Audeze LCD-X Over Ear Open Back Headphone New 2021 Version Creator Package with Carry case

I purchased these as an open box. Running through my system with an RME DAC (add bass shelf an tame one peak) with either a tube amp or my solid state, these rival much more expensive headphones. I alternate back and forth between these and my ZMF Verites, which are more than double the price. The ZMF have better stage, more bass impact, and slightly more resolution (SLIGHTLY). Overall technical qualities are maybe 10% better on the verite.

Excellent tonality, superb bass response, when its EQd it becomes a jack of all trades monster of a headphone. Highly recommended

I own a lot of expensive headphones and I can say from experience that these are hands down the best. I cant figure out what flaws these have. The detail on these is extreme. The bass is just right and the vocals are spot on. Excellent imaging and clarity. Buy these!

Just excellent build quality. They sound more spacious but other than that they dont sound any better than my $150 ATH-M50x to my ears. The low end really opens up with break in so thats not the problem i originally thought it would be out of the box. i really, really, really wanted to keep these, they are so beautiful, but i just cant justify it by the sound. Maybe i need to step up in price range to get what im looking for....

is a little heavy. With my big noggin Ive literally maxed out the rods to fit on my head. Very comfortable as the weight is well-distributed. However youll feel it after a few hours. Overall theyre sound fantastic, a little dark which Id preferred. Theyre good for any genre of music. Good little investment if youre enjoy music during quiet nights OR days. Comes highly recommended!

An absolute joy and a total upgrade coming from the hifiman sundara. I wasnt even aware they would come with this absurdly robust case but appreciate the bonus. I dont know that this can be topped. Maybe top level stax or abyss but those are 5x the price.

Note: heavy but not uncomfortable.

Extremely fun headphone. EQ is a must since they sound pretty dark out of the box. Theyre quite comfortable despite being pretty chonky. Soundstage and layering isnt amazing on these like something from Hifiman, but it is extremely detailed and articulate, plus they wont fall apart in a year. Youll be able to pick up the subtlest sounds with ease. Amazing sub bass (exceptional dynamic range, descent amount of slam), crisp mids and treble. Theyre slightly rolled off on treble which is nice for me since It makes longer listening sessions more enjoyable. I like to listen to a lot of busy tracks (mainly EDM/electronic). They sound pretty forward without being too much. Vocals and instruments sound natural (vocals to me sounded artifical on Sundaras and Anandas). These respond to EQ very well so you can tune them to your personal preference. One thing to note is that you will need an amp with some juice. I run these off of a Onkyo home theater receiver, which has plenty headroom. Tried them out with a JDS atom and Shiit magni heresy and they left a lot on the table compared to what I was able to get out with the Onkyo. Love these headphones very much. Id compare them to the 2-C, but Ive never listened to them. I also havent had any issues with the screws on the can to strap couple like some have had (blue Loctite if any issues) and the factory cable is very good as well. This headphone is not going to be everyones favorite, but it definitely checked the boxes for me. If instrument separation and soundstage are extremely important to you, Id probably look for something else. I only have limited experience with different headphones, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. However Ive personally never listened to anything that made me so impressed every time I put them on. Oh big plus I forgot to mention. Audeze is located and manufactures their headphones here in the states. They offer a 3 year warranty on the drivers as well. I truly gave Hifiman a chance but when you get a defective unit out of the box it kind of leaves a bitter taste on the tongue.

Ive started to notice after several hours of listening time that my right ear is now touching the right fazor (plastic grill) on the headphone and causes great discomfort. Ive looked online and this is a known issue with audezes LCD line. Its surprising that people have had issues with the exact same thing and yet dont fix their pads. Ive contacted support and was told that there was nothing they can do. I dont have giant ears and they are quite normal. When I glance at the pads the right padding seems thinner than the left pad. Also not to mention that the pelican case that comes with the headphone is missing a rubber foot so when its placed on a flat surface it wobbles.

I have been a headphone guy for the past several years, an audio guy for over four decades and a music lover since I was a child growing up in the 1960s. The headphone craze began for me back in the later 90s while working a second shift job because my wife and newborn would be sleeping when I arrived home and I was unable to immediately go to sleep but didnt want to wake them. Over the years I have amassed a small collection of headphones, all good, but the LCD-X is INSANE!