Does a $500 Hifiman Beat a $1200 Audeze? The Audeze LCD-X Review

Audeze LCD-X shop-links.co/cgyAUmzbJQW
Hifiman Edition XS amzn.to/3GsuQcR
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.com/user-playlis...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

[@cheapaudioman]

Audeze LCD-X shop-links.co/cgyAUmzbJQW --Hifiman Edition XS amzn.to/3GsuQcR ----Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt ------Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH -------amzn.to/3GkNaop --------CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K -----------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P -------------massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 --------------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 ----------------www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman

[@Rocky-sn6fl]

Did you put affiliate links here?!

[@khurram88]

Look at how far the production quality has come. Been following you from the days where you first got sponsored by the Luchadore mask. Congratulations!!

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks Randy I really enjoy hearing about all levels of audio. I think knowing there is a difference if you want to spend the additional money is worth it, but if you don't there is still the option to spend less and get a great product.

[@IAmNotA.12345]

You know Tony, I think that's my take-away from Randy's channel. He is not afraid to dip into the higher end gear, while still remaining true to the ethos of the channel. I have bought great and relatively cheap gear assisted by Randy's honest, and unhyped reviews. And I've also dabbled in some of the higher priced gear he has tried.

[@VintageLuxmanStereoCollector]

The LA/OC Audio Society held their February meeting today at Audeze. I listened to the LCD-X onsite and I’ve decided to buy them. My only headphone so far has been a Sennheiser 598 with a balanced XLR cable. Can’t wait to get them. Great review Randy👍👍

[@stephenstevens6573]

Boy, the video quality just keeps getting better! Awesome intro!

[@gregorypatton360]

I Love the opening to this video. The music was perfect. It kind of reminded me of "Comando".

[@AdnanFiroze]

Wow! The Sith Audio stuff must be selling well. Great new set Randy! Love it.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP519]

Great vid Randy. It was a good morning listen, even though I can't afford either

[@lesterrobinson3169]

Thanks for this, I purchased these and have been running them through the Denafrips Pontus 2. Such a beautiful experience, and I agree with you if we spend a significant amount of time listening to music then this is money well spent.

[@Barnsey87]

Exactly the review I wanted thank you 😊

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Great review, thanks, maybe one day I'd like to hear more of the Audeze lineup the only one I have heard are the Mobius I have which I doubt are representative of their house sound, maybe they are, I enjoy them as a closed back with a pad swap to open the stage up a little

[@danielhipwell3607]

Cool review. I really enjoyed that, thanks. Really looking forward to owning a pair of these industry legends.

[@robertwilfred12]

Lcd X does sound great but the soundstage of edition XS just really sealed the deal for me... Auditioned both of these headphones yesterday and bought the XS.

[@Nightjar726]

Have you tried a Dan clark headphone and how does the XS compare?

[@atheisthumanist1964]

Thanks for the heads up on Hart cables! Went and put in a custom order for the PC-3 90° portable multi-kit.

[@cheapaudioman]

great company. I really like their stuff

[@atheisthumanist1964]

@@cheapaudioman Quite reasonable for custom cables, tbh.

[@quikspecv4d]

Got mine a couple months ago. Love them. Probably my end game. And just yesterday got my end game IEM’s. Thieaudio Monarch MKII. Being stuck working from home sure has been expensive!

[@bmt_techno]

Your videos are really good !

[@CWoodOne]

I have Roon which includes Audeze's EQ profiles. Once you EQ an LCD-X, it's pretty hard to beat. Adding a little bass shelf and a midrange boost in a couple places make the LCD-X even closer to end-game. It's efficient enough to play perfectly with a Chord Mojo or other portable DAC. Really love the LCD-X, and, I'm finding that I'm getting pretty muscular in the neck and shoulders from wearing them. :)

[@fadedlogic1]

This! The Reveal plugin in Roon transforms the LCD-X

[@CWoodOne]

@@fadedlogic1 It sure does. I wish Randy could give it a listen with the Reveal plug-in. For me, the frequency response is pretty much perfect, without losing any of the detail or transparency of the LCD-X. The timbre is terrific also. The LCD-X, eq'd, is a real contender for top planar under the multi-kilobuck range. The case is decent also. I have a pair of LCD-2 2021's also, which are excellent also with the Roon Reveal plugin. A softer, darker kind of excellent though....

