HP Battle! Arya vs LCD-X vs HD800S vs Aeolus

[@darekzmarek1842]

Terrible intro woke up whole house !!!!!!!!!! signing out

[@smokesandalloy9487]

Me too. Deleted my account and YT. Don't ask how I'm posting now. Good cut, it was entertaining. :)

[@jsuno23]

hahaha that intro and this comment both got me good!

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

😆

[@itsabodh]

I owned all three of these headphones and my opinions match what you have to say on everything! I think you are reviewing the production versions of them.. this is what this community needs!

[@harackmw]

Thank you for actually talking about genres of music. Too many reviewers never mention what they are listening to when such and such headphone sounded great.

[@jross1798]

You are a fantastic reviewer, I really hope your channel grows! You kept your details and reviews succinct and clean. Well done

[@andtheywillknowus]

Happy Arya owner here - Fantastic review. Loved the preference by music genre bit at the end, great idea!

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Arya owner here too and very happy. The plastic on the Arya rally bothered me at first but I’ve had zero issues.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Btw I have to ask… Are you a Trail of Dead fan?

[@andtheywillknowus]

Yep, most certainly! The plastic is one of the few downsides of the headphone for me, in its price range I would expect something more premium. My yokes also squeak slightly when I wiggle the headphone on my head and the headband looks kinda ridiculous when worn, imagine a pair of bunny ears on top...

[@io_metre]

Owner of Hifiman Arya and Focal Clear. Have dozen others though these two I prefer the most

[@robertrichards9565]

If you had a choice between the 2 which one would you choose?

[@io_metre]

@@robertrichards9565 I've made my choice. It's Arya

[@ChrisKeyman]

How is the bass between arya and Ananda?

[@io_metre]

@@ChrisKeyman never tried Ananda

[@mikeshinwa3398]

@@io_metre just got my Arya. Loving them but have thought about getting a complementary pair; would you say the OG Clear is a good choice or the LCD-X?

[@martyn_g]

LCD-X - great sound, but bloody HEAVY! I suggest anyone demo these for at least an hour before committing. I got rid of mine and bought the HD800S. Now I can do much longer listening sessions with nearly half the weight. Don't underestimate comfort when purchasing...

[@diogoserrador]

Any fatigue with the HD800S? Also in that position with the X's and I'm deciding trading it for the Arya or HD800S

[@Zerosixious]

I just got the LCD-X'S, and I definitely enjoy metal and rock out of them. I find that most audiophile-grade headphones just don't bring a lot to the genre, that alone makes the X's worth it to me. Everything else sounds good, and some other genres sound great. But hitting my Metal needs is something I have missed in my journey in audio. The really technical prog tracks are definitely stand outs on the X's. I really love Karnivool's Sound Awake album on them. Especially since that album is packed with bass guitar.

[@t.m.1593]

I got the LCD-2 for the same reason. I spend a day at an audio shop listening back an forth every headphone they had. The only two that were enjoyable for me were some Focal (think Elear) and a bit ahead but a lot heavier the LCD-2. Most Headphones sound aweful for Rock and Metal.

[@ronnieyuen4309]

I agree with you, I've got the LCD-X 2021 and have listened to the Arya Stealth and the HD800s. I would say the soundstage of the Arya and HD800s were really impressive, but it's more like a party trick for me than something that I would enjoy all the time, they sound too "airy" for my liking and definitely lacks the body and slam the LCD-X provides, even for someone who listens to a lot of classical and jazz, it makes a huge difference especially for music with cello and those pizzicato double bass. Not even going to talk about the sound of guitars for metal and rock, it's just head and shoulders above Arya and HD800s.

[@chronometa]

Thanks for this comment. !! It's so hard to get a good read on this. I have an aeolous as well and I think that fits metal pretty well. Just not as resolving but definitely hits hard. I want to listen to a band like obscura on it.

[@Hashiriya92]

Maybe you get a better seal with the HD800 upon wearing them the right way. The cable-connectors should face backwards.

