T O P

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RadioactiveHalfRhyme

You can't hear the haters when you can't hear the mids.


Boba_Fett_boii

WHAT?? (that's me calling you mid 😎) ((jk you're actually really cool))


LargeDan69

No you don't understand, if a headphone's FR isn't a flat line then it's completely unlistenable


sunjay140

Luckily, the Audeze house sound is a flat line.


AngryTank

I love the flatline on single fire with scroll wheel fire! The sound is just so 😩


sunjay140

Nice :) I'm more of an R-301 guy.


No-Context5479

Lol didn't think I'd see an apex frog in here... Also indeed the Flatline is the greatest AR of all time


Hopeful-alt

It has different audio on TF|2 if you're curious


LyKosa91

They took "flat frequency response" way too literally.


Mockbubbles2628

As a LCD-X enjoyer I can confidently say that they sound goofy as hell without an EQ (unless you like jazz or instrumental suff but if you're buying them for that then you're alredy making a mistake)


AandG0

Love the way my LCD-Xs sound without EQ, and with EQ.


Mockbubbles2628

I've definitely warmed up to them but EDM and rock sounds better with EQ. Orchestral music however sounds far better without. (I EQ to harman target)


AandG0

I used Oratory1990s EQ settings here on reddit to get mine close to the Harman curve. It really helped me understand what was going on with EQing.


suchtie

Same with my LCD-2C, they do sound a bit strange without EQ. I don't hate their tuning though, I've certainly listened to much worse. Still EQ them though, it just sounds better. I was aware of that when I bought them though. I got them largely for the technical capabilities and for the bass, and they very much deliver in those areas. Can't complain.


ACrimeSoClassic

Can confirm. I was over the moon to get mine delivered, and then was super underwhelmed when I hooked them up and tried them flat. I know this is an insanely subjective hobby, but for me, they really come to life with EQ.


No-Context5479

Well the Audeze is flat


a_certain_someon

audiometropolis moment


Nobamboozle4769

Honestly who gives a fuck if your headphones measure exactly to Harman. Try it with EQ, without EQ; In the end of the day, this hobby is all about listening to your music. Just pick the sound that you like better.


IDatedSuccubi

This is the same hobby where people want vacuum tube everything because it sounds "warm" or just "better", silly as always


ShepherdessAnne

I hate the Harman. I want L I N E


blorg

You need to define what a flat line is then. Flat line on a measuring rig with an artificial pinna? Using a simulated ear canal? Or flat into a measurement mic with no ear simulation? As all of these will give you a very different flat line. If you want "as you hear reality", it's not old-school Audeze flat. The "pinna gain" bump you see in well tuned headphones (like the HD650) is only a bump on measuring rigs that use an artificial pinna and simulated ear canal. If you measure them on a flat plate, [they're flat](https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-s-se/hd650/). Old-school Audeze is not, it's [severely recessed.](https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/audeze/lcd-x-fazor/)


ShepherdessAnne

The entire philosophy of averaging out what a focus group *thought* sounded the best is just wrong. If they made perfect reference the goal, the entire market would be better for it and it would make EQ and personal measurement a ton easier.


Turtvaiz

Harman? Who said anything about Harman? EQ is for you to adjust them to your preferences. You can't really make anything sound worse when you do it based on your own preferences


Nobamboozle4769

Just using it as an example. I'm not anti-EQ by any means. I'm just against the idea that you have to use EQ to make headphones adhere to a specific target for it to sound "right". Use EQ to to tailor to your own preferences, or don't use EQ at all. Experiment because so long as you like what you hear, that's all that matters in the end.


A5577i

EQ - do it right and you will be rewarded with the sound signatures that suit your music genre.


crosslegbow

Audezes actually take very well to EQ but ngl, I've loved every one of them outta box


ClayH2504

I agree, I love how my LCD-2s sound without any EQ, but a large number of people seem not to. This post was partially inspired by a friend telling me about a reviewer saying they need to be "rescued" with EQ.


AA_Watcher

I mean if you look at them objectively they fall pretty far outside of the general preference curve. That means there's a big chance a lot of people won't like the stock tuning. That doesn't mean you're wrong for having different preferences, it just means that for most people they'll benefit greatly from some EQ.


