Upgrade to Audeze LCD-2, upgrade amp and DAC also?

[mplsmacfan]

Hi! First-time poster, apologies for potential repeats. I upgraded my Sennheiser HD-650s to Audeze LCD-2, and so far really enjoying them. Current system is Macbook Pro to Dragonfly Cobalt to Audeze. There are sources that I notice seem a little treble-heavy, or a little muddy. Is it worth investing in an even higher-quality DAC or amp? I'm open to spending up to the $1500 range. I've heard good things about the Matrix Quattro, or the Chord Hugo 2. My musical emphasis is opera and other vocal music, if that influences the choices. Thank you! I've been an avid reader of these forums for years :)

[AudioDoctor]

For a price of $1500 or less you have a few great options for a DAC/AMP combo. First among them are the Mytek Brooklyn DAC and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS right at the 1K mark.

 

If you value musical involvement more than analytical clarity, perhaps a Schiit Mjolnir headamp and a BiFrost DAC would be the thing you want, it bumps right up at the $1500 limit, but probably sounds great.

 

And yes, I think you should upgrade now that you have the Audeze LCD-2, they are a great headphone.

[mplsmacfan]

Thank you! I'll look into those. Everything I've read about the Schiit products has been really positive. Mytek is new to me, but I'll explore. Thanks for the tips!

[davide256]

On 12/30/2020 at 10:27 PM, mplsmacfan said:

Hi! First-time poster, apologies for potential repeats. I upgraded my Sennheiser HD-650s to Audeze LCD-2, and so far really enjoying them. Current system is Macbook Pro to Dragonfly Cobalt to Audeze. There are sources that I notice seem a little treble-heavy, or a little muddy. Is it worth investing in an even higher-quality DAC or amp? I'm open to spending up to the $1500 range. I've heard good things about the Matrix Quattro, or the Chord Hugo 2. My musical emphasis is opera and other vocal music, if that influences the choices. Thank you! I've been an avid reader of these forums for years :)

The answer is yes its worth it if you make the right choice in gear. Dragonfly is not a good solution for less efficient headphones. So my 2 cents,

the only question is whether you want to dip your toe in the water with the $499 Mojo or cannonball with the $2500 Hugo2.

With either one your dragonfly will become a forgotten memory.

 

[kopelli]

+1 on the Chord Mojo, for the money and the size it’s superb. If your budget allows, you can also look at the Hugo2 as well