Life Changing Moment: Lost The Man Cave

No choice but to let go of my man cave to make way for a new bedroom for my eldest child....

The set up will be moved to the lounge on the ground floor... 

Temporarily, the set up is our dinner menu as you can see in the picture :)

The End Is The Beginning Is The End

What is the best part when you quit your job?

The farewell gifts...

Thanks to a thoughtful friend and colleague... Now my employment days will be alive...

Pearl Jam - Lightning Bolt

Lets see how good this album is....

Aaaannnddd its GOOOOOODDDD!!

Some bands are just worthy the come back....

1.Future Days: My favourite track thus far from this album.... as mellow and emotional as Just Breathe

2. Get Away: Heavy, raw and full of grunge spirit

3. Infallible:

4. Let The Records Play: as if they are saying...we will continue to grunge...

5. Lightning Bolt: PJ's sound more modern in this track

6. Mind Your Manners: A pinch of punk rock influence here....dare to be different

7. My Father's Son: An ode to dads all around the world hehehehe

8. Pendulum: A bit weird....a bit of Chris Cornell type of music...

9. Siren: Another good track....Eddie's vocals on this is full of energy...and lost his magic he has not...

10. Sleeping by Myself: A mixture of country, oldies?

11. Swallowed Whole: Spit or swallow hehehe? Quite a simple track and just to basic.very rock & roll

12. Yellow Moon: A bit on the dark side...its like going into Hare Krishna kind of music...

Brothers At War: UD100 vs UD110

Nothing like some adrenalin to pump up your weekend. I was blown away last year with the introduction of the Naked DAC UD100 by Stoner Acoustics. Now comes the younger brother UD110. I decided to put these 2 brothers to the battle.........of musical pleasure.

UD100 was indeed a value for money upgrade from a direct headphone out of the PC/laptop to powered speaker when I reviewed it last year. Now comes the UD110 that have been long awaited by this mini DAC fans. It runs with asychronous 16/32 bit@ 32/44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz.

The Specs

RECEIVER : SA9027

LDO : LP5907

CLOCK: AK8133E

DAC : PCM5102A

OUTPUT : 2Vrms @ 10kohm load

RESOLUTION : 16/32bit @ 32/44.1/48/88.2/96Khz

SPECIAL FEATURES : Comes with ASIO driver for windows

The full spec can be downloaded here.

It does need a driver when used with Windows PC which Stoner Acoustics provide a link to download it.

The installation on my laptop was straight forward and flawless.

When I asked the designer why the change from ESS to TI DAC, he explained that its actually to meet the need of users who mostly like to adjust the volume via computer's software. so, he chose a PCM that can support 32 bit. It allows us larger headroom when using software attenuation as every -6dB of software attenuation, we will loose 1 bit of resolution.

This time around, Stoner Acoustics is all ready to launch this unit commercially, so the UD110 came with its 'clothes' as oppose the UD100 which I refer to as The Naked DAC. The 'clothes' is basically a heat shrink wrap that protect the DAC chip.

The Set Up

I am using the same Dell laptop i used previously, running iTunes and WMP. My review this time is more about how much more pleasure I can get from this UD110 over the previous UD100 unit. Hence, the review revolves just around using my new Beyer T1 headphones. Its not even about whether this unit is good or not. Based on previous experience, I know for sure it is a good unit. So, i do not need to compare it with my MF CLiC streamer and on my main hifi set up.

I just took my own sweet time for about 2 weeks now to listen and listen again the beautiful music coming out from both DAC units.

The Tracks

1. Enter Sandman by Metallica (96kHz FLAC)

2. Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli (96kHz FLAC)

3. Girl from Ipanema by Getz and Gibrelto (96kHz FLAC)

4. La Mer by Kevin Kline (320kbps/48kHz MP3)

5. Siboh Kitak Nangis by Zee Avi (320kbps/48kHz MP3)

The first impression of the UD110 is that the overall sound level is amplified. At the same sound level on the iTunes/WMP, it sounded louder on UD110 compared to UD100.

