Originally Posted by Asr

I've started what I'm going to call the "Audeze LCD-2 vs Stax OII Deathmatch".

Balanced Audeze LCD-2 on the HeadAmp GS-X versus my Stax OII MKI on the HeadAmp BHSE (via balanced input). I've set up them up simultaneously (let me repeat: simultaneously) so I can go back and forth between them. A micro-review of the comparison will follow soon.

For now, I'll say that they both sound really good. The differences are noticeable but subtle at the same time, and I'm not really sure if I'll be able to properly express them in words.

Originally Posted by Asr

To follow on from my previous post:

Last night's listening session was interesting. At first I laughed (that is, laughing as in cackling). Then I smiled. The OII amazed me with its prowess once again. Against the LCD-2 there was no contest. The LCD-2 is good no doubt, very good indeed, but no words can describe the OII experience. I was in shock, awe, & bliss all at the same time!

I ended up thinking the LCD-2 is a definite compromise. Oh but it's a good compromise, not saying it's bad or anything, but it's definitely not at the level of the OII!

Originally Posted by Asr

Following on from my previous post

The critical listening I've been doing between LCD-2/GS-X and OII MKI/BHSE has resulted in lowering my opinion of the LCD-2. I still maintain that the LCD-2 is a very good headphone but I'm finding many aspects in which the OII is simply better.

The scope of my notes has since expanded beyond what I was originally going to do, which was a comparison micro-review, and I've decided to turn it into a "mini-review" of the LCD-2 instead - which will include comparisons against my other balanced dynamic headphones (Audio-Technica AD2000, Grado HP1000/HP2, & Sony Qualia 010). I foresee this mini-review not really going well for the LCD-2 unfortunately.