I didn't find any appreciable difference between the 300 and the 300XS with headphones. It's important to note that there is no headphone "section". It's just a switch that takes a different tap of the output transformer versus the one that goes to the speakers. But it's the exact same amp for headphones or speakers other than the impedance of the output transformer winding.
No chance you got to try them both with speakers as well is there? The specs only really state 3wpc more and I'd like to think there's a bit more to it than that.
No chance you got to try them both with speakers as well is there? The specs only really state 3wpc more and I'd like to think there's a bit more to it than that.
Thanks for clarification.
I am very surprised to hear that. I too started out with the LCD2r1s and loved them. I then moved up to the LCD3-s and it brought everything to a new level. Regarding the Leben's ability to power them, while I used to listen with the volume control at 9 o'clock it is now 1 click closer to 10 o'clock. The difference is really minor although the LCD-3s do need a tad more power. However, I have never felt them were under powered. I would go deaf if I ever cranked it even close to 12 o'clock.
I had read (but have no way to confirm) that newer Lebens had reduced power into the headphone out. I'm not really sure if it's true, if it is exactly what they would have done (dropping resistor?) or if that could be your problem, but like Minches, my CS300 has no issue driving the LCD-3 to beyond levels at which I listen (I listen at safe levels, however, average of 80dB A weighted).
My CS-300XS was produced in Sept. 2011. There is absolutely no lack of power with headphones. Pushing the volume over 10:00 is just painful and destructive.
This makes me wonder if the issue is not one related to the source. If you're not getting adequate volume, you may have a unit in disrepair (unlikely), worn tubes (possible), or low input gain caused by the source (probable).
Yikes that loud! I've had the unveil treatment done to mine as well but 10 on the dial is as high as I've ever gone (I'm usually just under 9:30). At 10 I'd get a ear ache with any kind of prolonged listening. Where are you on the dial with other headphones?
Yikes that loud! I've had the unveil treatment done to mine as well but 10 on the dial is as high as I've ever gone (I'm usually just under 9:30). At 10 I'd get a ear ache with any kind of prolonged listening. Where are you on the dial with other headphones?
I actually listen to the LCD3 just under 10, but i find a lack of presence of voices and an over pronounced bass, which is very close to a 'spitting' effect. When i push the volume past 10, its like not much happens to the actual volume level, but the spitting effect increases until i reach 11:30 / 12 where there is high distortion.
When i use the HD800, anything past 9:30 is extremely loud, but there is no distortion and a regular increase in volume level, no difference in layering presence (voices seem as present as medium or bass).
Either my source is underpowered for the LCD3 (its 2V output) or my LCD3's have a problem.
1) The CS300XS used to be produced with two diferent verions headphone-wise:
Email from Leben
[size=13.333333015441895px]In the past there were two types of CS-300X, one has 1000mW headphone[/size][size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px]output, and the other has 800mW for high efficiency headphones.[/size][size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px]Please refer to the attached schematic diagram for CS-300X.[/size][size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px]There is 270ohms [/size][size=13.333333015441895px]resistor[/size][size=13.333333015441895px] at the headphone out.[/size][size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px]By replacing this [/size][size=13.333333015441895px]resistor[/size][size=13.333333015441895px] by 1K ohms(30W) [/size][size=13.333333015441895px]resistor[/size][size=13.333333015441895px], the headphone[/size][size=13.333333015441895px][/size]
[size=13.333333015441895px]output will be reduced to 800mW.[/size]
I had read (but have no way to confirm) that newer Lebens had reduced power into the headphone out. I'm not really sure if it's true, if it is exactly what they would have done (dropping resistor?) or if that could be your problem, but like Minches, my CS300 has no issue driving the LCD-3 to beyond levels at which I listen (I listen at safe levels, however, average of 80dB A weighted).
I'm not familiar with the CS600. But the CS300 is transformer coupled. It's possible to have an output that high, I suppose, but very, very unlikely.
My understanding, based on piecing together various bits of information, including several emails from Leben, is that the headphone out is a 32ohm winding from the output transformer. The Leben designer has stated that the CS300's headphone out was "optimized for a 32 ohm headphone impedance", and there is no doubt that the headphone out is a secondary winding of the output transformer.
2 Vrms is well within spec for unbalanced RCA connections (perhaps a bit low, but I think most consumer gear is, so quite normal). If you have access to a digital multimeter I would measure them, but based on your results with other phones it sounds like a problem with your LCD-3s.
ok i don't get it. I just received and installed my new Accuphase preamp. The headphone output level is a standard 2V (40 ohm) with a + or - 10db setting.
I was expecting the same results, an underpowered LCD3 compared to the HD800 but.....The HD800 actually needs more power on the volume knob than the LCD3 !! Out of 10, i can't use the LCD3 above 4 without destroying my ears, while that is the comfortable listening level for the HD800.
Are you saying that is the result using the headphone out of the Accuphase?
All that means is that the Accuphase is much more comfortable driving the 50 ohm load of the LCD-3 than the 300 ohm (plus) load of the HD-800. The HD-800 boast the much higher efficiency rating, but the efficiency rating is at 1 kHz, as is the impedance rating, and the HD-800 are much higher than 300 ohms impedance throughout much of the bass region, and are likely much less efficient there too, I suspect.
Are you saying that is the result using the headphone out of the Accuphase?
All that means is that the Accuphase is much more comfortable driving the 50 ohm load of the LCD-3 than the 300 ohm (plus) load of the HD-800. The HD-800 boast the much higher efficiency rating, but the efficiency rating is at 1 kHz, as is the impedance rating, and the HD-800 are much higher than 300 ohms impedance throughout much of the bass region, and are likely much less efficient there too, I suspect.
But shouldn't that be the same rule for any amp, Leben included ? How to explain the Leben driving the HD800 easily (10 on the volume max) and struggling with the LCD3 ?
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