Liquid Gold X Balanced Headphone Amplifier from Monoprice by Alex Cavalli

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by jexby, Sep 10, 2019.

  1. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Yup, I heard it's excellent with Audeze, but I'm intending to use it with my Code-X. I'm hesitant to buy it because some have said it's not really a good match with Hifimans. FWIW, the Code-X was truly incredible with LG and I regret selling LG to this day. I believe Luis also used LG for the Code-X.
     
  2. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

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    I've always felt that AMB Beta22 is a fine alternative to the original Liquid Gold. Not as lush and romantic but still has a degree of warmth and is quite a bit better technically. The best part is it's a lot easier to repair if something happens and is still supported by Mr. Ti Kan.
     
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  3. caute

    caute Lana Del Gayer than you

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    Is there any consensus if the LAuX plays well with the high impedance 6x0 series?
     
  4. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Yes, everyone has reported that it does not play well with electrodynamics and I would think especially the 6x0 series.
     
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  5. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

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    With my LGX, I find it behaves rather differently with different classes of headphone:
    • Planars: The LGX just kills with both planars I have (ZMF Ori; Final D8000); it's clearly the best SS amp I have for the Final D8000, even better than the V281 (that doesn't happen very often). I don't believe impedance matters one way or the other so long as the driver is planar
    • Dynamics: Things get more variable with headphones having dynamic drivers. I'm not sure whether high impedance makes this worse, or makes no difference. I've tried 4 dynamics on the LGX:
      1. ZMF Aeolus (300 ohm) - not the best I've ever heard this headphone, but not notably different from other SS amps
      2. ZMF Verite Open (300 ohm) - The LGX & VO definitely didn't get along together. The VO sounds great on all the other SS amps I've tried it on, but the LGX actually makes this headphone sound bright (it is not bright)
      3. ZMF Atrium (300 ohm) - not bad, but not the best I heard from this headphone
      4. Fidelio X2 (30 ohm) - again, not the best I heard from this headphone, but not notably different from other SS amps
    It has been a couple years since I had my JAR650, thus never had the chance to try it on the LGX.
     
  6. Pancakes

    Pancakes Friend

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    I couldn't get LAuX to sound good on any of my headphones (Diana V2, HD600, Elegia). Actually it sounded really good in all areas (with superb separation) but had zero dynamics. It was utterly lifeless. If it was any more polite it would have brought me tea.
     
  7. wbass

    wbass Friend

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    Yeah, I felt similarly. Anyway compared to the BHA-1, which has a ton of drive, the Liquid Gold X felt markedly more restrained.
     
  8. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    Tried it with LCD-X, LCD-4, Focal Clear.... underwhelmed by the amp. It's not for me.
     
  9. caute

    caute Lana Del Gayer than you

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    What is your favored pairing with the LCD-X?
     
  10. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    In contrast to @ColtMrFire, RD's modded LCD-x with the LauX is one of my favorite pairings (the dac was a bitfrost 2). I didn't care for the stock LCD-x from any of my other amps, but stock sounded the best from LauX and Studio B. But to clarify, in this case best=mediocre. The stock LCD-x are aren't something I would have kept if I wasn't planning to have @rhythmdevils mod mine.

    Just a comment that I also think the verum 1 sounds great from the Laux
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2022
  11. TamHo

    TamHo New

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    Hello. What did you mean by saying zero dynamics? Is it like the Schiit Jottunheim that has no depth/volume graduation or compressed sound? Tks
     
  12. Pancakes

    Pancakes Friend

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    No slam/impact/attack. Whatever you want to call it.

    It's like getting caressed when you should be getting bitch-slapped.
     
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  13. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    agreed... that was my impression with my dynamic's (HD600, Eikon, Auteur)
     
  14. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I think they have tons of slam and dynamics with the low impedance Audeze's. Best solid state amp I've heard them with. I don't own any electrodynamics so I don't know about that.
     
  15. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    Haven't heard enough pairings to have a favorite.
     
  16. Clemmaster

    Clemmaster Friend

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    FYI: LAuX is $637 right now with promo code APLUS.
     
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  17. ckhirnigs

    ckhirnigs Friend

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    From what I’m hearing from you guys, this amp is great with Audeze headphones but pretty mediocre with dynamics. Is the synergy specific to Audeze or do other planars work well with this amp? I’m wondering specifically about using it with my Meze Elite. The sale price is tempting me.
     
  18. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I have liked it as a SS amp with every ortho I’ve heard except the HE6. Haven’t heard Abyss or Susvara yet.
     
  19. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I seem to prefer the Vali 2+ for ortho iems though which is mind boggling
     
  20. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

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    I've actually never heard the LGX with Audeze headphones. My pre-fazor LCD-2.1 and p.f. LCD-3 were long gone by the time it arrived.

    However, I've heard it a lot with my ZMF Ori, which has the 2nd best planar bass I've ever heard, just behind the big Abyss; and the Final D8000, a very accurate, high resolution planar that still has a touch of warmth. The LGX kills with both of them.

    I owned an Empyrean at one time and am quite familiar with that sound. I heard the Elite 2-3X at CanJam NYC 6 months ago and quite liked it. I'm guessing the Elite and the LGX would get along famously.
     

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