I toured the factory that makes $4,500 headphones

Go to nordvpn.com/crinacle for an exclusive deal on a two-year plan PLUS 4 bonus months free! It’s risk-free with NordVPN’s 30-day money back guarantee.
Watch my CanJam SoCal 2022 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIOWo5aQnMapmsU
~~~
⇊ Headphones Tested ⇊
Audeze MM-500: crinacle.com/graphs/headphones/audeze-mm-500/
Audeze LCD-R: crinacle.com/graphs/headphones/audeze-lcd-r/
Audeze CRBN: crinacle.com/graphs/headphones/audeze-crbn/
~~~
PATREON: patreon.com/crinacle
TWITTER: crinacle
DISCORD: discord.gg/crinacle
SUBREDDIT: reddit.com/r/inearfidelity
HOODIE: merch.crinacle.com
~~~
00:00 Intro
03:13 Audeze factory tour
06:55 The HEIST(s)
08:08 Q&A
08:15 "Made overseas"?
08:50 Stealth revisions?
10:47 Glued-on pads?
12:03 Sneak previews?
12:22 Sound impressions
12:32 Audeze LCD-R
13:32 Audeze CRBN
14:43 Final thoughts
~~~
A CAM: Sony a7 III + FE 35mm f/1.8
B CAM: Sony a7S III + FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
DESK MIC: Motu M2 interface + Neumann TLM 102
OUTDOOR MIC: Sennheiser EW 135P G4
DESK: EverDesk+
DESKMAT: mecha.store/collections/mouse-and-desk-mats/products/switchlab-kill-switch-deskmat

[@crin]

Again thanks to NordVPN for _technically_ paying for my LA flight tickets, go to nordvpn.com/crinacle for an exclusive deal on a two-year plan PLUS 4 bonus months free! It’s risk-free with NordVPN’s 30-day money back guarantee.

[@STAYCBias]

It's time to review Moondrop Quarks DSP, the world's cheapest A tier IEM?!!

[@Ryukushin]

Rumor has it they called it the LCD 2 because they created the LCD 1 which was perfect, it was so perfect that listeners started passing away from the sheer experience of the headphones. The company then concluded it would go broke from lawsuits if it sold the LCD 1's, so it created the inferior LCD 2's to sell to the public. Whispers say they hold the LCD 1's in a hermetically sealed chamber miles beneath the surface of the earth, but a prophecy written on an interns coffee cup speaks of a audiophile who will break in and reclaim the LCD 1's for the sake of a great war in the stars to come!

[@rawnanle]

3:17 I felt physical pain from this moment

[@Aurowa]

Crinacle did him dirty

[@trevor245]

@@Aurowa what happened?

[@PentameronSV]

@@trevor245 The CEO mistook Crin's gesture as a handshake, and the rest is history

[@guybuddy1]

@@PentameronSV I thought it was gonna be a fist bump

[@Vantavimeow]

Robbing the factory wasn't enough, now he's come back for the self-esteem too 💀 3:16

[@impeacefulgamer]

💀💀💀

[@Im_DJ]

3:17 the fact that sanka still kept his cool and tried to be nice throught the tour is appreciable. You can see his face man was hurt inside. 😑 😑

[@retofuchs8900]

He should have called Crinacle out.

[@rahulmenon4357]

He's Tamilian he died inside long ago, he cannot be hurt he will just get even. Or over you.

[@rene837]

I cringed

[@JezzaN1]

I was dying when I saw that

[@qayyim3299]

@@rahulmenon4357 😭😭

[@ch33kybunn3y]

My dude Sanka went for the fistbump but got denied 💀

[@Klar]

My eyes couldn't believe what they saw. I won't be supporting crinacle after this. Unbelievable.

[@MagierMax]

And he didn't even acknowledge it whilst editing. How ice cold 🥶

[@himanshumundepi]

Time stamp?