On Enter Sandman, the new UD110 provided me with a more in depth experience when it comes to the solid drumming of Lars. It makes it more evident of Lar's drumming technique used on this track. I also only now realized that Kirk's solo on this track was recorded such that it created sort of a swirling effect from right to centre to left and back to centre throughout the solo. I have heard this track a million times .... on my hifi, in the car, on an MD portable player, on iPhone....and never once I notice this. It might be due to ignorance, but I attribute this in depth detail to the UD110 that allows me to realize this. When I switch to the previous UD100, the swirling guitar was there too but I never realized that before. Nevertheless, when it comes to in depth detail, the UD110 definitely is a step up from UD100.

Comes in the vocal test with my favourite test track. Andrea's and Sarah's vocals were were very energetic as if there was a surge of extra adrenalin that boosted their vocal strength. At times, it sounded a bit more on the lower tone vocals....like a baritone sound... but I realised that the overall performance was actually on the low end frequency side. It was still enjoyable especially to experience the energy from their vocals but the previous UD100 presented a more neutral but detail sound character.

Girl from Ipanema presented a different character as well. The warmth and bass heavy sound was still there but it was more balanced with the husky voice on the track. Again, detail and depth of music were very evident. Not sure whether it was a cracking sound due to interference but I could you hear through the tracks some sort of cracking/vibration sound from the instrument played. Its not annoying but instead created a very realistic and lively experience of how the music was played and recorded. Playing this track on the previous UD100, the experience is somehow different. Less of such detail, hence didnt have that extra mileage when it comes to the detail of the sound.

Switching to high quality MP3, La Mer sounded deeper in depth where the deep and husky vocals of Kevin Kline was delivered in a very detail and crispy sound. However, the overall presentation was not as coloured or lively compared to when playing higher resolution files. The UD110 to me has now highlighted MP3 inferiority compared to FLAC and higher resolution files.It was still enjoyable but after an hour of listening to higher res files, I could not run away from the fact that higher res files does give a different experience compared to MP3. But this is also attributed by what DAC you are using. As oppose to UD100, this track sounded livelier but looses on some details.

I then turn to my last track Siboh Kitak Nangis which captivated me when playing it with the previous UD100. Being a high quality MP3 file, again the new UD110 highlighted a more laid back sound signature compared to the higher resolution files. Playing this song again with the previous UD100, that liveliness that I experience last year was back.

The Verdict

Its a DRAW ! :) ... Why? 

Both units have its own strength and merit. This is how I sum up the units:

1. You have loads of high quality MP3s? UD100 is the way to go. It injects liveliness and creates the spatial openness of the music.

2. Playing higher resolution files? Go for the UD110. Detail, crispiness, warm, bold and upfront presentation are what your going to get.

There is a caveat here. The experience above is based on using a headphone and not connected to my main hifi set up nor my Bose PC speakers. 

I would like to thank Stoner Acoustic for the opportunity to review this unit. The new UD110 is still a keeper and I may use it for another CAS set up for my son's room.

For anyone interested to purchase one, this UD110 can be purchased from Stoner Acoustics at USD49/unit excluding delivery.

New LPs for the Week

Got this over lunch time on Tuesday...

Tony is da maaaannn....

Disappointed in NIN.....

Some bands just should retire.... period...

No More Nakedness - UD110 USB DAC

Yesss after a long wait .... The newer version of the Naked USB UD100 DAC that I reviewed many moons ago is finally out... Waiting for a sample unit to be sent out by the designer... Review to come...

https://www.facebook.com/StonerAcoustics/posts/720945457920336:0

Picture is courtesy of Stoner Acoustics

1st October:

Received the unit... Wooohhhooo...

SONY CDP-XB930E: True Love Lasts Forever

As mentioned in my previous post, I will do a simple review of this old-ish unit that I stumbled upon  Mr. Drife's blog. I now call this unit old-ish rather than old as apparently there are even people still using their CD player from 1988. So mine which was purchased the first time in 1999 is still considered 'young'

I have been trying to get a hold of this unit for a few years now after selling it off during my student years in the UK due to shortage of money. Yes, lots of people questioned me on why am I spending my small amount of scholarship money on hifi while I should use it to but books. Well, I worked part time on weekends and bank holidays, making doughnuts in the famous Brighton Palace Pier to cater for my hifi interest. Plus, I play drums for a local band  for that few extra quids.

