Well I haven't heard a stock pair of LCD-1s. The pair I've listened to has been tweaked by Don (dBel84). I currently have on loan a Fostex T-10 that Don also tweaked. I have to say that Don has a great ear, or at least we have similar hearing. The T-10 is balanced perfectly to my ear, but the LCD-1 is tipped hot. I had assumed that it was bright because that's how the owner (luvdunhill) prefers his phones, but it could be that the LCD-1 is just tipped upwards from the start. Not sure there. That's something to consider before starting with your associated gear. I'd PM Don to get the skinny on the LCD-1 signature. He's a nice guy and very ortho savvy.