[@User-rn1kt]

@@himanshumundepi 3:17

[@BurittoSandwich]

This is disgusting, Crinkle, unsubbing and uninstalling KZbin

[@arghadeepmisra7865]

Timmy could've trimmed the 3:17 LOL But even after the rejection Sankar kept his coolness and did't asked for reshoot, what a CEO maan

[@wongkesiang2287]

3:16 crin you put him in an ankward position

[@djmaxtrim]

3:17 OH GOD!!!

[@saikousocial]

I died a little inside when I saw that

[@_tsuki_]

That fistbump denial was nasty man :(

[@TranceFur]

It’s not like Crin knew what happened at the time. He didn’t purposely trick Sankar. It was just a little awkward moment, no big deal.

[@_tsuki_]

@@TranceFur ye ik lmao still funny af

[@JtwasLuck]

It's great to see the faces behind the company, this was very informative. Interesting to see how their high volume products are being assembled overseas vs their more premium products. The LCD-2C is one of their best products in terms of price/performance (and in terms of volume of sales). I feel like if any one of their models deserve a big revision, it would have to be that one. It is actually my favorite planar at the sub-1000 price bracket.

[@matthoward598]

Agreed. I'm watching/listening to this video with those on my head right now.

[@JtwasLuck]

@@matthoward598 I've had mine for many years now and I have never gotten tired of it. If there are any headphones that can do 11/10 what the 2Cs can in bass and vocals with a similar sound signature, I'd be very tempted.

[@JagadishTalluri]

It’s great to see these kind of videos (Inside factory tour and interviews), keep them coming. But the fist bump thing really pinches.

[@GadZookz]

Love the new cold case focus. Crinacle is a skilled interrogator. If anyone can solve that old case it is him. 🙂

[@Trio3224]

It really makes you appreciate how much effort and research and science goes into making great headphones.

[@fun_ruiner]

3:16 ayo crin, what the fuck is wrong with you man you can't do him dirty like that lmao

[@Im_DJ]

Yeah man , he is such a nice guy , I feel bad.

[@VintageLuxmanStereoCollector]

Congrats on your tour! I’ve been there two times as Audeze has hosted the LA/OC Audio Society meetings. They were great hosts and wonderful people. They provided a lot of their gear as raffle prizes as I won a pair of LCD i4s the first time and the second time I bought a pair of LCD-X (2021). Just bought an Audeze balanced headphone cable.👍👍

[@pokyme]

the heist video had me dying . thank you sankar for sharing the camera footage

[@Vamp898]

Sony occasionally offers tours though their Taiyo Factory where the two Z1R and the XBA-Z5 are made, amongst other things like microphones

[@user-dv6yo5bc4z]

I still remembered Audeze was the first planar I auditioned, I was amazed by its sound. But from that I wasn't able to appreciate the timbral qualities of planar driver headphones especially for female vocals, such as Susvara.

[@playmaka2007]

Crinacle: looks to the side Side camera: zooms in Crinacle: looks to the side Side camera: Zooms In Crinacle: looks to the side Side camera: ZOOMS IN

[@kyron42]

I think of building my neck muscles I think of Audeze.

[@Chodorovski]

or just your bank account. The LCD-5s are nice and light

[@ThujanK]

This is such an awesome video, it's wholesome and I loved the ending 😂

[@LeBeautiful]

Imagine Audeze tuned headphones based by the crin IEF standard. Truly remarkable.

[@snowbie.]

audeze="odyssey"??? wtf I always thought it was like audeze nuts

[@Moshington]

Ur not wrong.

[@christopherjarrett9067]

Thanks for the 'heist' stories, those were funny!

[@wolffi90123]

The Wharfedale ID1 is still one of the best headphones I heard. Unfortunately it has quite hot treble which doesn't work for me with treble sensitivity.

[@victorfranca85]

Crin left ma man hanging with the fist bump in the beginning. That is cold.

