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Showing 1 of 286 conversations about:
Xephyroth
238
Jun 21, 2018
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MannyAkimI got mine just a couple days ago and have been using it and breaking it in. Not ready for a review yet, though. Here it is below a Creative Sound Blaster E5.
ColinSunCHN
1
Jun 22, 2018
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XephyrothE5 owner, intresting in comparing with LCX+SDAC, could you please give some impressions?
Xephyroth
238
Jun 22, 2018
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ColinSunCHNI actually own a few DAC/Amp combos. Notably the E3, E5 and Massdrop x Grace Design m9XX.
While others may disagree, I quite like the E5 and the feature set it has. Personally, I've geared myself towards using an EQ more often because I enjoy bass emphasis. With direct mode enabled (turning off all EQ and other processing), the E5 sounds a bit bright compared to the m9XX—which sounds a tinge warmer than neutral.
While I'm still breaking in the LCX + SDAC, I did briefly compare it to the m9XX. Keep in mind, the m9XX has several filters and a few otther features that the LCX+SDAC doesn't have. I found that the LCX+SDAC is stylistically brighter than the m9XX. I wasn't sure about whether or not I liked that at first, but I've come around and quite like it.
Definitely has no issues driving higher impedance cans like the HD650. Lower impedance cans like my Elear or TH-X00 Purpleheart liven up around 10-11 O'clock. I haven't tried IEMs, but I do have the iSINE 20 (albeit, those work best with an EQ) I might be able to try with. But unlike the E5, the LCX+SDAC has infinitely more volume steps, so getting the perfect volume is not an issue.
I know it's not too much to say right now, but if you want more details, please ask for more specific comparisons and I'll see what I can do :-)
While others may disagree, I quite like the E5 and the feature set it has. Personally, I've geared myself towards using an EQ more often because I enjoy bass emphasis. With direct mode enabled (turning off all EQ and other processing), the E5 sounds a bit bright compared to the m9XX—which sounds a tinge warmer than neutral.
While I'm still breaking in the LCX + SDAC, I did briefly compare it to the m9XX. Keep in mind, the m9XX has several filters and a few otther features that the LCX+SDAC doesn't have. I found that the LCX+SDAC is stylistically brighter than the m9XX. I wasn't sure about whether or not I liked that at first, but I've come around and quite like it.
Definitely has no issues driving higher impedance cans like the HD650. Lower impedance cans like my Elear or TH-X00 Purpleheart liven up around 10-11 O'clock. I haven't tried IEMs, but I do have the iSINE 20 (albeit, those work best with an EQ) I might be able to try with. But unlike the E5, the LCX+SDAC has infinitely more volume steps, so getting the perfect volume is not an issue.
I know it's not too much to say right now, but if you want more details, please ask for more specific comparisons and I'll see what I can do :-)
ColinSunCHN
1
Jun 22, 2018
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XephyrothThanks, I actually own M900 & E5 & CTH, M900@office, E5@portable, CTH@home with NAD 546(comfort with this combo now). Both M900 & E5 are a little bit bright for me to pair with K701, HD10, SHP9500 etc ...(kinda bright HP), so my requirement is to add another relatively warm amp or dac/amp combo, but according to your description, seems that LCX+SDAC also in the bright side.
Xephyroth
238
Jun 22, 2018
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ColinSunCHN@ColinSunCHN Definitely take what I said with a grain of salt for now. The manual specifies a 100hr break-in time, and some will say that's snake oil, and others will agree.
I've personally been breaking it in as the manual recommends. I haven't had the chance to sit down and do another comparison against the m9XX since my first initial impressions. But I'm probably halfway or more through the break-in process. To my ears, switching between the E5 (direct mode) and the LCX+SDAC, I think the LCX+SDAC is just a tinge brighter. It's not substantial, but it'll be noticeable to a pair of analytical ears. At the same time, it also resolves better and makes the E5 seem a bit sloppy in its deliverance of the low-end.
I've personally come to like a V-shape. I think my brightest headphone (Monoprice Monolith M560) would be rough to use without an EQ on the LCX+SDAC. The m9XX has been a better pairing in that regard since it's warmer, but even then, the M560 has really pushed through that to maintain its bright character.
So if you're looking for something even warmer, I think you ought to keep looking.
I've personally been breaking it in as the manual recommends. I haven't had the chance to sit down and do another comparison against the m9XX since my first initial impressions. But I'm probably halfway or more through the break-in process. To my ears, switching between the E5 (direct mode) and the LCX+SDAC, I think the LCX+SDAC is just a tinge brighter. It's not substantial, but it'll be noticeable to a pair of analytical ears. At the same time, it also resolves better and makes the E5 seem a bit sloppy in its deliverance of the low-end.
I've personally come to like a V-shape. I think my brightest headphone (Monoprice Monolith M560) would be rough to use without an EQ on the LCX+SDAC. The m9XX has been a better pairing in that regard since it's warmer, but even then, the M560 has really pushed through that to maintain its bright character.
So if you're looking for something even warmer, I think you ought to keep looking.
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