[@hartyewh1]

I use APO and the Harman EQ on the LCD-X is simply excellent I agree. Haven't heard anything holistically better. Many pricier headphones can do someting more special, but not the whole package.

[@fadedlogic1]

@@CWoodOne I was one of the lucky fools to grab and LCD-R ; they are insanely good

[@CWoodOne]

@@fadedlogic1 I almost bought those!

[@genkifd]

my mate has a pair of these with an almost identical hifi system as myself. with the exception of Audio GD Master 9 (headphone amp) and the LCDX sounds fantastic. actually very similar to our hifi system with the exception of what headphones lack (soundstage and body sensation).

[@thegrumptastic]

Ooooooo, this is the kind of hot take I show up for, great video idea for me personally sir.

[@rjzlwop3153]

Thank you so much Randy I am so glad you’re popping up videos missed you buddy you did a great live show the other night from the road

[@themastroiannis]

loved your review and comparison.. would be so nice if you could get your ears on the Avantone Planar which apparently give the Audeze LCD-X, a run for their money...

[@tomons8059]

I have the Beyerdynamic DT1990 and Focal Clear and never thought the Audeze LCD-X would sound remarkably better--BUT IT DID!

[@Archurus]

What do you think about the DT1990s compared to the rest of your collection? Looking for a sidegrade of sorts to my Sundara, and the 1990s I was looking at.

[@Kelocyde]

@@Archurus I have LCD-2C, HD700, and DT1990 (amongst many others.) The DT1990s are my leave favorite. They are built like tanks, image really well, but are boring to listening to. They are definitely mastering headphones but not musical ones. The 1990s have a very narrow sound-stage which is boring as well as a very sibilant peak and that's coming from someone who likes bright headphones--it makes their bass sound very thin. I've heard the HD800 and it's also too thin (lacking bass) for me. The HD700 and LCD-2C have a lot better bass that's actually adequate. I'm used to dual subwoofers in my home-audio system so I may be biased. That being said, if you're purely gaming and mixing, the DT1990s are awesome, but for musical listening and general purpose, there are better options.

[@Kawshun911]

@@Kelocyde I know experience is subjective. But this guy is straight up wrong.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@Kelocyde i have a completely different opinion on the dt 1990. This hobby is truly confusing lmfao

[@shakenbake2k479]

@@Leo-yn5fx most people think after hearing it that it's a boring headphone which was designed for studio music making. You are definitely in the minority then.

[@dillonquackenbush3895]

That intro music is going to play in my head every time I do something even mildly cool. Go to the store to buy some food and have the exact amount of cash for my purchase, BOOM *insert intro song*.

[@danielzweipunktnull2670]

Where dose ist come from? Maybe Doom?

[@connorduke4619]

Excellent review and very useful for someone just getting into headphones. I understand from your recent review that the new Meze 109 Pro is a good rival for both of these?

[@Carlos2400]

That's why I got me a LCD-X love them.

[@TaylorShawn]

Ok, What gear do I need to go with either of these headphones? Having issues figuring that part out. Everyone reviews these headphones, but noone tells you how to set em up lol.

[@danielwoodard680]

Great review. I will look into these. You may have jumped the CAM shark. "If amecfhanin..." Please have the warden let you schedule a hair brushing session during the next week or so.

[@sudheshsankarkk]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@HD-su9sq]

Good comparison! Value is not $$, it’s your personal reward vs $. Thanks!

[@skipsterz]

Hifiman going all in on the 85’ IROC Z rear window louver style for the side of all their ear cups. Looks like they could be made by Tandy. Lol.

[@tomdavis6371]

I love my LCD-X, it's endgame for me as my pockets don't go any deeper. The headband on these is not the carbon fiber version. Audeze does offer the option though, it costs another $200. They really are well built, my only concern is that the tiny screws at the bottome of the yoke rods tend to work themselves loose and so the ear cup can come off. I see it more on my LCD-2 though. Can't speak of the HiFiMan offering, I haven't heard it but I do own the Sundara. It's a terrific headphone in it's class but I like the Audeze better by far.

[@oliswe]

How would you say the LCD-X (2021?) compares to the Sundara?

[@shakenbake2k479]

Wait three or so years. The pockets will go deep enough to encorporate an empyrean or a diana maybe.

[@coldskoolbeatz]

same question. 🤔

[@malygos9301]

@@oliswe lcdx are just better I have sundaras and the lcdgx which is the gaming version tuned very slightly different in the highs. Just the quality and comfort of build is a whole different level. I still love the sundaras so if your budget bound they're a great pickup but a little bright.