[@urhhoney]

Great video. i like. but that awkward 3:17 missed fist bump fake out, tho... i am still laughing....

[@Maradiaga23]

LMAO the fist bump attempt at 3:17

[@mqaisataloss.5951]

I love the LCD-2 Closed but omg the cabble curls up so much constantly T_T

[@noahpearson2190]

The ceo has risen above “the it guy on KZbin who helps with the problem no one else can fix” status and ascended into the ceo of Audeze.

[@GrimTzu]

Well, that just goes to show how capable he is 😂😂

[@Hyydrotoo]

This is probably the coolest headphone related video I've ever seen

[@Ariolander]

This factory tour was NUTS!

[@EmperorOfShurima]

3:17 Crin you did him dirty dude

[@m4nc1n1]

Crin, what is your favorite headphone from them? I have only heard (and own) the HyperX Cloud Orbit S (Mobius)

[@jeremysuryasaputra9028]

love when crinacle goes out and makes these vlogs

[@saladgreens912]

Really interesting how similar they are to Grado in some ways. Yes one is a clinical environment and the other is industrial revolution area looking. But they both have the same passion and hands on touch almost. But seeing both these factories, and then thinking back to LTT's tour of senhisor. Man from what I remember seniors factory is soulless in comparison. Not nocking the product I use my senhisor all the time. Just a different attitude

[@sergioh2015]

Can you review the Down4sound earphones? Would love to hear an audiophiles perspective of a subwoofer companies product.

[@MrMeeseeks13]

You asked good questions! Keep up the good work

[@asplmn]

Love to see Yamaha entering the ring and competing against the LCD-5, Susvara, etc.

[@projectx5154]

I misread the title as "tortured" instead of "toured" and it makes sense after 3:16

[@kvbk]

Entire time, crinacle hodling his hands and listening like a child with that face is killing me.

[@TranceFur]

It’s not that wild dude, he was just being respectful and listening.

[@vetheuil3406]

where can we get one of those hi rez audio badges ?

[@rosslemere7724]

Any chance at another gaming headphone review? Has that list changed at all?

[@macropsia87]

audeze had my interest when i bought my LCD-1's and loved working on them day in day out, they translated so well i was sold at that point. but here's where I turned to hard core loyalty. the LCD-X headphones leather strap stretched to the point it was no longer comfortable and in contact with the metal tension bands. I contacted support to find a link to buy a new one, they had none of that nonsense and shipped a new one to me zero questions asked immediately. great support! but then my old LCD-1's broke at the ear cup twist point after 2 years of 8 hour a day HEAVY use (audio professionals using them for their job). same thing, asked how to fix or repair, they said send it in and they can offer a super heavy discount on a new pair since it was well past coverage and definitely just intense wear and tear. sent the headphones and within 2 days of them receiving them we got a tracking number at no cost for a brand new pair on their way to me. this means A LOT. they take great care and responsibility for their products and that's well worth the price of admission to me. the fact that I earn my income with the LCD-X's is one thing, but the fact that I can count on continued top shelf support for them is beyond commendable. I will ad one final note, the LCD-X and LCD-1 headphones are designed as "reference grade" this means they're almost annoyingly revealing of a tracks issues, I feel some people miss this when looking at them and it's why so many professionals rely on them to this day. reference is never flattering, it's critical and to the most part unpleasant when fed something with issues, but when you play something made to the highest level of work it's almost awe inspiring how much they can allow you to dissect. they're not wide, to stimulate you to mix width more, they're not flattering to stimulate you to fix issues, but they are some of the best reference headphones and definitely the LEAST tiring for long hours.

[@XenoDeki]

3:15 You did him dirty too.

[@johnnywong83]

Owner of a "mid" gen LCD3 here. Can't wait till your review on the LCD5 and man I want to get my hand on the electrostatic

[@Coffeelosopher]

3:16 you did him so dirty

[@realegt]

What was the white headphone on the table with the cable coming out of the top?

