YES! The LCD-X is Still Insane! 800s, Arya and 2C Comparison.

[@jckdeath]

Seriously thinking about unsuscribing.... Every video about headphones lead me to a dangerously desire to buy a better setup xD

[@Rubmaster]

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.

[@kalel33]

@@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.

[@syedzgaming]

I am $750 down in dac amp combo thanks to him and z reviews

[@DibsonAlexaBliss]

You should also unsubscribe because nothing of value is said on this channel.

[@Vamp898]

@@kalel33 luckily I got myself an MDR-Z1R which plays everything and especially everything fine

[@DerpyNoodIe]

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]

I'm sensing he doesn't give a shit

[@DerpyNoodIe]

@@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

[@patjcoan]

funny that happened to you, mine arrived loose when i bought it. Was a bit annoying but easy to fix so not a biggie L(

[@mobcrusher4193]

I have the same problem, I screw them everyday

[@citadelo5ricks]

Had that issue, Audeze support said "use a little crazy glue, and screw it back in", did that and it worked.

[@AmbitStudios]

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.

[@richiewang7285]

After getting the LCD-X, and relistening to this video with the LCD-X, is insane! So much detail! Thanks for the video Josh

[@aaronmiller7587]

Placed an order for the LCD X last night and woke up to this. Couldn’t be more reassuring.

[@ShaneHornMusic]

Dude same. I ordered one a few days ago and just came across this review

[@shelteredwaffle4665]

They are great man. The weight is a bit more than the wooden LCDs but the suspension is good enough.

[@chrisselner5005]

How is it?

[@KurtG879]

@@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

[@Ash_James115]

@@KurtG879 I just picked them up also and wasn't that crazy about them. Then I recreated this EQ adjustment kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpfFkGpmibWGm5om46s 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.

[@martyn_g]

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🙂

[@chronometa]

Can't wait to make waffles with these.

[@rowegardner9673]

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.

[@luke.boxall]

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]

which ine do you like more for electronic

[@luke.boxall]

@@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

[@hobbitmobbit]

I would love to see you review the LCD-2 (the current, fazored version) and how it compares to LCD-2C and LCD-X

[@V.Hazezz]

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.

[@kbeau937]

@@V.Hazezz exactly

[@kbeau937]

@dreydman1 yea there is 3d printed fazors online

[@perlaortizjorge3530]

@@kbeau937 so u reccomend buying the 2c and doing the fazor mod instead of buying the 2?

[@kbeau937]

@@perlaortizjorge3530 no ide buy the fazor model

[@TH-lo8mq]

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.

[@commercio3564]

Just as I'm about to choose between the Arya and LCD-X, Josh posts this to help me out. Haha the timing couldn't be better.

[@drharsha3376]

I'm on the same boat, as well. In my country, the Arya is $300 more expensive than the LCD-X. I may end up with the LCD-X...

[@jm3n]

Same here man, still torn between the two

[@Flavius7]

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.

[@brandonburr4900]

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?

[@KenMoreira]

@@brandonburr4900 I have dealt with both. Hifiman is one year, non transferable. Audeze is 3? But I know I'd transferable.

[@PhotoTerco]

Important aspect! BUILD QUALITY! LCD-X > Arya A potato > Arya

[@llevine6510]

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)

[@PhotoTerco]

@@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.

[@metal571]

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

[@Flavius7]

I'll definitely go with the potato. The Arya is just plastic horror. Better go with Hd800S.

[@metal571]

@@marcin561 I have a 2020 review unit sitting in my living room that sounds horrible. So no, it's not fixed.

[@cryptoclyps5049]

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!

[@chrisodillman3355]

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!!

[@popops3]

The lcd 2 c or the lcd2 ? How do you compare it to the lcd x

[@aidandpolonsky]

My DAP and LCD X's are en route and I am now watching every video on them until it's all here. Wow I'm excited.

[@CyberAnalyzer]

I love it when you recommend tracks! Exploring and sharing new worlds is awesome. Much needed, thanks!

[@klaymoon1]

The most informative and honest headphone reviewer I've seen on KZbin!

