Audeze LC2C worth considering in 2024?

[Hifidude20]

Been looking at getting a new pair of headphones,after upgrading my DAC. Currently only down to my old HE4XX(had a Sundara which I sold recently).

Although I do like the bass from Hifiman headphones,I do want a pair with better spatial imaging and not so recessed vocals and better build quality.

I had settled on the Aune AR5000 for about £300,but whilst browsing saw the Audeze LCD2 Classic for £500(normally about £750 to £800 in the UK). Is it worth the extra outlay over the AR5000? Reviews seem a bit all over the place for the Audeze. Or are there other alternatives do consider?

Using a Myryad Z40 headphone amp and an SMSL DO100 Pro DAC,so nothing that fancy.

 

[kemmler3D]

Have you done EQ on your existing headphones? And/or crossfeed?

Spatial perception tends to rely on synergy between your ear / head and the headphone's specific dimensions and FR.

But you can always get some improvement by doing EQ and a lot of people (myself included) get much better spatial perception from a little crossfeed.

 

[Hifidude20]

Have you done EQ on your existing headphones? And/or crossfeed?

Spatial perception tends to rely on synergy between your ear / head and the headphone's specific dimensions and FR.

But you can always get some improvement by doing EQ and a lot of people (myself included) get much better spatial perception from a little crossfeed.

I messed about with it,but not much. However,the HE4XX are starting to fall apart a bit now.

 

[kemmler3D]

I messed about with it,but not much. However,the HE4XX are starting to fall apart a bit now.

FWIW I am happy with the build quality and sound on my LCD-XC but can't comment on the LCD2 specifically.

 

[Mr Swing King]

If you don’t equalise then the LCD-2C is not going to provide a better vocal presentation. Recessed vocals are the main thing about most planars.
I think the AR5000 will be the better choice. The frequency response done here over ASR doesn’t really match with how I hear it nor how it measures over most other rigs…at least from what I’ve seen. With it’s angled driver design as well as it’s angled pads, the presentation shifts according to where you place your ears. Having said that, I think most people will find it most natural to place their ears forward in the cups which leads to the most prominent vocals. I know I do.
Another (cheaper) rec is the Sennheiser HD560S, also with an angled driver set-up.
If you want a planar, I suggest the SJR Umi.

 

[Merkurio]

Short answer: no.

I had them when they came out at $499; incredibly big and heavy, decent material quality but poor construction (the screws connecting the headband to the ear cup arches would loosen regularly), but by far the worst thing was the sound, with a stock frequency response that was disastrous and absolutely needed EQ. If you complain about recessed vocals in Hifiman headphones, with these Audeze, it’s like there’s a wall between you and the mid-to-upper mids.

Once equalized, you can achieve wonders with them, especially in the bass department at volumes you shouldn't reach, but that also applies to countless other headphone models that are much cheaper, lighter, and more comfortable.

The HD560S are a good alternative as well as the HE400se, both of which can sound glorious with a bit of EQ.