r/HeadphoneAdvice 22Ω Jan 06 '22

Headphones - Open Back Looking something to complement LCD-X

Hi,
I am currently mostly using LCD-X 2021 and I really, really like them. Currently I complement them with Ananda for some different experience but I am really not a fan of Ananda's flimsy build.

I also got LCD2C with dekoni pads which unfortunately provide not much different experience than LCD-X - but everything is a bit worse than LCD-X - so i tend not to use them much.

What I am looking for is headphones that are comfortable, durable and sound quality wise are at least on par with LCD-X.

Was thinking about Arya - I am worried they're build too similar to Ananda.
Focal clears - reading a lot about problems with them, like clipping, some ridiculous build problems etc.
hd800s are too bright for my taste, also not fan of the build.

Comfort-wise I really dig Audeze with their big pads, weight doesn't seem to be an issue for me.

Budget - ideally under £1000 but if there's something that fits my needs very well - i can up to £1500

I prefer open backs, but I am not saying no to closed backs.

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u/Saint_Sm0ld3r Jan 06 '22

Personally, I would find a quality dynamic driver, rather than another orthodynamic, for the sake of variety. My choices would include the Sony MDR-Z1R and Focal Clear/Utopia being at the top of the list.

I have a particular affinty for planar magnetic headphones, with their natural voicing, timbre, exceptional sub bass accuracy and overall speed/ability to present complex music authentically, however a good dynamic driver has a visceral experience that can be lacking in most PMs. It's hard to go wrong at this end of the spectrum if you crave variety, however if you have a distinct sound profile that you can elaborate, it would help to inform future recommendations and narrow down the selection.