Holeout,
A very sincere "thank you" for sharing your view with respect to these two current "state of the art" players and the SQ improvements with the RWAK240. I was wondering exactly what modified balanced 2.5mm stock cable you used to conduct your listening tests? How was it modified?
Second question: Have you heard the HD800 and ever compared it to the LCD X?
Third question: Do you think the RWAK240 could easily drive (to high volume) either the HD800 or LCD X cans?
Final question: Do you find a SQ difference between the 3.5mm unbalanced and the 2.5mm balanced output? Could you please describe?
Thank you in advance,
Sincerely,
Speedracer1.
You are most welcomed.
1)
I use the stock LCD balanced cable and cut it down to ~ 48 in. and soldered on a 2.5mm TRRS connector to it. Serves well when it want to take the LCDs out on field.
2) The HD800 is predominately my reference and evaluation phone, very revealing and truthful for better or worse. LCD X is more of a leisure phone for me, much easier on hard and software.
3) My RWAK can drive the LCD X / XC to high levels, usually 65 to 67 on the 240 is plenty loud with music files of normal levels. With the HD800, I'll be pushing at 70 (single ended) to get it to listenable levels. On some music, I was pushing close to max at 75 but do notice the distortion. Guess I'm spoilt by the ALO SS and Mass Kobo 394.
4) With the LCD X /XC, I do notice differences between the SE and balanced HP out, IMO in brief:
Treble/Mids - Balanced out has better separation, body and definition; SE out is a touch thinner, a bit less well defined
Bass - Balanced has more extension and control
Stage - Balanced is deeper and wider, better layering
Please note that the differences I heard are subtle and pairing with other phone or iems, mileage may vary.