koss esp-950 vs audeze LCD-2

[Boerd]

I am really undecided on this one:
ESP950 Electrostatic Headphones

Does anybody have any experience with them?
Koss doesn't have an ubber reputation in hifi. I thought they only make cheap headphones.
These headphones look plasticky and cheap but they have a lifetime warranty with no questions asked. Many people say it's a true "no questions asked" warranty.

I am also looking into the Audeze LCD-2 but these headphones are heavy.
Though built from better materials they look amateurish - you could tell the small company look.
Due to their weight the clamping of Audeze LCD-2 seems to be cause people discomfort. It doesn't seem a headphone to use for hours.
Their measurements are very good, better than any dynamics headphones:
Audeze LCD-2 measurements


Please advise.

 

[MinusTheBear]

I would go with the LCD-2 hands down simply because there is a lot more information about them, I means tons of information. Everything about the LCD-2 points to reference quality, from the textbook measurements to quality of components.

While Koss makes some decent budget headphones, there is a lot less information about their "reference" line. Is there any measurements on them? Also keep in mind that the lifetime warranty is not privy just to Koss's $1000 pair of headphones. Koss has a lifetime warranty on all their headphones (even the ones I saw at the dollar store about a week ago)

 

[Boerd]

I would go with the LCD-2 hands down simply because there is a lot more information about them, I means tons of information. Everything about the LCD-2 points to reference quality, from the textbook measurements to quality of components.

While Koss makes some decent budget headphones, there is a lot less information about their "reference" line. Is there any measurements on them? Also keep in mind that the lifetime warranty is not privy just to Koss's $1000 pair of headphones. Koss has a lifetime warranty on all their headphones (even the ones I saw at the dollar store about a week ago)

The only thing I am afraid is that LCD-2 are not the most comfortable - but then I should try first...
I also found Fostex 50RP - according to this: Orthodynamic Headphones Rating Chart - Wikiphonia
it is a first class orthodynamic headphone.

I've never seen measurements for electrostatic headphones - not even for STAX (not that I could afford STAX).

 

[Boerd]

Nevermind the Fostex - the measurements do not come even close to Audeze.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Nevermind the Fostex - the measurements do not come even close to Audeze.

I was about to say Fostex myself, as I own both TR20p and TR50p.
Before you dismiss it keep in mind the price gap. I got my 50s on sale at b&h for $74.99 with free shipping - quite a few cents cheaper than $1000 headphones you are looking at...

I think they sound wonderful and so far only headphone which was a bit better sound and fit there these Sony MDR-SA5000

Measurements are valid, but they are not everything. Get Foster (if store allows returns) and hear for yourself.

p.s: there are many forums posts dedicated to modifying TR50p to achieve much better sound

Fostex T50RP modification summary links

 

[Boerd]

I was about to say Fostex myself, as I own both TR20p and TR50p.
Before you dismiss it keep in mind the price gap. I got my 50s on sale at b&h for $74.99 with free shipping - quite a few cents cheaper than $1000 headphones you are looking at...

I think they sound wonderful and so far only headphone which was a bit better sound and fit there these Sony MDR-SA5000

Measurements are valid, but they are not everything. Get Foster (if store allows returns) and hear for yourself.

p.s: there are many forums posts dedicated to modifying TR50p to achieve much better sound

Fostex T50RP modification summary links

No doubt - as bang for the buck TR50 is waaay ahead. How much better can Audeze be? 40%? 50%? how do you even quantify "better" by measurements (linear/polynomial/exponential) ? Audeze LCD-2 costs 4-5 times more than a modified TR50.
I find that incremental upgrades are an expensive way to go so I always buy the most expensive can/speaker I can afford and I am done (NOT).
It just never works that way (???!!!)

 

[Boerd]

BTW here are quite a few measurements for different cans:
Headphone Data Sheet Downloads | InnerFidelity

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Speaking of bang for the buck - checkout MEElectronics A161P
The measurements look pretty close to my Shure SE435, while the prior cost of $80 (at current 20% or even less)

 

[Boerd]

Speaking of bang for the buck - checkout MEElectronics A161P
The measurements look pretty close to my Shure SE435, while the prior cost of $80 (at current 20% or even less)

Correct, but I just don't like in-ear headphones. I am looking for full-sizeones.

 

[Boerd]

AUdeze inconsistencies

Since my last post I ordered the rosewood Audeze LCD-2 (2 weeks wait) but now I am having second thoughts about these headphones.
On the InnerFidelity website there are 2 articles about Audeze and many measurements. Their drivers are too different from one pair to another.
Basically you don't know what you get.
Not sure if I should cancel the order.

 

[Boerd]

Well - I decided I'd wait for awhile. My headphones are quite good so for now no Audeze for me. Should they make more consistent headphones then I consider buying them. For their price I expect very close to perfection measurements and consistency.