Audeze is a model that wants no introduction; the American audio producer makes a few of the finest planar headsets, and its merchandise are utilized in recording studios around the globe. While the model has diversified its choices lately — introducing gaming-focused headsets and funds choices which might be obtainable for underneath $500 — the LCD sequence types the core of its portfolio.And in that sequence, the LCD-X reigns supreme; launched almost a decade in the past, the LCD-X is Audeze’s best-selling headset, and the model rolled out a brand new model in 2021 with a barely lighter design and higher weight distribution, tweaks to the sound signature, and new ear cushions.The consequence? The LCD-X is among the many finest — if not the most effective general — headset you will discover on this class, and that is unlikely to vary anytime quickly.Today’s finest Audeze LCD-X offersAudeze LCD-X: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Audeze unveiled the LCD-X again in 2013, however the model I’m testing at the moment is a redesigned mannequin that was launched in 2021. The redesign would not change the visible aesthetic of the LCD-X, with Audeze as a substitute specializing in tweaking the sound. Along with these adjustments, Audeze now gives the LCD-X in two variants: a Creator Package that prices $1,199 and contains the headset and a braided 2-meter cable with a single-ended 6.35mm connector and a normal LCD onerous shell case to be used on the highway.There’s additionally a Premium Package that retails for $1,699, and this model has two braided cables — one with a 6.35mm connector and the opposite with a balanced 4-pin XLR — in addition to a 6.35mm to 3.5mm plug, and a premium journey case. Both variations can be found in leather-based and leather-free supplies, and are offered immediately on Audeze’s web site in addition to Amazon (opens in new tab) (the place it is marginally decrease at $1,139) and all main audio retailers.Audeze LCD-X: Design and luxury(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Before I get to the design, the very first thing I would like to speak about is the burden, as that in the end is a deciding think about your buying choice. Although Audeze shaved off 50g from the unique model, the LCD-X 2021 nonetheless is available in at a hefty 612g, and it’s the heaviest headset in my assortment by a sizeable margin.The weight is noticeable once you begin utilizing the headset, and whereas I initially figured it might be a problem, that hasn’t confirmed to be the case. I used the LCD-X for simply over a month now as my day by day driver, and in that point, I have not felt any fatigue even after prolonged listening classes of six hours or extra. I’m at my desk for 12 hours a day on common, and I take heed to music for at the very least half of that period, and having used the LCD-X extensively, the burden hasn’t been an issue in my use case.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)One of the explanations for that’s the weight distribution; Audeze did an excellent job distributing the burden evenly throughout the scarf, and the result’s that you do not really feel the heft as soon as you set the headset on. The redesigned ear cushions additionally go a great distance in making the LCD-X comfy for prolonged use, and whereas they don’t seem to be as breathable as velour pads on the likes of the HD6XX, they do not get too heat both.On the entire although, I’d recommend attempting on the LCD-X at a retailer earlier than choosing it up; whereas I did not have any points with the burden, that will not be the case for everybody.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)With that out of the way in which, let’s get to the design. The LCD-X is all about making an announcement, and the outsized grilles together with the large ear cushions give it a particular look that is instantly recognizable. The headset is made out of metallic, and the seen screws give it an industrial look — and make it simpler to modify out any components down the road ought to the necessity come up.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)I additionally just like the stylized design over the grille that types a big A; there is no mistaking who made this headset. The LCD-X is not meant for outside use, however the bundled onerous shell case means you may take it on the highway with none points. The cables hook up with the earcups by way of mini-XLR plugs, they usually securely lock in place.The ear pads are among the many most comfy I’ve used thus far, and whereas the headset is heavy, the clamping power is delicate. This goes a great distance in making certain the LCD-X is comfy for prolonged listening classes.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Build high quality is beautiful — as you’d think about — and I’ve little question that the headset will final a really very long time. The headband makes use of a suspension-style design and is made out of metallic, however simply beneath you will discover a perforated leather-based band that does an important job with weight distribution. That mentioned, I’d have appreciated extra padding on the scarf itself, and a barely simpler mechanism for adjusting the sizing.Image 1 of 6(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Other than that minor quibble, I’ve no issues with the design or consolation of the LCD-X. Like I mentioned earlier, that is the heaviest headset of the dozen or so in my assortment, so in the event you’re eyeing this mannequin, I strongly advocate attempting it out earlier than making a purchase order.Audeze LCD-X: Sound high quality(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)I knew earlier than I bought began with the LCD-X that it might sound nice, however I did not notice simply how nuanced the sound could be till I truly used the headset. I’m not exaggerating once I say that that is among the many best-sounding headset you will discover within the sub-$2,000 section.Quite a lot of that has to do with the bass response; the LCD-X delivers a quick assault that is normally a attribute of all planar headsets, but it surely achieve this with a lot better emphasis and plenty of element. You get a pleasant rumble and texture, and the LCD-X does extremely effectively within the sub-bass part, and also you’re assured to listen to notes in your favourite tracks that you simply missed earlier than.