Tell me about it -_- Luckily I have a limit. And the X is that limit for what I would pay for headphones. And for a class A amp is about 700. When this is in the house. I'm done and leaving all audio related subscriptions.
@@Rubmaster Yeah but what about complimentary headphones? You have different headphones for particular music. I fell in that trap with motorcycles. I have an adventure bike, naked street bike, and sport touring bike.
I have done some listening tests with the lcd 2, lcd 3, Lcd X, focal clear(+MG) , Arya and Ananda( my own) all powered by the mojo 2. I like the lcd X most! Bit heavy on the head, but most enjoyable sound, for most styles of music. Some others sounded superior in some Areas, but with the x, all music sounded right, tone was best.
Love my LCD-Xs with Sonarworks Systemwide to flatten out the frequency response a bit. Once you’ve enabled Sonarworks, these become some of the best cans ever for audio engineering work! The transient response is incredible. Dialing in things like compression is much easier on these than my HD650s! It’s impressive.
X. Sounds stunning with many good recordings. Way above their price tag. On the other hand, some recordings just can't be played on those, the output is completely crap. That's driving me crazy. After studying this deeply and spent hours with different albums, I just focus on the things that work. I love those cans, they have magic that no measurement can revel.
I changed from the DT1990 to the LCD-X last week. I think he downplays the difference a bit in this video. The difference is pretty obvious if it comes to clarity and precision. The DT1990 aren't anywhere as high resolution as the LCD-X. In Fact the LCD-X made me understand exactly what people mean when they talk about resolutioon in headphones. It is definitely a big step up for studio purposes since the LCD-X have way more detailed sound especially if you mix a lot of subbass. That being said don't get me wrong! The DT1990 are definitely amazing and enough for amazing studio purpose. The LCD-X is a possible step up if you have some spare money but not required at all.
Funny enough, I liked the LCD-2F more than the X. But they were too heavy so I sold them after 3 years. Gonna have to wait a while till they figure out how to make a light version of it.
I have LCD-X and I totally love them. I wonder what would be the appropriate stereo setup pricetag to be anywhere near the X's quallity in terms of "packing the information and stuffing it in my ear ..."? Any thoughts on this are very appretiated!
Listened Quad Era-1 that my friend got with with Astell&Kern SP1000M and I liked it even more than Meze Empyrean that I have. I did not have them with me, but now I just want to go to Hi-Fi shop near by to check LCD-XC (wanted to buy the older version as the closed back headphones that I like most out of all I’ve heard so far), LCD-X (both new versions) Comparing them to Meze Empyrean and Quad Era-1. Really wonder which one I will enjoy more out of all of these…
I really really really wish you'd make a Focal Clear vs LCDX video. My only pair of cans is the K7xx and I'm looking for a compliment for both studio / pleasure listening. I like to hear music exactly as it was intended to be heard by the producers, artists and sound engineers. And as a musician primarily working with bassy synthesizers and drum machines, mixing and mastering my own music, i need something accurate .. especially in the sub bass region. The LCDX's seem great for everything except heavy guitar music such as hard rock / metal. Would you agree? The reviews I've checked out seem to indicate the Clear's are better balanced than the LCDX. I'm also considering the 1990 Pro. The 1990, clear and LCDX are what i'm considering. The LCDX seems like a special headphone. Out of curiosity, do you think the 1990 Pro + LCDX would make a good studio / pleasure listening combination? Seems like they'd both offer something different for both applications. Thanks.
Well, I don't know about $50 cases--my full size headphones never leave my apartment so I have no interest or need for cases, but the exact same case whose inclusion raises the LCD-X price by $500 is available on Audeze's site for $130. Very odd.
Hey so I been owning the LCD-X's for about a year now and definitely stand by them 100%. There is one thing I just found out recently though that can seriously impact the quality of the sound. Overtime the black screws on the bottom where the black half-circle metal piece is connected to the silver adjustable metal bars and earcups can loosen up over time (at least mine did). The right cup started to sag, causing discomfort on my right ear, I also noticed that there was more bass on the left cup then the right because the left was more sealed and a lot of sound was leaking on the right cup. I was starting to get really concerned about it but then I noticed the black screws and so I tightened both sides up and instantly it was restored. both cups are tight against my ears with no sag or discomfort. Now they feel the same way as they did when I first bought them! Maybe even better!
