Live testing the Audeze LCD-X and LCD-XC 2021 updates

Audeze LCD-X: www.headphones.com/products/a...
Audeze LCD-XC: www.headphones.com/products/a...
Forum Discussion: forum.headphones.com/t/audeze...
00:00 - Measurement stuff
1:05:29 - Conclusion + Q&A

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Microphone was clipping on this. You can blame Metal571 for suggesting a new technique with OBS. Could have been user error... It was definitely user error...

[@metal571]

User error hahah

[@ZeBubba]

I'ts great you are showing how EQing is done, because it deserves to be more widely accepted and understood in the world of hifi for sure. Cheers!

[@Europhile]

Very challenging I imagine doing this live. You are my most trusted source of information. Thanks.

[@kevinjanczura3260]

Love yours Eq for Lcd-X, the sound is more open just I like, other things are also perfect. Thanks! :)

[@Grooverski]

Great as always!

[@olimphus26]

O.O looking forward to the review and comparison

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

Andrew, thanks for covering the EQ potential for these headphones. I think the XC is one of the more compelling closed backs out there. IDK what everyone else thinks about “burn-in” and I’m not usually a big fan of the concept or the topic. However, I will say that I don’t usually EQ so I just let the XC do its thing for about 20-30 hours and I did hear a sizable difference in these headphones. It was mostly with the center mids. Initially they were aggressive with a somewhat painful attack. After that 20-30 hour initial listening that had all but disappeared. I would be willing to attribute some of that to my ears acclimating but there were clearly some albums/tracks that went from unlistenable to pleasurable. I love the XC and find it to be underrated in general. Great video 👍🏻

[@Agustin-io4pw]

Great job reviewing Audezenuts.

[@beskimo2]

@1:29:05 . I bought a LCD2 rev2 in 2013 and they came in a nice pelican case and there was a Manila envelope with a print out of my headphones. I don’t have them anymore but have been thinking about another Audeze set again. Thanks for the work on the videos 👍🏾

[@04yellowjacket]

At 1:29:05 someone asked in the chat: "Does the LCD-X come with a personalized measurement of that unit?" The answer is 'no', they do not come with an individual measurement. However, you can contact Audeze support directly, and they will very quickly email you the graph for your unit (LCD-2 or above, they do not do this for the lower lines or in ears). I have done this for my 2018 LCD-XC, 2021 LCD-XC and a LCD-3. These graphs are extremely useful as you can use the graphs to help with your EQ settings. Also, Audeze uses the same Neumann KU 100 rig for the entire LCD line, so these graphs can be used to compare all of your Audeze LCD models to one another. They will not however, be particularly useful for comparing to graphs from other measurement devices.

[@TheMusikYarl]

It seems like the biggest change to the driver is that they have gone from 8 to 6 fazors. This is probably the main course of the weight reduction. The pads seem to be the major factor regarding the new frequency

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Does the carbon lcd xc sound better than your maple wood ones, or do they sound the same? thanks for your help!

[@JTB--]

Very informative man. I'm gonna try the EQ on my Monolith 788 Dac/Amp for the first time on the XC and see what type of beautiful disaster I can come up with!! I'll try your EQ first though. I actually think the XC are fine with just some Black Label Bass Boost

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Are they ur fav closedbacks?

[@JTB--]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 After a long search the LCD-XC are my only closed backs now. Tried Focal Celestee and Radiance, tried Denon AH-D9200 and many others and the XC sounded better to me. They have great detail, nice Bass and good punch and slam.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@JTB-- I too tried those denons and I didn't agree with any of the positive things said about them. These are way better. Thanks for the help!

[@JTB--]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 Yeah the Denon are solid... but way overpriced imo. To me the XC are better and $300 cheaper. The Denon should be in the $1000 range.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@JTB-- really? I didn't even think they should be 1000. They sounded not too much better than my v moda crossfade 2 wireless for 350. Even trying them with loads of different amps didn't really help. But the lcd xc blew my mind.