[@KenMoreira]

i have the 2c and the arya , my brother has the x .. they're all fantastic.

[@fullyverified7491]

Which one is your favourite?

[@KenMoreira]

@@fullyverified7491 Arya, no doubt.

[@ChadPANDA...]

@@KenMoreira 1000SE or arya or 1000v2 any advice

[@KenMoreira]

@@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.

[@soulfulfool]

@@KenMoreira price diff between is huge so no wonder

[@djclass005]

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.

[@CLaw-tb5gg]

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.

[@metalpiston1212]

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.

[@metalpiston1212]

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.

[@521tifosi]

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]

any update on lcd x and your eq settings here to this date? how are you liking it? what are your impressions?

[@521tifosi]

@@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.

[@DBSTH0R]

We need a direct comparison between LCD-X, Arya and Focal Clear. Plus, info on the revisions done to LCD-X and Arya.

[@jim8643]

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 !

[@18yearsoldnot]

Do you find the x significantly more fatiguing than the 2c?

[@Drcfan]

I got the LCD-X for orchestral music production. It is not a listening headphone in my opinion. It has a perfect crystall clear resolution and is very accurate (If i mix on this headphone, it will later sound good on all different kind of music setup) If you only go for a listening headphone i would go for the LCD-2C because it has a wider soundstage and it feels more enjoyable and less analytical. (Less detailed but you feel the sound more inside of you)

[@LakerTriangle]

Currently paused your video and playing Haxan Cloak. This is interesting because I never would have discovered this on my own.

[@Ziyoblader]

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

[@marcinurban3197]

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!

[@MidFiGuy]

Completely agree with you on this. Arya is top notch but I wish the vocals had more body

[@Flavius7]

Not just vocals, Lcd-X has more body in everything!

[@popops3]

How do you compare the x to the lcd 2f ?

[@Nephilim-81]

The LCD XC are really great as well. Fantastic closed back. Amazing alternative to the open back X.

[@kahyyamdavis7783]

I’m buying xc

[@TheFusfusfus]

We wanna know about that road bike in the background.

[@davidryan5482]

It definitely has 2 wheels, round wheels.

[@why_tho_]

@@davidryan5482 😂

[@KenMoreira]

I love all 3, but I'll take the Arya every time.

[@PhotoTerco]

Until they brake! Hifiman built quality sucks!

[@KenMoreira]

@@PhotoTerco I have no issue with hifiman build quality at all. They go from my head to a stand. Or to the box /case.

[@MidFiGuy]

@@KenMoreira same hear. Arya over a year now and still going strong

[@TheSPazCORE]

@@PhotoTerco 100% I like Hifiman's sound quality, but the build quality is awful for the price. The Susvara is a complete joke at retail price.

[@DonHamlin]

Excellent discussion, thanks! I have an LCD-X and the Arya and go back and forth all the time on which is best. If I had to pick one it would probably be the X. It just sounds more natural and less hifi overall.

[@alvarg]

really, whats your opinion on the differences

[@kunaalkhanna]

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.

[@RyuMasterEX]

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

[@nib95]

Willing to bet money that if you were forced to do complete blind test comparisons, the results wouldn't correlate as much with pricing.

[@chrisdreier4135]

$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.

[@LeBeautiful]

LCD-2Cs tho are love, and life.

[@leviathan5207]

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.

[@PhucConMeMay]

Leviathan 899€ actually lol

[@musicxxa6678]

@@leviathan5207 Anything other than Beyerdynamic is overpriced in Germany. Even Sennheisers lol. Imo Audeze is acting like Apple. They are expensive overall.

[@lapaloma2138]

@@leviathan5207 Was getting my LCD-2C's new for 699€ in germany and i think there offer a great value at this price point.

[@AndyThomasStaff]

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?

[@TheLilPorkChop]

i like seeing Josh talk passionately > analytically :3

[@trilingualkid]

straight to the point, doesnt take 30 min to talk about hentai either.