[@colingordon0986]

What separates the LCD X! You really don’t need an amp to drive these, you can listen to any low power device and still sound great. Unlike the Hifiman which you have to get a really good amp to get the best performance.

[@quincyfreeman2901]

Just an idea, but as a courtesy move, it would be good to get the donor of the lcd-x to comment or include them in the description if they’re interested!

[@marley720]

Would really like to see the new design of the lcd 5 brought down to the lower teir headphones like the lcd x.

[@thiagotrevisandesouza6895]

Very good comparation ! The first in web.

[@edzak4858]

You are a video review machine! Cranking these out like a McDonald's makes french fries! Curious, any word on when Ron (NRD) will be putting up some new videos! I've been missing his presence.

[@cheapaudioman]

He's working on stuff over there, my friend.

[@edzak4858]

@@cheapaudioman I'm sure he is Randy, did not mean to put you on the spot, my bad! I think you've spoiled me with all the content you've been pumping out lately!

[@TheIpadfanatic]

I am fortunate to have the 2020 edition of the Audeze LCD-X. If I had to sum them up in 2 words, they are a roller coaster. The want to go fast. They offer excitement at every turn. And no matter how many times you elect to take the ride, they are FUN! Some headphones can get boring. Not these. I pair them with a Schiit Jotunheim 2 & Bifrost 2 exclusively. It is a marriage made in heaven!

[@MyNameJim]

Do you have any thoughts on the 2020 vs 2021 version?

[@TheIpadfanatic]

@@MyNameJim I made an error in my original post. After checking the serial number on my pair, it turns out I have the 2021 edition and NOT 2020. I have not had the pleasure of hearing the 2020 edition. What I can say is I find new ways to love them every time I put them on. Although heavy, their weight is really well distributed. If you love bass, these can thump with the best of them. Midrange is just a tad recessed and the treble is plenty crisp without being sibilant. I find myself using them most with electronic music but they are fantastic with all rock genres & jazz. I can talk till I am blue in the face about my Audeze's. I hope that helped.

[@wolandphotography]

good for metal?

[@TheIpadfanatic]

@@wolandphotography Great for Metal. I use them for every genre, particularly Metal.

[@wolandphotography]

@@TheIpadfanatic thx, i have Arya and I wonder which is better... do you use EQ? or out ot of the box?:)

[@mikedergalev]

Not an end game for me, but amazing cans nonetheless. Love them so far🥰

[@mattbeckham9779]

I have compared the Arya and XS. I felt they were very similar. Definitely not a 1200 dollar price jump from the XS. Have you had to compare these two? Would be interested in your thoughts.

[@johnpeterson99]

Amazing D roll today!! You make my living room less lonely. *hold me

[@cheapaudioman]

that made me chuckle out loud

[@paker51]

Personally I'll stick with the Hifiman Edition XS and use the Wavelet app to make it sound like the Audeze LCD-X. I'm cheap also.

[@tradehut2782]

😂

[@vangledosh]

You can’t make a headphone sound like another headphone, it’s not as simple as just moving some frequencies around.

[@eleven9286]

@@vangledosh right. Like, "I'm just gonna eq my Beats headphones to sound like an LCD-X, no need to upgrade!!" 🙄🙄

[@Riley_Canvessa]

Wavelet is awsome, straight up can improve headphones imo

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

I completely agree that the LCD-X are worth the price. I will just add that I think the bass is very neutral. There are other headphones (including planar magnetics) that have "boomier" bass. It sounds absolutely amazing with orchestral and instrumental music. You are right that it's very well tuned. Last thing is how it pairs with tube amps. I didn't like its sound from tube amps, but with a Topping A90 it sounds just wonderful.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

it's way too low an impedence for tubes really though isn't it, unless you go crazy high end with specific low impedence settings, not sure I want to spend several thousand on a tube amp I'll just keep mine for dynamic headphones over 100 impedence at the very least

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

@@adrianmorrish8494 Yeah, the impedance is too low. I will not be spending thousands on high end tube amps just for one set of headphones. The LCD-X already sounds great on solid state amps, so I really can't complain that it doesn't pair well with tube amps.

