DefectiveAudioComponent

Maybe it'll work... but then It'll look like a vinyl taped Volkswagen Beetle (

Bass boost test all done. Now time for a review! (Warning - it's not at all neutral since I've started to like the LCD-1 a lot... no science here, just my opinion....well, now I done the disclaimer....) I plug the LCD-1 into my Musical Fidelty X-CANv3 tube headphone amplifier, and feed it some music through the E-MU 0404 DA-converter. I put them on. They are very comfortable. The music starts playing. I've brought on a live recording of Daft Punk "Alive 2007". The scenery unfolds around me. The audience fills the field below. The band enters and starts playing. The music fills the air like I have never heard before. The LCD-1 easily walk right over my previous reference, the Sennheiser HD580. (But they should, as they also cost a bit more). They play a much more involving tone. Being a bit analytical on these, there is nice bass (unlike for instance my vintage electret, the Toshiba X1), although the headphone is on the bright and calm side compared to what can be had on the bassy side (there is not so much slam and bang). But when it's not enough, the LCD-1 has replaceable pads. I tried some leather imitation pads from an old Pioneer SE-205. The bass became massive. Not my cup of tea at the moment, but easy to do and easy to reverse. (If I had one more pair, I would probably use leather pads on the other pair.) The strong side of these headphones is how they throw the music out around you, and fill the air with every nuance of it. It makes Jarre's Oxygene a fantastic experience, placing me in the midst of the performance, with music playing in archs all around. They are very musical, which is what I also love about my vintage orthodynamic headphones. They pull off a marvellous trick, to have deep bass, sparkly highs, air, and at the same time throw that headstage around. My vintage orthodynamic headphones can't do all these things at the same time. And they are fast. There is no mixing up the instruments, even with fast messy music like Death From Above 1979 or some track by Lightning Bolt. Don't be fooled by the modest look of these headphone. They can be compared to placing a huge strong racing engine into a small Volswagen Beetle. The Audeze team has done a great job tuning their fine new driver in the LCD-1.

Sankar just replied about the strain relief: >> Is there any strain relief inside? The strain would be on the place where the cable is attached to the driver and a little bit before that where it is glued. I'm unsure if that reply means I should add something more to prevent damage.

Yes, the X-Can is a much better headamp. The 0404 is a bit bright (but still enjoyable). I can't hear any need for tighter bass at the moment. My musician friend couldn't hear it either. But I can't promise I won't hear it later. Right now it's all good )

It turned out not to be nice to swap from the X-CAN to the 0404. Well. It sounded ok when I didn't do the A/B. Anyway. Time for a verdict after this quite short listen. (and with very little play-time at all.) The LCD-1 are simply the best cans I ever heard. They destroy the Sennheiser HD580. And they are also better then my vintage planar headphones (The orthos and the electret). It extends good (at least as good as my other headphones), it's fast, and the 3D headstage is outstanding. And it's musical. I'm extremely happy so far

I've not got the 48/72 burn-in yet because I've only had them playing when I was listening... not the usual way to do the burn-in maybe.... It turned out that I had to take the LCD-1 off my head to locate two screws They are my main suspect for opening these up. (But I'll wait until I have an idea of what to do when inside.)

Unlike some of my other headphones the LCD-1 presents an enjoyable tune from the headamp in the 0404 USB dac. I'm trying to find some music that it can't keep up with. I've tried a disc of fast, complicated music (Hypermagic Mountain - Lightning Bolt). So far so good. (by the way, I have sent an email to Sankar about the cables to find out if there is any stress relief on it.)

Does anyone know how to open them up?

I need to listen more before I make any changes. Also, maybe they will change slightly after some hours. But there's more to the pads than just the finish, there is also for instance thickness. To me it appears that bass changes if I press the pads against my ears. (or is this my imagination playing tricks?). It could be the way they seal as well as thickness I suppose (if it is not my imagination...)

Yes... it could get more bass... but what about this lovely headstage then? I'm not sure it needs more bass yet. It's certainly not overwhelming though....

My very first impression is that they sound great out of the bag. The Mogami 3106 cable is a bit annoying, but for this music experience (playing Jarre - Oxygene MSFL Gold recording, lossless through EMU0404usb / XCANv3 tube amp.), at this price, I can easily live with it. I'm very happy I bought these instead of the Denon D2000 (same price level over here. The LCD-1 actually costs a bit less.)

Let's have a closer look at that then!

The cable is a bit heavy.

My LCD-1 finally arrived! It looks a lot nicer than on the photos I've seen. I've been a bit worried about the possible lack of deep bass, but no need to worry. All ok out of the bag.

I'd ask him too. (no, wait, I already did.... )

I'm hoping to hear one of Donalds master modifications soon (or later?). If maybe perhaps he has got any Akai ortho of mine that he possibly wants to mod (or not?). I'm almost regretting that I choose cheaper but slower shipping for my LCD-1. I really want to hear what Audeze has created.

The worst is when the foam turns into sticky goo and falls into the driver. It's a real horror to get it out.

Now: Cold Lately. Not new, but it's a fantastic record on the right gear (with the wrong cans it's ... blah....)

The strut can be fixed. (You didn't throw them away, did you?)

Now on: the latest bob dylan bootleg record (vol 8 ). It sounds great through my old X1 electret. It goes well with my glass of Laphroaig too.

The rumor said they would only make 25 of the LCD-1. I wonder if that's still the case (if it was true), and how many they sold. Did anyone hear anything about it?

I've been waiting for this huge ipod for years. It will sell like crazy, I predict. The screen size looks just right for books, video, and skype calls. Maybe also a simple game or two.

Not having even received my LCD-1 I feel left behind in the speed of events here. One brand new LCD-1 already on the second hand market. Did I make a mistake ordering one? (I'lll soon hear for myself, but why not worry while there is still time to do so?)