LSA HP2 Ultra stream of consciousness

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by bilboda, Mar 19, 2021.

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  1. Ulises

    Ulises Friend

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    I’m very intrigued by these (thank you for your impressions @bilboda). I’ve been looking for a closed back for bedroom/ late listening use that isn’t a Fostex variant and doesn’t cost over $2k. I called Walter yesterday and ordered a pair—new stock is coming in next week. One thing he mentioned is that the previous wood they used has run out and they are upgrading it for this round. The price when I ordered was unchanged, but Walter said when the new stock arrives the versions with the new wood will go on the site as a limited edition for (I believe) $50 more. Not sure of the details of what wood, etc. or what they’ll look like, but thought others might like to know if you’re on the fence and want to order before the price hike. I believe 20 are coming in and I was fifth on the list.
     
  2. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    they will break in, a bit bass light at first, the surrounds need exercise...
     
  3. Erroneous

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    I've been hoping for a further report. Do these still hold up against Verite? I'm this close to placing an order, but hanging my hat on these dispatches.

    Further details available now that you've had some time to simmer?
     
  4. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Here is the thing r.e. vs Verite. My brain has broken in as well as the hp's. I have become used to the open and well defined presentation of the closed HP2. It is a similar experience as switching from Verite/ZDS to Verite/SW 51+. The biggest thing is tone/timbre and air, space between the instruments. I don't consider them as replacements for the Verite but they are a desirable option.
    It's a slow day at the home office. Let me hook it all up, turn the speakers off and see if I can't explain it better. I will even try a different tube in the ZDS.
     
  5. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Bag Lady - Meiko - Playing Favorites
    Verite ZDS and SW 51+ lovey sound tone and timbre , beguiling
    HP2 ZDS SW 51+, vocals heard more easily , more breath, more air if you want to write the lyrics, use HP2.
    Resolution
    Towards the end a male chorus sings "let it go" 4x and then repeated. On the Verite, this 4th let it go is obscured by the instruments in some iterations, never happens on the HP2, particularly obvious on the SW51+, the Verite does better with this on the SW51+ but not the clarity of the HP2.
    Tone
    Coming from the Verite, one of the impressions I get from the HP2 is it sounds like some DSP is in use, like going from phone on ear to speaker phone or going from sound bar to tv speakers. These comparisons just describe the direction of the change, not the quality. The HP2 provides better space amongst all the sounds, it does not sound closed at all, almost as if you are in a very large room or outdoors with a sense that the music is not just ending up in your ears but continuing past you.
    These are both keepers. One might decide, after sufficient time with the HP2, that they would sell the Verite. I'd miss the kick and drive thought, bass guitar can be a physical and pleasant experience. Oh, I could see it happening, along with the ZDS but only if I go for a May DAC and a Black Amp. A lot of gear would have to go for that to happen.
     
  6. Erroneous

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    It's sounding like the HP2 is a relatively neutral headphone (a la ZMF Auteur). Would you say that's accurate?
     
  7. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Never heard the Auteur. You can confirm it but I believe it's 30 days and 15% restock fee.
     
  8. ShaneD

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    No more comments or follow up since March? Did Ulises ever get his order?

    I am seriously thinking of ordering these.
     
  9. Ulises

    Ulises Friend

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    I use these with the system on my nightstand (currently a BF2 and Jot 2). Recently purchased a balanced cable so I could take advantage of the jot’s balanced output. Previously, I was using them with a modi multibit/ vali 2 stack. Probably have 100 hours on them at this point.

    I love the lightness of these and they look great. Super comfy to wear. They are also technically a very impressive headphone with gobs of detail and an expansive soundstage. I often listen to Boards of Canada-type music at night to unwind, and these provide crystalline insight into production. Bass, especially, is a standout in that it’s big, but with plenty of texture.

    All that said, I find myself reaching for my hd-650s and Aeolus a bit more and think I may need something a bit closer to that more laid-back, cozier type of sig in a closed back for my particular use case. Obvious choice would be the verite closed, but i struggle to rationalize the purchase.

    My plan is to keep listening for a few months and see how I get on as time passes. Hope that helps.
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
  10. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    It may be the jot 2. A sw51+ or whatever else @Zampotech has in the wings may do better.
     
  11. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    LSA is sending us their HP Diamond ortho right now. I’m sure they would send us one of these. I will ask. :)
     
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  12. Ulises

    Ulises Friend

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    Could be. I have a SW-51 in another setup. Will give it a try but need to find a classy wood shelf for the nightstand since I can’t stack it with the BF2 and there isn’t room for a side-by-side.
     
  13. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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  14. Ulises

    Ulises Friend

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  15. ShaneD

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    It does and thank you. My closed back situation right now is:

    (1) Beyer T5's (3rd gen). I find them kind of boring and will be selling them.

    (2) CFA Cascades. Outside of the shitty headband, I love these 'phones. The bass is just enough.:D

    (3) T60 Argons. Not a favourite, but different enough to be interesting.

    I am looking for a fun closed back that I can go mobile with or at least take to work.
     
  16. ShaneD

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    Hopped on the LSA bus this morning. Underwood is having a bit of a sale. I bought the HP-2's for $799.00. And now the wait begins.

    Wide open to hearing more thoughts from any owners.:punk:
     
  17. ShaneD

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    Got a little brown box this morning...:punk:
     
  18. loadexfa

    loadexfa MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    We like to maintain a good signal to noise ratio and would prefer “new toy excitement” posts are limited to your profile unless they are accompanied by impressions or other useful info.
     
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  19. ShaneD

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    I have to say that I was not impressed initially. Plugged them into my Violectric V220 and they sound bright, thin with no bass. I Guess they do need a lot of burn in and I have to get bending.

    Then I thought, "Hey idiot, you do have three amps."

    I plug them into my iFi Pro iCAN and Wow! WAY too loud. Go back to low gain, roll the volume to 9:30-10:00. Tube mode, bass boost maxed and 3D maxed. Holy crap are these awesome! Not bass monsters, but good full bass like the Elex's and HE6se's.

    This is SO much better! I will try the LP in a day or two.
     
  20. Erroneous

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    These need to be fed some warmth to combat their inherently dry tonality, to my ears. They're good and detailed headphones in the right system, but ultimately didn't earn a place in my limited headphone lineup. They are nicely resolving though, I'll give them that.
     

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