[@tomdavis6371]

@@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather Planars don't like tubes. If you want a bit of the tube sound you're best off looking for a hybrid tube amplifier. I have a Little Dot MKII which is a very inexpensive Chinese made tube amplifier, my first and only foray into tube amps. I have upgraded tubes and enjoy it with my HD600's but I listen to my planars using a Burson Audio Conductor 3 Performance Amp/DAC/Headphone Amp. Good solid state amps are best for low impedence headphones. I kind of wish I had never opened that can of worms, actually. I was happy enough without ever going down that road. LOL

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

@@tomdavis6371 Thanks for this info! I might just have to find a hybrid tube amp to pair with them!

[@thor8334]

you can buy a tube preamp and use it to color the sound before it gets to the amp, for exemple i have a thx 789, i can buy a little dot mk2 and use it has preamp so that i will have the "tube" sound and the solide state amp low impedance power.

[@kvernesdotten]

Typing before watching, I have a really cool hifi shop near me that allows people to sit down without rushing, and I came in there looking to buy this Audeze. The sales guy asked me a couple of questions about my preferences, and said he had some suggestions for other things I might want to try out before making a decision, if I had time. So he sat me down in a couch, gave me about 5 pairs of headphones he thought I may like. He let me take my time, never pushed anything, let me use my own gear/music for testing, and just made himself available for questions but generally let the actual products do the talking. 2 hours later I ended up walking out of there with Hifimans instead, so really curious what this video will be like.

[@kvernesdotten]

Watched, I like the evaluation. What made me skip the Audeze at that time, was that I felt it was too dark sounding for me.

[@yujinpark6374]

Hi, could you do a review of the Avantone (American company) Planar? It's supposed to have the technicalities of the LCD-X and sounds similar with EQ at ($400)

[@Foxrock321]

Hey Randy ! Being the Edition XS is manufactured in China ( nothing wrong with that) maybe a better comparison would be the Monolith 1570 open back phone.. also mic.

[@laykehicks8413]

Trying to decide between an XS and 325X. I have the 80X and it's okay with EQ. Using iphone with apple dongle.

[@dmitrysenin9093]

Уже пол года кайфую от LCD-X в связке с Astell&Kern KANN ALPHA.Прекрасный дуэт.Наушники играют от любого оборудования.

[@jeffberger5773]

I use my lcdx 2021 with the kann alpha too and it sounds pretty good but when I use it with my chord mojo i can hear more details in the music

[@JWForce1059]

Glad to hear that both are excellent values! I have heard the LCD-X at my local store and love them, but have been considering the XS as an endgame for now. As an aside, Randy, I'm about to have my first kiddo, and I'm looking for delicious sound I can enjoy with/around an infant. Is there any feature or aspect of a potential buy you'd recommend paying attention to as an audiophile in such a situation?

[@killerra]

Buy a closed-back headphone is the best advice.

[@MattCoykendall1]

Nice intro!

[@Yxzjvc]

Both of my sent in XS and new XS had some vibration/rattling problem with low bass. So I got a used but fairly new LCD-X for only 2/3 of the price and they are awesome!

[@Torttelini1]

How do you feel about the Audeze Mobius? Planar magnetic for under 400 (I believe).

[@Leo-yn5fx]

i just ordered these. I didn't like the 2c so i'm gonna give my thoughts on the two but i feel like the lcd x is the one.

[@fuzecap]

Just got mine. It is

[@shahkhan110]

Hi, please mention, if DC05 competes with the S9 pro in SQ? I am about to get a dongle for iems.

[@kyron42]

Which is the best type of headphone cable? I had a twisted pair once and didn't enjoy it at all.

[@eemgee9185]

I just gotta want to mention that you're one of the only folks I've seen that doesn't look like an idiot whilst wearing the LCD-X (or LCD2,3,4,etc since they all appear the same)!

[@kaitsobato]

What would you take: Meze Empyrean for 1800 used or LCD-X

[@MyNameJim]

Considering the LCD-X for a great discounted price, but also seeing that so many people are returning these/selling them on second-hand markets because the weight is unbearable.

[@matrixmodulator]

I have hifiman he-500 and i just noticed the audeze has the same screw that holds the pads to the headband? Screws on mine keeps loosening after a few uses and i fear to loose them, it's kinda annoying for such expensive headphones

[@samza9622]

You should do alot of these comparisons because alot of those overpriced headphones you can reach that quality with the right dac and amp supporting your headphones especially if you mod them you can easily turn mid fi to high fi audio.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

don't forget the previously loved market, good deals if you can spend the time and snag the right ones, around half my stuff is used, also with used you don't have the hit of selling it on if you know it's something you may not keep forever

[@JonnyParker-]

Yeah go used for a lot of the time you can save so much coin . At the start of the year I picked up a used Chord HugoTT2 and got it in pristine mint condition with everything looking brand new for just over 3k . Saved well over a grand and it is basically new .