@@mazzerattimike8695 well this comment is really for anyone who also happens to own the LCD-Xs and started to experience the same thing. At least they will know what to do if they should run into the same issue
The Fazor version is one that doesn't get talked over much, but it is an extremely good performer. The Fazor give the LCD-2 what they are missing in their normal state: treble. It becomes pretty much reference, even measuring flatter than the LCD-X in some units. They keep the bass the originals had, but they sound lighter because of the treble presence. If you really like a really close to neutral signature, the Fazor version of the LCD-2 is incredible.
I got both the Arya and LCD-X. Spent about 4 weeks with them and ended up returning the Arya. At first the Arya sounded better, but after a few weeks of breakin it became less of a difference. Better bass and a more intimate experience with the LCD-X while the Arya had better sound stage. LCD-X feels like it came from a soviet tank factory, thick high quality leather and metal all around (but heavy). The Arya is cheap and plastic, through and through, even the cables are short and don't feel nice (for $1500!!). The headstrap also looks dorky and gets in the way. Bottom line, the drivers on the Arya are nice, no doubt about it, and for some people might be the right fit, but I ended up with the Xs because they are just much higher build quality and I prefer the bass + intimate sound.
Rodrigo Fredes the failure rate of the LDC-X driver is definitely much higher than Arya, and the crazy variance between units. (metal is an expert on that lol)
@@llevine6510 Well probably because Arya is still a relative new headphone idk and I only can speak about my experience I have LCD2 for over 2 years and not problem, Hifiman Edition X v2 for 11 months the right driver stop working, Arya 7 months the headband make a horrible noise replace the headband for a new one and the same problem after 1 month, Arya cost $1599 in terms of value that price is so inflated! Materials are so cheap!! I don't see Arya can keep that price for long time until more people start complaining about their build quality (they already know for they poor build quality) I will say if you want the Arya wait until they drop in price. I owned 800s, LCD 2 twice! (I sold one) Fostex Th900mk2 (treble murder as Josh describe xD) and multiple others in the middle cost range, the only company that feels cheap is Hifiman, there is not a great value on those headphones in my opinion and experience, I'm glad I sold my pair.
From dealers I've talked to, failure rate is easily higher with Hifiman products across the board. That doesn't mean Audeze is particularly reliable though
Onto my 2nd pair after a break. Listened to the HD800S, listened to the LCD X, and bought those. Better bass, and wider flexibility with source material. More meat and bones on the sound - Crystallize - Lindsey Stirling on these is amazing🙂
was about to buy one, but 800€ new (in germany) is a tad much. audeze in general is overpriced as hell over here. got a great deal on a used pair of 2Fs in the end. they had the new headband, a custom xlr cable and new sheepskin pads for just 600€. best deal in my life.
@@leviathan5207 Anything other than Beyerdynamic is overpriced in Germany. Even Sennheisers lol. Imo Audeze is acting like Apple. They are expensive overall.
@@chrisselner5005 Really weird frequency response. A bit shouty. Airy yet intimate. A slightly noticable lack of definition/clarity/resolution. Great bass / sub ass for planar. Very clean and linear. Honestly though for the price I can't recommend this over the Sundara. For $350 I think the Sundara is a much more balanced can and far less expensive
@@KurtG879 I just picked them up also and wasn't that crazy about them. Then I recreated this EQ adjustment ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Xfb_70TPSe8.htmlm46s using the peace plugin for equalizer APO and oh, my god! They sound soooooo much better. I think like they were intended too. It shocks me that Joshua likes them so much without EQ. It makes me wonder if he has a unique pair or....him and I have very different taste, haha.
Love my LCD-Xs with Sonarworks Systemwide to flatten out the frequency response a bit. Once you’ve enabled Sonarworks, these become some of the best cans ever for audio engineering work! The transient response is incredible. Dialing in things like compression is much easier on these than my HD650s! It’s impressive.
