Why LCD series can't reduce its weight?

[Champ HkGt]

I Wonder, why Hifiman can do a light weight headphones but Audeze can't. both use same kind of driver "Planar Magnetic". However, LCD series look much better in built quality and materials over the HE series but the "weight problem" is main issue for many user that need some improvement.

I really in love with LCD-X sound but the weight of this can is intolerance (for me). I can't feel relax enjoy my music more than 30 min.

EL-8 Open: 520g
EL-8 Closed: 540g
LCD-2C: 549g***
LCD-2 Bamboo/Shedua: 565g
LCD-2 Rosewood: 585g
LCD-3: 629g
LCD-X: 630g
LCD-XC: 680g
LCD-MX4: 555g
LCD-4: 695g


HE400i : 370g
Shangri La : 374g
HE560 : 375g
Edition X : 399g
HE1000 : 420g
Susvara : 450g
HE6 : 502 g

From this data, the heaviest Hifiman (HE6) is lighter than the lightest Audeze (EL-8). Does anybody know why?

let's discuss.

-sorry for my English skill-

 

[TMRaven]

Audeze is chock full of employees that only listen to one song at a time and never more.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Audeze is chock full of employees that only listen to one song at a time and never more.

Having briefly owned the iSine10 this sounds accurate. Will definitely return to Audeze when they release a headphone that Head-Fiers call comfortable.

 

[Champ HkGt]

Audeze is chock full of employees that only listen to one song at a time and never more.

Ha Ha Ha

 

[chimney189]

I believe this has to do with the decision to use metal instead of plastic.
I'm thinking that the metal parts are recommended in order to support such large ear cups.
There are lighter metals out there, but then the price would be even higher.


I think the engineers need to focus more on ergonomics regardless.

 

[Rowethren]

You should check out the new LCD2C and MX4 they are much lighter. Apparently they are around 400g.

 

[Champ HkGt]

You should check out the new LCD2C and MX4 they are much lighter. Apparently they are around 400g.

from this topic https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audeze-lcd-2c-classic-2017-impressions-thread.862174/page-12 some body said :

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[someone posted this on r/headphone, really hope it is not true, but from the material used, it is very likely.

"Sent an inquiry to Audeze about the weights of new LCD-2C and LCD-MX4. Quickly got an response from Chris. Hope this helps. (without cables in grams)"

Sine: 318g
EL-8 Open: 520g
EL-8 Closed: 540g
LCD-2C: 549g
LCD-2 Bamboo/Shedua: 565g
LCD-2 Rosewood: 585g
LCD-3: 629g
LCD-X: 630g
LCD-XC: 680g
LCD-MX4: 555g
LCD-4: 695g]

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The LCD-2C: 549g and LCD-MX4: 555g. If this data is correct, it's still heavy can.

 

[Rowethren]

Hopefully it isn't that high, from other threads I read they said it was closer to 400g. The MX4 started shipping on the 23rd of October so hopefully we should have more accurate weights soon.

 

[Champ HkGt]

Hopefully it isn't that high, from other threads I read they said it was closer to 400g. The MX4 started shipping on the 23rd of October so hopefully we should have more accurate weights soon.

I hope to hear the good news, too.
And I hope this 10th November the LCD2C will launch with much lighter weight, very interesting HP. ^^

 

[Beagle]

So the LCD-MX4 is not "30% lighter" at all then.

 

[Rowethren]

So the LCD-MX4 is not "30% lighter" at all then.

This is what I was saying, I thought they were closer to 400g... The 30% is on Audezes website so surely they wouldn't just make that figure up!

 

[Champ HkGt]

I have post this question in "Thai Headphones Club" (facebook group) and one of member said

"Planar Magnetic driver doesn't have only one structure, The Oppo's structure is lighter but Audeze and Hifiman use the same structure. The heaviest part of driver is magnets. It have to use many magnets bar on both side of the planar membrane. I think Audeze use bigger magnets so the support structure must be stronger to hold that big & heavy magnets and this is why Audeze HP is heavier than Hifiman "

-sorry for my English skill, I translate this from Thai Language-

 

[Champ HkGt]

Another member said

"If Audeze change the grill from steel to Aluminium it'll be much lighter but not so strong, I think. If Taitanium, I don't want to think about the bloody price. If Audeze change its cup from wood block to veneer like Hifiman it'll look downgrade them self. I think Audeze choose this heavy materials for look and feels Premium. It's not only about the sound it's abouut branding position."

 

[chimney189]

Another member said

"If Audeze change the grill from steel to Aluminium it'll be much lighter but not so strong, I think. If Taitanium, I don't want to think about the bloody price. If Audeze change its cup from wood block to veneer like Hifiman it'll look downgrade them self. I think Audeze choose this heavy materials for look and feels Premium. It's not only about the sound it's abouut branding position."

I have a good feeling that just as many, if even more customers would buy the product with new, less premium materials.
Comfort is nearly the only downfall of the Audeze brand. Maybe pricing too. =P

 

[Beagle]

Another member said

"If Audeze change the grill from steel to Aluminium it'll be much lighter but not so strong,"

Who cares if it's not as strong. Not like we're using them for bowling.