[@jeffpera7930]

Good catch

[@MidFiGuy]

Good catch indeed but I wrote my notes when I was wearing them the correct way. I swear!

[@sallom432]

Honestly never seen a review like that, keep it up👏🏽

[@robg8963]

Nice review. I look forward to seeing more of your content. Normally I wouldn't bother looking at a 30:00 review, but I'm glad I gave this one a chance.

[@LakerTriangle]

I want the bass of the X, the lightness of the Arya, clarity of the 800s, and the look/comfort of ZMF.

[@Jamie-666]

GL! One can only wish.

[@bryanedward5355]

Susvara??? From what I've heard They are light, extremely detailed, Great dynamics, and have wooden accents to them

[@JordansTake35]

Then get the Meze Empyrean.

[@HiLoMusic]

@@JordansTake35 that doesn’t have a better clarity than the hd800s. Not even close.

[@luke.boxall]

I own both the Arya and LCD-X bought the X to listen to rock and metal exactly how you explained. Couldn’t agree more, feel like I have perfect options across genres

[@ricardocobo7378]

Nicely done MidFi Guy! finally a review that doesn't ooze financial interest and fear of the competition. Regular guy, enjoying his hi fi. Thanks for taking the time to share your personal experience and down to earth comparisons

[@ernestrusseltayson5899]

Wow. Just saw one of your comments on Reddit where you shamelessly plugged your channel haha (even left a reply on it). Very nice seeing another Filipino getting into this hobby of headphones. I'm a Filipino living in Australia, and although i'm only 19yrs old, i've really been invested in this hobby. Like you, i inherited the passion for audio gear from my dad. Great analysis on these headphones. Having heard all of them, the Aryas are definitely my pick. Just a week ago, I was trying to decide between the Aryas and Focal Clear. Both were very good, but I ended up going for the Focals, because I preferred their mid-range and bass performance better. Can't really go wrong with any of the headphones you featured in this video, except for maybe the HD800s. Very amp dependant and a bit too bright for my liking. The soundstage is very good tho. Keep up the great work, earned yourself a subscriber! :)

[@MidFiGuy]

Hoy!! Glad me shameless plugging worked! Haha. Thanks for subscribing dude. And I agree with your comments 👍👍

[@ChrisKeyman]

Focal has better bass extension than the aryas?

[@heatontom1]

Such an awesome review! comparing each can on different types of amps and different genre! very thorough and extremely informative! Thanks a lot!!!

[@brandonburr4900]

You're doing a terrific job! You deserve way more subscribers! It will be fun to watch your channel grow!

[@saadi703]

Another great video. Arya is my favorite too. I also own HD800s as well out of these 4 headphones but I don’t have tube amp yet. I am trying to get my hands on a Glen OTL but so far so luck. Really looking forward to the Aries and WA22 review videos.

[@emilsal]

Mabuhay! Thanks for the informative review. You’ve sold me on the Arya since I was considering the lcd-x and 800s as well. Great work!

[@petermcdonough6522]

Excellent review! Subbed! I have the Arya's as well and love them. My HD800s's are on the way, can't wait.

[@TheNLSClan]

How do they compare?

[@8ge62]

awesome review , Thank you for saving my time :D

[@TexasCorgiGun]

I would love the Arya but man for $1600 I can't pass the build quality, I mean it's just ridiculous

[@ftlaud911]

Very nice review. I liked how you broke down each HP for the type of music. Very informative and you did a great job. Add in the differences between the amps and one of the best I have seen. Araya is on the short list just worried about build quality and driver failure.

[@felixbigly]

Great stuff. This is exactly the type of reviews and comparison I enjoy. I like how you mentioned the other competitors, even though you've yet to hear them. New subscriber. Can't wait to watch the evolution of your channel.

