[oopsydaisy]

Title says it all, but I'll go into a bit more detail. I've had my LCD-2s for almost a year now and I love the sound they produce, but... they're so damn heavy. I can't go for more than 1-2 hours without having to take them off and take a break because my neck feels like it's being compressed. I like to listen while I sketch, which can last 6-8 hours sometimes. I don't expect to go that whole time without taking a break, but I don't think it's unreasonable to want to wear them 3-4 hours straight. And I would, all other things considered, because they are very comfortable to me.
 
I know there are not a lot of headphones out there that sound like the LCD-2(if any), but I thought someone who has experience with these might be able to recommend something close, but lighter. I already own a closed set, so I'd like open ones for home use. I'd also like them to be circumaural. I know the LCD-3 is out, but from what I've read, they weigh pretty much the same. 
 
Just so you have a better idea of my setup, I currently have my LCD-2s hooked up to a Yulong D-100(eventual upgrade to separate amp/DAC), which is hooked up to my mac mini. I don't care about balanced operation. I listen to all kinds of music, but great sounding vocals are my priority. I'm considering the Apex Peak/Volcano for my amp upgrade, if that helps narrow things down as far as pairing. 
 
If nobody has a suitable alternative to the LCD-2, I'm fine with doing what I've been doing, but I just thought I'd ask the question. There are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site, so I'm sure I'll get some good advice or at least some fun suggestions. One thing to keep in mind is that I don't seem to have a good place to audition hardware(in NYC, really), so I'll be going on your opinions and my experience with the LCD-2. Thanks in advance

 

[Head Injury]

Sennheiser HD600 or HD650, maybe. I often hear they have a similar balance.

 

[Devarika Woulf]

I hear you, man...they are damn heavy. 3 hours at the most for me.

I wish you luck.

 

[maverickronin]

The HD650 is probably the closest but that's mostly just because there aren't many headphones that are good and dark/warm like the LCD-2.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Get a Stax Omega II mk 1 and appropriate amplification for them.  Lighter, more comfortable, better sounding with quite a few similarities (IMO).

 

[oopsydaisy]

While I recognize that Stax setups are highly regarded, for the time being, they are out of my price range. I know, I forgot to state a price range. I'd say I'm comfortable spending up to $2000 for a new set(these things better blow me...away), but obviously, I'd like to stay as far below as possible. As for the HD650, I haven't read too much comparison between them and the LCD-2(more HD800). Guess I better do some more research. Keep 'em coming

 

[catscratch]

Why are Stax systems out of your price range? You can get an SR-Lambda on auction sites for around $200. Even if the SR-009 costs $5.2k in the States that doesn't mean that there aren't other good setups that can't be had on the cheap.

One of the vintage Lambdas with a used Woo GES (or maybe a new *07 variant) will do nicely. Now, whether or not that's the type of sound you're looking for, that's another story.

 

[sling5s]

How about a modded Fostex T50RP?  Some mods have come pretty close to the LCD-2 sound. 

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Quote:

While I recognize that Stax setups are highly regarded, for the time being, they are out of my price range. I know, I forgot to state a price range. I'd say I'm comfortable spending up to $2000 for a new set(these things better blow me...away), but obviously, I'd like to stay as far below as possible. As for the HD650, I haven't read too much comparison between them and the LCD-2(more HD800). Guess I better do some more research. Keep 'em coming

 
Well, the cost can be high but if you get lucky you may be able to get a deal.  In my experience The LCD-2 has not enough in common with either the HD800 or the HD650 to be considered close.  I remember listening to LCD-2's and one of the first things that hit me was how close they came to the O2 in many areas; soundstage be damned.  Since they are discontinued you would have to find a used set anyways (I'd guess $1500-$1600) and some decent Stax brand amps can be had around $5-600 until you upgrade.  I am almost certain you could listen to an O2 all day without fatigue or discomfort and the step up should be a pleasant surprise; you will need to move up to a serious amp to hear the O2 at their best though.

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

Why are Stax systems out of your price range? You can get an SR-Lambda on auction sites for around $200. Even if the SR-009 costs $5.2k in the States that doesn't mean that there aren't other good setups that can't be had on the cheap.
One of the vintage Lambdas with a used Woo GES (or maybe a new *07 variant) will do nicely. Now, whether or not that's the type of sound you're looking for, that's another story.

All of them besides the O2 are a lot brighter than the LCD-2 so they're out of the running.
 
Quote:

How about a modded Fostex T50RP?  Some mods have come pretty close to the LCD-2 sound. 

They usually end up pretty heavy after the mods are done though.  Also out of the running.
 

 

[K_19]

For roughly similar signature balance, I can only think of the HD650's.
 
They have their own comfort issues, however. Not the weight but the clamp.

 

[oopsydaisy]

I've never been a fan of used gear. Bad experiences, I guess. I am intrigued by the Stax gear, but a new pair of SR-007 MkIIs(Apparently, the MkI is preferred and unavailable new) plus a bone stock GES would run me about $4000, before shipping. This is the cheapest decent-quality amp for these, correct? If I was willing to give up my LCD-2s, the most I could get would be about 1/4 that cost. That leaves me having to shell out more than $3000 for close to the performance(or better, depending on who you ask) of the LCD-2. I see that Sennheiser officially announced the HD700, but it's too early to tell how they compare to the LCD-2. Good impressions from Jude, so far. Going back to the SR-007, what is it about the MkI that makes it superior/preferable to the MkII? And is the MkII very different from the LCD-2?                                                                    

 

[Mr.Sneis]

There's actually a fully reversible mod to make the mkII more in line with mkI.

 

[paulybatz]

I dont care what anyone says...THESE ARE SIMPLY THE GREATEST PHONES EVER!!!

 

[paulybatz]

I love the Ibasso P4 to drive them...going to get a balanced cable and use the PB1/2 try that out...but these phones make me WANT to listen as much as I can, no other phone has done that for me (HD650/Ultrasones/Grado)