I just spent three weeks listening exclusively to my EL-8C. Now Iām back home, and Iāve returned to my Senn HD-650. Are they good? Yes, but I prefer the EL-8C. The just have something extra, though I frankly have no way to describe it. They also make me think that Iām about ready for some Big Boy Audeze, and Iām aiming to pick up a pair of LCD-2 based on things Iāve read.
HOWEVER: I find the EL-8C fatiguing. My ears almost sort of hurt after a long listening session. Itās something Iāve associated in the past with brightness, as I found that I have a similar issue with DT-880s, but not with the HD650 or the HD600. But Iām not really sure.
Hereās my question: If I find the EL-8 fatiguing, am I likely to have a similar problem with the LCD-2?
Comfort is very much improved with the current headband and fresh pads. The new cable is the nicest stock cable Iāve used. Really love the pre-faz and now the looks and comfort are there too
Pricey upgrade but worth it imo if you plan on keeping them for the long term.
Are those the stock vegan? I just ordered their leather ones. Curious to see what I think of them. Not digging the Dekoni fenestrated sheepkins so far.
Ah, good to hear that theyāre the stock leather ones. I wanted big comfortable ones cause the dekonis are too shallow. Also waiting for the new headband and cable so itāll be a much better experience. Hoping the new pads will improve the bass too.
I have a pair of LCD 2.2 pre fazor otw on loan from a fellow forum member, should get here tomorrow. Looking forward to playing with them and hopefully finding a Audeze that I actually love. I have the option to purchase them if I fall in love so Iām gonna see what happens
LCD-X but really Iām just trying to find a planar that i love period. Havenāt really experienced a planar that gives me the same joy as some of my dynamic sets.
Hmmm the signature is more similar to a pre fazor, but comparing with a 2 fazor, the 2 fazor might be a bit more forward, a tad brighter and also more intimate, the 24 is going to be more relaxed, thicker, larger soundstage, also a fairly significant step up technicality wise. Also itās more impactful than the 2 fazor
Right on with my observations as well. LCD-2 has a bit more treble energy, more aggressive presentation, vs LCD-24 with a bit more linear response with a slight mid focus and more bass impact and low end control.
Iāve achieved something of a mid-fi heaven: I own the HD600 and 650 and DT880/600. I also have a pair of closed EL-8C titaniums. And an Asgard 3/4490. It all sounds great.
Letās say I spring for an LCD-2, which I understand to be a good choice given my preferences.
A. I have no doubt that Iāll hear differences, but is it better?
B. If better, are they marginally better or holy crap this is something else better, the way any of my current cans are better than Koss Portarpros (no disrespect to Koss intended)?
C. Will I end up selling the Senns/DTs because Iām not using them any more?
Are you chasing the Lcd2 fazor or pre fazorā¦ I have the pre fazor and to me it is āThe oneā . I own or have owned many headphones. OG Nighthawks, Dan Clark audio Aeon 2s, Drop Focal Elex, Hifiman edition X v2, Drop Sennheiser 58x, and more besides my Pre fazor LCD2. The one you chase is going to depend on your source gear as well as your taste. For my ears the 2 is head and shoulders above the others with MY source gear. Certain cans favor certain amps etc. Synergy is of utmost importance.
DAC Schiit Bifrost 2
Main amp SE Schiit Asgard 3 (For a lot of my cans) and my powered monitors.
Second amp Balanced Monoprice Liquid platinum (My favorite for the 2 as well as the Aeon 2
3rd amp SE Meier audio Corda Jazz. Favorite for my IEMs as well as the rest of my cans.
I am in mid-fi Valhalla at the moment and I am in no rush to move up ā¦
From what I understand the pre-fazor = the classic, and that given my preference for classical music Iād be happiest with the standard 2, which is the fazor.
Iām not chasing anythingā¦truth is that my mid-fi cans + the Asgard = terrific sound. Itās really just curiosity. What does roughly $1k get me?
Have not heard the prefazor, but have owned the 2 Fazor. The prefazor is not the same as the classic, though, despite the classic being fazorless. Prefazor is said to have a little thicker low end and is a bit smoother than the Fazor, which trades some smoothness for more precise imaging. The fazors also make for a somewhat tighter stage and a treble peak, I think around 10kHz, gives a sense of teetering on the edge of aggressive at times. Swapping to suede pads can tame that a bit and make for a bit more mellow and laid back tone. Iāve only just moved on because I picked up the LCD-24, which Iāve heard inherited the tuning of the 2 prefazor and technical ability of the 4 (hence 24).
Iād also say, regardless of which version LCD you choose, coming from the cans you have will likely require a bit of adjustment to get used to the differences especially in the bass region. In the Senn line, I only have the 58x, but do also have the 880 600ohm, and LCD bass by comparison may feel a bit heavy initially.
I donāt think they necessarily replace either, depending on what youāre listening to, but I do find that I donāt reach for the 58x or 880 that frequently.
