Audeze LCD-X Review - Wonky good fun 

I have to disagree on the comfort issue. I find the Hifimans a lot more uncomfortable, especially because the press on my jaw. The Audeze on the other hand feels actually pleasant to wear. And the weight is a non-issue for me. I have heard several others say that Hifimans shaped like these press on the jaw.

"This cable is bad" lol it's one of the nicer stock cables.

I’m curious what you would think of the new 2021 revision, the tuning seems largely improved, also I can personally back this up, I tried the 2020 and the 2021 even without EQ sound substantially more realistic.

Ah yes the take the headphones off and hit the space bar on your keyboard intro. I feel right at home. You've earned a sub. Looking forward to your content :)

I picked up the LCD-X directly from Audeze last month(fresh batch). I see some retailers labeling them as 2024 revision. Mine came with XLR cable pack. I'm not sure if they did anything to the headphone itself far as tunning or driver revision but anyway, mine sounds awesome with every genre of music. I tried eq and while you gain some ground on some frequencies, I find the stock tunning to be most natural sounding. Not the widest soundstage, my only gripe, but it does well enough. I'm not a bass head but love the low end. punchy, full, textured, and sounds very accurate. Mids sound awesome, very life like. I dig 'em.

Any chance on a LCD-2C review? I'm really enjoying your reviews on products I've seen countless reviews for, you always seem to bring something new to the table!

New to this channel. Initially thought it was going to be a rip of Z but you actually break down the headphone well and succinctly, without hype. Subbed.

I bought my LCD-X just a couple of weeks ago and I love them. Sure, they are heavy and I do have to remove them from my melon every once in a while for a little bit, but it's not a deal breaker. I likely wouldn't have an issue at all had it not been for a major car accident many years ago. My LCD-2 don't bother me in the least, amazing how a difference of 20 grams or so can make a difference. I find the "X" to be less EQ dependent, the cable to be one of the better stock cables and if I have one complaint it's the new pads. I don't care for the non-leather pads or the new foam. I purchased mine as an Open-Box with full warranty but received a factory sealed brand new pair when the dealership oversold their Open-Box inventory. I paid $1000 for the "Creator's Package" which includes a decent Economy case, the cable and all of the included cards for registration, etc. I didn't realize that I had ordered the non-leather pads. BTW the pads are attached using 3M double sided tape rings and ARE removeable. I haven't heard the Arya but own the Sundara. If not mistaken the Arya are selling for $1700. That's a BIG difference in price.

11:35 **proceeds to bully you**

Is this the new 2021 version LCD-X or the 2020 version LCD-X because they had a revision with the pads and removing fazors that changed the FR substantially in addition to reducing the weight by about 50g.

try the 2021 version it's much better

H actually copied z reviews 😂 Even the hand movement and the way he turn on the amp 😂

The pads aren’t technically glued on, they’re attached with double sided tape, if you do remove them you can technically put them back on but it’s dodgy. I used to have the microfiber pads and would remove them to wash them and put the back on. Eventually they didn’t stick too well but by then I needed new pads anyways though. Completely agree about the weight, they hurt the top of my head but I do have the old headband which has flattened out over time. Also according by to Audeze the latest 2021 drivers are more consistent. I also lucked out and a pair that sounds great.

This review is the complete opposite experience I have with my lcdx 2021 . This headphone is exceptional for vocals and acoustic music.