Anyway, at one point, I stopped working as it was in my final year in university and just concentrated on the books. Due to shortage of money to ship back my stuff to Malaysia, I started selling some of my stuff and it included this CD player.

So, a BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Drife for finding my old flame. And sorry I didn't recognise you initially. (Mr. Drife actually have bought a hifi kit from me once but it took me a few minutes before realising I have met him before hehehe)

BUILT

Sony had 2 different series in their hifi components; QS and ES which the latter is its higher end series. But rest assured that even the QS is built to a high quality standard. At those time, Sony units can easily match other CD players in the likes of Marantz, NAD, ARCAM etc.

It weighs 6 kg and built with all metal casing. All its connections, buttons, the famous jog dial and tray mechanism are sturdy and have an expensive feel. The LCD display is one of the best out there. Crystal clear, simple, intuitive and fuss free.

The tray mechanism is the one that really impresses me. Its bigger that other normal CDP as it has to accommodate the magnetic puck on top of the CD as well. But, even with ths size and extra weight of the puck, it is sooooo silent. Even after all these years.

The unit came with a full remote control which is still working. However, I am currently using my Sony MD remote to control this unit as well.

The power cable I believe have been modified by the previous owner as it is now equipped with an IEC connection so one can start using different power cables. I remembered the original unit I owned came with a built in cable.

Picture courtesy of Drife blog

INS AND OUTS

At this price point (at least in late 90s), there was only outputs:

1. One pair of RCA

2. One coaxial digital

3. One optical

There is also a Control A1 input and output. This is mainly to be connected to other Sony products for seamless control. I use this with a mono cable connected to my Sony MD player. With this, both unit will be synced during digital recording and if there is a CDText on the source CD, it will automatically transferred to the MD, so no need to type out the tracks name onto the MD.

THE SET UP

1. Sony CDP connected direct to M6i amp using Cambridge Audio Pacific RCA interconnect (the same IC I used for this unit 14 years ago)

2. Sony CDP connected to M6 DAC via coaxial using Cambridge Audio Series 700 coaxial cable

3. MF M1 CDT connected to M6 DAC via coaxial using Cambridge Audio Series 700 coaxial cable (this unit is usually connected using Siltech digital XLR balanced cable to the M6 DAC)

THE SESSION

Tracks that I used to review this unit....were tracks during my students days in the UK:
1. Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio
2. The Circle by Ocean Colour Scene
3. Breathe by Prodigy
4. Cosmic Girl by Jamiroquai
5. Ocean Drive by Lighthouse Family
6. No Woman No Cry by The Fugees
7. Return of the Mack by Mark Morrison
8. One by Metallica

If anyone of you were into these tracks, you might know that I was using the Brit Awards 97 double CD compilation for tracks 1 to 7.

SETUP 1
I wont be giving track by track review...but more on a collective overall listening pleasure/displeasure. Most of the track are quite bass heavy and thats exactly what I got from this Sony unit. Connected directly via RCA IC, the overall sound was leaning more towards delivering a very strong and upfront low end character, more than the usual I experience with CD players fed through the MF M6 DAC. The Breathe track in particular made me went into a rave clubbing mood. I have programmed the Sony CDP to play these tracks on random repeat. As I keep on listening, it started to grow on me, giving me memories of my college days...blaring loud music and annoying neighbours hahahaha. It was still on the bass heavy side but it was still OK and pleasurable experience. Listened to these tracks for about an hour then I switched  to SETUP 2.

SETUP 2
Connecting the Sony unit to M6 DAC injected a more refined and controlled bass on these tracks. It was not as overwhelming as when it was played via RCA. However, it has made those heavy bass tracks NOT to sound as they should. Although it was a more relax and warm sounding, it took away that adrenalin I got from the RCA set up. Is the M6 DAC incompatible with a Sony transport, SQ wise? I then put on One by Metallica...My my my...this was a different beast. It made me turn on my Yamaha DTXplorer drums at 2 am in the morning....playing along to this track.  I continue to listen via the M6 DAC for about an hour...and yet again...the sound just grew on me and I started to re-appreciate the experience. So how does it compare to my MF CDT transport?

