Audeze LCD-2 Classic

Discussion in 'DIY' started by takato14, Nov 15, 2020.

  1. takato14

    takato14 God of Ruin

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    Finished Audeze LCD-2 modification.

    1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg

    Measurements, stock:

    LCD2CA.png

    and modded:

    LCD2CMA.png

    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Really shocked at how well this 12 micron driver behaves. Very slight ortho wall at around 7kHz suggests a very tense diaphragm, but the right diaphragm seems to not have it, and with such a thick film it should be quite reliable even under the extra stress. This thing is very, very dynamic now that the diaphragm isn't resonating, and the additional bass and treble while still maintaining a dark-ish response is, frankly, incredible sounding. I want one of these for myself now!

    I also did a lot of other things, some necessary, some not, but all in the name of making these as nice as possible:
    • Swapped to the old padded LCD band, which in my experience (as well as the owner's) fits better
    • Swapped the new white/black metal sliders onto the headband arc
    • Vegan earpads, with the mount rings repaired using a white acrylic paint (this allows the driver to seal properly even after the pleather has rotted off)
    • 5 foot, hand-braided Lefty cable (white)
    • White steel mesh over the (also white) damping in the cups
    The difference between these and the stock response cannot be overstated. It's become nearly impossible to even compare the two on the same graph any more:

    LCD2_CLASSIC_COMP.png

    (The gray line is the rig's target response)
    This needed to be finished before I could really start tearing into the HE-5XX! Sorry guys. Will get to that Soon™.

    Cheers, and a MASSIVE thanks to @Degru for sending these in!!

    1.jpg
    2.jpg
    3.jpg
     
  2. wadec22

    wadec22 Almost "Made"

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    that looks like a very welcome treble boost. nice work!

    I've owned the classic twice and really enjoyed it but the first set I had was much better than the 2nd. It had a significantly boosted treble compared to the 2nd set I picked up. I ditched that one bc it was just too dark.
     
  3. takato14

    takato14 God of Ruin

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    Oof. I thought audeze had gotten these relatively consistent, at least compared to their previous models... Sine was very consistent and I presumed that was due to the thicker film which would be much easier to tension than a thinner one.

    Will have to get another pair of these in house for measurements at the very least...

    Thank you!!
     
  4. Degru

    Degru Facebook Friend

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    Interesting. I recall listening to a modern LCD2F (supposedly same drivers but with fazors and leather pads) in-store and found it oppressively dark too. The titular LCD2C in stock form was merely relaxed sounding, and not nearly so messed up when I was expecting the opposite (got in a trade figuring I'd sell or send to Tak for mods if I didn't like, but found myself enjoying it quite a bit). You'd think the fazors would help.

    Can't wait to get the modded version in the mail :D
     
  5. mai6403

    mai6403 New

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    great work! could you share how the mod was done to the cups? would love to try it out:D
     

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