[@fadedlogic1]

It's an excellent headphone and exercise device; a veritable bargain!

[@cheapaudioman]

exactly

[@JTB--]

Had the LCD-XC and they were great closed backs... but their weight finally wore me down and I sold them. If only Audeze could figure out revisions to make their HP lineup lighter like the LCD-5 is. Until then it's a pass. Comfort matters

[@metal571]

They really need to trickle down that new chassis design

[@mobcrusher4193]

@@metal571 hi metal571!

[@mauriziopapa2177]

ciao vorrei sapere dove acquistare i cavi rossi per le cuffie? grazie

[@Blahmanwhysoserious]

the LCD X is worth getting your neck strong for, if the price is $1,200 and a swol neck, so be it

[@nickapalooza861]

Edition XS would have been my end game and then I heard the Ananda Stealth and even though they are less comfortable they sound too good to not have

[@knobbshots]

Out of my league but appreciate the review just the same! Thanks Randy

[@samza9622]

That type of thinking is what makes you think that. Save a bit of money here and there and watch you have way more then enough to get them if you want it.

[@IAmNotA.12345]

I agree with your sentiment Carl - that's why I think it's great that Randy is able to source this gear, so we can get comparisons with gear we can afford. For myself, I feel the extra money may be a worth while investment, but still ... $1,200 US. Geez. That translates to about $2,000 Australian dollars. At least shipping is free.

[@latecomerr]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Robert that is so kind of you. I greatly appreciate it.

[@aceofspades6667]

Look at cheap stepping up his b-role game... good work my guy!

[@gabemartinez1012]

So if I want better and deeper bass I should go with Audeze?

[@ravexjunkie]

I'm trying to save up for these im a noob in the audiophile world can these be driven by plugging in your phone or would you say an amp is a must?

[@derekd4349]

Hey Randy, have you tried EQ on the Hifiman XS? I recently started toying with it AFO (with peace add on) and I must say, you can get a TON of bass out of the XS if you want it. I'm curious what you think of bass EQ on the XS versus the LCD-X. Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

I haven't tried to eq them, no. I actually think the XS has a fair amount of bass.

[@derekd4349]

@@cheapaudioman give it a shot. Its actually insane!

[@shred315]

Nice video! Are these impressions with eq'ing the lcd-x? Or without any eq? Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

No eq. I generally don't do a lot of eq.

[@shred315]

@@cheapaudioman thank you so much! Might get the lcd-x for 800 :p

[@m4nc1n1]

I have the Sundara's and love them. Would love to hear both of these. The issue I always have tho is I love the sound of open-back headphones (because I am really a speaker guy, but use headphones for work), but I also love strong bass (the good kind) so I have yet to find the perfect pair for me.

[@callumtravers7512]

In which case, go for audeze. Simply put, in my opinion they offer the best and most real sounding headphones of all the manufacturers ive heard. The only potential downside to the x’s, is that while their soundstage isnt narrow, it isnt particularly wide. In my experience the cheaper lcd 2 stages slightly wider. However, the x’s image better and do pretty much everything else better than them. The 2’s arent bad, they just fall slightly behind the x’s in almost every category and so the x’s are much the upgrade and just for the bass quality, they’re worth their weight in gold. Sorry for the long message but thought id give my input to help, if you have the money, go for the X’s man, they’re incredible.

[@hartyewh1]

LCD-X with a Harman EQ does very nice bass. Not sure how well a Sundara does with a bass shelf. The higher end Hifimans can't do that kind of bass until maybe beyond $2000.

[@m4nc1n1]

@@callumtravers7512 thank you

[@m4nc1n1]

@@callumtravers7512 my other problem is weight. Are the LCD Xs heavy?

[@MADISON241000]

Can you test these, see what you think? For 129$ I think they are pretty good

[@TheSteve57]

Will my Zen Dac/ Can do these justice, or do Xs justice ????

[@inceptionsd]

XS has only 18 ohm impedance? That explains why they sound awesome on almost any dac/amp.

