oops... Didn't try it, but that 600g version has to be something for extended use!
 
On another note, I wrote a lot about my HD-650 here recently so I thought I would come back with the conclusion: I sent them back.
 
But it's only to pledge alligeance to the bright side of the force, the HD-600 

 
I had read the poll about both of them and noticed it was almost a tie, I suppose my liking is just on the neutral side of sound. I was afraid there might not be enough bass after reading some comments, but it has plenty to me (far more than the stock AKG K701 for instance). It does sound more neutral/balanced but still very musical, which I really like in both cases.
 
I'll be trying the HD-700 later to see if I don't prefer its signature, the HD-600 could use a little more detail/clarity to my taste, although it's already very good at it is!

 
So does the 600 sound a lot less veiled in the highs than 650? I have 650 and LCD2.2 and there is no contest, imo, with 2.2 outplaying 650 for my classical and rock music. Amazing clarity without sonic fatigue whatsoever (but i do get heavyweight fatigue from the 650g weight of 2.2!).
 
Is 600 worth the $ if already have 650 and two great amps (BHA-1 bal, Soloist)?
 
cheers

 

[MattTCG]

   
So does the 600 sound a lot less veiled in the highs than 650? I have 650 and LCD2.2 and there is no contest, imo, with 2.2 outplaying 650 for my classical and rock music. Amazing clarity without sonic fatigue whatsoever (but i do get heavyweight fatigue from the 650g weight of 2.2!).
 
Is 600 worth the $ if already have 650 and two great amps (BHA-1 bal, Soloist)?
 
cheers

 
650 and 600 are WAY to close in the presentation to have both IMHO. Closer than you'd probably think. 

 

[madwolfa]

So does the 600 sound a lot less veiled in the highs than 650? I have 650 and LCD2.2 and there is no contest, imo, with 2.2 outplaying 650 for my classical and rock music. Amazing clarity without sonic fatigue whatsoever (but i do get heavyweight fatigue from the 650g weight of 2.2!).

Is 600 worth the $ if already have 650 and two great amps (BHA-1 bal, Soloist)?

cheers

LCD-2 with Fazor is very similar to HD600 on the top end, maybe slightly more rounded/less fatiguing, but the signature is the same. You may like it, but LCD definitely has more body and low end grunt (closer to 650).

 

[CanadianMaestro]

   
650 and 600 are WAY to close in the presentation to have both IMHO. Closer than you'd probably think. 

This is what I thought from reading some older reviews. Even with the silver drivers. Some people cannot tell the difference when A/B is done. 600 supposedly more neutral, less dark than 650.

 

[Solrighal]

I haven't heard the 600 but from all I've read I think cutting the bass slightly on the 650 turns it into a 600. More or less.

 

[madwolfa]

I haven't heard the 600 but from all I've read I think cutting the bass slightly on the 650 turns it into a 600. More or less.

 
650 also definitely has more relaxed treble.

 

[Solrighal]

650 also definitely has more relaxed treble.

Fair enough, I didn't know that.

 

[madwolfa]

Fair enough, I didn't know that.

 
Yeah, I've decided to migrate to HD650 (from HD600) for that reason alone.
 
Now surprisingly LCD-2 has as many details in the treble as HD600, but it's not fatiguing at all.