The type of headphone I am looking for is (Closed-back, open-back, in-ear, wireless, etc): Open-back
My price range is: $1,250 or less
I like to listen to: Rock, alternative rock, classic rock, alt-country, EDM, bebop jazz
I will be using them for: (Travel, commuting, home, gym, etc…): Home
Hi all:
I own three headphones – Audeze LCD-2C, Sennheiser HD 6XX and HiFiMan Edition XS. My source gear is a JDS Labs Atom+ stack with Qobuz running via USB from a laptop.
I would LOVE a can that combines the bass accuracy, richness and warmth of the LCD-2C, the lovely mids of the 6XX and the treble of the Edition XS. Don’t care if it’s planar or dynamic. I’m NOT a big EQ enthusiast – only use a three-band analog JDS Subjective3 unit – so I’m looking for good tuning out of the box.
Does such a can exist? If so, point me to my Dr. Frankenstein!
I think the closest you’ll get is maybe…big maybe is a focal clear. The bass I don’t believe extends as low as the LCD but it’s quality. Mids and treble is where it can really shine but it’s not going to stage as big as the XS.
I have not hear any focal headphone, but when I was reading your requirements, I also thought about the Focal Clear, because of this video, maybe it can help you:
I’ve used analog EQ for the XS. It’s a nice can that I’ll probably keep, but the sound is a bit thin and lacks the low-end warmth and energy of the LCD-2C.
Yup, my thoughts as well. There may be some nuance between whether you’d prefer the Clear or Clear Mg but it was the first headphone I thought of too. Awesome mids and great bass. Focal headphones are dynamic, punchy and fun.
