Rogue-Architect t1_jebsbak wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:27 PM

If it is going to be a fair battle it would need to be the DT-1990 but even still I think the XS are better sonically. I think the LCD-X may be your best bet instead of the 2 due to it's wood cups. If you mean the LCD-2C then that would be another good one but if you can save a little more I think the X is the way to go. Just so you know, while I prefer it, the sound of Audeze is much wamer/darker than Hifiman. So they have more slam to the bass but no where near the sound stage.

VisceralVoyage420 t1_jed0pim wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:54 AM

I went from DT1770 to the XS, I'll never go back to beyerdynamic. Much prefer the bass in the XS after a +3dB low shelf.

Chastity23 t1_jeesgak wrote on March 31, 2023 at 2:20 PM

Have you considered the Monolith planars? They come with 5 year warranty, and have a metal headband / yokes. And the padding and cups are actual leather (except for the velour cups, comes with 2 sets)

I have the M1070 and M1570 if you have any questions. And I've dropped mine a few times and nothing broke. :) Just be mindful to get them on sale.

MimC_06 OP t1_jefl3sp wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:27 PM

I'll check them out, thanks!

Kirov123 t1_jebs06f wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:25 PM

I personally love my LCD-2's. I had to get a set of Dekoni pads since the stock pads aren't deep enough for my ears, but with those they are the most comfortable headphones I have worn. And the most comically large. They sound fantastic as well. They move shitton of air too, you really feel the music on your ears.

MostPatientGamer t1_jebsiay wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:29 PM

Not the original poster, but when it comes to Beyerdynamis the DT 1990 would be an easy choice unless you are treble sensitive. They take EQ really well so you can adjust bass to taste. They slam better than my LCD2C, though to be fair the bass reproduction is different between planars and dynamics. I love the LCD2C's bass for different reasons, it's a much more atmospheric, all encompassing reproduction bass wise, but the DT1990 will just give you that juicy oomph.

Some people can find them tiring though. I personally don't have a problem listening to them for 8+ hours, but it did take me a week to get used to the sound. Didn't like them too much the first few days.

And the build quality is of course very good. They feel very sturdy and look quite pretty as well.

ttdpaco t1_jebz7jn wrote on March 30, 2023 at 10:14 PM

>I am seriously considering just getting a pair of LCD2's actually and just making sure I am more careful.

I would recommend saving for a LCD-X or buying one used (make sure it specifies '21.) Otherwise, for $790, the OG Focal Clear is a better buy than the LCD-2. LCD-X is also tbh.

Rogue-Architect t1_jee0y2v wrote on March 31, 2023 at 10:10 AM

Meh, I thought about that but I am not about to recommend a Focal in a conversation about durability. Though for sound purposes I agree.

ttdpaco t1_jeefhih wrote on March 31, 2023 at 12:43 PM

Focal clear doesn't have voice coil or durability issues tur elear/elex/old utopia has.

Rogue-Architect t1_jefmkgn wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:37 PM

That is true but given the OPs context the headband issue would still be at play. To be clear, the Clear is a phenomenal headphone and I am currently looking for a Utopia to add to my collection but that is the only part that gives me pause. Although I did just see a post of someone retrofitting the headband with the Sundara headband and it looks legit. If I was buying a replacement I would grab the Arya headband but that is what they had on hand and it worked

I dropped my Edition XS.

MimC_06 OP t1_jebneqy wrote on March 30, 2023 at 8:55 PM