[@shadowfury880]

Really solid review! I own Anandas and have demo'd the 800s and LCD-X / 2, and I agree with your statement on the aryas with audeze bass. Hifiman sound with audeze bass I believe would be the perfect sound to me. Also, Id love an LCD-2 but the weight is a dealbreaker, so I use Nightowl carbons as a somewhat similar sound that I can enjoy for long periods :). Amazingly detailed review, you have my subscription and I believe you may be one of my favorite current audio reviewers along with Josh Valour!

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha thank you for the kind words! I'll never be as sexy as Josh Valour but I will try to get a makeover as soon as this pandemic let's up!

[@kugelschreiber5678]

Great reviews! The Arya has been on my radar for about a month now. I just recently took delivery of a DT 1990 Pro, but really want a great planar to complete the fleet. Looks like I'm settling on the Arya.

[@kugelschreiber5678]

No one asked: but an update! I got the Arya’s 2 months ago. Long story short; I don’t care to buy any other headphones. The Arya’s have completely won me over.

[@tunausfed]

@@kugelschreiber5678 how is it compared to your previous dt1990? I just sold my dt 1990 and looking for a new pair. I'm considering the he1000 v2 or the new arya stealth magnet version

[@kugelschreiber5678]

@@tunausfed It's much, MUCH better than the dt1990's - for my personal taste at least. I still kept the beyers since they're dynamics, and fantastic ones at that. If you're not into REALLY wide sound, then neither the Arya's nor the he1000 v2's would suffice for you. In that case, I'd go with the focals. I have the v2 Arya's, and from what I hear in the community/reviewes, the v2's are the way to go. Never demo'ed the he1000's, but I do hear great things about them.

[@kesm66]

On point review. I have the Aeolus which you’ve described as good as anyone can get. I also have a LCD2C that lends itself to many of the trait descriptions, of the LCD X, that you’ve shared in this video. I’ve watched several reviewers of headphones...you’ve mastered quality over quantity...making it purposeful to those considering a purchase. Well done.

[@scottlowell493]

I had the 800S. I found the sense of space was a parlor trick. The net effect was to make instruments too far away and lose impact and immediacy. While i understand the appeal, they are not what I am after. A lot of HP's have better resolve (especially treble). for much less money.

[@HiLoMusic]

Like which? I’ve tried many and found the shimmer of the hd800 to still be superb

[@marcusbryant2007]

thank you for the review, an eye-opener

[@megazine]

Amazing review. One of the best I’ve seen put together. Will have to now follow and watch all your things going forward.

[@Cooliewhistles]

This is the best review. Tired of other channels beating off over 7k bump minutia. Subbed

[@leonardjona]

Just followed u on Instagram too! Loving these reviews, as well as the quirky humor lolz. Will have to give that THX amp a try. Thx4the recommendations!

[@ZadiusTech]

Thanks for the reviews of these headphones. Now I really want to try out the Arya's.

[@JTB--]

HD 800s with a Tube amp and a Schiit Lokius Tone Control/EQ is the way to go. Very versatile and great all around headphone. Great Gaming and Movie headphone too

[@yogiwp_]

Great, detailed comparison. Subbed!

[@irondad007]

Great review! Very detailed and informative. Also, my opinion on those cans line up very close to yours. Nice job.

[@MidFiGuy]

Many thanks for the kind words!

[@SteveSavagemusic]

Concerning the LCD-X that's because they are best for sound engineers. Incredible for mixing. They are pretty linear and balanced on purpose for that... to kind of emulate a really high end pair of studio monitors. Studio monitors that intended for being critical and mixing so that ends up sounding amazing on the other end. LCD 2 or 3 much more fun for just listening.

[@SteveSavagemusic]

Also.. LCD-XC is much different because they are closed back. And the wood they use is expensive. It's not just about the case.

[@TheYuhasz01]

Thank you for the “detailed “useful reference track list. Great feature to provide. Lighting environment very much improved.

