Audeze LCD2C Measurements and Impressions

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by purr1n, Dec 18, 2017.

  1. pelagius

    pelagius New

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    I got a pair of LCD 2C a couple of weeks ago, but unfortunately, I don't think they're for me. I may just have HD600-ear, but coming from those headphones, I just feel like there is some information missing in the LCD 2C, especially in the upper mids and spatial presentation. At the same time, there was a bit too much treble for my tastes and setup. I can see why people enjoy them, however. The characteristic Audeze bass quality did not disappoint, and they were quite punchy.

    I tried both the Audeze pads and Dekoni elite velour pads. I noticed the same increase in upper mids and slight decrease in subbass that others did, but neither set of pads quite did it for me. I also found the vacuum seal of the stock pads to be pretty uncomfortable. The cushion of both pads and the suspension headband were reasonably comfortable, however.

    In any case, these will be going back to Audeze. Hopefully I don't eat too much of the refund for swapping the pads. They're nice, but not for me. My itch for planar bass in an open headphone will continue to go unscratched for now. Maybe I should try an AFO.
     
  2. I_want_all_the_tacos

    I_want_all_the_tacos Friend

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    That's basically how I feel about LCD2C as well. I have had it since the first month it released and I only find it ok. It is stellar at bass texture, extension, and speed. But it falls short in upper mids and timbre. I am much more of a Sennheiser/ZMF person. If you are like me, you might also not care for AFO. It is warmer than your HD600, even warmer than LCD2C because it has a little mid bass hump. If you are set on planars, keep your eye out for Verum One. I am in the campaign waiting on mine. I joined based on all the impressions that it doesn't have the compression issues of LCD2C and should have a more even sound signature overall.
     
  3. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    What about hifiman? The brand has its problems, but they seem to be the only ones making planars with any energy on the high end.
     
  4. Pillars

    Pillars Embarrassment to Colorado crew

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    I enjoy my 560's but they are nowhere near as resolving or tonally correct as the 6XXs. Coming from the 6 series you'll need to aim high IMO especially if low level detail is important, which it seems to pegalius it is.
     
  5. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    There isn’t an upgrade from the HD600, only sidegrades. Include me in the group that would love to buy a headphone with the detail and tone of an HD600 and the bass of an Audeze.
     
  6. I_want_all_the_tacos

    I_want_all_the_tacos Friend

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    To answer your previous question, I am not huge on Hifiman, mostly because of QC issues, weird pricing, nonsensical branching of products, silent revisions,, etc. I do enjoy the sound though of a few like HE-500, HE-Xv2, Sundara, and I haven't heard HE-6 yet but I imagine I would really like it. Still, while I like them I haven't absolutely loved them enough to pursue them.

    And regarding HD600, have you heard Auteur yet? Since you are in Chicago I'm guessing you have? I think that headphone is a worthy upgrade from HD600.
     
  7. Josh83

    Josh83 Friend

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    Did the Dekoni velour pads fix the vacuum issue?
     
  8. M3NTAL

    M3NTAL Friend

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    The Dekoni Velour pads fixed the vacuum for me.
     
  9. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    I've heard it in show conditions, maybe I should give it a closer look :)
     
  10. pelagius

    pelagius New

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    Wow thanks, I didn't even know about the Verum One. It looks pretty promising and like it might be what I'm looking for in a planar.

    Would you say that the AFO's increased warmness also results in reduced clarity/transparency? I think I actually prefer more bass, less treble, and a bit less upper mids than the stock HD600, but if the AFO is equally or less transparent, then yeah, I doubt I would like it. I thought that I might prefer it because I read that it is less recessed in the upper mids.

    Also, it's funny that you mention ZMF. I've actually been wondering if I got a dynamic with better bass extension and quality, if my itch for a planar would go away. I've been eyeing Aeolus, Auteur, or maybe Verité in particular.
     
  11. pelagius

    pelagius New

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    Yes, they did.
     
  12. pelagius

    pelagius New

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    I did consider HiFiMan when I was doing the research that led me to the LCD2C, but to be completely honest, I've forgotten what led me away from the HE-500. The other HiFiMan headphones either were more than I wanted to spend or were reputed to have a tonality that I didn't think would suit me. I'll probably consider the HE-500 in further research, along with the Verum One.
     