[@CaptnKrksNippls]

I have a strong want for an Andrew philosophy channel

[@EYYQCiHTfAGTV7O96y]

Would watch

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Audeze website still sells both the leather and non-leather pad. Are they both the newer pads or just the non-leather version?

[@HercahyoAdiSaputro]

Both has newer pads version: 1.For leather pads: serial number 7527600 and above are updated version 2.For non leather pads: serial number 7527615 and above are updated version

[@TheMusikYarl]

Love my lcd-x which I unfortunately bough right before the revision and I'm really considering if I should save up for their closedback lcd-xc aswell especially after this revision!

[@jakebarker9728]

I am curious if anyone has a custom frequency response curve profile for the lcd-x 2021 to use with Sonarworks SoundID Reference? The current profile included seems to be tuned to the older lcd-x model. TIA!!

[@chrisdacosta4182]

This was helpful, thank you! Earlier today I ordered a 2021 revision LCD-XC. Will be interesting to experience. Is there a break-in time for LCD-XC until optimum performance?

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

No, but you should definitely get into doing some EQ, adding a bass shelf makes these amazing.

[@chrisdacosta4182]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow Thanks for responding, I was planning to EQ them with APO (peace version) like you use. Possibly you can help me and others. So you understand, I need a close back so noise/sound is not disturbing others, hence the XC. But I like a warmer more lush intimate sonic signature (I am not fond of shrilly, left of neutral sounding systems) that is resolving and has slam. This is what I would like to EQ the LCD-XC more towards. The gear I have is a modded Schiit Asgard 3 and a modded Schiit Modius for DAC. The modded amp and DAC are now way more resolving (improved in every way actually) and slightly warmer then stock after mods. I also have an extremely nice modded Musical Fidelity tube buffer that I can also use (packed away because I am selling house). I listen to almost every genre and source from KZbin, Netflix to Tidal Masters. What EQ settings would you suggest I start with? Thanks so much in advance!

[@malek8736]

does the LCD-2 get the same changes?

[@CheekyFest]

What would these graphs look like if the scale on the bottom was Constant?

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

I would love to see an LCD2 closed/XC vs Aeon Noire comparsion.

[@jamieteestudio]

How are the newer LCDX compare to lcd 3?

[@MWeston2]

LCD-XC or DCA E3 for rock and metal? Asking because it is two years later. 😀

[@vincesanity27]

which DAC/amp used for testing?

[@johnparkerzabala]

Hello to all stay safe healthy and happy

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

Incredible review! Does the carbon lcd xc sound better than your maple wood ones, or do they sound the same? thanks for your help!

[@jonsmith7530]

you have asked this question multiple times on every possible platform. just buy them.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@jonsmith7530 I have them bro, I just wanna know if my wood ones sound worse than the carbon ones

[@jonsmith7530]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 "They're on my head and I'm listening to them right now. Quick, KZbin man, tell me how I should feel about the headphones I'm currently listening to!"

[@jonsmith7530]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 this is literally a tonewood meme if you're into guitars. no, it is not worth changing the cups.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@jonsmith7530 I just wanted to know if I should return and get better ones bro chill

[@Dan.a.k.a.bradpitt]

way above my price point . been eyeballing stuff on ebay for focals but I am suspicious of fake stuff . Might do the sandaras instead

[@samlee2562]

Yeah fakes on ebay are a terrible invention! 😔

[@skylergoodman3889]

I have both lcd x’s and sundara’s. The lcd x’s are far superior, but the sundara’s are incredible headphones without a doubt. They outperform the Lcd x if you look at the price to performance.

[@Abraxus34]

can someone tell me just one thing - is 2021 version better than old version or not? cuz I liked old version a lot and wanted to buy it, so this means this is discontinued already? or how?

[@04yellowjacket]

I have had both (XC). My summary: Old version= more bass (not better, just more) with less upper mids (good for heavy metal or electric guitar). New version= neutral bass, perfect mids, shimmering highs. Better? For me, yes. They are better for everything except bass heavy tracks or Metal. (But they are still amazing at both). I personally EQ +6db bass shelf for sonic ecstasy.