Almost cried, not in a good way when I listened to them for the first time. When I bought them and put them on my head I was like: "where bass". There was none, zero, nada, TV quantity of low-end at best... Unless I played some modern, electronic and well mixed/mastered music only then I could hear a little bit of low-end. So I got EQ APO and had to add, prepare for it... 10db to the 166hz (low shelf filter) to get the sound to my liking. The low-end is amazing now tho, just enough to make the music nice, thick and punchy but not so much to make the low-end annoying. But that depends from album to album across the genres, same goes for highs. I would not consider myself that big of a "bass-head".. before LCD-X's I used to have mere porta pros and as far as I know those are not considered "bass-heavy" headphones and bass-wise they satisfied me and my LCD-X's without EQ felt tiny compared to them. Could I possibly get "lime" pair? I asked Audeze for a graph of my pair and it looked as it should. Idk it's weird but the main thing is I'm enjoying them right now. edit: Forgot to mention I'm using Conductor 3xp dac/amp

Thank you for starting this off with a TLDR

Everytime I get hyped to buy a pair of headphones someone points out all the flaws and points out better headphones that cost more, when will it end, why is every reviewer so damn picky? I guess its never good enough till you spend $60,000 on a setup

Being a musician I really like these for mixing, they are fantastic, I use Realphone plug-in with it. I disagree for classic music listening, I paired them on a tube amp Feliks Elisa II and the result is fantastic, I mainly listen to classic music, and I prefer them to my Stax L700MKII

"they make my cheeks hurt" hm

I have LCD-Xs, and I completely agree with what you said. The best fun I had with them was on Schiit gear. They pair excellently, don't know why, but they really do.

You should totally try the 2021 LCD-X, they're a definite Improvement and are about 50 grams lighter, my 15yr sister wore them for hours without issue. I feel like you only notice the weight when you switch to headphones as light as the Arya's

Bruh. If this stock cable is horrid never try a focal.....

I have neck issues, (arthritis) and have no issues with comfort with the exception of my right ear touching the fazers which creates a hot spot. Solution: Dekoni pads plus they improve the sound. Regarding the stick-on pads; maybe read Audeze's reasons for using that system. You like paracord cables. I do not. I like the stock Audeze cable and it sounds pretty good. I have zero issues with it as opposed to anything paracord. What sucks is not getting a balanced cable at this price.

Just got mine today, its really funny how personal test is the biggest thing. For me the first reaction to this set was "omfg, the vocals are so natural and perfect" while you perceive that as shitty and terrible. I dont know if my set was totally dfferent than yours, but yeah. Overall, i find these flat and perfect for mix and master from EDM to orchestral to metal and jazz.

I've had the LCD-X for 4 months now and my take is the complete opposite of yours. Mine are connected to the 6mm jack of a PS Audio BHK Preamp fed by a PS Audio Directstream DAC. I am a regular at amplified and acoustic musical events and find them to present the most accurate musical reproduction I've heard to date. They check all the SQ boxes reviewers typically comment on. I urge anyone considering them to read the many reviews available that confirm these are among the best headphones at any price. A word of warning. Force yourself to take them off at 10pm or you'll find yourself listening to your music all night. Yes, that is how comfortable I find them.

I've just took the plunge on the LCD-X. I took a chance on them, given the cost and the negative reviews on RU-vid. I listen to a lot of electronic / house / alternative music and I was wanting a headphone that sounds good with these genres. I don't personally believe in EQ'ing headphones and believe each one brings something different to the party. I already have headphones for other moods (HD650 / Focal Elegia) and after this review, I feel I have made the right choice. I'll be running them off an Ifi CAN / DAC stack, so hopefully I will really enjoy them. Subscribed

I heard the very first word of this review and I was confused why you said "These" instead of "THEEEEEEEESE..." All in all, great work! 👍

I am using LCD x 2019 model and the RME ADI2 DAC FS. More than happy with sound I have, and I have very eclectic taste. I also produce, mix, master and a music artist. I have always been speaker load and power person as it makes a huge difference. Have to agree about stock cable looking at two companys for possible upgrade. I like this channel presentation and style a lot of nice information and honest opinion. I like graphs too but usually find that what your ears have told you first are best before you look. Having a good personal demo on the gear you have or going to buy is always a wise move imho. Funny thing is how polarized RU-vid channel opinions are about this set of cans lolol. Enjoy your music people and don't forget to have fun and enjoyment. A set of measurements can always be looked at again, but there is never enough time with all music out there to listen too and real life on top. :)

TIP: unscrew the leather strap and screw it back one step lower .... now the leather band wont be against the metal and will be the only thing touching the top of your head. Did a HUGE change on mine. Love them too for vocals, jazz and more BTW

Seems like you got the old model. The 2021 model fixes some of the minus points you are talking about

Please do a Full Arya review 🙏

Awesome review, if possible could you try the LCD 24's at some point?