  13. Jinxy245

    Jinxy245 Vegan Puss

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    That's a fairly good description of the HD650 actually. The only real think missing for me with my modded HD650 is a bit more sub bass.

    I don't have a ton of experience with the AFO, but IIRC it has a similar depression in the upper mids, just a few KHZ up, and the FR does rise around 10K whereas the 2C doesn't.

    If you could swing a ZMF, they're more linear throughout the frequency I think overall. Dips and peaks are of course there, but less severe. I'd definitely demo if at all possible...good luck.
     
  14. svperstar

    svperstar Acquaintance

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    Not sure if I should be posting in here since I own the LCD2 original not the LCD2C but my Dekoni Velour earpads were waiting for me when I got home from work, wow I am impressed.

    I removed the now 10 year old leather pads and used a knife to scrape the residue from the previous adhesive, pressed the new ones on and they stuck right away. Makes them a lot more comfortable.

    Would recommend.
     
  15. omegaorgun

    omegaorgun Acquaintance

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    FYI Vesper will creat custom Alcantara Audeze pads or any pad you want.
    https://vesperaudio.com/earpads

    From Vesper "Every pair is custom made, you can choose any option you like." *
    Handcrafted custom earpads, over-ear type, whole genuine leather, leather+alcantara or whole alcantara(vegan), not angled, fast foam, are 54 euro/pair. (~61usd) via paypal. *

    You can order any custom thickness/angle/opening. *Basic color is black. *We also have emerald ink, dark-grey, red, dark brown, orange, blue, dark blue, beige, perforated black leather *Grey, brown, blue, beige, burgundy alcantara, *Perforated black microsuede.
    *You also can order other colors, but it will be ~16 euro extra and will take more time. *Memory foam is 2.7 euro extra *Additional cooling is 14 euro extra *Air priority tracked mail is 6.5 euro. *Lead time is currently around ~11 biz. days. Please let us know if you need payment instructions (along with options of your choice) or have more questions.(edited)



    [12:10 PM]omegaorgun:
    I think a pad
     
  16. rendyG

    rendyG Acquaintance

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    Hi, I've recently bought lcd2c in a good condition. I love the bottomless punchy bass and its non-fatiguing tonality. However I have a feeling the drivers are more capable (imaging, detail) and I want to try to put 3D printed fazors. Anyone has some experience with trying this mod, or even comparing fazor vs non-fazor lcd2? I've seen only a few impressions so far.

    3D model available here (measurements of lcd2 by BMF included).
    https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/waveguide-for-lcd2-2ad2680119914de69ab8fb7dfeaedd28
    - all credits to zgliszcz
     
  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I don't think the Fazor thingies will make the Audeze LCD2C drivers image better or have more detail. You might be better off baking the drivers in an oven to change the tension on the diaphragm, or better yet, use LCD-4 drivers with finer tracers and thinner diaphragms.
     
  18. omegaorgun

    omegaorgun Acquaintance

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    The Dekoni velours have made a staggering difference on my 2014 XC. Added mid bass, evened out the treble and is just more lush. I did try the protein leathers and they were on all of 5-10 minutes and very bright.
    To any closed back Audeze owners I highly recommend the Velours. The one downside is it initially has increased clamp force from the firmer foam but it settles after a while.
     
  19. Ryanr1987

    Ryanr1987 Facebook Friend

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    Any good lush sounding and impactful speaker amps anyone recommends? Think it's about time I dip my toes in the speak amp world. Running my classics from the Liquid spark at the moment so looking for a good upgrade.
     
  20. rendyG

    rendyG Acquaintance

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    Well I installed the 3D printed fazors to my LCD2C and I like the sound more now. (I have some measurements, but my rig is really ghetto..)
    It sounds more focused, better imaging, but smaller stage, which I expected. I would say it has even better extension in the highs, but this could just because some peaks/dips got smoothed and I just percieve more detail and air up top.
    If you have access to 3D printer, definitely worth to try as its cheap and reversible :)

    I have a question about Vegan/Dekoni pads. Did anyone have a chance to compare these? From measurements (skippy vs hands) it seems like Vegans does a better job of filling the dip above 2k while Dekoni velours just fills the midrange and smooths the response above 2k. I know I can´t compare 2 different measurements so I wanted to ask you guys.
    Is it worth to hunt for Vegans? Not sure if I can even find them in EU today..
    Should I even consider other versions of Dekoni if I look for neutral sound?
     

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