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)In an identical vein, mids are detailed, and also you get glorious instrument separation with a forward-facing vocal presentation that sounds nice. The treble has good extension general, but it surely misses out on a little bit of sparkle. The general sound signature is impartial, and that is not astonishing contemplating the LCD-X is designed for mastering.Audeze nailed the technical particulars right here, with the LCD-X providing glorious imaging and dynamics. Honestly, apart from a barely laid-back treble, there is not a single flaw to level out right here. The impartial tuning means the LCD-X works effectively throughout numerous genres, and I can attest to that, having listened to traditional rock, heavy metallic, people music, classical, and quite a lot of DnB within the month I used the headset.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)With a sensitivity of 103dB/mW and coming in at 20Ω, the LCD-X is remarkably simple to drive — you need to use it with nearly any moveable supply. I used the headset predominantly with the Fiio K9 Pro and the Fiio R7 community streamer, and utilizing a supply with a bit extra energy makes the headset actually shine.Somewhat serendipitously, I began utilizing the LCD-X on the similar time I arrange Roon, and that turned out to be an excellent factor, as a result of the software program has customized presets that unlock the total potential of the headset. Roon’s preset offers the LCD-X far more airiness and element, and it’s a fabulous pairing. If you are shopping for the LCD-X or any Audeze headset and have a big offline music assortment, I recommend signing up for Roon and giving it a strive — you will love the distinction it makes.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Of course, you may all the time manually tweak the EQ to realize an identical impact, and the LCD-X affords quite a lot of headroom on this space due to the low distortion. The solely disadvantage (because it had been) relating to sound high quality is that the treble is just a little relaxed, however that may be simply corrected, and the terrific bass and mid-range offers the LCD-X a clear-cut benefit.Audeze LCD-X: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)There are a lot of alternate options within the high-end section, and in the event you’re after a great-sounding planar headset, the HiFiMan Arya ticks quite a lot of the fitting containers. It makes use of massive planar drivers, has a equally sturdy design because the LCD-X, and has a terrific sound that pairs effectively with quite a lot of genres. It additionally has a quick bass that is energetic, and has good general decision and a large soundstage. Coming in at $1,299 on Amazon (opens in new tab), it’s in the identical neighborhood because the LCD-X, however the one think about its favor is that it weighs 404g, over 200g lighter — so if you end up not liking how heavy the LCD-X is, you need to check out the Arya.Focal’s Clear can be a good selection to contemplate, with the headset delivering a refined sound and a beautiful design that is according to the French model’s different merchandise. The headset is delicate to be pushed by moveable sources, you get quite a lot of equipment within the field, and at 450g, it’s comfy to put on. The Clear is now obtainable for $1,249 on Amazon (opens in new tab), so you are not paying that rather more than the LCD-X.Audeze LCD-X: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can buy this if:You need a high-end planar headset with a balanced and impartial soundYou want a sturdy construct high quality that may final a long timeYou’re in search of a headset with plush cushions which might be comfyYou want a planar headset that is simple to driveYou should not purchase this if:You need a light-weight planar headsetUltimately, Audeze bought rather a lot proper with the LCD-X. Sure, the sheer dimension and weight of the headset could be a deal-breaker for a number of, however actually, having used it for over a month, I do not thoughts the burden in any respect. The proven fact that it’s distributed evenly ensures the heft is not a problem throughout prolonged use, and the construct high quality is phenomenal — this factor is constructed like a tank.There’s lots to love relating to the sound as effectively, with the LCD-X delivering a impartial sound that permits your music to shine. The low-end and mids are extremely detailed, and the treble has no sibilance in anyway and respectable extension. But it is the soundstage and imaging that set the LCD-X aside; this is among the greatest the explanation why the headset is so extremely regarded.While $1,199 is rather a lot to pay for a headset, you’re getting rather a lot to your cash, significantly with the Creator Package. I’m not going to say it’s a good worth, however what is obvious to me is that the LCD-X is an exceptional headset that is constructed to final for many years, and the sound signature is unbelievable. The solely challenge right here is the burden; in the event you do not thoughts that, the LCD-X is a straightforward advice.
Today’s finest Audeze LCD-X offers
The LCD-X combines a sturdy design with comfy leather-based ear pads, and the redesigned sound signature means they ship a impartial sound that means that you can get probably the most out of your music.