SETUP 3
Now, playing these tracks again over my MF CDT, I am surprise to hear that although I am using the same coaxial cable, feeding into the same DAC, the sound character was still different. MF CDT uses slot in mechanism while the Sony uses a tray and puck. I bet its because of the different transport design, the sound is also different. Compared to SETUP 2, the MF CDT compliments more the M6 DAC as it provided the balance between highs and lows and still deliver that extra adrenalin to make the music more alive.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The Sony still gives me that satisfactory feeling and the adrenalin to appreciate hard hitting, bass heavy, guitar growling music. The 2 best tracks that I like listening from the Sony were One and Ocean Drive. Excellente!

2. New always better than old? Not necessarily. I still believe that in any case, system matching is still important. Previously, I use the Sony with Marantz PM57 driving Heybrook Optima and soon after MF X-A1 driving TDL RTL3SE and both yield excellent results. The Sony directly connected to M6i amp delivered a little bit more on the bass but it still was sweet sounding. The M6 DAC helps a lot in controlling that extra bass.

3. Transport matters! The 2 different transport mechanism gives different sound through the same DAC. Of course, I am sure the different type of lenses used in both transports play an important rule too.

So, which one will stay as my resident CD player? Both at the moment. Until I find myself a Marantz PM57 and replace the tweeter on my old TDL RTL3SE.

Here is Ocean Drive, played from the Sony RCA hook up. 

http://youtu.be/sWgLkNH48ik

Tweaks Tweaks by CMY

Bass and room correction by DSpeaker...available at CMY. For demo, please visit CMY One Utama and look for Steve Chua.

Discount Offer on BOSE new products

Received this SMS yesterday from Atlas Hi Fi. Go and get it if you are looking for in ear noise cancelling earphones..

Bedtime Story

Set up a mini haven for those late night listening.... Consist of:

1. Musical Fidelity M1 HPA headphone amp.

2. Bose Around the Ears headphone

3. Bose Wave Music system

4. Airport Express

5. iPhone 5

Old Is Good!!!

A long lost love.... Rekindled today...

Thanks to the cupid... Mr. Drife... Who found this unit to be sold to me... The lucky buyer...thanks bro...

I purchased this unit 1999 for GBP 300 from Sevenoaks Brighton... Matched it with my previous MF X-DAC and XA1/XA50... And TDL RTL3SEs...But due to financial crisis as a student where my bank balance was about 85 pence, had to sell it for just GBP 100 after less than 1 year of use.

I use this CDP to synchronously dub music into MDs on my SONY ES MD player besides play endless hours of CDs from HMV/Virgin stores..

Eversince I got back into hifi bug in 2008, I have been looking high and low for a 2nd hand unit on ebay but to no avail... Except for the ones in the US...

Now its back in my hands...loving it...

Its unconventional... But I will review this old unit... Because:

1. Its a model that was not available in Malaysia

2. To see whether old is better/at par/worst than new

3. Because I want to and this is my blog :) woooohhhhoo

So stay tune...

PisangRama - Another Classic

I just love 80's music...and listening it through T1s... Amazing...

Beyerdynamic T1: Light on The Head, Heavy on Pleasure

 

It was a tough session listening to the T1s after a delightful session with the Audeze.... I was not sure what headphones can actually match the SQ from the Audeze. I received the demo unit courtesy of CMY One Utama arranged by the good man Steve Chua a few days before Hari Raya. So, I had good time to really listen to these cans.

BUILT

As oppose to Audeze, the T1s came in a metal casing with soft foam like material internally to house the cans.AT this price point, there is little to complain about the built. A mix of metal and fabric cushion on the cans itself and leather on the headband. An odd combination to me as it could also be more economical to just stick to one material or the most two. I do prefer the fabric cushion on the pads rather than leather given that I live in a humid country. Its OK to use leather if the pads are interchangeable as BOSE's headphones are. But if its  permanent fixture, I rather go for fabric. It would be even better if the headband was of fabric as well.