I've bought my lcd-x one month ago. I can't agree that vocals and especialy guitars saund not good. I have comletely different feeling. They are very good for rock or classic. I've heard many headphones and I no dout - on this device many instruments sound great but classic guitar sounds fantastic. Not only very precizely but also smooth and pleasantly. In fact I can't find the kind of music which is not appropriate.

I would love for you to do an Arya review

Are there audiophiles that actually only listen to edm?

Most people don't by the X with the idea of not EQing. I've never EQ'ed in my life but I knw I would be learning when I bought mine.Btw, I've read where many owners don't even like the Revel eq. It's defninately not the best one.

“The main reason you buy these is for low end” are you for real!? I just got mine in and the bass is weak. Like i need to eq the bass up a bunch to feel it. Granted, these are obviously not the 2021. I’m sending them back I think

Long time listener and Telegram patron with a comment. Thank you Golden an excellent analysis. I am a proud owner of the Audeze LCD-X. I absolutely agree with you regarding EDM. They absolutely need to have an EQ applied. They absolutely need a warm amp. But I went into purchasing them knowing that this was a genre headphone. And that is fine because if I have learned anything in this hobby, it is that most top tier headphones, and audio gear in general, all have strengths and weaknesses. And audiophiles are happy to buy specific gear for a specific purpose. I only disagree with you about comfort. I may have rolled the dice and gotten a good 2021 variant because I can wear mine for hours and I forget I have them on. But that is my experience, your mileage may vary. They are absolutely heavy. And the pads are glued on. And the head strap does basically nothing. But Sadbot by PIXL and all the other wonderfully synthesized music is pure heaven on the LCD-X.

You said these arenotgreat for acoustic music, ireally wanted them formixingmy acoustic guitar tracks, is there a pair of headphones that you would recommend for thistype ofmusic? I am looking at Hifiman

Hi I use hifiman edition xs r8 now + SA1 amp and need more fun headphone like lcd x… Is lcd x and Sa1 amp good together? I mean Sa1 is warm enough like asgard amp?

How does the LCD-X compare to the LCD-2C when listening to electronic music?

Unit variation is a huge bummer for audeze. recently got an lcd x and it sounds horrible. Techinically impressive but the frequency response it so bad. Insane treble spike 6k and around 10-12k. Mid range was super recessed making the vocals sit 10 ft back super weird.

Cool transition from the intro to the video playing the music!

Also the 2021 revision improves comfort and wait

ngl i want to see that beats pro review

This almost seems like a z reviews copy minus the swearing and rambling tangents. I'm not sure what to think of this review. This is sorta opposite of many I have seen. Perhaps he got a wonky pair from the factory? I have heard some that really love the vocals on this headphone. One thing that seems to carry over from lcdx reviews is the bass. This is also one of the few that has not liked the newer cable design. Also that new headband is a worthwhile improvement over the original. This head like many will come down to what electronics you pair with it. And those sterile amps would not be the amp of choice for these as far as long term enjoyment. Treat this as another one of many countless reviews of this headphone over the years in your purchasing decision.

Nice work mate, definitely vocalising what was in my head. I would drop a caveat here, I will say the LCDX if you can bear the weight can be used for everything in the sense that they will not offend they will be just fine just okay, but, when metal well mastered, rock, well mastered, and EDM comes on they make you sit bolt upright A lot of the trouble issues can be mitigated with the clamp of the headphones, by adjusting this you can mitigate some peaks and residences 🐅🐅

So these are not 2021 right, because 2021 version vocals and acoustic sounds great. Especially saxophones.