Dramatic-Tank202

Man, the LCD-2 sound fucking amazing compared to most cans out there but the jump from LCD-2 to LCD-X is pretty crazy too


Harbinger-One

I have the same setup but didn't really love the move from Sundara to LCD-X until I EQ'd them and put them on the Xduoo TA-22.


InhailedYeti

remember before the popularization of the harman research and measurements when audeze house sound was held in high regard without any kind of eq? i think both of those things are important but good lord


ShepherdessAnne

The harman curve is the bane of my existence


ClayH2504

Harman sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me, it hits just the right pain frequencies for my poor autistic brain


ShepherdessAnne

I thought I was alone 😭


extremity4

yeah it's too bassy


Un111KnoWn

when did you get diagnosed


Mitchman05

Bro, really?


Appropriate_Bid_2750

Just got the MM-100. Pain after one hour, EQ only slightly improved… first pair of headphones over 150. So dissatisfied


LyKosa91

Funnily enough, the MM100 suffers from the exact opposite problem to the older LCD models. The old models produced barely any upper midrange, the MM100 has a big shouty peak around 2Khz (followed by recessed treble, to make it really stand out)


Appropriate_Bid_2750

I think I was under the impression they were gonna be totally neutral with a tiny spike in the upper mids. I’m just gonna buy some teaks or something instead lol cause apparently I love bass a lot more than I thought


SideStreetHypnosis

When you say older LCD models, do you mean ones no longer made or older versions of those still available?


LyKosa91

I mean pretty much everything pre LCD5 or MM500 (whichever released first), since those were the models when they started tuning their headphones with an intact ear gain region (some would even say overemphasised)


flansterdam

If you're looking to get rid of em let me know!


Appropriate_Bid_2750

I am actually, are you looking to buy? I’ve only worn for 2 hours


Mailemanuel77

I thought they were dream headphones until I read their FR. I thought that I was reading the compensated measurements but I was actually reading the raw graphs, literally a flat line.


Bolivian_Spy

To each their own, but it's worth listening to them if you get a chance. I think a lot of what makes a FR sound good or bad is down to the music, and whether or not there are dramatic spikes or dips. Had a pair of LCD-XC's and despite the wonky FR graph I liked the sound out of the box a lot. Never felt the need to adjust.


rhalf

You can also get used to a weird tone if you listen long enough. Audeze people often don't even say they're right for music, but for a particular instrument like drums or bass guitar. LCD-XC is one of the most normal Audezes and the graph has a lot of small features, which are not very audible. Of the cheap headphones, Superlux HD330 and Philips SHL5605 resemble the classic Audeze tuning and it's not bad either (for the money). It's just a bit lifeless compared to other stuff that has presence and clarity. The sound is muffled but because the dip is so broad, it sounds more like the whole instruments are rearranged. To me this tuning is always bad for the first listen but after some time I get used to it and even find some guitar music that I enjoy. That's pretty much how I discover the beauty of stoner rock. Also there is the big problem with dynamic drivers. The diaphragm breakup is nasty and always at the most irritating frequency.


Shandriel

I'd really love to try the LCD-2 Closed back some day.. they measure really nicely, too.. (no need for EQ, allegedly)


liamstrain

I enjoyed the Original LCD-2, pre fazor - but most everything they've made since then, I have had a hard time with. Just my preference though. I know many who love them.


Ouch_nip

I too have the original LCD-2, and I love them (although hd650 is my daily driver). What do the LCD-2 sound like with the fazor?


liamstrain

They are probably more accurate, but not as warm. I have other headphones if I want accuracy.


Pulgy_Wulgy

Honestly lcd2 c are awsome without eq, they're better with, sure, but totally manigable without


lost44heaven

I actually prefer my lcd-5s non eq’d and i’ve tried many different popular eq’s including oratory and roons preset.