[@clarkejones8090]

Very good, thank you Randy

[@jeofthevirtuoussand]

What makes the winner is which one has the tuning that suit you the most. Simple.. At these such high prices. Tuning is more important. What is the point of ( nice bass/ nice mid/ nice treble /nice Soundstage/ nice imaging )if you just want to put down the headphone as soon as you wear it.? No amount of Soundstage or imaging can salvage a sound you Don't want to hear. There is the eq but the eq will alter the Soundstage and imaging performance of thr headphone. Today i just bought a v shaped tuned but I really can't stand it .

[@davidmason8212]

Can you please make a video comparing XS with Ananda?

[@davidmason8212]

@@Velocity3 Are the soundstage and instruments seperation on the XS better than the ananda?

[@Eric_DiRisio]

Yeah even some of the best music producers, mastering engineers, and recording studios swear by the LCD-X for what you get for the money

[@clavace5036]

Comparing the LCD-X to the XS is not a fair comparison. Has anyone compared the LCD-X to the Arya Stealth Magnet headphone which cost about the same? Build quality goes to the LCD-X while comfort probably goes to the Arya SM. What about sound? I was thinking about getting a Mojo 2 to drive the headphones so I am not tied to a desk. Unfortunately there are no high end audio stores left near me and I would have to travel 500 miles to audition.

[@nick_g]

I have the LCDX and Arya SM. The Aryas are more detailed but narrower stage and imaging is unnatural but they have a good balance and sound great. The LCDX are the more enjoyable headphone, a bit warmer, sweeter top end, wider stage and more natural sounding. I say the Arya’s feel like you are listening to a studio mix while the Arya’s feel more like you are at the concert or show.

[@Strepite]

I prefer no eq on LCD-X (2021) even if the hi-mids are attenuated a bit. Makes them less prone to long work fatigue. Sonarworks profile sounds terrible to me. Tbh most DIY studios and mix rooms have problems in low end and especially low-mid end, the mids and highs problems are the easiest to solve with some acoustic treatment. So the way I approach working on LCD-X is to mainly use them to balance the bass and low mids in a mix or master and use monitors to dial in mids and highs (while double checking them on cans too)

[@theodorezurla496]

Lcd x is so gooooood 🔥🔥🔥

[@Luinitari]

Have you heard the HiFiMan HE6SE v2? It is priced near the same price point as the HiFiMan Edition XS.

[@cheapaudioman]

I haven't heard that one but would love to

[@Luinitari]

@@cheapaudioman the HE6SE v2 is $549 at adorama and while it needs a lot of amplification to show its best (think, Susvara sensitivity), I have heard it favorably compared to the LCD-X on multiple occasions.

[@atticusrussell1225]

Woah that intro Randy!!

[@vincesanity27]

lcd x and lcd xc are end game for me.

[@04yellowjacket]

Have you seen carbon fiber before? LOL That Alice In Chains Unplugged album is one of the all time great live recordings, especially when heard through a great pair of Audeze headphones.

[@rjmoyer2]

Anyone know how to adjust the resistance on these so they don’t fall below my ears while I wear them?

[@IAmNotA.12345]

Plastic surgery to lower your ears...?

[@rawrj]

I love my 2021 LCD-X so much that I always wonder how much extra you could possibly get from something like an LCD-5 or any of the other super high end stuff. Surely at some point the law of diminishing returns is going to kick you in the face.

[@hartyewh1]

I've had a Utopia and LCD-4 and I prefer the LCD-X (2021) with EQ. Just a better all-rounder. LCD-5 is very interesting though based on what I've heard.

[@rawrj]

@@hartyewh1 That's good to hear, I need to hear some of this stuff and I've been kicking around the idea of snagging the lcd-5 but need to make sure the wife rage will be worth it.

[@tomons8059]

@@rawrj 😁

[@IAmNotA.12345]

@@rawrj ...and the wallet rage... Just saying.

[@ruger6049]

@@rawrj I wouldn't be given chance to rate that rage. Can't do much with no pulse, lol.

[@lordhades9455]

This was the exact comparison I was hoping for as both products interested me...but I think I'll be skipping the XS and go right to the LCD X

[@oleksandr_melanych]

Hifiman headphones have a low quality. My HE 400s worked only 5 years. Then impedance on the left one raised from 20 to 40 Ohms for some reason. Hifiman replied, that this is the problem with a membrane. And advised me to upgrade to a newer Hifiman model. How can I? They sound great, but I am not ready to spend 400$ every 5 years for a pair of headphones.