[@Abraxus34]

@@04yellowjacket you are talking about XC, not X-version? right?

[@04yellowjacket]

@@Abraxus34 Yes.

[@anatol1204]

For mixing mastering you suggest x or xc eqed or sothing else?

[@GingerDrums]

Open back for mixing and mastering usually as it offers more neutral eq. This price segment (LCD-X) is fine for mixing, for mastering work think about investing in the LCD-5

[@calebstevens8590]

How do you know which year a pair of Audeze headphones are? I just ordered a pair of the LCD-X’s (which are on back order) a week or two ago and hope they’re the new version.

[@thehawk05]

For those who may be curious, here are the start dates and serials for the new configuration: 11/23/20 LCD-X Leather-Free 7527615 11/9/20 LCD-XC Leather 8523700 11/23/20 LCD-X Leather 7527600 11/23/20 LCD-XC Leather-Free 8523710

[@brandenwhitney7575]

If the serial number is higher than 7527600 or 7527615 then you have the new version.

[@tdfmike3915]

That would mean my lcd is a thousand units build too early?☹️ Where did you get the information about the serial Numbers from?

[@kristoffer8740]

@@tdfmike3915 Head-fi

[@thehawk05]

@@tdfmike3915 Audeze shared the info in a post they made on Head-Fi.org that outlined the revisions

[@bstrxn]

Thank you for quitting whatever your old job was

[@popops3]

What would you prefer this lcd x or focal clear mg ?

[@RX-rd4sc]

Lcd x for meaty, hefty sound, with detailed bass

[@st0neageman]

Is the lcd xc physically bigger than the lcd 2 closed?

[@04yellowjacket]

No. Physical dimensions are identical. Although weight on the LCD-XC is slightly higher.

[@jonmarinos7170]

Torn between these headphones. Which of the two sounds better out of the box without EQ? Do the XC’s have a more narrow soundstage than the X?

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

The open-back version should be better overall, I would only recommend the closed version if there will be a lot of background noise around you and/or if you want to block more the sound that is coming from it

[@skylordsrebornpvpreplays5795]

EQ should not concern you really

[@NoHairMan]

Verite EQ please :>

[@vincenthusvh]

Yes, and with the different pad-rolls too!

[@tonyxu113]

"I want to know how the audio levels are" I'd call it ASMR level

[@mylifeisart]

Focal Celestee or LCD XC?

[@kristoffer8740]

Comfort: Celestee Sound: LCD-XC (especially the new 2021 version) Build quality: Audeze LCD-XC

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@kristoffer8740 how do I know the difference between the 2021 version of the audeze and the older version? The one I have contains maple wood cups and a metal headband. Is this the newest?

[@kristoffer8740]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 Serial number. If you have the maple wood version it is not going to be a 2021 version. Maple wood variant is discontinued.

[@theprinceofeverything1975]

@@kristoffer8740 so does mine sound worse than others then?

[@kristoffer8740]

@@theprinceofeverything1975 It might have worse frequency response, but I am not sure. Best think to do is to compare FR graphs. Having a "worse" frequency response does mean they sound worse.

[@Grooverski]

Oh yeah. I know that I keep using abbreviation SOTA (State Of The Art) and it might be confusing ppl.

[@pedrosilveira2972]

I NEED a wooden version of the XC, why would they do this to me! Why don't they offer a wooden option anymore! That's sad

[@samlee2562]

Less headphones more rainforest 👍🤖👍

[@pedrosilveira2972]

@@samlee2562 I get that, but if the manufacturer use reforested wood we can get beautiful wooden headphones AND keep our forests :P

[@elliotliu2796]

buy a cheap used wooden XC and pay Audeze $580 to upgrade it to the 2021 version

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Live at 2am. As always.. 😂

[@RyuMasterEX]

Lcd3 drivers are more detailed than the x/xc and scale more with a good amp. They're quite slept upon.

[@kristoffer8740]

Ridiculously overpriced though. They are not worth $2000. Especially considering the fact you can get a pair of LCD-X for $1200.

