Audeze LCD-3 Over Ear Headphones

In general, as you move up the line you will likely get better sound at a higher price. I realize that sounds basic but it is usually true. Much would depend on your budget. You seem to have settled on the model in the middle of the range so, I’m guessing, you see that as a better value than their other models.

You should buy buy what you like. My choice would be Stax but I’m probably biased because I have owned Stax for almost thirty years. Rather than confuse you, I think you need to experience the phones you are considering prior to purchase. My caveat would be that I have listened to Audeze phones at audio shows and felt they were too tight on my head. Audeze phones are well loved by their owners so I am probably in the minority. In any case, I strongly recommend electrostatic phones.

I have LCD-2 and LCD-XC and have listened to LCD-4.  No experience with the LCD-3.  The LCD-4 are the best headphones I have ever listened to.  I haven't listened to all of the TOTL headphones, but I liked them better than Focal Utopia and Sony MDR-Z1R (which come close to LCD-4 for a lot less money). 

I've been tempted by the LCD-3, but from what I've read they are not much of a step up from the LCD-XC (which are excellent).  I would skip over the LCD-3 and go for the LCD-4, or perhaps start with LCD-2 and make sure that Audeze headphones have a "house sound" which tends to be "darker", placing more emphasis on bass and midrange and a somewhat recessed treble.  The LCD-4 has this house sound, but is incredibly detailed and will reveal information in your favorite tracks that you never noticed before. 

Most of the Audeze headphones are on the heavy side.  I find them to be super comfortable, but the weight may be uncomfortable for some.  If you think weight is an issue you might consider the  LCD-MX4.

The LCD-3 are 110 ohms and the LCD-4 are almost 200 ohms.  Can your headphone amp handle that?  The LCD-X are < 50 ohms and are recommended by Stereophile recommended componets.