[@MorganReidguitar]

Hey Crin, can you get some absorbers to get rid of that reverb in the audio please :S

[@minatoaqutansaiko]

Hello, I just want to use one earphone and don't want to be tired of switching devices all the time depending on the type of music. I listen to 80% classical and 20% jazz and pop. I I think I like mm500 very much, and I think the instrument part is quite good, and the vocals are in the front, so the female voice sounds good. Do you recommend other headphones at this level? I think the Sound Stage of the mm500 is ok. For classical music, the instrument is not too modified and artificial, the low-frequency dive is enough for jazz. I'm still looking for a sound I like, maybe you can give me some advice or other information. 看得懂中文嗎?

[@TuringHopper]

Not a fan of all the cuts to the side camera. I get the zoom in but the side camera cuts always seem a bit too much.

[@krayozmines]

agree

[@TranceFur]

Lol

[@ID1visor]

0:23 cute audio effect

[@johannesr8709]

Love the fact they are using Rew

[@josephk.9567]

Will you review the Bose QuietComfort buds II? Rtings puts them at the top

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Are you doing the sub $50 video soon? I need some christmas presents

[@Noireinself]

that fist bumb bait... :D

[@endrizo]

9:00 what is that hose coming out in the middle of the headband??

[@EG-MAN]

Hope the next Collab is a planar IEM Under 80$... man I love the Dioko but I hate using an EQ to not get fatigued

[@MansWUT]

bro u have to tell me what desk mat ur using

[@rafoug]

would like your opinion on the penrose as a gamer headset.

[@ishanparikh5587]

One of my buddies snagged an lcdr before they went out of stock. I tried em out. Easily the most aggressive sounding headphone I’ve ever heard 😂. I got a headache when listening to metal off it. Really nice overall tho, not for me lol.

[@hartyewh1]

I just love Audeze. The build and the sound are just great, but it's important to remember that not EQ'ing Audeze is like not seasoning food. LCD-5 without EQ = garbage, LCD-5 with EQ = my favourite headphone. LCD-X imo is the best of the big four (HD800s, Clear, Arya) and by far the cheapest.

[@RadicalAntifa]

They sound great but not sure bout build....

[@gatobakuniano]

What do you use to EQ them?

[@AliArghavan]

Clear is the cheapest at 900$ and Arya is just 100$ more expensive. I wish I could handle the weight of LCD-X. Ultimately I went with neither of these 4 and got an Aeolus!

[@hartyewh1]

@@AliArghavan Has the Arya dropped so much. Last I checked it was much more. Maybe here in the EU. Clear MG is more, but yeah the OG is cheaper.

[@hartyewh1]

@@gatobakuniano Equalizer APO and Oratory1990 presets.

[@s1nonnn589]

Crin would you rank aria snow edition. Higher than 2021 aria?

[@victorfranca85]

Crin has gone full youtube. multi camera angles? slick editing? past selves? elevated. This is ear porn now.

[@macropsia87]

I'll be in Singapore on the 27th of December and so help me god I'll hunt down your studio and wrap that mic cable around the stand properly when you're not looking, it must be done!

[@henrybobswillikers]

really good vid Bro. Appreciate you and demand more vids.

[@ctrlcf]

I'd love to get a pair of Audezes to replace my HE400is but man they're expensive

[@presc13nt]

Omg, the song in the intro ... What is it ? I recognize it i think, but can't place it.

[@sephondranzer]

You guys ever think that one MMA dude with a really thicc neck and Audeze’s LCD4 should have been a thing? I’m genuinely disappointed it wasn’t.

[@leonardussumargo775]

Wow, the thumbnail... Crin can actually smile guys

[@pliedtka]

Plasma vapor deposition - cool 👍

[@MoraFermi]

It would be interesting to see what you think of their gaming headsets, though. The high end is gonna high end, but what about the mass market stuff?