I have the LCD-X and the Arya thanks to you Josh! great compliment to each other sound very different, I use the X for rock and metal, anything more aggressive and the Arya for everything else. Ayra is still my favourtie and I consider it the most impressive. But the softness leaves me dissapointed for some genres. For me the X is like listening to a microphone and the Ayra is more speaker like
@@jim8643 100% Ayra, LCD-X isnt bad for it I just like the space you get with the arya presentation much more. Worth noting I EQ both pairs to Harman target with slight adjustments for preference, makes a big difference for genres like this. Arya can get very close to the target if you like that sound
@@ChadPANDA... Arya are drier. The 1000 is smoother in the treble. I think for the money the gap isn't worth it. You can buy used v2 for the cost of new Arya. Unfortunately warranty is Not transferred. So if they break. To bad so sad.
Love your reviews, but - You should mention witch version of LCD-X You have. Now there are different pads - little thinner (that change the sound, and in 2016 there was driver revision - and it seems to me that You have LCD-X that was made before that). Comparing my 2017 version with new pads and new drivers to LCD-2C or 2016 LCD-2f rosewood with vegan pads i prefer vocals on X... ARYA vocals sounds thin and lacking body comparing to X. Love ARYA holographic lush sound but it came for the price - and the price is lack of slam and body in vocals - for me LCD-X are winner in that battle, also with ANANDA. Overall i agree with Your comparison to ARYA and understand Your point. Thanks for another great review!
I compared those A to B For a month before deciding. To me and my tastes there is no doubt...LCD-X wins. True, Arya has more depth, but Audeze sounds way fuller, with more body to the midrange, more precise bass. In the end try to listen both, good headphones, it's a matter of perception in the end.
I have seen some arya around $1100 pre-owned basically new from authorized dealers. It sounds like my preferred sounds signature over the audeze x but I still have a hard time wanting to pull the trigger with hifiman quality issues. I guess if your buying one of these invest in a longer warranty if possible. Anybody have experience with buying extended warranty on these that covers everything?
Great points and considerations this time. Keep it up. I agree the GX is hyped imho. If I was picking, I'd still pick the X as well. I'd want both the X and the Arya if I could have them... oh and throw in a Verite Open Ziricote... not too much to ask for right?
I'm pursuing this very journey, I have the LCD-X and the Verite. The Verite with the Universe pads actually sound quite similar to my LCD-X tonality, almost tempted to sell my X and pick up the Arya just to hear what they are about! Must say, the Verite feel quite cheap (build wise compared to LCD-X. I honestly believe the build cost must be under $500 for the Verite.
i sold the HD800s after a week and a half trying to EQ it to my liking and sadly it did not work out The vocals were pulled away from me first HD headphones i heard that did that and have heard HD 598se
I'm wearing the LCD-X right now. I've come to realize that they're pretty uncomfortable for a normal sized head. Based on where you have the headband notches, it seems like you have a slightly larger than average head? For me I have to use them on the smallest notch, which makes the cups not rotate properly to sit with even pressure on the head. They're also incredibly heavy for a headphone. I liked them at first but now they're pretty fatiguing and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. I'm also curious what you think about the missing energy between 1 and 6k as noted by audiosciencereview. Do you listen to them with EQ?
Hi. I have a question for you...between Sennheiser Hd 800s and LCD-X, which is the best in your opinion? I listened to both, Hd 800s seems to have less bass but has a wider soundstage (which I prefer). Is it possible to get fuller by equalizing the bass? P.s: I’ve had the hd 600 for years and I love how they sound but I’d like to upgrade. I like the spacious and transparent sound but also powerfull and with a deep and round bass.
How is it possible for it to have a soundstage width equivalent of 6XX? It has huge planar drivers and super thick pads. The pads alone should make it way wider unless the sound magically warps into your ears.
Just purchased the Sennheiser 58x and Audeze LCD-X and am playing them through a Schitt Magni 3+ (all three discovered through the exceptional reviews of Valour). With EQ (which they both desperately need), I'm disappointed to say that the appreciable difference in sound quality is only marginal and certainly not worth the $1,000 price difference :/ The LCD-X has bit more clarity and substance throughout the entire spectrum of sound, but only a bit. For the price tag, I was expecting something other worldly..... Am I crazy?