Did you say, Weeb music? WTF is that? Is that like Zeos waifu music?

I'd also love to see you give a proper review of the Arya dude. Where did you get the aftermarket cable for your Arya?

First

The unit variation is all true but the 2021 march revision FIXES all those Frequency response and tonality issues!!! Please keep that in mind and that when the messed up frequency response is fixed it becomes amazing for vocals and acoustic.

Theyre ONLY good for electronic? Oh please.

This or arya organic for rap, electronic music?

Thank you for a great video! Where can I find the XLR to single-ended adapter cable [red colored] that you use in the video?

What do you reckon having these as an alternative (to round out a collection) with a HD 800S? Are they different enough to justify adding these into that collection?

I had Arya's, Ananda's and i'm using 2017 LCD-X (and LCD-2f) - for me Aryas and Anandas sound like crap for vocals when i AB them, and in almost every situation - i would prefer LCD-X (i'm not using EQ on them) without blinking an eye.

Wow, great take! I just got the lcdx and arya a couple weeks ago and agree with everything you have said - for anyone reading, this review is SPOT ON imo. Youre the first person who I have heard talking about the way the headphone fits influencing listening experience, and not just comfort vs discomfort. I completely agree - kinda difficult to describe but I would say each headphone has its own personal embrace and definitely affects "interpretation". The first thing I disagree on is the comfort (although this is highly subjective) - they are both clampy, the arya is slightly lighter, and audeze pads are much softer and run warmer against the ears (I have the real leather pads). I think I actually prefer the lcdx fit by a hair. Also, smell is another kind of sensual thing to consider, and I love the smell of leather so the lcdx wins there as well. The second is the cable - I feel it stomps on most stock cables at or below this price bracket - it's not perfect but I would replace many other cables before this one! I would love to try on diff amps at some point, but right now only have a 789 and vali 2, and will say I prefer both on the 789. Firmly in the camp of headphones making the biggest impact on chain, by a large margin.

is this review of the latest revision?

Wow this review is polar opposite of alot of the things I've heard and read about these. Alot of mix and mastering engineers rely on them specifically for their realism yet you say they're not very real sounding. I got them for mixing and occasional enjoyment. I have a pair coming tomorrow and I hope they work out. I don't listen to much electronic music and prefer fusion and acoustic music so now I'm a bit worried! Thanks for your opinion.

There is no excuse for making changes to a headphone and not letting customers and prospective customers know what is different. Software has version numbers, why not headphones? I have not seen the LCD-X stamp versions or publicize versions in any way. That is not good customer service. It does make it hard for reviewers and may account for review differences. I have learned one thing about enjoying my music to the fullest. I had to learn how to EQ. It's not just because of headphone issues like the one we are discussing. Our hearing is different. Recordings vary in what frequencies they emphasize, as does mastering. Nothing perfectly meets our expectations, at least for those of us who look for the most realistic reproduction of our music. If our expectations are not that picky then EQ is not necessary. If we want a recording to match our expectations EQ is a must. It's not difficult. In the old days, preamps had bass, midrange and treble controls. They were used as a matter of fact. Now EQ is more sophisticated. I found learning how to EQ properly freeing and enabling. It enhanced my enjoyment of the music.

These are INCREDIBLE for vocals and instruments you have to A. Either EQ them fix the messed up dip in mids in the Frequency Response or B. Buy a 2021 revision which fixes the Audeze plague of messed up Frequency Reponse.

Koji gang 🙂. Another great review, Golden. Kudos!

great review man. i nearly bought these when choosing a new headphone but glad i went with the arya lol

2021 version or the previous version?

I’d love to see a review of the 2021 closed backs.

Hey, what's your opinion on LCD XC?

Every review I watch of this headphone people either hate or love the cables. I personally like the fact that they are light, and they don't transfer noise went I move around. Having said that, I still bought some balanced cables from Periapt

Is the LCD X you reviewed a 2021 version tho?

