Design
The 106mm planar magnetic transducer is the first thing worth mentioning. Its massive size and high sensitivity demonstrate exactly why the LCD-X is such a popular choice for audiophiles and professionals alike. This helps a lot with soundstage, but I’ll get to that later. The Fazor magnetic system, which Audeze is known for, was introduced with the LCD-X in 2014. Since then, the design has been tweaked – and some might even say refined – with the four updates since the headphones were launched.
The 1.9m 4-pin XLR cable comes with both an XLR-to-6.35mm adapter and a 6.35mm-to-3.5mm adapter. The copper internals and mini-XLR stereo headphone inputs feel durable and high-quality. I didn’t experience any unwanted noise from the cable, and unless a 4.4mm connector is needed, an upgrade cable seems unnecessary. Another notable design spec is the 103dB/1mW sensitivity. Audeze’s flagship headphones are notoriously hard to drive. Unlike the LCD-5, the LCD-X can work with most adapter-equipped DACs, but will still shine brightest when paired with a high-quality amp. The main design drawback that’s often mentioned is the staggering 612g weight. Although Audeze combats this with a suspended headband and 1.75-inch ear cushions, the weight is still noticeable. It’s not excessively tight, but this heavy headphone will definitely feel substantial during use.
Comfort
While comfort is a very subjective thing, there are some notable downsides to using such heavy headphones. Those with smaller heads and shoulders will immediately notice how bulky these headphones are. The metal design and headband are undoubtedly durable, but the added weight is something to consider before making a purchase. Personally, I have a large head and am fairly tall. The weight was just right for my head shape, and the super-soft ear cushions did a great job of holding the weight comfortably. I have no issues with this burly design. While I am guilty of slouching behind a mixing board, the LCD-X remained comfortable to wear even after hours of use. I wouldn’t let the weight stop you from buying these if you like the way they sound.
Sound scene
The most notable and impressive quality of the soundstage is the precise imaging that these headphones possess. Although they are not the widest in terms of width, there is fantastic clarity in recordings, allowing these headphones to perform well in a mixing context. The soundstage width can be characterized as average, certainly not as compact as closed-back headphones. What is above average is the way vertical information is presented.
One of my favorite reference tracks for testing the soundstage is “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes. The transitions between electronic and analog sounds occur clearly. Unlike many other tracks, the sounds change from dry to wet, bass to treble, and intimate to spacious almost instantly. What’s impressive about these headphones is their ability to capture the diverse range of textures on display very well. The wide guitar intro that slides in behind and above your head quickly transitions into a wet/dry guitar with plenty of intimacy. The fast transients of these headphones allow them to accurately display these details, thanks in large part to the massive drivers. The LCD-X have a unique soundstage that is not only suitable for listening, but is also a perfect tool for mixing in stereo or with spatial audio.
Low
The LCD-X's bass is surprising. While most reference curves you'll find online seem flat in the low end, they're surprisingly warm. The LCD-X's bass is anything but dull, and works well with the mids and highs. While generally flat, there's something akin to a “w” shaped tuning. Strong mids and highs and a formidable low end balance each other out, creating a sound that feels flat but also has plenty of character and warmth. It's difficult to EQ the highs on many “v” shaped sound signatures, and I don't find them well suited for mixing applications like the LCD-X is. The added high end does a good job of controlling peaks at 3kHz and 8kHz. The low end is snappy and versatile, and works perfectly with a variety of genres. There's no muddiness at all, and it's a powerful low end that complements the other elements of the tuning.
Listening to Stout’s “She,” the guitar and bass lines have fantastic separation, but retain the low-end rumble associated with punk music. While this largely depends on how a recording is mixed, many headphones struggle to separate parts played an octave lower, causing notes to merge into one another. The LCD-X’s bass keeps overdriven guitars clear while the bass remains punchy. The punchy bass sounds fantastic, but doesn’t overwhelm the other parts of a mix.
Media
Audeze has a fantastic reputation for tuning really nice and versatile bass signatures. At the same time, I personally enjoy the LCD-X's midrange more than any other part of the tuning. There's not much to say, but the subtlety in this frequency range really comes through in recordings. A flat mid signature with a small peak around 800 Hz brings a lot of punch to drums, guitars, and vocals. Sometimes the simplest tunings are the most revealing.
There’s enough midrange information to allow a wide range of frequencies to speak freely. At the same time, higher-pitched vocals shine through nicely, without sounding too ethereal. This is perfectly demonstrated on Izzy Camina’s song “Seraphim.” The ethereal, reverb-laden vocals are clear, with enough separation from the treble tuning to capture the separation in the vocal harmonies. The kick drums sound full yet balanced, driving the infectious beat with heaviness and snap.
Maximums
The LCD-X’s highs are among the most workable of any headphone, as they adhere closely to Harman’s curve. There are a few deviations, the most notable being a dip in the 8kHz to 10kHz range. This is less dramatic on the 2024 revision, which has increased the treble range and increased clarity. These headphones lean toward warm rather than bright, but the increased treble makes them much more engaging than the 2021 version. You still don’t get any sibilance from these, but there’s a punchy character that brings these headphones to life. Other flat-sounding options in this range (like the HD800S) tend to feel clinical. The LCD-X’s high end feels controlled but present, allowing the warm tuning to retain transparency without becoming brittle.
Comparisons
Sennheiser HD800S
The HD800S are legendary headphones in their own right, used for similar purposes as the LCD-X. Still, there are clear differences between these flat headphones. In terms of soundstage, the HD800S feel much more expansive. Although not as upright due to the dynamic drivers, dragging sounds can reach further. As for tuning differences, the LCD-X have much more exciting bass that can hit harder than the HD800S. At the same time, the treble roll-off on the Sennheiser between 1 kHz and 5 kHz results in a very sterile quality. Sounds can be a bit raspy. Personally, I find the tuning of the LCD-X much more inspiring and exciting.
Hifiman HE-1000 invisible headphones
The HE-1000 Stealth are fantastic headphones overall with some very sensible strengths. Like the HD800S, the HE-1000 Stealth have a large soundstage that transmits more distance than the LCD-X. Unlike the HD800S, the Hifiman’s planar magnets can compete with the verticality of the LCD-X, though it’s still less vertical than the latter’s. Both have flat bass, but the HE-1000 favors lower mids rather than the LCD-X’s mid-peak. Where they differ most is in the highs; the HE-1000 Stealth are known to get glassy. This isn’t a drawback if you prefer brighter headphones, but for my personal taste, the warmth of the LCD-X is unmatched.
Conclusion
There's a lot to like about the Audeze LCD-X, and very little to complain about. Although its soundstage is intimate, recordings still feel natural without being overpowered by artificial reverb. The weight is noticeable, but the fantastic ear cushions and suspended headband do a good job of mitigating discomfort. Its masterful fit brings out the best in a flat-sounding headphone, with enough bass to be engaging and enough highs to make the sound clear. These are open-back headphones that are perfect for all kinds of situations, from their manageability to their exciting sound.
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