Audeze is a model that wants no introduction; the American audio producer makes a number of the finest planar headsets, and its merchandise are utilized in recording studios all over the world. Whereas the model has diversified its choices lately — introducing gaming-focused headsets and finances choices which are accessible for beneath $500 — the LCD collection varieties the core of its portfolio.
And in that collection, the LCD-X reigns supreme; launched almost a decade in the past, the LCD-X is Audeze’s best-selling headset, and the model rolled out a brand new model in 2021 with a barely lighter design and higher weight distribution, tweaks to the sound signature, and new ear cushions.
The end result? The LCD-X is among the many finest — if not the perfect total — headset you will discover on this class, and that is unlikely to vary anytime quickly.
Audeze LCD-X: Pricing and availability
Audeze unveiled the LCD-X again in 2013, however the model I am testing right this moment is a redesigned mannequin that was launched in 2021. The redesign does not change the visible aesthetic of the LCD-X, with Audeze as a substitute specializing in tweaking the sound. Together with these adjustments, Audeze now provides the LCD-X in two variants: a Creator Bundle that prices $1,199 and contains the headset and a braided 2-meter cable with a single-ended 6.35mm connector and a typical LCD laborious shell case to be used on the highway.
There’s additionally a Premium Bundle that retails for $1,699, and this model has two braided cables — one with a 6.35mm connector and the opposite with a balanced 4-pin XLR — in addition to a 6.35mm to three.5mm plug, and a premium journey case. Each variations can be found in leather-based and leather-free supplies, and are bought immediately on Audeze’s web site in addition to Amazon (opens in new tab) (the place it is marginally decrease at $1,139) and all main audio retailers.
Audeze LCD-X: Design and luxury
Earlier than I get to the design, the very first thing I would like to speak about is the load, as that finally is a deciding think about your buying choice. Though Audeze shaved off 50g from the unique model, the LCD-X 2021 nonetheless is available in at a hefty 612g, and it’s the heaviest headset in my assortment by a sizeable margin.
The load is noticeable once you begin utilizing the headset, and whereas I initially figured it will be a difficulty, that hasn’t confirmed to be the case. I used the LCD-X for simply over a month now as my each day driver, and in that point, I have never felt any fatigue even after prolonged listening periods of six hours or extra. I am at my desk for 12 hours a day on common, and I take heed to music for at the very least half of that period, and having used the LCD-X extensively, the load hasn’t been an issue in my use case.
One of many causes for that’s the weight distribution; Audeze did an excellent job distributing the load evenly throughout the headscarf, and the result’s that you do not really feel the heft as soon as you set the headset on. The redesigned ear cushions additionally go a great distance in making the LCD-X comfy for prolonged use, and whereas they don’t seem to be as breathable as velour pads on the likes of the HD6XX, they do not get too heat both.
On the entire although, I might recommend attempting on the LCD-X at a retailer earlier than selecting it up; whereas I did not have any points with the load, that will not be the case for everybody.
With that out of the best way, let’s get to the design. The LCD-X is all about making a press release, and the outsized grilles together with the large ear cushions give it a particular look that is instantly recognizable. The headset is made out of metallic, and the seen screws give it an industrial look — and make it simpler to modify out any components down the road ought to the necessity come up.
I additionally just like the stylized design over the grille that varieties a big A; there is no mistaking who made this headset. The LCD-X is not meant for outside use, however the bundled laborious shell case means you possibly can take it on the highway with none points. The cables connect with the earcups through mini-XLR plugs, and so they securely lock in place.
The ear pads are among the many most comfy I’ve used up to now, and whereas the headset is heavy, the clamping drive is gentle. This goes a great distance in making certain the LCD-X is comfy for prolonged listening periods.
Construct high quality is beautiful — as you’d think about — and I’ve little doubt that the headset will final a really very long time. The scarf makes use of a suspension-style design and is made out of metallic, however simply beneath you will discover a perforated leather-based band that does an excellent job with weight distribution. That stated, I might have favored extra padding on the headscarf itself, and a barely simpler mechanism for adjusting the sizing.
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Apart from that minor quibble, I’ve no issues with the design or consolation of the LCD-X. Like I stated earlier, that is the heaviest headset of the dozen or so in my assortment, so in the event you’re eyeing this mannequin, I strongly suggest attempting it out earlier than making a purchase order.
Audeze LCD-X: Sound high quality
I knew earlier than I bought began with the LCD-X that it will sound nice, however I did not understand simply how nuanced the sound could be till I truly used the headset. I am not exaggerating once I say that that is among the many best-sounding headset you will discover within the sub-$2,000 section.