[@TheBrokenEclipse]

Very nice comparison video! Although now I am looking at 1 more headphone than I was when I began... Also really nice that you highlight how they are glasses on since that is a really important aspect that I rarely see anyone mention in any of the reviews of TOTL headphones.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! Will keep note of that in the future

[@jim8643]

You didnt use EQ for the LCD-X ? I cant listen to a song without it but I love them with EQ

[@HiFiMaan]

I love them without EQ :) Same as HEXv2 and M1060C.

[@papermate8773]

Thanks for the review! Really helped me.

[@ryanherrera9171]

Fantastic review, as a person who owns both the X and ADI.

[@geneharry]

I appreciate the presenter's attention to detail and thorough analysis.

[@leviathan5207]

i use an hd 800 (non s) for all my music. from hard hitting german underground techno over cool jazz and rachmaninov all the way to hardcore punk and deathcore. i just love its sound signature, especially the soundstage makes it a versatile tool imo.

[@dr.ptrkjc]

Hi Kabayan! Thanks for this video. Just what I need to decide on which to get.

[@robovirtuoso1354]

Nice review. Just make sure you don't wear the HD800 in reverse. And I should say, among those, only the Sennheiser doesn't look atrocious on the head. The rest of them just look like crazy-person headphones LOL.

[@klaymoon1]

Awesome video. I like your format!

[@Alltime2050]

My understanding is that the Hifiman premium package comes with two sets of cables. One 1/4 inch and one 1/8 inch. The extra cable is the bulk of the added expense.

[@drharsha3376]

I really enjoyed your review. I'm looking into buying the Arya, So your thoughts were really helpful !!! Good luck going forward 🙂

[@yashj8238]

Did you buy this yet?

[@vvelaquex]

Awesome comparative-revew I really enjoy it.

[@xyanide1986]

I use an ifi amp for my LCD2 to bring out that sub bass. I love this combo, but yes I yearn for a bit more detail sometimes. The DAC can make a good leap there still for me.

[@classicmartini]

G'day from Sydney Australia. Nice review. My LCD-X's are on a slow boat from 'murica (no stock locally in Oz till...???), I also bought the microphone from the GX, for - occasional (10%?) - double duty gaming, mainly for the lolz.

[@GFClocked]

Absolutely amazing review!

[@andrewlymar796]

I love mine 800s with RME ADI-2 DAC :D

[@jeffpera7930]

I love my Arya's but that head band is atrocious for the money

[@MidFiGuy]

Totally agree. The meat & bones are there but it sure isn't pretty.

[@tendayimavhima]

@@MidFiGuy how do these headphone compare with the HEDDPHONE. I am torn, which endgame should I pick? Listening mainly to christian rock and will be driving with the RME ADI2 DAC and the THX 789

[@MidFiGuy]

@@tendayimavhima funny you post this, reviewing the HEDDphone now! Look for the full review this week 👍

[@tendayimavhima]

@@MidFiGuy I am truly looking forward to it. Also be so kind to share me the link soon as its out. Thankx so much

[@omni6409]

Typical hifiman.

[@1seanv]

The Lcd-x can be eq'd to have very punchy mids. Also, I have no discomfort wearing them. For anyone getting neck pain from heavier cans, a couple of minutes of manual neck resistance 1-2x a week will strengthen your neck enough to not be bothered by what should be a trivial amount of weight to a properly developed neck.

[@chrysio7]

Bro making neck gains to wear these great headphones. Respect!

[@vpconcepts9838]

Most entertaining reviewer out there period: great production as well! 👌🎼✨🎧

[@oliviamarylin8540]

hahaha I am laughing at your intro! Your review is very detailed! I love it!

[@FelixAlicea]

Great job. Enjoyed the video!

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Really good comparisons here! It’s amazing how many great things these top tier offerings do yet none of these hp nail every category. It’s all about perspective and concessions I guess. As an Arya and LCD-X owner I can say that both are great in their own right although I mostly prefer the Arya with its bass extension. It’s just such an engaging hp to listen to and on the Woo Audio WA6se transformer coupled tube amp it’s insanely nice! I’ve found the ZMF headphones to be the best of the best as far as look and feel (pride of ownership) but I’m always somewhat left wanting when I listen to them. Why can’t Audeze study ZMF and figure out a way to make a headphone that’s not so damn weighty?? And that Arya build scares me each time I pick them up. However, I’d have to say that HIFIMAN and ZMF both have the best customer service bar none. Great stuff man.