[@Flavius7]

Your initial review of the LCD-X is the reason I gave those a chance and boy... CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH! I did A to B comparison between LCD-X and Arya for a month and decided without any doubt that Audeze is better for my music and my tastes. Fuller liquid midrange, more body to the music, better price, WAY BETTER QUALITY BUILD. I completely disagree though with the statement that Lcd-X has no soundtage, similar to Hd600. I have the AUDIO-GD D38 DAC-AMP at home and trust me, LCD-X has enough soundstage. Not Lcd-4 level, not even close to 800S, but it's enough to get you that spacious sensation. True, Arya has more depth with taller soundtage, but other then that Lcd-X can offer same quality and more in some areas. Excellent comparison, can't wait for the next one of this magnitude. Cheers!

[@KenMoreira]

Funny how sound is so subjective. I found the Arya beat the audeze in every way. The only one I liked more than Arya was the lcd 4. I suppose sound is like taste. We all enjoy a different but of flavours

[@Flavius7]

@@KenMoreira I agree. That's why audiophilia is so engaging!👍

[@gcb2101]

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.

[@TheSPazCORE]

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.

[@chadfranklin47]

Even with eq?

[@nostract0]

Great overview of headphones, your presentation & information provided is getting better by the day. A good reviewer not only makes purchase easy but encapsulates the overall experience of owning a product, & you definitely do that. Keep up the good work. Subscribed!

[@AlexanderPiercy]

Can't wait till you get your hands on the LCD-GX. It might be a 2c beater for sure

[@AlexanderPiercy]

@Otie Jason the lcd-gx is def not a 2c beater. I now know this 😅

[@haris525]

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.

[@aaronmiller7587]

haris javed good to hear. What year of LCD-X’s do you happen to have?

[@haris525]

Aaron Miller thank you sir, they are 2016.

[@belgartune]

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?

[@poulwinther]

Obvious - except 2 1/2 times more expensive...

[@MeteoraEra]

Why dont you review ZMF Stuff much? especially Verite Closedddddd

[@intoitreviews]

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?

[@hkw8477]

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.

[@giannipescatore4280]

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.

[@giorgosapo4508]

Hey Josh , are you planning to have an update video on the 2021 revision that you also added to your buddy Brian's build?

[@tomdavis6371]

Bought mine this afternoon. Can hardly wait to get them. I own the EL-8 and the LCD-2 from the Audeze line-up.

[@CruitNOR]

I really appreciate you making videos like this, great content my dude.

[@dan-qe1tb]

Arya v2 returned. I agree that the soundstage on those is so wide, that it's probably not even what the mastering engineer probably intended. I'd rather have a headphone where I can hear sound over a smaller area, but still having good imaging (like listening to a band some distance away from the stage, but the instruments aren't heard all jumbled together). Aryas have good imaging: picking out individual instruments in the mix is easy. I could also hear the quietest of tracks: certain tracks have hidden voices or guitars that simply cannot be heard with lesser gear: but I had heard those quiet tracks with both the Arya, and Focal's Clear. The biggest reason I'm getting rid of the Aryas, is I feel that there is something slightly wrong with the midrange: there's a slightly plastic, artificial quality to it, only in a certain frequency range, that I can't get used to. Have a feeling you have to get a HE-1000 or a Susvara to get rid of this. The Great Gig in the Sky, hadn't gone well for me, in particular. The Clears had sounded cold and brassy and fatiguing with some tracks (especially the clocks on DSOTM and Fleetwood Mac's Gold Dust Woman), but tonally I preferred the midrange on those. In many tracks, I could hear just as much detail with my Martin Logan speakers (the midrange on those is that good). Bass was muddier with my speakers than even headphones that are under $1000, due to physics and room effects. Clears have a huge 55 Hz resonant peak, planars don't. Got LCD-X 2021 (was waiting them to fix the upper midrange hole).

[@dan-qe1tb]

It's different story for the both of them with the Arya v3, and the LCD-X 2021.

[@slow]

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.