Is this the 2021 revision?

Are these the upgraded 2021 version?

The unit variation is so true, and is the toughest part about recommending Audeze. Nice review.

I have both of them. 😅

Would you consider a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ a warm sounding DAC? I have LCD-X (2021). I use Roon so thanks for the heads-up on the EQ. I came across your channel yesterday and watched Parts 1 & 2 of your MQA presentations.👍👍

What about jot2? Did you have it for this? Good pairing?

So the Arya won't be punchy if driven by an Asgard3? What amp you recommend?

Maybe having 10lb headphones would keep me from giving myself tinnitus

I had LCD-X, I sold them and got myself Stax L300 Limited, which I like more with a large margin... but I do miss my LCD-X sometimes... there is some kind of very enjoyable soft warmness in them.

G'day from Sydney. Nice, moderate, reasonable review. I love mine for movies, with a... *gasp* THX Onyx :-) Cheers.

I had the 2021 LCD-XC. They were really good although heavy. Once I got the Verite Closed they went bye bye quickly

The only song i didn't like the sound of on X was Lose Yourself by Eminem, because of one section. That's why i don't know. I would still go for Audeze despite your review and many others as such. Iconic design, fantastic sound and FUN. Im more on a fun side of listening rather than NERDy if you know what i mean😉

I have a Modi and Magni Heresy stack off my PC. Should I be running these on low gain for better control?

You mention in many videos that you run your headphones, and especially your HiFiMan Arias off a speaker amp. What adapter are you using to do this?

Can we have a Hifiman Arya Review? - Love your content, always unbias, interesting and solid.

Have both Arya and LCD-X, I like both. Like you suggest Arya overall has better tone balance and LCD-X sound more fun. I personally if have to keep only one pair of them, would choose Arya over LCD-X not because of sound but Audeze headphones are heavy, however, Arya has another comfort issue if you wear glasses. the tiniest head movement would creak like hell if you put on Arya. Hifiman needs to release a better version pad for Arya.

hahaha pardon my question but what are u gonna say about lcd x for competitive gaming? Does it cut the footstep details sound ? Nice review on both of these headphones!

Oddly, I enjoy the Clear and Ananda more for EDM than my LCD-X 🤷🏽‍♂️

I have had a diametrically different experience with the Aryas. I was fortunate enough to try a few headphones over the weekend. I had on my table the Heddphone, Aryas, He1000se, Ether2, and the Focal Clears. Of the lot the Aryas were the best phones for my kind of music, hard and fast techno. My go to track to demo the phones, was a dense techno track, Floorlicker by Stoneface and Terminal. The Aryas have a ridiculously detailed low end, and was fast and immediate, goosebump city. The He1000se had the most amount of detail, but was also the most boring of the bunch. Turned everything I put through them into high quality elevator music. I hated letting go of the Aryas. Bought a pair of Anandas instead. Nah, not the same, even though some reviewers said they are comparable.

Could I drive this thing on a JDS Labs Element II?

Thank goodness for Schiit Loki EQ products.

20 to 1000 Hz +-~3 almost 5 dB depending on the pair YEESH! I didn't realize they did that. I'm personally a fan of the Audeze sound. Just wish there was even more bass below 80 on my LCD2, so I have an ifi ican SE with the boost ticked up 1 notch.

The LCD-X is also 100s of dollars cheaper so that is a good reason to get them

same problem with lcd3 thats why i sold mine missing some uppermids

Apparently, you have the 2020 version.

I’ve found my new fav headphones channel. I love how honest you are

Hello! Who made the cables you are using on the arya?

ive heard that these are great for vocals, just reccessed a bit thats all

These headphones are said to be perfect for mixing.

Hugely appreciating your erudite analysis, as introduced by John Darko. Eagerly awaiting your review of the HOLO Audio May.

LCD-X vs Ariya for gaming?