DCA or Audeze for heavy EQ?

[iwobobul]

I will use EQ, which means I need a solid foundation for that and both Audeze and DCA have models with very low distortion which would allow me to EQ them to my preference (which is close to 2015 harman). I'm looking to buy used, and I want whatever I buy to work with my current amp which is Magni Heretic.

Locally available are (not USD, SGD):

Ether 2 - 1200
Ether C flow - 1000
Ether flow - 900
Ether CX - 600
Aeon 2 open - 700
Aeon flow open - 600
Aeon open x - 540
LCD-X 21 - 1000
LCD 2F - 700
LCD GX - 700
Moondrop PARA? – 400

I did demo Moondrop Para and I could not make it distort no matter what I did. I was able to push the bass so much they started drawing too much current and amp started going into protection shutoffs, but the bass was clean as long as there was no digital clipping.

I did try the Aeon flow open, and it seemed good with EQ profiles I found online, but the store did not allow to use my own amp, so it might be skewed a bit.

I did try LCD-X 2021 and it took EQ like a champ and I was half way up on high gain setting on my amp.

If we assume I EQ them all, and I do have enough headroom, I am unsure about which ones would suit my liking which is:
Wide sound stage
Exaggerated details
Instrument separation

I do not have the ability to A/B test them as they are all in different showrooms and I might have extended my listening time in a few of them already, so I need to rely on internet's opinions.

Would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.

 

[Doodski]

What about the Sennheiser 6xx series of open headphones?

 

[iwobobul]

What about the Sennheiser 6xx series of open headphones?

Thanks for your reply. Are they on par with planars when it comes to details and can they be pushed as hard in the bass region? (to match harman bass extension?) My impression was that dynamic driver is not going to reach that deep no matter how you EQ.

 

[Doodski]

Thanks for your reply. Are they on par with planars when it comes to details and can they be pushed as hard in the bass region? (to match harman bass extension?) My impression was that dynamic driver is not going to reach that deep no matter how you EQ.

I am not a expert in all the various models of headphone sounds and their capabilities. There are far more knowledgeable people here in that regard. I mention it because it has been a staple for so many people over the years and is reputed to sound very good for the budget. Keep posting here in your thread and you'll get answers....

 

[iwobobul]

I am not a expert in all the various models of headphone sounds and their capabilities. There are far more knowledgeable people here in that regard. I mention it because it has been a staple for so many people over the years and is reputed to sound very good for the budget. Keep posting here in your thread and you'll get answers....

thanks, I just hope someone can chime in

 

[Doodski]

thanks, I just hope someone can chime in

They will.... LoL... it's coming. Give it time. Let it ferment that being this thread.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Don't know how you can go wrong with the LCD-X. Highly efficient, low distortion, built like a tank, and can be EQ-d to whatever you'd like it to be. I don't even think the Dan Clark E3 would sound as open because of the closed back design, though I can't say for certain b/c I've never heard it. I own the LCD-X 2021 refitted with Dekoni Elite Sheepskin pads and use it with my Smyth A16 Realizer (along with Sennheiser SD Modded HD 800's refitted with Dekoni Fenestrated Elite Sheepskin pads). Both headphones are IMHO superior performers.