If you don’t mind being tethered to a phone or tablet you should check out the Earmen Eagle. It’s great with my Moondrop Aria and DT177X.

The SQ is on par with my Zen DAC v2.

LCD-X “muffled?” We all have different ears. I have the 2021 version and “muffled” is not a word I would use to describe them.

Balanced and detailed come to mind when I think of the LCD-X. Also, great bass when powered with a good amp.

I haven’t tried the Edition XS yet and doubt there are any more Hifiman headphones in my future. Too many build quality issues with previous sets from them.

ZMF, DCA, Focal and Meze 109 Pro all need sampling first. But I get it $500 - $1500 for headphones is a lot of money and not everyone can afford that.

It is a disease. I hate to break it to you, but you won’t see significant improvements until you break out of mid fi range (below $500). I tried all the usual suspects in that price range 4xx, 6xx, Sundara, Meze 99, DT 990. All have good aspects and quality headphones.

However, for my birthday last year I got the LCD-X and finally understand what a solid all around headphone should sound like. I’m not saying it’s the best out there, but it’s quality and doesn’t lack in areas like the other headphones do.

I periodically go back and listen to my older headphones and think these are good. Then I plug in the LCD-X (balanced to my Zen DAC v2) and wonder why I wasted listening time with my other headphones. I’m honestly afraid for my wallet as I’m lusting after a set of ZMF headphones.

How’s the RME DAC holding up?

It was the flavor of the day a couple of years ago, but I don’t hear much about it anymore.

How the headphone out on the RME compared to your headphone amp with the LCD-X?

I’m currently driving my LCD-X 2021 with an ifi ZEN DAC/ ZEN CAN stack, but am considering a DAC upgrade. Truth be told both ifi pieces drive the LCD-X well, I’m just looking for a more detailed DAC.

I lived in Takoma Park for 10 years and had no idea the company was there.

I go with Hart Audio cables because of the inter connect system. Makes it easy to use different headphones with different amps. This isn’t generally an issue for sane people with 1 or 2 sets of headphones and a single amp.

From a sound perspective the cables make no noticeable difference.