I’m not sure the mz3 will give those headphones what they need. It’s good, but doesn’t have a ton of power or current. It’s 1 watt. 1 very good watt, but still 1 watt. Especially for the 1266 from what I hear. It may get them loud but you’re not hearing them at their best.
I haven’t used the 1266 off the mz3 but I did try the susvara and it was just ok.
The lcd5 may be ok, but haven’t tried. Some say they like current as well…
I have the RME and the LCD-5, and while I have not tested the LCD-5 off of the RME headphone output, I have tested the LCD-MX4 with it in comparison to the IHA-6. The MX4 sounds flat, dull, and lacking in dimension on the RME output, while it sounds full, holographic, and snappy out of the IHA-6. The difference is immediately obvious, and undeniable. So take that as you will.
Also, the RME is completely unable to run the susvara. The volume has to be turned all the way up. When kick drums hits, it literally gets quieter as the capacitors get completely drained.
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I don’t think the LCD-5’s are even in the same realm as Susvara as far as power requirements…
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Among all those settings available on the RME, are there any kind of gain settings that might help with that?
Easily drive the LCD 5. I have two RME’s in my multiple set ups and a GSX Mini and a Phonitor XE. Given the extra power I don’t think the last two are necessary (although they add something at their price point). You should be good with LCD5.
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No, but I don’t know if the mz3 will offer enough current for the 1266 or lcd 5. It may, I just don’t know. I would think some dynamics would suffer tho.
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+1 being OK on the RME. I have it, as well as the Singxer SA-1, and both are good enough.
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Thanks so much for the advice.
Generally yes. There is one consideration though and it’s that there are certain designs that intentionally do this like some of the transformer coupled stuff from Rupert Neve (like that Fidelice DAC/Amp). Additionally, there are some that deliberately conserve second and third harmonic distortion, and this could theoretically give the perception of a tonal shift, albeit a very minor one. One thing that surprised me for example was to hear elevated third at various different volume levels, and it actually sounds like a different tone going on depending on the level. So, stuff like that may give a certain perceptual effect, even if it’s nowhere near as significant as EQ. Moreover… there’s a pretty good argument that says that’s just not performing ideally. But hey, I’m all for artistic expression these things haha.
As it pertains to the LCD-5, the only thing that would give it the kind of desired bass shelf would be something like a Pro iCAN with the bass boost function, or maybe a Lokius for that filter. Actually, the Pro iCAN would be a pretty good pairing IMO, and I kind of want to get one in again, that thing is so versatile.
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No
That’s why I was considering the new Diana TC – same driver as the 1266 TC.
Perhaps technically the AB 1266 is the best but I’m thinking that since, as you say, the LCD-5 is a more conventional headphone, I might end up using it more than I would an AB 1266. The LCD-5 is a lot lighter too. Hmm.
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If you’re going Abyss, I would go the 1266 or nothing. Its an impressive driver, yes, but stuck into the Diana frame it isn’t the same. The 1266 frame gives it unique and incredible bass and the most amazing stage. In the Diana frame is just a high resolution headphone with a weird fit and a insane pricetag, soundstage is just “eh” / normal.
If you dont mind fiddling around with fit, and it looking weird, and the pads sort of touch sort of don’t and its a bit loose so you can’t move your head suddenly, the 1266 is probably more rewarding and wow. But I’m thoroughly enjoying the LCD-5
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Ahh, it’s a tough choice. I will give it some more thought and research…
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I’ll also add I always found the 1266 treble a bit rough/raw sometimes. Susvara / LCD-5 treble always feels refined. 1266 sometimes, and its probably a recording thing, doesn’t seem to gel as well.
Yes this is the point I was trying to make that in ‘general’ most solid state amps don’t mess with the frequency response.
Only some solid state amps that are designed to ‘‘change’’ the sound.
Like the bass boost feature on some of the ifi stuff. This is more commonly seen on daps but some desktop amps also seem to add it.
I would be interested to know how this pairs with the LCD-5 to.
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I just received my LCD5’s they are remarkably small, light and comfortable. They sound great and I have read they need 50 hours approximately burn is to bring out the best. Out of the box they sound so good and the build quality is tops.
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They do indeed sound good out of the box - not all headphones do… I got mine last week, listened for a short bit, and then just put them on their stand plugged into the amp and let 'em run for about 10 hours a day for 5 days, so I should be ready to give 'em a good listen tonight!!
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@CoachB @Lars Keep in mind, part of the proposed break-in for the LCD-5 based on owner’s comments is that the pads wear in a little. If you’re just letting them sit and running music or pink noise through them, the sound may not change. I recommended “breaking in” by listening to them.
Congrats to you both - heckuva headphone (so I’ve read 
)!
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I have the RME and the LCD5 sounds fine on it. If you look in the RME manual there is a way to make it louder.
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As a current owner of all three of those–if I had to go with one it would the LCD 5. The 1266 arguably among the best in the world but taking it out and putting it on and wearing the bloody thing IMO is just a chore. Soundstage and bass great but I grab the Diana 2 because it is easy light and wonderfully detailed. The LCD 5 is a beautiful melding of the good points in both sets. You can’t go wrong with any of these but just my two cents. (Now I probably will go listen to my Susvara just to muddied the waters further.)
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Can you even listen to the 1266 if your head is at an angle, i.e. laying down or leaning back on the couch? They seem like they would slide off or be difficult to keep in place if you change positions, and may not even support listening if your head is against something because the 1266 is so big it may bump against your headrest.
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