[@scottpolston6137]

Man I’m so happy I just got my first lcd today it’s astonishingly good I got a gold planar gl2000. And I prefer the lcd hands down it’s much sweeter and softer sounding than the gl 2000 and it’s never harsh sounding and so pleasant to listen to and it loves EQ and sounds amazing through my Ifi zen stack it’s a match made in heaven I’ve been jamming and gaming on it since I got home from work thank you for the rec on this guy its just a lcd2 I got it with travel case brand new the case was a pleasant surprise because the description said it has no case included that’s why I thought it was selling so cheap if you can call 600$ cheap for a headphone and it is brand spanking new thanks so much Josh this is my current end game

[@qmbyqmby]

Those ear cushions look so comfy!

[@ostvaldseo]

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!

[@neandrewthal]

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.

[@Robert-iv8vc]

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?

[@zabdi786]

Bought these a couple of months ago. Sold/gave away several of my headphones and earphones. I'm done. I'm out. LCD-X is my endgame.

[@davidmason8212]

Did you compare it with Lcd2 fazor and Ananda ?

[@exact3]

Finally, a re-review! Thanks Josh!

[@gnome6969]

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."

[@codingcat1836]

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!

[@MKunstmann]

Joshua, thanks. Excellent review and user experience shared. You helped me to choose the right one for me.

[@thehawk05]

I had the 2C for a month. I really enjoyed it. Great bass impact, mids (notably vocals) are excellent and I enjoyed the warmer, toned down highs......especially for listening to metal music at louder volumes as MANY of those recordings tend to be shall we say “hot” in the upper treble and get fatiguing quickly. The 2C is perfect for that kind of scenario. I also found the vocals.....particularly male vocals to sound really good and visceral. It also does a decent job of conveying soundstage width although the placement and panning has some dead spots. So why did I get rid of it? The highs are too recessed IMO......even for a treble sensitive person like myself. On recordings I’m very familiar with a lot of nuances and details seemed buried in the mix or in many cases......almost inaudible. I also felt on some female voices it made them sound on the congested/nasally side. I could go on about other things but bottom line, Joshua’s views on the LCD-X from this and other videos he’s done on it peaked my interest to try it. So thanks to Amazon I sent the 2C back before my 30days were up and ordered the LCD-X from Adorama (who also provides 30 day, no questions asked returns) I only have one day with them as I write this but no question......they’re keepers for me. I like them a lot more than the 2C. The 2C sounds wider and gives the impression of stronger bass but the X is better everywhere. As Joshua has noted before......the X may not seem to have has much bass slam as the 2C but how it does the bass is superior. It reaches lower, it’s faster, tighter and you can hear the details and textures in the bass way better. The 2C for lack of better description sounds a little “one note-ish” in how it delivers bass......a bit rumbly and loose sounding. Still fun and enjoyable but definitely less refined. Mids....again as Joshua has noted are even sounding to me, vocals sound excellent. The 2C is more present vocal wise but can seem a tad shouty on some recordings. The X never sounds that way. I find female vocals sound more natural as well thanks to the extra treble and air the X has over the C. Treble wise......definitely brighter than the 2C but it’s done in such a nice way. As mentioned, I’m treble sensitive and even at elevated volume levels the highs are just bright enough but still warm enough to not cause fatigue for me. The best part though.....all those subtle details, nuances or whatever you want to call them are there that were often missing on the 2C and placement throughout the soundstage is much easier to decipher. If you watch this and Joshua’s other LCD-X videos I think he’s done a terrific job of conveying what to expect with it. I based my X purchase on his impressions and I’m glad I did as the X will be my go to when I want to sit back and relax on a Friday night with a drink and some tunes. I never thought I’d ever spend this kind of money on a headphone (Creator edition is $1900 here in Canada after taxes) but I’m very happy with them......for me and my tastes the X make me do what any good headphone should do for you......make you want to sit back and simply enjoy your music rather than some headphones that often rear up your OCD to analyze and be annoyed at what they do wrong for you. I still think the 2C is a really great headphone and an excellent entry point for the LCD line. I still may add it to my arsenal in the future as I think it’s different enough from its bigger brother to warrant owning it.....notably for those “treble gone wild” rock and metal albums in my collection and especially when I do those brief “listen at stupid volume level” sessions of those albums.