Have you tried it with a different amp? It may not need a lot of power but headphone of this caliber certainly scale with quality amp. I personally use Aune T1 + Schiit Asgard and noticed significant upgrade from hd650. It's nowhere near 3x better but a very noticeable upgrade nonetheless.
Is it me or I would like to see better build quality on these $1k+ cans. Like the hinges on the LCD X seems super sketch and look like they could easily break or snap. Compare that to Beyerdynamics which are like built like tanks compared to these. As DMS says, "I feel like I could dropkick these and they would probably be fine."
I finally got to listen to a pair of LCD-Xs today. They were the first really expensive headphones I've got to listen to properly in an optimal environment: in a quiet environment, comparing with headphones I know well (Sennheiser Momentum 2.0s), and to music I know well. A few thoughts. It was difficult to know how to feel about them. I don't have a wide experience of headphones; the best headphones I've listened to before were HD800s, but that was in a very noisy environment, so hard to judge. The LCD-Xs certainly sounded good, but they're quite a flat sound: as predominantly a rock listener, they don't have the excitement that I'm used to with the Sennheisers. The Sennheisers sounded messy and congested (not excessively so: I still love how they sound) but exciting and emotional and engaging; the LCD-Xs sounded clean and detailed, but by contrast a bit distant and unexciting. I kept wanting to turn the volume up to try and get them to make me feel something. I really don't feel like they're necessarily the best headphones to be listening to rock or other aggressive music on: they really don't seem to want to blast your face off and rock your socks. Where they really seem to shine is on anything more spacious and delicate. However: I'm wondering if with some EQ, especially boosting about 3-4k, that may change. But to go back to the start, I'm really not a headphone connoisseur, and my experience is narrow, so I don't know how valuable it is.
Hey, you can try using Audeze's Reveal+ software, it should improve the sound. However, Audeze is known to have wide variations between unit. So I suggest you install other EQ software like PEACE APO and adjust the frequency based on your unit or your preference. EQ makes the headphone way way better (stock tuning sucks IMO). And since it has very low distortion you can significantly change the frequency response by EQ. You really can drastically change the sound signature of LCD X without sacrificing sound quality at all using EQ. I even have certain profiles for certain genres.
Also the "distant" feeling is because of the "dip" or drop in the 4K Hz range of the frequency response. You can EQ this by adding +6db or more to fix the problem.
Which headphones have more and a deeper bass, the Audeze LCD X or the Meze Empyrean? I am currently using a Hifiman HE 1000se and am looking for headphones with more bass and less treble.
@@vancybergoth Didn't get the chance to try them, if there isn't really an option to hear them yourself in a store, I would rely on The Headphone Show comparison video, DMS, JV, Z Reviews and some other sources (google, reddit and other channels) to decide. Both are fantastic headphones and loved by many at their price, if you prioritize bass performance I'd go with the LCD-X
I had the LCD-2 for a few weeks and recently bought the LCD-X and it is as the reviews say! I am really happy with my money investment! I have an ifi hip-dac.. best setup i ever had :-) Thank you for your review!!
The lcd-x gets praised all the time but it’s extremely heavy at 680 grams . This was like 5 years ago, so maybe they've made some changes, but I literally could not wear it more than 15 minutes. It was the very definition of functional obsolescence. I’m a big guy too!
My ratings on the best I've heard them sound: LCD-4 = 94 (LCD-4z = 91)(LCD-MX4 = 87) LCD-3 = 86 LCD-X = 80 LCD-2F = 76 My ratings on how they sound on systems with less fidelity. The Lcd-X is comparatively a bargain: LCD-4 = 79 LCD-X = 75 LCD-3 = 74 LCD-2f = 69
What you have there is the 2014 version. It sounds completely different from the most recent revision which I currently own from 2019. IMO the 2014 version has a much better tonality.
Great re-visit, thank you! One obvious comparison missing to me would be the LCD-X vs. LCD-MX4, supposedly a gross between the X and the 4. @josh, did you ever get your hands on those?
$1200 for the LDC-X Creator's Package and $130 for the same carrying case as all the high end Audeze headphones directly from their site, $1330 total. I've been looking for the catch too.
