Massdrop Liquid Carbon X + SDAC DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

Massdrop Liquid Carbon X + SDAC DAC/Amp

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Thecakeisalie

Jan 11, 2019

This is looking strangely alike to the thx 789 it’s just missing a small SE jack. I wonder if they sound similar ??

Vote

Jan 25, 2019

ThecakeisalieBased on reviews and measurements, he thx is much better than this. I mean, they probably look the same because it's easier to manufacter that way. Why buy new tools/ remodel stuff for a new amp when you can reuse what you already have. Take a look at the cth and the lcx, literally same case except cth has a hole for the tube xd. But yeah, the thx aaa (from what I've seen) is miles better than the lcx

alvarg

235

Feb 6, 2019

dwang040better is subjective though, you could buy both compare and hear no difference, but one is better on paper.

(Edited)

Vote

Feb 6, 2019

alvargI would argue the differ. The distortion lvls of the lcx could potentially lead to differences in sound the thx aaa, there are also comparisons by users who have used both and they have mentioned quality differences as well. For what it's worth you can't deny that the thx aaa 789 is better than the other amps usually offered on massdrop.

(Edited)

jaydunndiddit

3262

Mar 8, 2019

alvargWell, you can hear distortion and the 789 beats the LCX in that regard. Not to mention potential for clipping, channel inbalance, and how cleanly power is produced. That stuff isn't just subjective.

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Megazine

544

Mar 15, 2019

jaydunndidditCan you guys point me in the right direction of people comparing the two? I currently own the LCX + SDAC and I'm curious if I should upgrade to THX.

Vote

Mar 15, 2019

MegazineDepending on your preference, it could be a side grade. The LCX, as far as I'm aware, isn't supposed to be a flat amp like the THX. Also, are you using the xlr or se outputs? Some people have noted that the sound is a bit different between the two.

jaydunndiddit

3262

Mar 15, 2019

MegazineThis is from a member here: https://www.massdrop.com/talk/11374/thx-aaa-789-vs-lcx And: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/a9i3nx/massdrop_stack_grace_design_sdac_thx_aaa_789/ In general, I read the LCX is warm and the 789 is neutral and clean as can be. SE sucks on the LCX but balanced is better. SE on the 789 measures just as well as balanced (maybe a bit behind but it's neglible sans the added power)

(Edited)

Megazine

544

Mar 15, 2019

dwang040I'm using the se output. From what I've read, the difference between the se and xlr on the LCX, is power output. Side note, both outputs put out power simultaneously, and can not be turned off individually; strange. I even tried plugging two headphones in, and they both work at the same time.

Vote

Mar 15, 2019

MegazineIdk the schematics of the LCX, but it is actually advised to use the XLR outputs from what I've read. Audio Science discussed all the distortions/ issues that were found when using the SE output, however, users have said that using the XLR outputs helped alleviate some of those issues.

Megazine

544

Mar 16, 2019

dwang040This kinda puts me in a bad spot. I want to take full advantage of my headphones, and I now would have to buy XLR cables for my cans, which can be very expensive. Although I'm happy with the LCX, I think I might get the 789 for piece of mind, and would only upgrade to one or two XLR cables down the road. I'm currently switching between my TR-X00, 58X, and LCD-2C for different genres and I enjoy doing so. TR-X00 XLR cables alone are over $100, which is hard for me to justify.

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jaydunndiddit

3262

Mar 16, 2019

MegazineThe TRX00 is the odd one out on cost due to sourcing their proprietary connectors. HD800 is another one just due to the complexity of that connector and its cables. The 58X is arguably the cheapest and even the "Amazon special" is good enough for you to go balanced unless you just want a nicer feeling cable. Even then, a good one will cost $60-70 which I find reasonable in general. Same with Audeze for their dual XLR are around $75 for a well built cable which I think is fair. And when you think about it, some companies are selling $200-300 SE cables if you're into exotic materials and wire construction. I thankfully can't tell the difference in cable signature so my wallet thanks me and I go for what's well built and feels nice with XLR termination with my suite of adapters. The only time I care about litz or a less microphonic cable type is for my IEMs as I use those on the go. Otherwise, I don't think it really matters, personally. Another thing I would keep in mind is once you find a cable you enjoy, adapters will get you the rest of the way and offer any method for all balanced amps (2.5/3.5mm TRRS or pentaconn) as well as standard 3.5 TRS so you'll have the flexibility for every option. A small investment in the long run if you have cans you really love and plan to keep.

Mar 16, 2019

MegazineAgain, it'll be completely up to you what your decision is. Most of the info I have given I'd based off of comments/ reviews found online, so I guess I would suggest some more digging before jumping the gun. I can't guarantee how big/ noticeable of a difference se to xlr will be or LCX to THX will be. Cables can be expensive, but I guess it's at a point where do you want to buy a bunch of balanced cables? Or do you want to wait for (world knows when) and attempt to fight the crowd for the THX whenever that drops. Though, having the THX, you can probably connect that up to the lcx (for the dac) and do some easy a/b testing between the two and see which one you prefer more and well the other.

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