The headband can be adjusted easily and it gave me the right amount of pressure to keep the cans in place over my head. Not inducing any uncomfortable experience.

The unit comes with a double sided cable with a 1/4" jack..Sturdily built to precision tightly into the cans. No wiggly cables. But unfortunately, the cable cannot be easily replaced or changed to an XLR connection unless you start doing major modifications internally.

The ear cups of the T1 is made from soft fabric and the pads are soft and gentle on the ears as well. Very comfortable.

It is also lighter then the LCD2 which is a bonus for me. I can use this cans straight for 2 to 3 hours without resting back onto my sofa.

SPECIFICATION

The T1 of course employs Beyerdynamic Tesla technology. You can read more about this HERE

• Transducer type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dynamic
• Operating principle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Semi-open
• Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 50,000 Hz
• Impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 Ω
• Nominal SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 dB (1 mW / 500 Hz)
• T.H.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < 0.05% (1 mW / 500 Hz)
• Power handling capacity. . . . . . . . . . 300 mW
• Max. SPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 dB (300 mW / 500 Hz)
• Sound coupling to the ear . . . . . . . . Circumaural
• Headband pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . approx. 2.8 N
• Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 m / double-sided / balanced (6-core)
• Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gold vaporised 1/4" stereojack plug (6.35 mm

Highlighted in bold above is the impedance of 600 ohm. Now, this unit really needs an amp to justify the SQ. However, I tried connecting to it to my iPhone 5 using an adaptor.... and the result was...actually not too bad.. it does not really deliver the T1s true potential, but if you would like to have a RM5000 headphones out and about connected to your phone while you jog, by all means, it can still be driven by iPhone.

THE SET UP

Source 1:

• MF M1 CDT to M6 DAC to M6i amplifier to Bryston BHA-1 headphone using all Siltech interconnects. All balanced except from M6i to Bryston headphone amp using single ended RCA interconnect.

Source 2:

• Clearaudio Concept turntable to MF M1 ViNL phono stage to Bryston headphone amp via its Balanced input using VDH XLR cables.

THE SESSION

I used the same track listing similar to when I demo-ed the LCD2. 

• La Voce Del Silenzio - Andrea Bocelli (CD)
• My Hero - Foo Fighters (CD)
• Until It Sleeps - Metallica (CD)
• Siboh Kitak Nangis - Zee Avi (CD)
• Patience - Guns and Roses (LP)
• Unforgettable - George Benson (LP)

For Andrea's track, the T1 presentation was very bold but maintains the airiness that I like from my MS Pro. I guess it being a semi open design, it was capable to provide that extra low end notes compared to my MS Pro but still maintain the subtle dispersion of music that creates that liveliness in the tracks. Vocals was presented in clarity and very melodious..

My Hero however was a little bit of disappointment. The kick drum did not come out as per my usual expectation from this track. A bit weak and did not bring up the adrenalin which I usually get from this track. The grungy guitar sound of Grohl is however very evident and the T1 maintains the clarity of his vocals even with all his growling. It was still entertaining but something was missing which I think was that extrat bass notes from the kick drums. 

To further test the low end notes, Until it Sleeps by Metallica was in line next. The T1 gave a better performance with this track. Lars's kick drums was detailed, bold and solid. I LIKE. His hand works on the snare was also very detailed and relatively similar to LCD2.

The best performance of this T1 came from Zee Avi's track. It was PERFECT headfi moment for me. The T1 presented the track in all its glory. Musically balanced between the low, mids and highs. Vocals was heavy with passion, ukulele strings was detailed and airy, the double bass was hitting the right vibration notes.

Patience was a track that brought back lots of memories from school. This was one of those GNR tracks that melts the hearts of the girls in my school. I had to pick up my Ibanez Semi Acoustic guitar and played along.... but of course... stopped half way through the song as I have forgotten the chords. But nevertheless, with the T1, it gave me that music passion from Axl's voice.

Unforgettable from George Benson sums up the performance of this T1. It was indeed another unforgettable experience listening to these T1s. This track alone is already a strong track to begin with eventhough its an old melody. The T1 presented this track  in a very emotional but strong experience especially from the violins playing. 

