K3cT

Looking forward to your impressions. This really needs to play in the same field as the 007 to merit any kinds of consideration.

I never like the LCD2 for classical symphonies either... the SR-202 does a much better job there despite severely lacking impact and texture compared to the LCD2. Anyway I think I still like HD800's presentation best for this kind of music. I guess the most curious aspect of the upcoming LCD3 is how the soundstage is going to be. In general, I find the soundstage of planar and electrostatic headphones a bit lacking compared to dynamics. In fact, the best soundstage that I've ever heard from a headphone is the venerable Sony R10 but I admittedly haven't heard the SR-009.

Close-up view. Interesting. It was not apparent before but from this angle it's clear that the brown pads and leather headband are new designs. Gotta say I like the classy champagne brown though it's a shame that ergonomics-wise, they seem to be more or less the same as the LCD2.

Midrange is definitely different but I'd say overall the differences between the two versions are subtle (though discernible on certain aspects) once you make sure that both of them share the same pads and cables which I did when I A/B-ed them. Overall I'd agree that the R2's midrange is not as engaging as the older version ergo my decision to stick with what I have. I listen to a lot of vocals so a good midrange is an important criterion.

I wish they'd do something with the leather headband as it's actually LESS comfortable than the older foam design. Nevertheless, this could be a non-issue if the cups turn out to be lighter.

Happy birthday, Amos.

Tyll, thanks for the very magnificent comparison bullet notes! I love this format, makes it easier to pinpoint on the differences between the headphones. Reading that it makes me re-affirm my belief that I should stick with the LCD2 until I can afford the SR-009 in the far future. I just graduated from college last fall so I really should focus on paying for my car for now. I'm surprised that you really like the HE500. I've heard it and it does sound pleasant and sweet but I have a problem with its bass 'bloom' which causes the bass notes to have a longer-than-normal decay and I'm sure this looseness causes the HE500 to have a less-than-optimal PRaT too which can be a problem with fast and complicated pieces.

I find that removing the black felt helps with the decay although conversely it reduces the much-loved bass impact. It makes you wonder whether it's possible to replace it with another material? I should read the Fostex T50RP thread again in the other site to look for inspiration.

It's funny how you mentioned the O2 MK1 because I honestly feel that comparing the midrange of the older and newer LCD2 does remind me a bit of how the midrange of the O2 MK1 compares to the MK2. One is more neutral while the other is more tipped. As to your question, I definitely still feel the same. Overall I would say that the Revision 2 is still a slightly more proficient headphone than the Revision 1 especially if you feel that the treble of the older LCD2 is not bright enough or its soundstage is too small. For my personal taste though, I value a purer midrange more than the the better treble and soundstage and hence my decision to stick with the Revision 1 for now. Besides, I'd figure that I can buy the Revision 2 anytime but once the Revision 1 disappears from the used market it's going to be tough finding them. If you do stick with the older LCD2, I can suggest getting the newer thicker pads. I find that it improves the sound more significantly than a recable and the new pads are far more comfortable to wear too.

Interesting. What DAC you're using, blessingx? There are various Beta22s floating around in my local community for a while and it's interesting to note that the folk who say that the Beta22 is "bright" is the ones that own the 2-channel version. Mike used to have a balanced 4-channel and a 2-channel one at the same time and the 4-channel one seemed to be slightly less edgier and brighter sounding than the 2-channel version. I know the whole thing sounds exceedingly silly but I don't know what else could account for such differences. Nevertheless, I quite like the HD800 and Peak/Volcano pairing. I also like how it doesn't take too much space. Well, in general I find that solid-state amplifier has a hard time replicating the midrange of a tube design... Do you still use that Shuguang tube in your Peak?

If this is the same guy that I think about then it's curious to note that he has a strange obsession on burn-in. Anyway, it's sad to see the current state of the LCD2 thread over there as despite the immense hype, the headphone is a real winner. It's basically the closest you can get to an O2 sonics-wise minus perhaps the Stax-exclusive separation and soundstaging at a fraction of the price. I also find it amazing how some people there seem to act as if the new Revision 2 sounds drastically different than the older version. I've compared them (with the same new pads and cables) and they definitely sound more similar than different and on certain tracks, barely discernible. Honestly I'm still not sure on what to feel with the Revision 2 since although the treble is slightly more prominent, the midrange seems to suffer a bit: it sounds drier and not as nuanced (probably something to do with extracting micro details?) compared to the older version.

I took a listen of the Peak/Volcano at Mike's place and although it seemed to be impressive on a first listen, I felt that this amplifier is a little bit on the bright side. There is this slight bump at the upper midrange that can be distracting with less than optimal recordings. Curiously, this anomaly is not so present when paired with the HD800, more present with the LCD2 and worst with the Etymotic ER4P (used with the P-to-S adapter). The final combination was barely listenable. It's a shame that it was an impromptu gathering so I didn't have the chance to bring my 3-channel Beta22 which would have made a very interesting comparison. On memories alone, I will note that the Beta22 is more neutral, probably less engaging and fuller-sounding in midrange but extends lower in sub-bass and hits harder there. I'm not sure about detail retrieval as I would need to A/B them side-by-side. If I remember right, the Apex/Peak that I listened to had that Shuguang tube. I'm curious to see what other tubes would bring to the table.

My Parasound has that input so I'm definitely interested. Yours too am I correct Padam? The price is a bit iffy though, I'm honestly more tempted with the popular Audiophilleo at that range. If you're interested in AES/EBU input, there is also the cheaper Kingrex UC-192 but I'm having difficulties to find a store near my country that sells it.

You're not him pretending to be his sympathizer are you, hopeful? Anyway, he is an asshole in general so karma is a bitch I guess. I don't even care if he speaks gospels of truth but so long he carries himself in such a douchey manner, he won't be missed.

My condolences, Al. I lost my grandparents in the same manner so I understand the sadness.

I'm still not sold yet on the Rev2 since impressions are all over the place. I'm still waiting for someone else in my local community to bite into the hype so we all can drop by his place and take a listen ourselves. And I thought the LCD2 is fine for acoustics, it's superb even. I think this is the closest headphone you can get to the O2 MK1 in terms of tonality.

A happy belated birthday for our resident Don of the Stax Mafia!

We should have the same version then. Anyway, I'm still not sure about a brighter LCD2 although admittedly a slightly more air to its treble is more than welcome.

Which LCD2 version you have again, Amos?

Here you go: http://www.audeze.com/driver-update-and-leather-headband

More sub-$200 contenders! Made by the same dudes behind those Havana DACs. MHDT USBridge Seems to be a true asynchronous unit based on the C-Media CM6631 USB chip. The only user impression out there is from a Swedish forum. EDIT: Fixes picture links.

I'm in for the KGSS-HV and Dynahi. Thanks for organizing this Tran!

It is indeed felt. I'm going to keep it this way for the next few days to familiarize myself with the new config but the current impression that I'm getting is that you seem to trade off a bit of the bass punch for a bit of airiness. Shame I can't have both. And as for the reverb, it seems to be amp-dependent but I'm not really sure honestly. For example the LCD2 sounds downright horrible with the Zana Deux with echoes everywhere but it sounds magnificent with the Beta22. Generally I feel that the LCD2 loves a solid-state system more but I have to also profess that I haven't heard it with tube amps that are specifically designed for low-impedance, hi-current loads.

Have any of you guys ever tried doing this with your LCD2s? The cloth beneath the grill can be removed easily as it's not glued there. Overall I seem to be getting an airier sound.

Happy birthday, Mr. DIY-er.