LCD-X, how does it perform at near max SPL, namely in bass response? Not just impact but the strength of the low end? Distortion/clipping? That's the exciting part of music for me is loud, strong low end, without noticeable distortion. I'm using Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pros and the drivers start clipping with low end at moderate loudness, very disappointing!
To longterm LCD-X owners, which replacement pads are you guys running? Mine are 2014 build, I recently replaced my old "leather pads" (non-memory foam) with the current factory leather...it completely changes the sound signature (sounds more flat/dry...maybe more accurate/ neutral tonality but I don't want that). I was lucky to find new old stock (bought the last one from an online seller), much prefer the sound signature on old style pads. Any idea on which aftermarket pads that performs the same/similar to the old pads? Or input in general with aftermarket pads?
I don’t get barely any base from my lcd 2c with my thx 789 even when eqing them? My qc 35’s tickle my ears more! I’m using a minidsp to connect tidal on the laptop to the amp. Does anyone know what’s going on here? 🤔
Just received the LCD-X to compare to my Arya. I put it back in the box within 10 minutes. Build quality is awesome and comfort isn't too bad with the new headband, but the imaging and clarity can't touch the Arya. It just throws everything at you all at once, and it all blends together. Basically everything you have said. Thanks for the reviews.
Josh. I bought and had the Audeze lcd-x for a few weeks, but just could not get use to the weight. What is an equivalent headphone with sound signature without the weight? I want that lcd-x sound again
One of the first truths learned by anyone serious about Hi end audio headphones is that beyond a certain price point there is no real correlation between increase in price and quality- they simply are not proportional. The idea that a 4000 dollar headphone should sound 4 times better than one costing 1/4th that amount has zero validity. Assuming the rigs used to make the comparison between headphones are identical, lets say the price that gets you to 90% of what is currently possible is X. Lets say that is 1500 dollars. The last 8 or 9 percent , X+9 for example costs an awful lot of money to get close to .The tech, R&D and materials needed to bridge that sonic chasm might be two or three times the cost of the lower priced headphones. So the real question is can the listener even hear the differences and assuming one could- is it worth it to them? In most cases the price difference is justifiable but is it worth it to the person wearing the cans?
If you want to get additional perspective on how fantastic the LCD-X's are, read the legendary Arnie Nudell's review of the LCD-X's in The Absolute Sound.......
Joshua, thank you so much for this comparison review. It convinced me to buy the LCD-X creator package and pair it with the Monolith THX DAC AMP portable. Check this out: As the THX DAC AMP has 1 Shelf EQ and 3 Parametric EQ settings, I used Andrew Park's EQ settings for the LCD-X (found in the headphones.com forum) and used the three settings which addresses the dip in the upper mids for the LCD-X. Dial these settings into the THX 887 or THX portable and hold on to your socks: Shelf EQ: LF GAIN +2.5 FREQ 120 PEQ 1: ENABLE ON, FREQ 1.7K, GAIN +3.5, Q 1.5 PEQ 2: ENABLE ON, FREQ 3.2K, GAIN +6.0, Q 1.5 PEQ 3: ENABLE ON, FREQ 4.2K, GAIN +6.0, Q 4.0
@@vincesanity27 The more money I spend on flagship headphones and tube amps, the more I appreciate what the LCD-X brings at such a good price. I have changed my EQ setting , but they are important only of you have a 2020 version of the LCD-X. There was a revision if it which changed the frequency response for 2021.
2016 is the last sound quality revision, supposedly for consistency (there are still bad examples out there in my experience). 2018 they added the suspension headband as standard. 2020 they switched to the metal mesh. I am not aware of any sq revisions since 2016
@@FatherOfAlways haven't directly compared them but in my experience the overall tonal balance is pretty similar aside from the pad change to memory foam at some point, not sure at what point that was. "old" ones and 2016+ revisions have coexisted at CanJams I've been to and sound pretty similar as long as they are a "good" example. The last one I reviewed was a 2018 and offered a number of advantages over the 2C and 2F quite clearly, but with quite a bit more treble and air, and even more recessed 3-5k
Yup LCD-X are delicious! . My unit sounds amazing! The only issue I had with mine was the leather pads started ripping. I don’t agree with one thing you said. Don’t believe the numbers , the LCD-X needs a lot of power to sound best. I have tried my unit with many different amps and it sounds the best with high current / power amplifiers. My unit has huge sound stage almost speaker like, but still keeping details and tight bass.
