Changing to Headphones

[Kelly]

For headphones I would suggest trying everything out. If you like Audeze sound then great, but there are other great options like the Mr Speaker's Ether, HD800S, and Hifiman. The Ether and the HD800S are markedly lighter and more comfortable than Audeze. Within the Audeze line the LCD-3 and the LCD-X have different sounds and people tend to have a strong preference for one over the other. I went to a dealer expecting to purchase the LCD-X and left 3 hours later with the LCD-3.

 

 

If you like the sound of your Ayre equipment, then consider the Ayre Codex. As far as I can tell there is no better dac/amp at this pricepoint ($1800) or really anywhere close. In my system it replaced an Ayre QB-9DSD and I think it is better as a pure dac than the older and more expensive sibling. I have a nice (~$2k) tube hybrid amp and I like the sound out of the codex direct as well as or better than through the amp (which I may soon sell.) The only caveat is that you need to use the pono-style balanced outputs so either a custom cable or an adapter cable is needed. The Codex synergies with the sennheiser HD800 exceptionally well. So well that I am trying to pick up a set as a change of pace to go along with my Audezes.