🔶 Audeze LCD-1

[Martin_Lesch]

@M0N

you would be surprised how many audio engineers that edit and master audio have very poor hearing ability and are still able to master an audio range where they can’t even physically hear it anymore and have it sound great. Your brain makes up for the lack of hearing range

yes totally agree - I had the same converstion with an older sound engineer many years ago

and like Rick Beato in one of his youtube videos referred to the same way

[MaynardGK]

Our brains supply the subjective impression of frequencies the ears can no longer hear based on its expectations as to what is likely to be there, not based on what actually is there.

Think of a bell curve. Simplistically, the brain has to be supplying the high edge frequencies that it projects to be there based on the rest of the curve that it’s actually getting data about.

The brain’s prediction system will work fine most of the time. But when the reality of a situation is different from the norm, that’s when a high frequency issue would get over-looked.

I’m over 70 so I’m not speaking from theory alone. BTW: I’ll be sure to remember this exchange when someone wants to dismiss my sound impressions as being age-limited, lol.

[M0N]

Lol, yup your brain can only predict, but it can do a dang good job at it lol

[Ohmboy]

Yep it’s a bit like your eyes do when challenged with an optical illusion or missing visual information.

[Marzipan]

crikey, I didn’t realize just how small the LCD-1 is compared tot he 2!!!

[M0N]

Lol yeah, a very manageable size, foldable too I think. Something that might make sense for more people for sure

[Marzipan]

yes, I see why you referenced the term ‘portable’ now.

[M0N]

Well I also had to meet the character requirements for the title lol

[MaynardGK]

Joshua Valour just put up an LCD-1 first impressions:

Little or no new information and no sound impressions.

He attributes the weight reduction from the usual LCD weight of 500-700 grams down to 250 grams to the use of plastic instead of metal and wood. But I’d think the reduction from double-sided to single-side magnets would play a significant factor as well. One big question in my mind is the effect that will have on the sound.

[M0N]

@MaynardGK

But I’d think the reduction from double-sided to single-side magnets would play a significant factor as well. One big question in my mind is the effect that will have on the sound.

Yes it does, the plastic build also helps with weight imo. The effect on the sound of single sided vs double sided typically tends to be impact and bass extension. Single sided can be lighter and possibly quicker with a thinner diaphragm, but you lose out on some slam factor and impact. Layering also takes a hit. You can compare something like the he500 and the he560 to see the differences (besides tuning). Also single sided is typically easier to drive

[Ohmboy]

One plus they’re easier to drive than another Planar otg option…but i’m happy to drive my P1’s properly without listening to a wood chipper, chainsaw, hedge cutter etc… just as well i’m self-employed lol…No hot ears, no excess audio real-estate just a big

[MaynardGK]

Great info, as always!

I wonder if I understand the concept here. With the permanent magnet on only one side of the diaphragm the diaphragm can only move at most as far as the gap between magnet and diaphragm allows. But in a design with a magnet on both sides of the diaphragm, the diaphragm can move the distance between both magnets. This could conceivably be twice the distance compared to the one magnet design. And twice the distance = twice the max amplitude/loudness.

[gregrob]

I just ordered a pair of these, hopefully they ship soon.

[M0N]

Well, also you can have more control over the diaphragm with dual magnet structures, and also potentially have the ability to use a thicker diaphragm as well (which could be a benefit or downside to some lol)

Going back to the he500 and 560, the ability of the 560 for subbass performance was lowered with a thinner diaphragm and single sided magnet structures, as the diaphragm would not be as controlled without the dual magnets and crash into the side of the driver at high volumes and made a rattling sound. The thinner diaphragm also made it so there was some flex in the membrane compared to the thicker diaphragm

The benefit of a thinner diaphragm is greater speed so better detail and nuance (sometimes), so alot of manufactures are aiming for thinner like estats where personally I think some good thick diaphragms can be better for my tastes

[MaynardGK]

@M0N

ability to use a thicker diaphragm as well

The impression I had been labouring under was that the progression from LCD-2 to LCD-3 to LCD-4 was al about there being a thinner diaphragm in each case which meant thinner diaphragm = greater detail, end of story. Great to have all this additional nuance to the subject.

[M0N]

That’s true, but personally I really like the he6 because of the thick diaphragm (gold voice coil traces, dual magnet, and a thicker, dense diaphragm) which sounds crazy good that not many headphones can create (if at all). I don’t think either thick or thin is better, it just depends on your preference

[MaynardGK]

The Audeze house sound seems to be a significant reduction in the ear amplification rise that peaks around 3 kHz. Are you aware of any connection between that and the physics of planar design?

[M0N]

It depends, but personally I don’t think I would be able to explain it correctly lol

[Zaphain]

I saw that drop had the dt880 600ohm for around $160, never tried a beyerdynamic before, but on the other hand, I’ve never tried an Audeze before either, and this looks pretty compelling considering how lightweight it is. Anyone have any thoughts on the differences between these or advice in general regarding the decision between the two?

[M0N]

I would assume that the 880 would be brighter with a wider soundstage, but I still haven’t had any hands on experience with the lcd 1 yet. I would assume the 1 would be a closer more detailed sound