@@massivemikeh recently got my lcdx and I agree with this. I prefer the 6xx mid bass over the lcdx, although the sub bass is amazing while keeping detail. Think I'll just get the elex and the 2cs for my different genre needs
Good review as always. One thing left me mind boggled however: You said the LCD X resolves better in the top end. IMHO the X has NO top end whatsoever, and is extremely veiled. Especially against the Arya. I owned both and sold the X for that reason.
Exactly. The Audeze's are way too muddy, dark and veiled sounding. Treble is rolled-off hard. Very evident when A/B-ing with anything from the Focal or Hifiman line-up.
I still don't love my Arya stealths. I am going to try it on a few more DAC / Amps but I prefer almost all my other phones. LCD-5 with a little bass bump and a very small lift around 9K is what I'm leaning to. Then Focal Stellia's and Clear MG pros, then DT 1990, and DT 1770 then I think the Arya's are next. I maybe just have not given them enough time to appreciate what they are. I was going to get the MM-500 but now after listening to Produce like a pro video I think the LCD-X might be next. Maybe I can sell the Arya stealths and go for the organics and see if they are more my preference. I use for enjoyment but also mixing and mastering.
Hi please give me some advice, I like to listen to hip hop(21 savage and post malone etc) and sometimes Adele,Sam smith with high vocals. What headphones would you recommend me to buy? Budget is around £1500. I was thinking focal clear MG because normal clear is out of stock from where I am.
@@KurtG879 You should invest your money in reading classes instead of headphones. Did I mention sound in my comment? No, all I said was build quality. Which, again for those named kurt who are reading at a 5 year old level, is not even comparable to the plastic shit that is the Arya.
@@HarmlessKiwi So, you would spend over $1,000 on headphones, which are designed for listening to music, and not base your purchase what so ever and how the listening device sounds? Yeah, that's smart. Children get defensive like this, take a nap little guy.
I disagree that the LCD-X has comparable soundstage to Sennheisers. Yeah, it's not back row of an auditorium wide, but more like front seat in a Jazz club wide. Sennheiser's are just straight inside your brain.
Hey Josh, I'm considering to buy either LCD-X and LCD-2C in the near future. The current collection I have include Focal Utopia, HD800S, and an Ether CX. Which one would be a good complement? Or does Focal Utopia absolutely crush those two in the vocal category? Thanks!
Have it, love it! Driven by Oppo 105d XLR into Cavalli Audio Liquid Carbon. They are my reference and I tune my loudspeakers by using this as my base. When I got these, they were 1700 plus tax and shipping. Still worth IMO.
Dude, I was listening to this review with my LCD-X while working on something on my desk......when you moved around @16:10, or when you put the Aryas down and few other gestures made me look at you haha. They aren't wide but I think that's to keep a 1:1 ratio with de width and depth...they can really amaze me with how the throw sounds around with such great image. I never heard the Arya, but what you said about the bass....I always thought the X sounded like a subwoofer, I like subwoofers and holographic sound,, I'm a basshead by nature after all...I now know where the money from selling my 2C's is going...damn Josh you really sold it to me now! Good stuff !
Gents And Joshua I need some help guys please. Off topic slightly but Ok I have a pair of LCD-2C and 2 days ago received the THXAAA789 which i have wired up via RCA leads from my FXAudioX6dac which is fed via USB from my laptop.my question is if I purchase a Balanced Cable for my LCD-2C to connect them to the Balanced output on the front of the THX Amp will I still get Sound? with the rear only fed by RCA? This has got me going mad!! Any help appreciated
Audeze LCD-2 have variations with aluminum cups. Also surprised you prefer the Arya considering you prefer warm but the Arya is very bright. The Audeze LCD-MX4 are supposed to be very good too, but I have yet to hear them.
Hazi59 _ I had the LCD-x and sold them when I received the LCD-MX4. To sum it up the MX4 are all the X is and in one word the mx4 are “visceral”. more attacking, powerful and if the Xs are great the MX4 are monsters