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

The LCD-X have ruined the rest of my headphones for me. Their clarity is just on another level. If my other good headphones sound like seeing high-quality pictures, the LCD-X sound like seeing real scenery. I do like the Aeon Open X more for listening to music. Their dynamic resolution is unique. Kick drums just have a very plucky, satisfying speed to them. Overall, they sound very smooth and comfy while remaining clear and detailed. They've become my second favorite after thr LCD-X. For analyzing and really hearing all of what's in the music, though, the LCD-X just sound like being there in the present moment. Never heard anything like them before. They make everything sound real instead of like a recording.

[@wadimek116]

Yeah I also returned lc2c from same reasons. Im getting lcx quite soon because they would contrast great to my focal clear

[@thehawk05]

@@wadimek116 You should really enjoy it......especially with the new revisions the XC and X received for 2021 Joshua will have to get a pair and do an updated review. In the meantime this will outline it if you’re unaware of the changes and how they affect the sound kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqWbc2OjobKHrbM

[@SamiJLaine]

I actually got used to the 2c's quite quickly and actually enjoyed them more then the X's at the hi-fi store when I tried them out. As for the treble, i usually just slap Sonarworks on it and it gives me an extremely flat frequency response for mixing and mastering. For casual listening with a good amp, I feel like there's just enough highs to make out all detail, but not so much that it would cause ear fatigue. For the price they are a great value and for me, the little difference there is between the 2C's and X's isn't worth the price difference especially when software like Sonarworks exists.

[@wadimek116]

@@SamiJLaine The difference is huge. Lc2c sounds only alright for the price but x sounds awesome even for the price. Sonaworks is just simple eq. It doesn't change the driver. Doing this way you could eq beats to audeze lcd 4

[@thirtyacres7504]

Insane review. Thank you for sharing this wonderful content with us.

[@Aurosis]

it is time that you get your hands on the HiFiMAN Susvara.

[@vancybergoth]

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.

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

I'd buy the LCD X, great value headphones overall that sound awesome, I'd recommend to demo both of these if possible

[@vancybergoth]

@@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795 I hope to get a good offer for the LCD X on Black Friday. 😁

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

@@vancybergoth 👍

[@vancybergoth]

@@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795 I just saw a very good offer for the Focal Clear, should I buy the Clear instead of the LCD-X? 🤔

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

@@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

[@eat_ze_bugs]

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.

[@drharsha3376]

Does the 2019 version have a better Soundstage?

[@eat_ze_bugs]

@@drharsha3376 Yes the soundstage is wider and the tonality is much darker. More isolated bass but punchier and more resolving overall.

[@romanrogoza1864]

Best suggested songs ever! Love your reviews :)

[@AdrianIII]

DT1990 has better soundstaging than the LCD-X? I think you said that right near the end. Could you expand the comparison? Thanks.

[@klaymoon1]

I hope you will review LCD-24 as well.

[@thefastaction8717]

Which do you think is better for mixing hip hop/electronic, LCD-X vs MX4?

[@exarkunn69]

I've had my LCD-X for two years now and I don't think I'll ever get rid of them, I bought the Monolith THX AAA DAC/AMP and I couldn't have asked for a better pairing. I also got some Dekoni Audio Nuggets for the headband to get rid of some of the top end weight and it was worth it. I had my 66 year old Dad let me us his Focal Clears for a week and yes they are good but they are much brighter than the LCD-X.

[@RX-rd4sc]

which one sounded full, meatier and overall good? the clears or lcd x?

[@exarkunn69]

@@RX-rd4sc the clears sounded better overall. Ironically, the LCD-X sounded clearer and more defined but not as musically as the Clears. Also the build and comfort of the Clears is by far better.

[@RX-rd4sc]

@@exarkunn69 so, you prefer clears over lcd x for far superior musicality

[@exarkunn69]

@@RX-rd4sc yes but the LCD-X are pretty good for gaming.

[@RX-rd4sc]

@@exarkunn69 thanks bro

[@t.nicklasson3968]

Would love a video about what tracks you listen to when defining the qualities of headphones. Among all millions of tracks out there it’s hard to find those real golden ones that really gives that wow experience when using headphones. I find myself coming back to the same tracks all the time XD

[@armandorivas4331]

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?