[@dixter1652]

listen and wear the Audeze for a few hours and get used to them... then put the Hifiman on... its immediately clear how much better the Audeze is... or do it the other way... play the Hifiman first for a few hours and get used to it... then put the Audeze on.... its like day and night... not even close...

[@fritzlachatte3648]

Hi, great video...again! One question that is bothering me is which dongle DAC (around 100€) can best handle the Hifiman XS? I'm interested in the iBasso DC05, but think the Fiio KA3 has a balanced 4.4mm output. Would a balanced cable be an upgrade for the headphones? Right now I have the Beats Solo3. Neither great nor bad. Would you think a dongle DAC would also work with these Beats headphones in combination with an iPhone? Thank you very much in advance.

[@zadillo]

I’m using the XS with a Qudelix 5K and 2.5 balanced cable and it’s handling it fine

[@fritzlachatte3648]

​@@zadillo Hi Justin, thanks for your recommendation. It looks like the Qudelix 5k is sold out everywhere. I usually listen to music through the iPhone, so it can be connected via cable. Have you been able to find any advantages to using balanced cables? (E.g., more volume?) Are you using a balanced Y cable from 2.5mm to 3.5mm or just a 2.5mm > 3.5mm adapter? The balanced topic was why I was thinking about the Fiio KA3, which also has a balanced output. I've just read a lot that the KA3 eats so much power that the iPhone stops or stutters the music. I'm not sure if a usb-lightning with additional power input could fix the problem....

[@snaxman]

@@fritzlachatte3648 sorry for the late reply, but the apple dongle is actually fine!! it sounds good with that too

[@bigjt37]

I agree LCD-X is the bit higher up headphone, one can go get and get mostly their money's worth and get to that next level. And, it's built like a tank (yes, granted, so long as one is not bothered by the weight) and technically speaking, it is a legit substantial step up from everything under 1k and competes with stuff above 1k, per preference of course.

[@donpettit7107]

Best line…”Cheap is relative”, though I think at least some credit should have been given to Einstein who first posited that time is relative. Einstein was only partly wrong, I guess. Cheap is relative, and I am relatively cheap…but since there are no absolute reference points for measuring cheap, cheap must be relative to each observer. Like the sound of a train’s whistle as it passes the station, Randy’s reviews can seem to reach higher or lower due to the Doppler effect…and we observers are merely doppler gängers. Is Randy the Einstein of audio equipment? Maybe more the John Nash of the musictech world, helping us understand how collaborative competition creates advantageous outcomes.

[@thisisnev]

Cheap is only "relative" to people with more money than they need. There's a minimum wage, and a lot of people have to live on it.

[@cheapaudioman]

there are janitors in Switzerland who wear rolex watches because they put a higher value on them. if one buys this as their only and last headphone then it could be "cheaper" in the long term than buying multiple headphones that cost less. However, this was a review that I wanted to do.

[@cheapaudioman]

high praise, Don. I'm humbled by the comparisons. I have the disheveled look of Einstein and the mental problems of John Nash so maybe you're not far off.

[@ruger6049]

@@cheapaudioman And then there are those of us who spend beyond our means and suck at budgeting. My truck sits in the yard in need of a new rear diff and I'm procrastinating on fixing it due to the cost. I, today, pulled the trigger on the LCD-X.! Go figure.

[@davidelmquist8670]

Is it the upgraded lcd?

[@cheapaudioman]

it's the newest version

[@ChrisKeyman]

I sent the Lcd-x back because of the weight. They killed my neck. Watch out

[@whiteowl3440]

Are you sure the headband is carbon-fiber?

[@cheapaudioman]

not really

[@jdk_360]

Was the lcd-x the 2021 version? I unfortunately bought mine in 2020 not knowing a revision was coming for the same price. I wish audeze could upgrade mine even if I had to pay.

[@na-dj6ob]

Fyi, audeze will upgrade them for a cost

[@m4nc1n1]

Heart cables are nice for a while, but they do not last. Especially for the money

[@cheapaudioman]

what would you recommend?

[@Nordraw]

how about Hart cables?

[@yournightmare9999]

But those headphones need any amplifier amplifier or those can be plug directly by 3.5mm or bigger jack

[@cheapaudioman]

I'd recommend an amp or a dongle dac at the very least

[@yournightmare9999]

@@cheapaudioman thanks 👍