VERDICT

A must have for those who wants that little extra bass especially for those coming from open back headphones. It does not deliver as much bass as the LCD2 but it all depends on what you prefer. The mids and treble are balanced out with the subtlety of the bass.

I burn in the demo unit for more than 150 hours and the sound quality just got even better. Beyond that however, seems to be plateaued.

It suits well with Bryston BHA-1 amp using single end 1/4" jack.

Fortunately for me, the weight issue I had with LCD2, the T1 gave me the perfect comfort. So, its the T1 that is residing permanently in my audio den.

There are various hifi shops selling Beyerdynamic product besides CMY. But not sure which shop have an open demo unit for customer to try it out in the shop at least.

Thanks again to CMY especially Steve Chua from One Utama.

A Rest From Reality

It was  a much needed break for me and my family after a very physically and mentally exhausting year thus far. Had the time to spend about an hour to visit this famous LP store in Paris. A true Madonna fan but still I managed to to get a few gems from this shop.

And now back in KL...listening to these LPs through my T1s.

Missing my Hi Fi

Missing my hifi.... Cant wait to be back in KL to test out these LPs...

His and Hers: BOSE AE2w New Bluetooth Headphones

On this special day, I purchased these 2 headphones... One for me and one for my wife.

Sound... As good as QC15 without the noise cancelling.

Classic/Oldies Gems!

As Ella Fitz, Beatles, Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra are considered classics or oldies to my late father's generation, I find the following are some of the gems or oldies in my generation:

For female:

Eid Came Early: Beyerdynamic T1 In Da House

Thanks to Steve of CMY OU, I managed to get a loan unit of the T1 before the long Eid weekend.

Expect a review soon.... And a decision of purchase...

New Naim DAC is Malaysia

CMY have brought in the first batch of the new Naim DAC....

A quick listen to it today via Beyer T1 headphones in CMY OU.... It was very sweet and warm... 

Sweet Luscious Audez'e LCD2

So, a blissful few days of having the Audez'e with me came to an end. It was indeed a very good pair of cans to start with. My quest for listening to a pair of 'balanced' headphone, driven my Bryston BHA-1 amp was indeed fruitful. I am fully convinced that whenever its possible to use a balanced connection, I should use it. Similar to my main hifi set up which is fully balanced from source to DAC to amp.

Now, the 5 mins audition I had during the KLIAV show this year, prompted me to seriously audition this unit at home. A few weeks after the KLIAV show, Mr. Aaron from David & Associates called me up to see whether I was still interested in the unit. For me to part with RM4300, I really had to make sure that the unit suits me well in all aspects of head-fi. So, he offered to loan me the unit for a few days which I am truly grateful of his trust to leave the demo unit with for a few days.

BUILT

The built definitely reflects the selling price. Sturdy, refined in details, flawless.  Compared to my Alessandro Grado MS Pro, its like comparing a Mercedes with a Toyota. The leather quality on the LCD2 is soft and very comfortable to the skin. The unit I was given was a lambskin unit. They also have an option for leather-free super suede microfiber fabric.

The headband though thin compared to the cans itself provides adequate stretchable width to go over my big head as shown in the picture above. (YES, Ultraman is the best ever superhero).

The unit comes with a flat cable with a 1/4" jack on one side and a pair of 4 pins mini XLR connection on the other side to connect to each can. The locking mechanism comes with a small soft button to slot into each can. Sturdily built to precision as the cable locks in tightly into the cans. No wiggly cables.

The ear cups of the LCD2 are made from Caribbean Rosewood. They also have a unit made of Bamboo composite which is retailed at RM3800. 

As I opted to listen to a fully balanced cable, Mr. Aaron also provided me with a pure silver 4 pins XLR cable from ALOAudio.

SPECIFICATION

The Audeze LCD2 features a planar magnetic design which is claim to recreate sound precisely as the artist intended. The LCD2 uses thin-film diaphragm housed between a push-pull magnetic structure.

