šŸ”¶ Audeze LCD-2 Fazored

I still canā€™t believe they were pulled because they got salty that m1060 people were using them lol

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I never listened to those pad-swapped open-backed m1060ā€™s that seemed to be the rage two years ago or so. If you or anyone else did, how close did they approach the LCD-2ā€™s at that time sound-wise? I gave it a pass back then due to the reported treble ringing, which can be ā€œfixedā€ by mods supposedly. I never bothered with them myself.

Anyways, Iā€™m still salty that Audeze got salty and pulled the vegan pads from sale, haha.

One of the rare times I actually got caught up in hype, even when I had so much better lol, was a massive letdown, canā€™t recommend them at all when other better options exist today tbh

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Pretty close IMO, letā€™s say cousins that looked like they were cousins. I have one that I modded the hell out of, itā€™s a similar signature but they donā€™t come that close to an LCD2 in the refinement of the sound.

Just not the same level of detail but given that you could pick one up used and mod them for less than $200 bucks. It was a good way to get a view over the fence.

I think for me the value was in them being a good science experiment and modding it allowed me to really understand how different factors, dampening, pads, Fazors etc. could have a big effect on sound.

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I just spent three weeks listening exclusively to my EL-8C. Now Iā€™m back home, and Iā€™ve 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 Iā€™m about ready for some Big Boy Audeze, and Iā€™m aiming to pick up a pair of LCD-2 based on things Iā€™ve read.

HOWEVER: I find the EL-8C fatiguing. My ears almost sort of hurt after a long listening session. Itā€™s something Iā€™ve 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 Iā€™m not really sure.

Hereā€™s my question: If I find the EL-8 fatiguing, am I likely to have a similar problem with the LCD-2?

Doubtful, I am treble sensitive and my LCD2CBs and LCDXs are far from feeling fatiguing when ran off of my EL stack or THX amps.

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Comfort is very much improved with the current headband and fresh pads. The new cable is the nicest stock cable Iā€™ve used. Really love the pre-faz and now the looks and comfort are there too :+1:

Pricey upgrade but worth it imo if you plan on keeping them for the long term.

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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.

Stock leather. Technically you canā€™t purchase the vegan pads anymore. Leather free is available but theyā€™re different from the old vegan pads.

As I was informed above the leather free pads arenā€™t vegan because they have egg protein somethingorother in them.

Ah, good to hear that theyā€™re the stock leather ones. I wanted big comfortable ones cause the dekonis are too shallow. Also waiting for the new headband and cable so itā€™ll be a much better experience. Hoping the new pads will improve the bass too.

I would think the fenestrated would have a negative impact on bass. The stock leather seal really well ime. Hope they work work out for you :+1:

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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 Iā€™m gonna see what happens

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Thatā€™s pretty awesome of said forum member :beers:

The weight definitely is preventing me from exploring the line further tbh but I really enjoy the time I can get with these.

Which others have you tried?

LCD-X but really Iā€™m just trying to find a planar that i love period. Havenā€™t really experienced a planar that gives me the same joy as some of my dynamic sets.

Ah I see. Well the pre faz 2 is pretty sweet so fingers crossed itā€™s a good fit for you :crossed_fingers:

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Say, has anyone tried the LCD-24? How does it compare with the 2 fazor?

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 itā€™s more impactful than the 2 fazor

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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.

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Iā€™ve 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.

Letā€™s say I spring for an LCD-2, which I understand to be a good choice given my preferences.

A. I have no doubt that Iā€™ll 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 Iā€™m not using them any more?

Are you chasing the Lcd2 fazor or pre fazorā€¦ I have the pre fazor and to me it is ā€œThe 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€¦

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