Question reguarding LCD-2 and S.E.X. 2.0

[SilverS]

So I have a pair of LCD-2s on the way and I'm pretty sure I own a S.E.X. 2.0 kit. I've read that the 2.1 sounds the best with the LCD-2s and everything else isn't nearly as good, what should I do?

[Dr. Toobz]

Several threads have mentioned the possibility of BH releasing the new, house-designed transformers used in the 2.1 kit as an upgrade for those of us with the 2.0. The reason why the LCD-2's are reported to sound better on the 2.1 version is likely due to the presence of 32 ohm taps on the new OPT's. The older variant of the SEX used Speco 70V line transformers wired as 8k:8 ohm autoformers, which I would surmise wouldn't put out enough power (especially in the bass region) for a pair of 50 ohm phones with a low-ish rated sensitivity of 91 dB/1mW.

If/when the new OPT's are released, you would just update those, and perhaps wire up a switch to jump between 32 ohms for your LCD-2's and 8 ohms if you are using speakers.

[SilverS]

So until then will my LCD-2s just sound sub-par?

[Paul Joppa]

I would expect them to sound fine, except for some limitation in how loud they can get. You should be able to get noticeably louder that a THX qualified movie theater, 110dB even in the deep bass by my calculations, assuming the 91dB/mW is accurate.. The new transformer should get you something like another 12dB in the deepest bass, i.e. 122dB. THX qualification is 105dB.

As I said this is calculations, not experience. Headphones are funny, and headroom seems to be more audible than it is with speakers - perhaps it's the missing chest compressions of live deep bass. But I offer my calculations for what it is worth. Doc B has much more headphone experience than I do, and I expect he will chime in here at some point, assuming he is not snowed in today(!)

[Doc B.]

I think they will work well, and yes I do think they will work even better with the new transformers. We have been working on the manuals for the conversion as well as the manual for addition of the impedance switching boards. Hope to have both finished up and be ready to sell soon.

[SilverS]

I would expect them to sound fine, except for some limitation in how loud they can get. You should be able to get noticeably louder that a THX qualified movie theater, 110dB even in the deep bass by my calculations, assuming the 91dB/mW is accurate.. The new transformer should get you something like another 12dB in the deepest bass, i.e. 122dB. THX qualification is 105dB.

As I said this is calculations, not experience. Headphones are funny, and headroom seems to be more audible than it is with speakers - perhaps it's the missing chest compressions of live deep bass. But I offer my calculations for what it is worth. Doc B has much more headphone experience than I do, and I expect he will chime in here at some point, assuming he is not snowed in today(!)

Well yeah, I'm sure they'll sound as amazing as everyone says with the 2.0 kit. I just want to get every bit out of them I can. Thanks for the explanation!

I think they will work well, and yes I do think they will work even better with the new transformers. We have been working on the manuals for the conversion as well as the manual for addition of the impedance switching boards. Hope to have both finished up and be ready to sell soon.

Awesome! This is just what I was hoping for, Thank you very much Doc!