[@metalpiston1212]

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.

[@piratemousey]

Dear Joshua, would you have a comment to share regarding the LCD X 2021 version? Stay safe!

[@meanmachine6173]

Just got a 2018 brought model for 463 dollars(plus additional balanced cable included). Is it a good buy? Will my Fiio m11 pro be enough?

[@alyysc]

Is lcd x warmer than arya? I have the Arya and i think its neutral bright with touch of warmth in bass.

[@stewartarnold9319]

Hi Josh Love your reviews here in the UK I brought the LCDX after much research and your review - cost was £1200 for the Creator pack, after which I brought the Audeze travel case for £100 so it was a win win! Great phones! Keep up the good work 💪🏾

[@18yearsoldnot]

Do you still use them a lot? :)

[@hkw8477]

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?

[@orionxavier6957]

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!

[@lrmcatspaw1]

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.

[@scrapethebottom]

love the amount of information and listening material references!

[@falseknight4371]

Only $1,100? Time to buy 100 pairs for the boys!

[@freddymiguelponce]

Great video! First time in your channel. If you allow me one question please. I'm looking for an Audeze Headphones mainly to video editing. I'm kind of new in this but i like to buy a GOOD pair from the beginning. Wich model do you recommend me please? And if you can, why? Thanks in advance and sorry for my English i'm still learning Have a Productive and Healthy day!

[@thor2767]

Eyy I see those superteam carbon wheels! I had a set of em when I first started racing 4 years ago! Fantastic first set of carbon wheel.

[@richardblaze99]

Hey thanks for the video ! Have you compared the LCD-X to the LCD-MX4 ? I wonder how much of an uprgade they really are. They seem to be the flagship in terms of a more neutral/reference type of signature. Thanks anyway :)

[@malek8736]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the Focal Clear.

[@Josh-os2px]

T

[@FliskerX]

@@humm6155 What does it mean, for old people ?

[@intoitreviews]

@@FliskerX I think he means its bright and has timbre issues.

[@Josh-os2px]

@@humm6155 yea Beats is more up your alley way i got u dog

[@TheSPazCORE]

@@humm6155 If the Clear is for old people then the LCD-X is for people with Canine ears.... Muddy, veiled, and way too dark... Good bass and detail though

[@semtexxl]

Yet again great video. However, there is always missing comparison to Focal Clear/Clear Professional......always....

[@Andy-Kach]

Thank you very much for the comparison of LCD-X with DT-1990 for the studio purpose. I have 1990 and I've never been so happy working with headphones.

[@Frobbl]

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.

[@Andy-Kach]

@@Frobbl Thanks for the detailed answer) 🧐

[@moltenbullet]

Still can't decide if these would make a good addition to my HD 800S in a collection.

[@Arthur-eg7uy]

Hey Joshua! Would you say the HIFIMAN Arya have better or worse vocals than the HD660S?

[@marc8vino]

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.

[@randeezy3914]

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.

[@rafograph854]

Hey man, will you make a review on the new Ollo S4X?

[@markreif1]

SONY MDR-Z1R WW2 Signature vs Audeze LCD-X?

[@jdnyc718]

My favorite sounding headphones of all time.. only problem is it killed my neck every time I wore them.. had to sell them.

[@HarmlessKiwi]

I'd take LCD X any day over the Arya just because of build quality

[@KurtG879]

No way. I own both and the Arya is much much much more enjoyable to listen to. I mean not even close.

[@HarmlessKiwi]

@@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.

[@KurtG879]

@@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.

[@eatdirt13]

Speaking of the Arya being your favourite headphone ever, are you talking about the OG Arya, or the V3 Stealth? Thanks

[@Loken47anUA]

Would love to see you test the Quad Era-1. People call them baby Abyss and sometimes rank them above headphones like Focal Elex, Clear and Audeze 2c.

[@Ivan_1986]

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…

[@VsLavaman]

wow. do you make movies? I really like your video and sound quality, and i think you're using a cinema camera - which one? Damn the picture details and colors are so fine

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

Read the description. He lists the equipment he used.