So KMann, I infer that what you’re saying is that the new linear filter does require some processing poorer but that in this case, if you have the processing power you get it done the right way here. Is this a fair statement?

I use the preset for my LCD-4. Can you provide a little bit of a layperson’s explanation of the pros and cons of the two linear phase filters? I use a pretty fast CPU (Apple) so, if I’m seeking the most transparency and imaging (a/k/a sound quality), is the new option the way to go?

I listened extensively to the Moon and the older GS-X, but relied on reviews (e.g., Inner Fidelity) and direct conversations with manufacturers to choose the GS-X Mk2. I didn’t get a chance to hear the Pass, but it was always a distant third for me. I wanted fully balanced circuitry, flat &...

Audeze itself specifically recommends the GS-X as a great match for the LCD-4. Here is a separate posting by Audeze on its own website, in which Audeze editorializes about a number of headphone amplifiers: https://audeze.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001679626-Headphone-Amp-Suggestions So...

Absolutely, MH. As I’ve said before, the GS-X Mk2 and LCD-4 are an absolute match made in heaven. The LCD-4 does a spectacular job of transmitting the ruler flat response and lightening fast transients of the GS-X. I don’t think there is a headphone out there that pairs better with it than...

I recently shopped for new headphones (bought LCD-4) I was also shopping for a matching amp. My three finalists were: Simaudio Moon 430HA Pass Labs HPA-1 Headamp GS-x MK2 Any of these would be a spectacular fit with the LCD-4 and I strongly suggest that you consider all three. You may choose...

Seamon, I haven't checked that with Audeze, and you may be right about that. Anyway, I suspect these recommendations aren't intended to establish a 'brick wall', below which everything is awful and everything above is bliss.

I also use the GS-X Mk2 with my LCD-4. It's a match made in heaven, isn't it!!?? I haven't measured it myself but I did ask Justin to confirm that the Headamp would exceed 1 watt into 200 ohms (I wanted to know for sure before I bought it) and he said it would...easily...in balanced mode...

At what resistance level does the amp reach 1.5 watts? Remember...the stated resistance of the LCD-4 is 200 ohms (although I've seen lab measurements of as low as 154 ohms). Amps that may generate as much, say, as 2-3 watts into a 30 ohm load, may only be able to reach 1 watt or less going...

Audeze recommends at least 1 watt per channel (into 200 ohms). Balanced configuration usually doubles an amp's owner output per channel.

Well said, Wazzzup. In pairing a balanced amp to my choice of headphone (the LCD-4) I was seeking total transparency, a ruler flat frequency response, zero noise and distortion, and lightening-fast transients. I got that in the Headamp GSX. Now... I do like to tweak my sonics, but I do it via...

I run my LCD-4 balanced through solid core silver cables and the Headamp GS-X Mk2. Pure heaven.

Here is a separate posting by Audeze on its website, in which Audeze DOES editorialize about a number of headphone amplifiers: https://audeze.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001679626-Headphone-Amp-Suggestions Obviously, insofar as the LCD-4 is concerned, Audeze does have a few clear favorites.

I'm a little surprised by your comment about the Simaudio 430HA amp (which I do not own) since it's one of only 8 amps specifically recommended by Audeze for the LCD-4. See: https://audeze.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001679686-Headphone-Amp-Recommendations-for-LCD-4 Can you comment a bit...

When I recently shopped for new headphones (bought LCD-4) I was also shopping for a matching amp. My three finalists were: Simaudio Moon 430HA Pass Labs HPA-1 Headamp GS-x MK2 Any of these would be a spectacular fit with the LCD-4 and I strongly suggest that you consider all three. You may...

Seamon: Happy 4U. I upgraded from LCD-X and also felt it was a good upgrade, especially in terms of soundstage.

Yes we disagree. To me, it showed that the Emperor had no clothes.

Is this the prelude to a refresh of the Focal line?

I'm okay with that. Just wanted to vent about the whole Inner Fidelity Thing.

My quarrel isn't with anybody in particular; I'm sure Tyll is a nice guy and I appreciate his expertise and commitment. But nobody reading those articles should treat them as a more valuable determinant than their own ears. There simply is no definitive and objective 'better' or 'best' at this...

Precisely, Seamon! When I read testosterone-laced posts that one model "destroys" the other or that one model is better than the other because 'so-and-so says so', I just laugh.

UP LATE: There were really two sets of (now infamous) Inner Fidelity reviews. First there was Tyll's in which he preferred the Utopia and declined to put the LCD-4 on his so-called 'wall of fame'. Then there was a subsequent "A vs B" test involving six other Inner Fidelity reviewers - and 5...

What Tyll has to say about the Utopia or LCD-4, and what Inner Fidelity says about any high end headphone, counts for very little with me after all the egg they got on their faces over his review. After he posted it, he was forced to retract it after it was established that both Inner Fidelity...

Check out the Audeze post on the presets they did with Roon. My review is in the thread and I hope it helps you.

Along with its superb, linear sound, I bought my Headamp to drive my LCD-4 precisely because the Headamp is built to run in balanced mode. Driving a 200 ohm load requires a lot of current and balanced mode doubles the output into 200 ohms (Headamp confirmed this for me at my request). I don't...