Plenty of that has to do with the bass response; the LCD-X delivers a quick assault that is often a attribute of all planar headsets, but it surely accomplish that with a lot better emphasis and plenty of element. You get a pleasant rumble and texture, and the LCD-X does extremely properly within the sub-bass part, and also you’re assured to listen to notes in your favourite tracks that you simply missed earlier than.
In an analogous vein, mids are detailed, and also you get glorious instrument separation with a forward-facing vocal presentation that sounds nice. The treble has good extension total, but it surely misses out on a little bit of sparkle. The general sound signature is impartial, and that is not astonishing contemplating the LCD-X is designed for mastering.
Audeze nailed the technical particulars right here, with the LCD-X providing glorious imaging and dynamics. Actually, apart from a barely laid-back treble, there is not a single flaw to level out right here. The impartial tuning means the LCD-X works properly throughout varied genres, and I can attest to that, having listened to traditional rock, heavy metallic, folks music, classical, and quite a lot of DnB within the month I used the headset.
With a sensitivity of 103dB/mW and coming in at 20Ω, the LCD-X is remarkably simple to drive — you should use it with nearly any moveable supply. I used the headset predominantly with the Fiio K9 Professional and the Fiio R7 community streamer, and utilizing a supply with a bit extra energy makes the headset actually shine.
Considerably serendipitously, I began utilizing the LCD-X on the identical time I arrange Roon, and that turned out to be a great factor, as a result of the software program has customized presets that unlock the total potential of the headset. Roon’s preset offers the LCD-X far more airiness and element, and it’s a fabulous pairing. For those who’re shopping for the LCD-X or any Audeze headset and have a big offline music assortment, I recommend signing up for Roon and giving it a attempt — you will love the distinction it makes.
In fact, you possibly can all the time manually tweak the EQ to realize an analogous impact, and the LCD-X affords quite a lot of headroom on this space due to the low distortion. The one disadvantage (because it had been) with regards to sound high quality is that the treble is just a little relaxed, however that may be simply corrected, and the terrific bass and mid-range offers the LCD-X a clear-cut benefit.
Audeze LCD-X: The competitors
There are many options within the high-end section, and in the event you’re after a great-sounding planar headset, the HiFiMan Arya ticks quite a lot of the correct containers. It makes use of massive planar drivers, has a equally sturdy design because the LCD-X, and has a terrific sound that pairs properly with a wide range of genres. It additionally has a quick bass that is energetic, and has good total decision and a large soundstage. Coming in at $1,299 on Amazon (opens in new tab), it’s in the identical neighborhood because the LCD-X, however the one think about its favor is that it weighs 404g, over 200g lighter — so if you end up not liking how heavy the LCD-X is, you must check out the Arya.
Focal’s Clear can be a sensible choice to contemplate, with the headset delivering a refined sound and a beautiful design that is consistent with the French model’s different merchandise. The headset is delicate to be pushed by moveable sources, you get quite a lot of equipment within the field, and at 450g, it’s comfy to put on. The Clear is now accessible for $1,249 on Amazon (opens in new tab), so you are not paying that rather more than the LCD-X.
Audeze LCD-X: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase this if:
- You desire a high-end planar headset with a balanced and impartial sound
- You want a sturdy construct high quality that may final many years
- You are in search of a headset with plush cushions which are comfy
- You want a planar headset that is simple to drive
You should not purchase this if:
- You desire a light-weight planar headset
Finally, Audeze bought lots proper with the LCD-X. Certain, the sheer measurement and weight of the headset could be a deal-breaker for a number of, however truthfully, having used it for over a month, I do not thoughts the load in any respect. The truth that it’s distributed evenly ensures the heft is not a difficulty throughout prolonged use, and the construct high quality is phenomenal — this factor is constructed like a tank.
There’s a lot to love with regards to the sound as properly, with the LCD-X delivering a impartial sound that permits your music to shine. The low-end and mids are extremely detailed, and the treble has no sibilance in any way and first rate extension. Nevertheless it’s the soundstage and imaging that set the LCD-X aside; this is without doubt one of the greatest the reason why the headset is so extremely regarded.
Whereas $1,199 is lots to pay for a headset, you might be getting lots in your cash, significantly with the Creator Bundle. I am not going to say it’s a good worth, however what is evident to me is that the LCD-X is an exceptional headset that is constructed to final for many years, and the sound signature is unimaginable. The one challenge right here is the load; in the event you do not thoughts that, the LCD-X is a straightforward advice.
The LCD-X combines a strong design with comfy leather-based ear pads, and the redesigned sound signature means they ship a impartial sound that means that you can get essentially the most out of your music.