[@ChrisKeyman]

How is the bass between those? Thank you

[@soulfulfool]

I aslo love my Arya and agree with build beeing crap. Since I got Arya my LCD 2C stop interesting me, probably I will sell it. Only Grado in my little collection bring that air to the sound like Arya but its bass light

[@antpage2]

I feel like you should have the ZMF Auteur instead of the Aeolus here

[@moltenbullet]

I wonder if any of you guys who own the HD800s have a "loose" headband? Like on mine one side slips off its mark from just the lightest touch.

[@mensrea1251]

This channel should have WAY more subscribers. Love the content across the board. The comparisons you do in particular are very comprehensive and actually helpful in making a purchasing decision.

[@itsabodh]

Loved the new office look setup! Great lighting and a big step up from the “home “ look from previous videos! How about cheap camera sliders to get those closeup brolls?

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! I was researching camera sliders but is there a device that will help you achieve a smooth look moving vertically as well?

[@itsabodh]

​@@MidFiGuy Absolutely. Most of the sliders mount on tripods and you can mount them vertically as well. You might need two ball-heads for the setup if your current tripod ball-head doesn't allows 90 Degree/vertical tilt. I found this on amazon which is a manual slider: preview.tinyurl.com/y9py6cay The ball-head I trust is: preview.tinyurl.com/ybygh496 (You can upgrade to a beefier one, Sirui is a reputed brand) . If you are buying a motorized slider like below; just make sure you stay below the payload capacity or buy on with high payload. preview.tinyurl.com/yd43frp9 . Other than sliders, there would be two ways to achieve vertical move: 1. Using a gimbal -this will not produce smooth results if you are not used to gimbals. 2. Using a camera Jib - you will run into focusing issue with this. Both of these options have some learning curve so i would just use a slider. . If you want to get a vertical camera tilt move, then you can use a good video fluid head. Hope this helps.

[@MidFiGuy]

@@itsabodh Dude you are amazing! I didn't know the ball head option existed! So that's how they get those angles while sliding 👍👍 I'm going to give my wife some wine and ask if we can up the MFG production budget lol. Funny thing is I thought our little Canon handycam was good quality but then I tested out her Pixel 3 and it blew the Canon away. I struggle to justify the cost for a DSLR/mirrorless w/ lenses but I know the quality will be even better. Appreciate the insight and thanks again!

[@quick217]

Pretty nice review! Can the Audeze LCD-X 2021 change the final verdict? I heard the upgrade is very good.

[@guybuddy1]

Got my lcd-x a few days ago. I think I'm gonna sell most of my headphones(have 5 sub500 ones). These are that good.

[@marcob.7801]

great review loaded with content!

[@percival5207]

Amazing review. Hope you review rhe HE1000, utopia and Susvara someday soon

[@NiSHAN256]

Awesome video, subbed!.

[@alvarg]

completely disagree with your opinion on arya for rock, i think it has just enough body for rock, some rock music is mastered with a lot of bass and the drums can be overwhelming / boomy or muddy on headphones with a lot of body. arya never feels like it has too much or too little

[@chrisselner5005]

Great video subscribed!

[@joggometer5393]

Such a great review. Especially impressed as you take nearly all similarly priced headphones into you final words and compared 4 headphones at once. Also liked that you gave a one word summary for each headphone. Great. Please keep it up. Greetings and subscribed! Would like to see the RME ADI 2 been taken into the considerations, as you have one.

[@FOUNDERZERO]

Have you tried the Arya V2? If so, how do you think it compares to the V1?