• Style:  Circumaural - open
• Transducer type:  Planar magnetic
• Magnetic structure:  Proprietary self-closing design, acoustically transparent
• Magnet type:  High-grade Neodymium  
• Diaphragm excursion:  2.5 mm peak to peak
• Transducer active diaphragm area:  6.17 sq in
• Sound pressure level (SPL):  130 db (maximum)
• Frequency response:  5 Hz - 20 KHz, usable high-frequency extension of 50 KHz
• Total harmonic distortion (THD):  Less than 1% throughout entire frequency range
• Impedance:  60 Ohms, purely resistive
• Efficiency:  90 dB/1 mW
• Maximum power handling:  15 W (for 200 ms)
• Optimal power requirement:  1-4 W
• Cable length:  2.5 m or 8.2 ft
• Weight:  490 g (without cable - Bamboo Composite)
• Weight:  522 g (without cable - Rosewood)

THE SET UP

Source 1:

• MF M1 CDT to M6 DAC to M6i amplifier to Bryston BHA-1 headphone using all Siltech interconnects. All balanced except from M6i to Bryston headphone amp using single ended RCA interconnect.

Source 2:

• Clearaudio Concept turntable to MF M1 ViNL phono stage to Bryston headphone amp via its Balanced input using VDH XLR cables.

THE SESSION

I listened to the following tracks for this demo.

• La Voce Del Silenzio - Andrea Bocelli (CD)
• My Hero - Foo Fighters (CD)
• Until It Sleeps - Metallica (CD)
• Siboh Kitak Nangis - Zee Avi (CD)
• Patience - Guns and Roses (LP)
• Unforgettable - George Benson (LP)

If my fellow blog followers can notice, I am not using my usual test tracks except for My Hero and Siboh Kitak Nangis. Reason being is that I would like to avoid being over critical finding that level of details in the common tracks I use. I would prefer just to get the honest presentation from the LCD2 based on any music thrown on it.

The first track by Andrea Bocelli is also a strong track with a forcefull orchestra arrangement. The  LCD2 did not dissapoint me at all as the presentation was very bold but lively. Although it is an open back design, it provided a more controlled low end notes compared to my MS Pro. Vocals on this track was also very upfront.

Comes in My Hero, the kick drums from this track is very well defined but still  maintains the clarity that I enjoy from MS Pro. Cant believe that this is an open back design. The grungy guitar of Grohl, was very evident and his vocal was at its best growling sound. Using the MS Pro, these aspect of the track was more dispersed rather than centralised.

Just to test more on the low end notes, I put on Metallica - Until It Sleeps and of course in the spirit of their maiden concert in Malaysia soon. Again, Lars's kick drums and also his hand works on the snare were truly exceptional through these cans. The kick drums were controlled, defined and the snare was very detailed as you can even here the back beat of the sticks on the snare.

Forget drums for awhile as I wanted to hear string works. What is better than the sound of ukelele? Zee Avi's track in her native language was another track that was well presented through the LCD2. However, as I am used to this song being presented in a more open and airy presentation, it sounded a bit closed up. Not in a bad way but its different from what I am used to.

Patience was played from a second hand LP I purchased during KLIAV show. Spinned it and  as Axl Rose  screeching his voice, the LCD2 just continue to deliver a well balanced tone throughout the song. It managed to convince me that the LP benefit a lot from the unit performance.

Last but not least, George Benson tribute to Nat King Cole. Unforgettable.... The word sums it all out... An unforgettable experience with very fine cans. This is a brand new LP I purchased where practically the produced sound matches well with the headphone amp.

The only issue is that, playing an old record , the crack n pops are very clear. But the melodious sound coming out from these cans is truly precise.

VERDICT

A must have for those who really appreciate defined and controlled bass which also comes with a midrange and treble balance.

 

It suits well Bryston BHA-1 amp using both single end 1/4" jack and 4 pin XLR. 

Unfortunately for me, the weight of the unit does not provide comfort to me. I have tried and hope that there is a way to get use to it but after 3 days with me, I still find that the unit is pretty heavy. My quest for a high end headphones continues.


Authorised distributor in Malaysia:

David & Associates International (Asia)
B-2-18, Jalan PJU 1/43,
Aman Suria Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya

Contact Aaron Mah:
Mobile: +60 19 3122030
Email: dnaintl001@gmail.com