[@RyuMasterEX]

@@kristoffer8740 yes, value proposition is lower, although he stated the xc was same league as the verrite but with maybe a bit better separation. The verrites are many peoples favourite headphones and cost more than the lcd3. The lcd3 scales much more then the x and xc and by default has a higher resolution driver. Yet you hardly ever see any reviews on it, whilst you see the lcd-x vs clear vs arya review every week. The arya's aren't easy to drive either and are almost 2k.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

@@RyuMasterEX Points well taken. However, it’s hard to compare LCD XC and LCD-3 in terms of use case (scaling) due to the LCD XC/X clearly being more of an on the go headphone (portable, mixing/mastering, etc.) headphone. The LCD-3 is a hp for a home setup at 110 ohms and yes it does scale well. The LCD XC/X actually recoils at large amounts of power due to its 20 ohm impedance rating and really doesn’t scale. I own the XC and spent hours going back and forth between the LCD-3 and XC and ended up buying the XC because it gets you right there for much less. One caveat is that the XC has aggressive central mids until you use them for about 20-30 hrs. Paired with a portable player after some break in, the XC will make one very hesitant to spend $3k on the LCD-3. Having said that, if I were looking for a competitive headphone for home use I’d go with a ZMF Auteur or Verite every time. IMO Audeze’s entire LCD line is overpriced including the LCD 2.

[@robrider838]

@@darthdurkelthewise320 I have the LCD-XC for portable use and LCD-3 for at home listening. I also had the Auteur - which I really want to like, but after 3 months I had to sell them. The sound was a little lightweight compared to the LCD-3. Maybe the Verite is better.

[@DJR5280]

@@kristoffer8740 What would you take. $900 for a brand new set of Focal Clears or $1199 for a new set of 2021 Audeze LCD X ?

[@carlhil2]

So, before graph became a thing, everyone was buying shitty headphones because their ears were lying to them? (asking for a friend )

[@rogerhuston8287]

It's really hard to like Audeze. They do a lot right, but enough wrong just to keep pissing people off. So who at Audeze thought that for $1300 or $1700 for the XC that people wanted to walk around with a F#@KING BILLBOARD on their head? I'm sure all the engineers worked really hard on the 2021 revision, but not only did they discontinue the wood cups, instead of making a neutral carbon closed cup - some IDIOT in marketing thought "Hey, with all that blank space, why don't we put our name on it. Forget good taste or an elegant design, people will love this. Wish I could say this was something out of the ordinary at Audeze, but they always seem to keep people around who like to keep shooting themselves in the foot. The American way!

[@seditious1627]

u mad bro?

[@Europhile]

I don't understand why people keep moaning about Audeze having their name displayed.

[@rogerhuston8287]

@@Europhile - Because it is like a billboard. Do something tasteful or discreet or even a logo. And they only do it on the XC.

[@allansh828]

The new XC is too ugly

[@pedrosilveira2972]

The wooden ones are so beautiful, why did they change it to this ugly ass design!

[@thehawk05]

The aesthetics aren’t new.......the carbon cups have been around for a while now. However.......Audeze no longer offer wood as a selectable option like they did in the past. No idea why it’s been dropped as the wood cups looked beautiful. Supplier issues? Who knows. Maybe they will make it available again in the future EDIT: Did a little research and from what I learned the cups were made using a species called Bubinga. Turns out this wood has been added to the CITES endangered list and has created supply issues. They also did it to save weight as the wood cup XC tips the scales at over 750g

[@davex7444]

Try wrapping them to a color of your liking👍

[@pedrosilveira2972]

@@davex7444 yeah, I was thinking of painting it. But wrapping is a much better idea! Haha

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

As an LCD XC Carbon owner I can’t say that I disagree with you. However, I got mine as a “b-stock” for significantly less than Audeze’s price so I’m happy. I did like the wood cup covers better too. I’m not bothered by the weight but I did replace the headband with the carbon fiber one with some of the money I saved. It looks great and is a noticeable difference in weight from the stock steel headband.