For what it’s worth, the Mangi Heresy or Magni 3+ would both sound great with the LCD X. I’ve tried the Magni Herresy + Bifrost 2 + LCD X and it’s pretty awesome (I think 3+ be slightly better here).
Word of caution on the LCD X, variation between versions is substantial. But when you find that unicorn set (I swear mine is since I don’t need EQ with it), never let it go!
This was just posted on another forum:
So assuming they have the same signal chain (rnhp + bf2) and no eq, personally I would favor the auteur here actually in some ways. So generally both are more neutral headphones, but the auteur is more leaning neutral/natural whereas the lcd x is leaning more studio neutral imo so more linear feeling overall. Bass wise the lcd x is going to be quicker and more speedy, but honestly I would say the auteur has more detailed, organic, and layered bass, and potentially even more extension than the lcd x depending on the unit. While the lcd x does have good impact and linearity, I personally think if you had issues with the sundara bass, while the lcd x is a solid improvement, personally I still don’t think that’s what you are looking for there. In the midrange the lcd and auteur are going to both be pretty linear, although the lcd x sounds a bit more dry and less organic than the auteur imo, but both are fairly detailed and competent in this regard. Treble wise, the lcd x is going to be more even overall and also better extending, where the auteur might sound a bit rolled off in comparison (but both are pretty neutral up to the range of human hearing), but I might actually say that the auteur might have better treble detail and improved naturalness where the lcd x can sound a bit more fatiguing for those who are treble sensitive since it can be a bit overly forward (although personally I didn’t find this an issue). Soundstage and imaging wise I actually might say the lcd x is not as impressive nor as capable as the auteur, it just doesn’t have as much depth to the stage and actually sometimes lacks width for my personal preferences, but the lcd x for studio work it’s nice to have that intimacy and forwardness (but still the lack of as much depth isn’t the best). In terms of timbre it’s easily the autuer here for me, just sounds more organic and natural. Regarding overall detail, honestly I might say the auteur has more to offer in this regard as well tbh, just generally more things come through vs a lcd x imo. Separation wise the lcd x does hold up a bit better with more complex tracks esp if you have to push them loud imo. So as you can see here I prefer the auteur lol, but I do think the lcd x is a solid headphone, but it honestly doesn’t sound like what you are looking for
Regarding the auteur on the rnhp vs the tuba, bass wise the rnhp is going to be a bit tighter sounding but might be lacking some impact and slam compared to the tuba, but it would be a bit more controlled imo (but the tuba isn’t really sloppy at all here). Midrange wise I think the rnhp would have a more accurate midrange but the tuba might have better timbre and sweetness that is pretty pleasing with a more natural presentation. Treble wise I might actually say the rnhp would have a more linear treble response and have more control over the driver, although the tuba would soften things a bit will still letting detail come through. Depending on the tubes I might say the rnhp and tuba are somewhat matched timbre wise. Detail wise I think they are also fairly matched imo. With impact, I would say the bass and midrange on the tuba would have more impact here, where the rnhp would have more impact in the treble imo. The tuba would be more forgiving of less than ideal recordings where the rnhp might put more of an emphasis on flaws in the music at times. In terms of spatial recreation the tuba would throw a larger space imo, the rnhp would be a bit more intimate but would offer a bit more definition in terms of placement, both are solid here. Really both are great amps, but generally I think the tuba is more pleasing to listen to with the auteur, but I might prefer the rnhp if I was wanting something a bit more neutral and studio reference with the auteur
Then it could maybe be a very easy decision. If the LCD X is uncomfortable it’s pretty much decided.
For my Head the LCD2C that i still have and Like is not as comfortable as the Aeolus Not by a long shot.
Maybe try it somewhere?
If it’s not comfortable then whats the point.
It’s also way easier to Just Order the LCD-X try them and see If they are worth trying or not.
Send them back and you have 1 Headphone left.
But dont fall in love with the Headphone ! It could also make your decision Harder.
I cant really sell my LCD2C and i let it screw my Head for the Music.
People Talk a lot about Sound Here.
But for me it’s fifty fifty.
Pretty certain after reading that breakdown the decision is to go Auteur. I need to see what is out there on the pre-owned market and answer the question on the best amp/DAC setup as well as what will work with my space/placement on my desk.
I’d like some feedback from you guys on a few minor details. I love the look of the ZMF cables they offer but can’t help but feel they’re very costly. Would you do a Hart/Periapt cable or even the OFC if you were me? Do you guys know of any great choices on that end of things?
Same question with a stand. I think the Salire is the easy choice as I love the styling, but I’m also open for recommendations. Definitely want something sturdy that can hold the headphones and the cables.
Also, any votes from you guys on what amp/DAC combo to choose would be much appreciated. Need to fill the space on my desk and not risk my monitor or my amp with it’s placement. Want the best setup I can get regardless of amp technology that I can get.
Stand isnt really necessary, so get whichever one you like if any. I do get a bit paranoid of any that have a small contact area due to it potentially leaving an imprint on the headband. Also some stands touch the pads which also makes me apprehensive for similar reasons. But idk if it’s actually a thing to be worried about. Lastly, make sure the stand is tall enough for your headphone to rest on while the headband is extended for your size if you don’t want to keep readjusting it.
As for cable, personally I prefer hart over periapt as the periapt is heavier in my experience. Also the hart build quality is better. (Heat shrink is not crooked, etc)
What would your total budget be on the amp/dac setup? I can tell you right now that something like the Hagerman Tuba or one of the Violectric amps (v200/220/280/281) will work amazing with the Auteur. I have a Eikon that I use with a tuba and v281 and it sounds amazing on both. RNHP should also work very well.
Decide on the amp first and then you can choose the right dac for the pairing.
I’d agree with Towa. When I had the Auteur, I used it on either of those two amps (Tuba, V281) and although the V281 was one of all time my favorite amps, I did have a slight preference towards the tube amp with the Auteur, but it sounded great on either amp.
The V28X series would pretty much be only found used at this point in the US, as they have been discontinued as Violectric transitions efforts towards their next generation of amps.
If you go the Tuba route, I’d suggest upgrading the tubes, unless he uses a different tube now, I had a better experience with tubes other than stock.
Stock is a bit mid centric for my tastes imo, the el tubes or psvane are pretty quality for something a bit tighter and more neutral/balanced, along with the rca saucepan getters
Agree on the V2xx amps being great. Since aesthetics are somewhat a consideration, what about a Cayin iHA-6/iDAC-6 stack? I haven’t tried them on my V281 yet, but between my Hafler HA75, RNHP, and iHA-6, I like my Eikons best on the iHA-6. Assuming Auteurs react the same, might be a good option if you can find a used deal?
Thread started with a budget of $1500, new the headphones of choice (Auteurs it seems) can’t even fit on that budget. I think warned of something like that happening.
Have to say though… best money I’ve spent outside of motorcycles.
I should have listened to @M0N from the get go and wrapped my head around the abandoned budget. Yes the choice has been made, Auteur it is!
Found an excellent deal on an Auteur, Ray Samuels Raptor and Bifrost 2. Excited to get this beast of a setup in use!
I had the Focal Elegia and loved them. I used them for over a year when at work. They sounded great.
Yea man that Bio-whatever Driver in the Auteur is one Thing i havent tried yet. But i’am sitting here days trying to convince myself i dont need the Eikons, i can buy the DT177x Go.