[@quadrannilator]

Nice comparo & review! My first view on this channel - Ill be seeing more of you for sure. I like how you want to describe the headphones but you don't go over the top with terms that (may feel accurate to you) are hard to get across and sometimes become audiophile obnoxious. On the other hand, maybe I did miss some other descriptions of sound characteristics that would make the comparison much useful for people, just a little Resolve Reviews style maybe? No points taken though - you be unique to yourself. The one other thing that I like is that you have taken time to reply and engage "freely" with the audience. In time your channel will grow and it will be harder to keep tabs across multiple videos, but long term if you could keep up this same level of interaction going on - it really makes it appreciative for the people who come here, and can be one of the highest value additions that your channel has for everybody. A little less content maybe much better than investing time with your community. I think that is something almost everyone can learn from @metal571. If you grow, you can always monetize and prioritize responses to paid viewership when things become unmanageable. Keep up the good work. 👍✌️

[@dynamic-audio]

Excellent video. Very clear. I have lcd2.2, lcd2 and lcd2c. I would like to buy lcdx but i am not sure because i have an sendy aiva and a friend told me that both sound very similar. But i never have listen lcdx. Do you know if is it very different to lcd2 fazor?

[@MidFiGuy]

I'm not sure as I personally haven't listened to those headphones. I have heard great things about the Sendy though. Art you happy with it?

[@dynamic-audio]

@@MidFiGuy yes. It has amazing details in mids and highs. It is clear and clean like my hd800 in mids and highs:. For me the sendy is the bass of lcd2 (gain and timbre), mids are a combination of lcd2 timbre and details of hd800 (maybe 90% details of hd800) and highs are maybe the 90% of the hd800 even cold timbre buuuuuut..... Soundstage is narrow!!! In the 3 directions the soundstage of aiva is like mid fi headphones. Or Maybe like beyerdynamic t5p 2nd

[@Drcfan]

I listened to the LCD-2C & LCD-X two days for 6 hours per day. I must say they are both similar but: If you prefer just listening, the LCD-2C have more stage but are less precise sound. LCD-X is very precise sound but the stage is barely zero. (LCD-2C are listening headphones and LCD-X are studio reference headphones. If you dont use it for that purpose you wont be happy with the LCD-X) I think the LCD-2 (without C) sounds weird and different from the other two.

[@LukeMtech55]

Did you notice any difference in sound with the Arya after break in?

[@spud1300]

I know this might be blasphemy..... but which pairing would you prefer for movies and gaming? Loved this review! There aren't many out there that compare these 4, and actually walk through the differences with different amps and different kinds of music.

[@King_Kato]

If you see this, do you think the LCD-X would be the best for edm music?

[@HeavyProfessor]

great review

[@thelastrhino2581]

So, based on your final thoughts on genre pairing... why would anyone get the Aeolus if they can only afford one $1k+ unit? Sounds like it's only good for when you are dead tired and want to just be half conscious relaxing before bed.

[@MidFiGuy]

You know, you have a good point here. I should have mentioned that I used to use them ALL the time with my tube amp. Truth is, I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my newish HD800S so they've been sitting on the stand more & more. I'm going to listen to the Aeolus today though on the WA22. I still really love their sound and can't imagine every selling them.

[@chronometa]

Gotta do " listening flights" with new music.

[@assaf3468]

Do I need a DAC for the Violectric V280? I have the 800S Do you have any other recommendations for these headphones?

[@johnsonadekunle7675]

Great review.

[@Shoaibexpert]

Great review. I've got the Arya and 800S. Have to tried the 800S with Sonarworks Headphone Edition? They sound amazing! Any EQ recommendation for Arya or 800S or the 6XX? Thanks

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks and great question! My buddy is pushing for me to try the auto EQ options as well. He's saying there's a setup built into Roon that changes the EQ based on your headphone. Have you tried that?

[@faridmaruf3102]

Ha... Have the mini jet packs out yet?

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Crushed this review

[@GodfreyMann]

3:23 with the negatives you mention here on the Arya, to what extent can they be corrected using EQ on the RME ADI-2?

