The All Purpose Advice Thread

Question about planar timbre.

The only planar I've owned was Hifman Ananda, and I ultimately returned it because I did not like the plasticky timbre and they were somewhat thin sounding... wall of sound is another way of putting it.

Is this the planar sound, or just a Hifiman thing?

I ask because I am considering the LCD2 Classic, which sounds like it would be upgrade to my HD650, but I am wary of what I experienced with the Ananda.

 

For the plasticky timbre, that isn't universal. I've experienced it with the DCA/Drop Ether CX but not with the HE 6se (modded), HE 4XX, LCD2 Classic, and some modded vintage orthos.

In terms of thin sounding, I don't think that's universal either but dynamic drivers are known for having more of a mid-bass bump which could impact that perception.

 

Thanks for that. I wonder if the LCD-X (2021) is too much of a departure from the HD650/LCD2C tonality. I don't mind a slightly brighter sound, as long as it's not offensive, and the X seems to be more resolving from what I hear, which I'd prefer, as long as the sound isn't too bright.

 

2021 LCD-X, out of the box, offers very low listening fatigue, detailed and revealing sound, very accurate but leaning towards warm, well controlled and extended bass. And it definitely is not too bright, I think that 2021 LCD-X is a great upgrade for HD650, at least the unmoded, early production unit that I can compare it with.

 

So, I know everyone must surely have been waiting with bated breath about what I did after this post...? No...? Nobody gives a toss...? Well tough, I'm going to tell you anyway.

I placed an order for Focal Clears today. I was a bit worried about the reliability of the Elex, and I think the slightly-less-bright tone of the Clear will be closer to my tastes. And, the discounted $990 price point was too tempting to pass up; after shipping duties and taxes, the price will be only a few bucks more than the cost of a second hand model on the Canadian market.

I did also consider the new iteration of the LCD-X, but shied away because of the weight and the leather pads; I always regret leather pads. HD800s, didn't want anything that analytical, and they are quite a bit more expensive. The Arya was very seriously considered, but at full price it just wasn't remotely attractive vs the Clear.

In any case, thanks to everyone for being a great sounding board!

 

I've been waiting with baited breath

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Clears. If they're a bit too bright, you can use some front foam to tone them down a bit without sacrificing much (if any) performance. I've posted a description in one of the Clear threads.

 

Considering what you were interested in achieving, I think you made the right choice. After listening to the Clear MG loaner, the OG Clear is definitely tuned more like you wanted so it’s good you got in before those are gone.

Don’t be surprised if you need a new amp to really make the Clear shine. Everyone needs a Stratus anyways.

 

The M3 is an old DIY design, but I really think it should pair well with the Clear. It is generally considered to have a warmer tone than most S/S amps, and it has more than enough high-quality power to grab the Clear's drivers by the cojones.

 

For the sake of your budget I hope I'm wrong.

 

OK, so the stock cables on the Clear aren't going to cut it. I'm not a cable 'believer' and am not chasing better sound, but 'handling' is important..... because the stock 4' is too short and stiff for desktop usage, and the 10' is way too long.

Can anybody recommended a good no-nonsense, nice feeling approx. 6' cable choice for the Clear that isn't stupidly priced?

 

https://superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/headphone-cables.10675/

I've had good luck with Forza and Arctic Cables

 

Cheers! I didn't look in that subforum and somehow missed that thread.....

 

That thread was great, went with a cable from @AudiophileNinja. The fact that they are a SBAF lurker and contributor, good price, and @rhythmdevils approved won me over pretty quickly.

 

@Beefy Dude, with all your DIY stuff you didn't just make your own??

 

Of all the DIY I love doing..... you have no idea how much I hate making cables.

 

*Looks back at the galleries of homemade cables and the hours upon hours of sleeving and braiding and the ensuing arthritis...*

Yeah ok, I get that

 

Ha!

I actually don't mind the braiding, sleeving and all that. And few things get me as irrationally horny as good cable organisation. I think it is actually soldering the connectors that I hate the most, particular 3.5 mm connectors. And I will always do a screw terminal rather than make a Molex connector. We all have our weird quirks...

 

I especially hate the kind that's just round surface with no terminal or cups, like this...

 

Urg, just thinking about that makes my butthole pucker.

 

I need a very high quality DC power supply, 36 volts, min 1 amp. Any brand names or unit suggestions?