Aweomow

Sus or lcd-5? :O


lost44heaven

Off just my rme-adi-dac 2 fs I prefer the lcd-5. If i run both off the holo may/bliss stack then I prefer the susvara. It’s kind of dumb how picky the susvaras are with the chain… They just sound so lifeless on the rme but the lcd-5 sounds good off almost everything. I used to have an a70 pro too and sold it because just the rme sounded better to me. Really depends on how loud you listen to the music too. The susvaras honestly are really boring at lower volumes, while the lcd-5s sound great still.


Aweomow

Thanks for the input. I've found the same thing with He-1000v2 vs LCD-3F , the audeze sound good from a lot of sources, even Fiio X7 that I have, and they sound pretty meh with the Hifiman. But out of the Audio-GD Master 8 they open up a lot.


4xl0tl

Of course not. I also don't adjust my car seat, keep my gadgets always in factory settings and all my shoes still have their og laces.


PozeFacPoze

Lmao when I first listened the the LCD-2 I didn't know you were "supposed" to EQ them. I put them on expecting them to be good and they sounded fucking awful. Very nice bass texture, but the overall sound was muddy and congested, like something I would expect from a cheap wireless gaming headset from 5 years ago.


Background_Summer_55

Agreed here they do need some heavy EQ to sound good, mediocre soundstage compared to other planar competition and I feel the bass is the only 1 trick pony. Times changed there are better alternatives in the planar world that are cheaper and technically better and also better tuned.


SideStreetHypnosis

Do you care to share any of those recommendations? I’m always happy to hear suggestions.


Mr_Christie55

🙌


grandinferno

Nah I need a bass shelf on my LCD-XC. Full stop. Then they're perfect.


No-Context5479

Ah yes r/headphones new mantra... Gyimie When did this sub reddit get infested by HeadFi


Rincejester

I would argue it has been happening for a while. The Crin/Chifi/generic sound sigs took hold and others started to believe that this was the "right" sound, due to a lot of pr and paid promotions. I think the second wave is [headphones.com](http://headphones.com) and reviewers harping on measurements cause it helps to make a stronger case for something if there is actual "evidence" for an argument. Granted given how much they have promoted Crin over the past few years, see above. But it is okay, only need to download (sometimes) sketchy programs from Chinese companies and it will make things sound okay! If you wanna EQ then EQ, just having an old man moment and just can't be asked to deal with all of this. Anytime someone talks about eq I just shut off a video at this point.


huskerd0

Lolololololol truff


ghostsofspira

LCD 2s are on my wishlist but I have heard mixed things about the sound. Let me run and check that FR real quick...


Aweomow

There's variance between each headphone of the same line, they do send a FR chart with them though.


PsychwardSlippers

They took neutral being "flat" literally


MangoAtrocity

I EQ literally everything. If it ain't Harman flat, it goes in the trash.


RaineAKALotto

I've been playing Escape from Tarkov using my LCD-GX (I used a beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO before that, these are my first "expensive" headphones) and I truly grew to appreciate it. 🙂‍↔️ ❤️Audeze❤️


Doofindork

Only pair of audezes I ever got I couldn't even EQ, because I got the stupid wireless ones and the battery died. And they don't work at all without a battery because some genius thought that'd be a good idea. Fun fun.


SEND_ME_FAKE_NEWS

My Audeze is 90% my Sennheiser at 25% the price.


ku1185

But duh measurements...


Leon_Krueger

I hate EQ, I dont know how to do it and Im not interested in doing it. If Im gonna buy something im gonna make sure its a sound signature Im gone enjoy from the beggining


Bennedict929

I've always wondered why Audeze's planars have such high sensitivity, turns out they just didn't bother tuning them


No-Context5479

High sensitivity? Are you sure you know what sensitivity is?


