AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Audeze

Audeze Uncompromised Audio

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-05-2013, 05:38 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default Anyone own the Audeze LCD-2 Headphone?

The Audeze LCD-2 headphone has caught my attention. It is a planar magnetic design with a specified frequency response of 5 Hz - 20 KHz and a sensitivity of 91dB with 1mW input. It's maximum output level is stated as 133dB with less than 1% distortion at full rated output.

Those are some big claims. Does anyone have experience with the Audeze LCD-2 headphone? It has a three pin connector in each ear cup, but comes with a standard 1/4" headphone plug. I find this confusing since I don't know what the third pin is for. Anyone care to comment?







__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A

Last edited by jdandy; 06-05-2013 at 05:55 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-05-2013, 06:18 PM
harri009 harri009 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 994
Default

image-392099881.jpg

I really like the LCD-3's. I have heard a few different phones and the Audeze are thus far the best I have heard. From what I understand Stax SR-009 are the best in the world though if you are aiming for that.



Last edited by jdandy; 06-05-2013 at 09:07 PM. Reason: Enlarge photo.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-05-2013, 06:25 PM
harri009 harri009 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 994
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
It has a three pin connector in each ear cup, but comes with a standard 1/4" headphone plug. I find this confusing since I don't know what the third pin is for. Anyone care to comment?
I believe the main point is so that you run them balanced if you want.






image-370619222.jpg

Last edited by jdandy; 06-05-2013 at 09:08 PM. Reason: Enlarge photo.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-05-2013, 09:11 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

Jeff.......What is the difference between the LCD-2 and the LCD-3? Also, is the balanced cable you posted an Audeze option or an aftermarket cable from another company? One more question, is the cable I see on your LCD-3 headphone a stock cable?
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-05-2013, 10:01 PM
doggiehowser's Avatar
doggiehowser doggiehowser is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,411
Default

The difference between the LCD2 and LCD3? About double the price

I did listen to the LCD2 and 3 at a show. I wasn't expecting so much of a difference but there it was. The soundstage was wider and there was more of a separation between instruments. This was with ALO's Reference 8 cables for both.

FWIW, I prefer the LCD2's use of wood for the cable connector. The metal clips on my LCD3 that join the wood cups to the cable connector has failed once and I had to send it back for repairs.

I like the LCDs for their ease of driving so I can even use it (on a pinch) with my iPhone headphone output tho it does deserve better.

I still prefer the HE6 if you have the amps to drive it. It is less dark than the LCD3/2
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-05-2013, 10:17 PM
harri009 harri009 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 994
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
Jeff.......What is the difference between the LCD-2 and the LCD-3? Also, is the balanced cable you posted an Audeze option or an aftermarket cable from another company? One more question, is the cable I see on your LCD-3 headphone a stock cable?
One big difference is that the LCD-3 uses a new diaphragm material they call Lotus. It's suppose to be significantly thiner. I have heard the LCD-2's and while doubling the price doesn't produce double the clarity but it is a very nice upgrade.

I owned AKG 702's for years before I got the Audeze. I had always been very happy with the 702's compared to the normal comp of Senn 650's etc. Once I got the LCD's I knew there was no going back, completely different level.

From Audeze website

Each LCD3 comes with:

ADZ6SE Cable (single-ended): ¼” TRS to 2x4-pin mini XLR
ADZ6B4 Cable (balanced): 4-pin XLR to 2x4-pin mini XLR
Wood care kit
Wood case or ruggedized travel case
Personalized frequency response graph
Warranty documents

Last edited by harri009; 06-05-2013 at 10:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-05-2013, 11:41 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by doggiehowser View Post
The difference between the LCD2 and LCD3? About double the price

I did listen to the LCD2 and 3 at a show. I wasn't expecting so much of a difference but there it was. The soundstage was wider and there was more of a separation between instruments. This was with ALO's Reference 8 cables for both.

FWIW, I prefer the LCD2's use of wood for the cable connector. The metal clips on my LCD3 that join the wood cups to the cable connector has failed once and I had to send it back for repairs.

I like the LCDs for their ease of driving so I can even use it (on a pinch) with my iPhone headphone output tho it does deserve better.

I still prefer the HE6 if you have the amps to drive it. It is less dark than the LCD3/2
doggiehowser.......Thanks for the feedback and the tip on the connector.
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-05-2013, 11:46 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by harri009 View Post
One big difference is that the LCD-3 uses a new diaphragm material they call Lotus. It's suppose to be significantly thiner. I have heard the LCD-2's and while doubling the price doesn't produce double the clarity but it is a very nice upgrade.

I owned AKG 702's for years before I got the Audeze. I had always been very happy with the 702's compared to the normal comp of Senn 650's etc. Once I got the LCD's I knew there was no going back, completely different level.

From Audeze website

Each LCD3 comes with:

ADZ6SE Cable (single-ended): ¼” TRS to 2x4-pin mini XLR
ADZ6B4 Cable (balanced): 4-pin XLR to 2x4-pin mini XLR
Wood care kit
Wood case or ruggedized travel case
Personalized frequency response graph
Warranty documents
Jeff.......So, as I understand it from yours and doggiehowser's comments, the LCD-3 is under the LCD-2 which is double the price for a percentage of performance gain with a newer planar material, is that right?
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-05-2013, 11:57 PM
harri009 harri009 is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 994
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post

Jeff.......So, as I understand it from yours and doggiehowser's comments, the LCD-3 is under the LCD-2 which is double the price for a percentage of performance gain with a newer planar material, is that right?
The LCD-3 is the better and more costly one. Another difference is the ear pads. The 2's are kinda hard and were not all that comfortable to me while the 3's are very supple.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-05-2013, 11:59 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by harri009 View Post
The LCD-3 is the better and more costly one. Another difference is the ear pads. The 2's are kinda hard and were not all that comfortable to me while the 3's are very supple. But the LCD-2 is very good still yet and a step up from most headphones.
Jeff.......Thank you. Seems to me if a person were going to make the move to the Audeze headphone, the LCD-3 would be the way to go.
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:12 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video