[@MidFiGuy]

That's a great question. I tend to boost the mid frequencies 1.5db or so when using the Arya just to help balance things out, but it still doesn't match something like the Aelous or HD6XX when it comes to vocals.

[@zackslaststand]

Hey is there any chance there will be a verum 1 review? Also I absolutely love this format where you’re comparing headphones in a price range. Sundara vs Verum 1s and whatever else in the 500 dollar price range would be a very interesting video.

[@kurt120032002]

I just order LCD-X and I see the also made Arya available. If I have LCD-X do I need Arya, or the difference is small and I better get something else? Also, you do describe the headphones completely different then other reviewers. For example Zeos find Auteur more calm and relaxing then Aeouls, while Joshua found Arya to be more warm then LCD-X.

[@net_news]

I don't have the Aryas, I got the Edition X v2 and I prefer them over the HD800s anyday, silky smooth and more airy. Very unreliable though... I don't know why Hifiman cannot create a reliable HP...

[@jollyrioger2572]

I code for a living too and I’m looking to one of these. Which one would you rock during long, late night coding sessions?

[@18yearsoldnot]

Have I gone too far relaxed with the signature by pairing the lcd-x with a solid state/r2r combo (denafrips ares 2 and arcam rhead)? I also have a dsp (hifiberry dac+dsp) before the dac to add warm eq which was for my previous hd660s setup…

[@adeelcyril3339]

Great review!! Seriously..👍👍👍

[@diogoserrador]

Hi, great video, very useful to decide which to get. Regarding the Violectric, at which level of gain were you using it with the Arya and HD800S? Thanks!

[@pr0gre551ve]

C'mon man...2 weeks? ...it felt so effortless like you've done it in in one go :P I've spent like 8 days for my Topping L30 review (also on top of regular 9-5 job) ...it takes a lot of effort, a lot of respect for ppl releasing few vids a week. Great job btw you should continue doing it!!!

[@hayesjohnny]

Great review!

[@cd-rom.]

Where’s the Ares review? It’s been more than 4 weeks!

[@_Volt_Ron_]

Thank you. I've been wanting to upgrade to some "end game" headphones. I'm coming from using Sony-MDR7506/Sennheiser HD280/GSP-600. And most recently my first open headset the HD58X. And OMG I really liked the open headset. So since i liked Sennheisser I was looking at possibly getting the HD800S. With that being the max I would spend. But after checking out several other review videos I'm heavily leaning towards the LCD-X. For using the headset with my computer and our iphone at home, should I consider a DAC/AMP for it? I've never used one with a headset.

[@thehunattila1]

The LCD-X is very efficient for a planar and will sound okay out of your phone. That being said, you are spending quite a bit on high quality cans.. you should throw in a bit extra and get a Schiit heresy/JDS atom at least as you will definitely hear an improvement out of even those. (Amps are not only about power, they change presentation and can open up cans quite a lot) If you like a slightly warm, spacious sound, the Asgard 3 is a top notch amp for $200 SE and drives my LCDs perfectly for my ears. It also drives my Aeolus beautifully. Notice I didn't mention dacs. Dacs do matter but are the last thing to upgrade when budgeting as the changes are very small compared to the cost. I tend to lean toward R-2R dacs as I'm a sucker for musicality and lifelike spatial separation over sharp detail.

[@killeraudiofile8094]

"Like the smash button" ahaha... nice comparison though. The Arya is definitely rocking this price-point, its entry definitely shook the waters a little!

[@skinnybreakfast]

did you consider the dekoni pads on the lcd-x significantly change the sound?

[@tonymontana9087]

hi MIDfi guy, great video and very informative. Just curious have you heard of focal clear and your thoughts?

[@MidFiGuy]

I auditioned the Clear when buying the Aryas and thought they were nice. Really noticeable bass, I almost want to say boomy, but I wish I had them longer to form a better opinion. In the end the Aryas bested them for clarity and dyanamics.