Micro Review and First impressions of LCDi4
I’ve had them for all of a day now. Enough to provide some actual feedback and justify my dubious clutch on the “Core Team” tag by my user ID.
Got these as “B-Stock” on the annual Audeze sale in a moment of weakness. No idea why they are B-Stock, the packaging seems A and I can’t see any imperfections. The serial number does show B however.
I have the iSINE 20 and the LCDi3 so I did have a pretty good idea as to what I was ordering with the LCDi3.
First note what’s included in the box. This has changed over the years. The wired Cipher V2 is no longer included. In fact, it looks as if this cable has been essentially discontinued, perhaps because in order to use it with the new USB-3 ports on iPads and coming on iPhones you need to buy the $20 ANKER Lightning to USB-3 Audio adapter. That works great with them on my iPad Pro
The box still includes the Bluetooth (5.0) Cipher cable and the braided single-ended OCC silver plated copper cable. And the ear hooks, fins, cleaning tool, etc. The carry case is upgraded to leather from nylon.
A few months ago I determined that for me the best eartip for the LCDi3 was an aftermarket slightly long memory foam small to medium small size. I have a few of these on hand and didn’t even bother trying to get a good fit with something else. I’d been through the SpinFit 145, 155 and other tips, the Audeze grooved ones, etc. Despite what others say, I think this style IEM needs a proper inserted fit, but not a tight one. This gives superior bass. With the right tips the ear hooks are less bothersome than glasses and everything is secure.
I have not yet tried the single ended cable - I’ll do that in a few days, I’m sure. I have found out some things about the Cipher cable through experimentation. First impression using Cipher and my Chameleons Qobuz playlist from my iPhone. Superb soundstage, slightly deeper bass than the LCDi3. More detail, a bit of good shimmer on the cymbals. I noted that they are harder to drive than either the iSINE 20 or the LCDi3, and I was running the Cipher at 85% of flat out.
So I took them to work and am using them on the iPad Pro (M chip) with the ANKER adapter. The iPad is plugged into power through the port on the magic keyboard. I’m convinced that this is supplying a better electrical base for the Cipher cable than the iPhone. Lightning has limitations that USB-C may not. All I know is that I hear more authority and am not at the higher levels (Indicated) that came off the iPhone. I think the Cipher is an adequate mobile DAC/AMP solution if it is getting plenty of power.
That said, and given the added depth and clarity of the LCDi3 when attached to a desktop DAC/AMP (I’ve tried the Sabaj a20d 2022 and the FiiO K9 Pro ESS) the LCDi4 will likely be improved also.
Listening to the aforesaid Qobuz list, I felt the bass improvement. In Trentemoller’s Chameleon, the sub bass comes in strong not only at :27 but at :50 and 1:06. The Elton John Chameleon has a sweetness that I had not heard before, and the high res Credence Chameleon is cleaner than the vinyl ever was.
Listening to Beethoven for Three I had the experience of just listening, and not even thinking about the IEMs for some time. I’ve experienced this on other cuts today and it feels good. Forgetting the system and living for the music. Doesn’t happen that often.
So that means these are worth it.
Finally, these IEMs also exhibit the same issue I had with the LCDi3 when playing while being powered through an AC connected iPhone or iPad source. Touch the IEM case and there is a slight hum. Must be the magnesium construction. IDK. I solved it by either running from battery or using a large external battery. I have not experienced this with the standard cable, just the Cipher.
LATER NOTE: Others here have done more detailed reviews and may even have actually measured something. I was just trying to be narrative. It should go without saying that I like the sound signature and style of the iSine 20, (I bought the LCDi3). I like the LCDi3 - I was i4 curious and bought them when the sale opportunity arose. I’d buy them again at the sale price. I’d have just as hard a time buying them unheard at the full price. I do think they’re worth it if you don’t have the i3 at full price. I also think that the i3 represents a better value for most people and is 90% of the way there. But that 10% is bass and general smoothness. Effortless detail and clarity. Somewhat better soundstage, but the i3 has incredible soundstage for an IEM, as does the iSINE 20.