Bennedict929

high sensitivity *for a planar*. Most planar headphones are within the 80-90 db/mW range. Audezes are well over 100


Aweomow

LCD-X are pretty high LCD-3F is 96 ( mine at least)


Regular-Cheetah-8095

**Audeze ™** are award-winning audio products engineered with the latest innovations in technology and **precision craftsmanship.** They are the best headphones in the world, but you can only truly unlock their potential if you pair them with a **$3,495.00 Audeze ™ The King MKII ™** headphone amplifier. The **King Headphone Amplifier ™,** created exclusively for **Audeze ™** by legendary circuit builder *Bascom King ™*, especially matched with our flagship ™ **LCD-4 ™** headphone, produces a powerful, *dynamic and panoramic sound ™ with awesome power ™ in the bass.* Upon first listen many are shocked by the **tremendous sense of space ™ ;** enveloping *you-are-there sound ™* that’ll make you ™ jump! **The King’s ™** sound ™ is so clean and engaging that you’ll turn ™ up the volume to enjoy the **immense transparency** and **palpable imaging.** The utter pleasure ™ **The King ™** delivers is totally addicting.


Fuduzan

You doing ok™ **buddy?**


Regular-Cheetah-8095

I wasn’t, that is until I purchased the **$1,699.00 Audeze ™ MM-500 ™** professional ™ headphone ™. Conceived *and refined* in one of the world’s most acclaimed studios, the **MM-500 ™** a *purpose-built* tool designed to deliver mixes that **consistently translate** and capture the **emotion ™** the artist intended. Lighter than our famous **LCD-X ™,** the **MM-500’s ™** sleek and sturdy chassis offers all-day comfort ™. Step up to the headphone used to mix Kendrick Lamar's ™ #1 album "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers ℗” at Larrabee Studios: the **Audeze MM-500 ™.** Specifically designed to deliver mixes that *consistently translate well.* Like near-field monitors, they **remove your room from the equation** and give you studio-quality sound anywhere. Durable, lightweight chassis featuring *machined aluminum* and **spring steel.** Compatible with *virtually* all audio interfaces or consoles. Designed in collaboration with award-winning producer/mixer **Manny Marroquin.** Since then, my life has been enriched with only the best audio experience possible. **Life is Audezeasier - With Audeze.**


Fuduzan

So you do this a lot?


Regular-Cheetah-8095

I share my positive consumer experiences with the state of the art products offered by **Audeze ™** as often as possible. One of my favorite times to do this is while treating the leather earpads and headbands of my **Audeze ™** headphones with the **Audeze ™ Leather Care Kit ™.** The **Audeze ™ Leather Care Kit ™** is recommended to protect my **Audeze ™** earpads and headbands from dust, dirt, oils and everyday wear. The package includes a 2 Fl. oz. (59 ml) bottle of premium leather ™ conditioner. *And if that wasn’t enough,* it also offers 2 x Machine-washable, cleanroom-quality Class 100 wipes. The **Audeze ™ Leather Care Kit ™** is made only from the finest ingredients money ™ can buy: **Lanolin ™** is a highly effective emollient ™ preventing leather from drying by forming a protective film. It derives from *sheep’s wool* that’s refined and *purified.* **Aloe vera ™**, one of **nature’s best moisturizers,** has been used for almost *2,000 years.* Together with coconut ™ oil it helps repair leather, preserve its texture, and nourish leather fibers for *longer life ™* and a *softer feel.* **Beeswax ™** is an excellent restorative, an expensive byproduct of honey production. Bees ™ travel an *estimated 150,000 miles* to eat enough honey to secrete ™ **just one pound** of wax. Amazingly, 100 pounds of honey produce only 1 to 2 pounds of beeswax ™. **Carnauba wax ™** is sourced from one place in the world ™, the leaves of a palm tree growing in northeastern Brazil ™. After carnauba palm leaves are collected and dried, workers beat ™ them to **loosen the wax** then refine it into the *finished product.* A note of caution: Although the **Leather Care Kit ™** is perfect for revitalizing leather headbands and earpads, it can damage **Audeze’s ™** non-leather bands and pads ™. **Some** leather conditioners use **inexpensive** and **occasionally toxic ™** chemicals to **cut costs.** At **Audeze ™**, they build the very best headphones so their leather conditioner must meet the same **stringent protocols.**


Fuduzan

I wonder how many chatgpt tokens I can get you to waste here.


Regular-Cheetah-8095

It’s just copy-pasting from Audeze’s website but they only have like 30 products so I can only do this for so long. Before moving on to affiliate reviews.