🔷 Neumann NDH20

One more impossible question…:wink:

Are there any planar headphones that are better then the Neumanns for music production and mixing? Maybe Audeze LCD-X? How these two compare?
Extremely subjective opinions are welcomed! :slight_smile:

LCD X is pretty solid for studio if you get one from a good batch (their sound can vary a fair bit), I would actually look for a used audeze mx4 as you can find them for around 1.3k used, and it’s a step above the lcd x. There aren’t many other planar I would use for mixing in the roughly 1k ish bracket. The lcd 1 is actually surprisingly good if you wanted to try that out. If you wanted to get a closed planar, the aeon 2 closed preform pretty well actually for studio.

The lcd x vs the ndh20 is a bit different, the lcd x is more detailed for sure, actually similar soundstage width but I think the x can recreate space a bit better. The lcd x is much more linear in the bass and extends well with great impact. Midrange can be a mixed bag depending on batch variation, but ideally it’s also pretty linear, but some can come out sounding slightly v shaped or actually a bit forward, strange lol. The treble is well extended and not peaky, pretty accurate with a bit more air than you would expect vs the ndh20. The ndh20 is also a bit more smooth sounding than the lcd x. Dynamics wise I think neither are extremely dynamic but that’s not a bad thing. Imaging is pretty good on the lcd x but there are some blind spots in 45 degree from center ish. They also aren’t that amp picky either, as long as you give them enough power, and they are somewhat easier to drive

Do people actually mix with NDH20?

Apparently yes! I use them for music production; sound design and mixing. I only have them for 10 days but so far the results are pretty good and getting better.

Ufff…that’s terrible! I mean, how would I know i bought them from a good batch?

Would you say that the LCD-X would be even better than the Clears for music production?
(things are getting complicated and weird :joy:)

Idk, I haven’t been documenting the variations of recent lol, but the newest things being produced seem pretty constant and linear in the mid range so that’s good (from like 2019 and on)

So this depends imo. For what you are producing, I do prefer the lcd x mainly because of the linearity of the bass and extension, and the impact and how it presents can be helpful in that regard for sure. I think the clear is more accurate in the midrange and treble if you are going for neutral, and also a bit better timbre, but it’s more amp dependent. Also dynamics wise I think the lcd x might emphasize things a bit more so things stand out to you easier. I think if you were going for acoustic or more organic music production the clear would be my pick, but for electronic the lcd x might be more of a preference here. Also it wouldn’t command as high tier of an amp imo.

The audeze mx4 is a further jump from there, but I would assume that unless more killer used deals come up it’s out of the question?

If you wanted a sidegrade to the ndh20, the lcd 1 is actually pretty nice, it’s more linear in the bass than the ndh20, and the midrange is pretty good, albeit a tad recessed, and the treble is solid, this is actually a harman tuned headphone, but it works well for most applications and will run off of anything

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Yes, the MX4s are too expensive for me at this point and i just don’t like to buy used things, especially on the net.

I could probably stretch my finances for the LCD-X or the Clears, new, and keep the Neumanns. But I’d need to save a bit if I’d keep the Neumanns! :frowning:

I doubt i would side-grade from the Neumanns to the LCD-1, bc I’ve read elsewhere that they are nothing special vs bigger Audeze headphones so it’d probably be better to wait, save some money and just buy the LCD-Xs.
The more I read the more I want to get he LCD-X but 735 grams!!! That’s just crazy! Don’t know what to think about that!

The Clears would be second then.
For now, I’ll probably just keep the Neumanns until i save the money. Need to think about it a bit more hahaha :slight_smile: …never ending game!

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They’re currently out of stock right now, but they have a 3-payment option.

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You may be in luck…I currently am considering selling my LCD-X (Creator Package). They are only a few months old and I installed new stock Leather Pads and I have a new stock cable arriving on Monday. If you are interested, please feel free to DM me and maybe we can work something out. :slight_smile:

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That’s better than my out-of-stock Crutchfield post! :+1:t4:

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I also have a blon b20. it is a planar which has a wider sound stage than the ndh20 and also much detailed imo. It is also a open set of headphones. Would you think buying the elex would be redundant? Anybody here who have these headphones? I would greatly appreciate your opinion. My goal is actually the clears but my budget right now just wont allow it :pensive:

I own the Aiva, Elex, and Clear. Your B20 should be plenty different from the Elex. But I personally wouldn’t get the Elex with the intention of going to the Clear later. You’d save some money in the long run if you spend the extra $400 for an open box Clear. But the Clear is arguably not worth it unless you invest in a nice amp

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The elex is currently $600 and a good second hand clear is $1200… What amp do you suggest would be deserving of the clears? I currently have a thx789. Do you think that’s good enough? May I ask what others headphones do you currently own?

From previous reading, I believe the Elex and Clear start to separate in performance at the level of the RNHP or higher amplification-wise.

I think if you plan to keep the 789 the elex makes more sense imo, they sound too close on this tier of amp. I think if you wanted to maximize the clear, look for a used violectric v280 imo

How do you break down your tiers? Is it by price or performance?

Performance imo, I would rate something like the asgard 3 or archel 2.5 pro as a higher tier of amp than the 789, but a fair amount of time the higher preforming stuff ends up carrying a higher pricetag

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If you wait a bit, you can definitely get a great condition Clear for about a $1000 or less. This one sold just yesterday. Like FiCurious mentioned, the RNHP is a great solid state amp. Though I haven’t heard it myself.
My favorite amp for the Clear at the moment is the Tuba tube amp. You probably won’t find the Clear to be worth the extra money on the THX amp in terms of technicalities. But for me, my amps were largely a non-factor. The main reason I got the Clear was I didn’t like the tuning on the Elex. Most people are fine with the Elex’s tuning. So don’t influence your decision. My other gear is viewable on my profile.

I’m really considering return the 789 since it’s still within the 30 days and going for an Asgard instead. The 789 doesn’t wow me in any way honestly.

If you aren’t enjoying it, then I would suggest sending it back lol, no point in keeping something you don’t like