[@endrizo]

hifiman factory tour please

[@enmaai5869]

3:16 this is traumatizing

[@gorjn1]

B&O made an orthodynamic headphone in about 1974, before Wharfdale, for £20. It was like putting my head in a vice but it sounded ok. Too painful to buy with my large head.

[@lazylions5225]

Uncle crinacle be like this is where sh*t manufacture's

[@basedkat]

Crin why did you change the thunbnail?

[@matthoward598]

4:02 . That still Jesse Zamora?

[@joeypinili]

3:27 did you just leave him hanging bro?! JFK! :D

[@PwincessLuz]

I want them to make a open back version of the gaming Penrose X and Penrose.

[@vianhoho19]

Ay yoo new upload whaddup 🔥

[@Diijkstra]

So crazy people doing some GTA like Heist lmao

[@Byron101_]

LCD-X is a bit better than VERUM 1, I must say. I have both. Verum Bass resolution: nice, a bit overemphasized compared to the LCD-X. Middle resolution: Good and sufficient. The LCD-X offers a slightly more precise and nuanced image. Resolution treble: A bit intrusive and harsh, but still okay. The LCD-X is finer here. Resolution transients/attack: Great, but the LCD-X has a little more resolution and acts more gracefully. Both HPs are great, don't missunderstand. I prefer LCD-X for my taste and audio tasks.

[@kesagatame]

My man is taller than I expected, although I’ve only seen him sit for the past few years.

[@1004k]

16:43 I wait for bam for the last

[@mariojakel5544]

and what is with Stax SR Headphones or Jecklin Float, over 30 years the 2 brands with the best Headphones on earth not magnetostatic they are electro static and also flat. Stax SR-X9000 electrostatique headphone for 7250€

[@aceofspades6667]

The lcd4 bstock sale for 1700 was the deal of the decade.

[@ToThinkorNot]

understatement of the decade

[@benedicvelasco]

They're burning them in?! 👀

[@matasa7463]

Lol pre-burned in is meta

[@vasi6002]

They are clearly hifi enjoyers that need planar headphones for free

[@theworkoutgeek]

Good video, you forgot Hifiman headphones. They are also known for their planar headphones and have been making them for quite a while, probably a lot longer than Audeze.

[@oliverjr73]

3:17 bro you faked homie out with the false start on the fist bump

[@militarutiberiu2594]

I have another level of respect for Audeze!

[@KUM0]

For a headphones based channel I never saw you wearing headphones

[@jaycal1920]

11:30 hey there boss, you aim to make each headphone sound exactly the same by glueing the earpads... what about temperatures and pressures of where the useris? And the specific glue... do you also sell the same glue?

[@wysteriousmimic1402]

3:18 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

[@josephjoseph-xh9oj]

3:00 NOOOOOO

[@whollymindless]

Thanks Audeze!

[@ElvenSpellmaker]

Crinacle: _"One of the few brands that should pop into your head are..."_ Me: _"Abyss!"_

[@alessandrolira4035]

Ew

[@oakar1946]

your perspective on tin hifi t5. hope you reply this ; ]

[@nzomm]

i have a question: does the cable that's connected to the IEMs affect the sound quality of the IEMs themselves?

[@NoumLyye]

I'm curious as well

[@kawaiikoto8800]

If the cable was so shitty, probably, but I myself can't hear the difference between NiceHCK and Effect Audio Cleopatra

[@nzomm]

@@kawaiikoto8800 oh ok, thanks

[@nhan_nguyen03]

in my case is no man, i have the kato pair with qudelix 5k, I have the same question like you so I decide to get the kinera ace cable to test if cable quality/ balance make sound better. And yeah it isn't different apart from the price tag and maybe the ace cable is more flexible

[@nzomm]

@@nhan_nguyen03 so it's just a matter of styling and comfort (obviously depending on the price)