[betula]

thanks!
I hear a lot of differing opinions surrounding the soundstage of Audeze Cans. I find my LCD-2 pretty wide but I hear some people say the LCD-X has a narrower soundstage (although this varies a lot and some say it is quite wide). Is the 3 a wider or narrower presentation would you say?
Also, have you heard the 2021 revisions of both?

I have not heard any 2021 versions yet. To me the soundstage difference between the 2, 3 and X is not significant.

 

[mikecheck95]

I have not heard any 2021 versions yet. To me the soundstage difference between the 2, 3 and X is not significant.

Is it mainly a detail thing? What warrants the price increase from LCD-x to LCD-3v

 

[betula]

Is it mainly a detail thing? What warrants the price increase from LCD-x to LCD-3v

Nothing really. To my ears it is about tonality and warmth. And also wood is more expensive than aluminium.
The LCD-3's I have heard had a warmer, more pleasant, more inviting tonality. A bit like the LCD-2's but with enhanced technicalities.
The LCD-X does not follow the main tonality line of the LCD2/3/4. As Audeze says, it was made for studio use. Technicalities to me are pretty much equal to the LCD-3, but the sound indeed is more studio-like. Meaning it is more neutral, less coloured and colder in a way. Bear in mind, this is only within Audeze LCD territory. So compared to many other headphones the LCD-X is still meaty and warm, but the LCD-2 and LCD-3 will have warmer and more engaging vocals for example than the LCD-X. That said, the LCD-X is immense fun and great value for money for someone who enjoys modern music with a lot of bass.

 

[M-83]

I just picked up an LCD-X (2021) from Richer Sounds via Amazon and I'm delighted. Using Schiit Gumby & MJ2 with it.

I think it may (currently) be my favourite HP I've listened to so far.

There is a real sense of depth and slight warmth to the sound. It's a lot of fun.

 

[shwnwllms]

I just picked up an LCD-X (2021) from Richer Sounds via Amazon and I'm delighted. Using Schiit Gumby & MJ2 with it.

I think it may (currently) be my favourite HP I've listened to so far.

There is a real sense of depth and slight warmth to the sound. It's a lot of fun.

But have you EQ’d them yet?

 

[Deceneu808]

Can anyone with the 2020 version comment on the new pads ?
Stock ones lasted about a week until the left side completely became flabby and lost firmness. I quickly ordered a new set from Audeze, still cell-foam, and all seemed well for about two weeks. Left side squashed again, more than the right. I've now gone back to using the right stock pad on the left side, same story all over again. Both headband screws are tight equally. What's the deal ? Voodoo ?

Stock : Second pair :

...

 

[shwnwllms]

Can anyone with the 2020 version comment on the new pads ?
Stock ones lasted about a week until the left side completely became flabby and lost firmness. I quickly ordered a new set from Audeze, still cell-foam, and all seemed well for about two weeks. Left side squashed again, more than the right. I've now gone back to using the right stock pad on the left side, same story all over again. Both headband screws are tight equally. What's the deal ? Voodoo ?

Stock : Second pair :


...

I just noticed this the other day on my LCD-X 2021. Did Audeze send replacement pads? Maybe its normal for the left one to be more flaccid ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Deceneu808]

I just noticed this the other day on my LCD-X 2021. Did Audeze send replacement pads? Maybe its normal for the left one to be more flaccid ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Store I bought them from said they had old pads in stock and they are willing to change them. I declined the offer and ordered new pads. Paid more for the shipping than the pads themselves but oh well. I'll probably buy another set soon...

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Can anyone with the 2020 version comment on the new pads ?
Stock ones lasted about a week until the left side completely became flabby and lost firmness. I quickly ordered a new set from Audeze, still cell-foam, and all seemed well for about two weeks. Left side squashed again, more than the right. I've now gone back to using the right stock pad on the left side, same story all over again. Both headband screws are tight equally. What's the deal ? Voodoo ?

Stock : Second pair :


...

any imbalance in sound?

 

[Deceneu808]

any imbalance in sound?

Not at all. Just visual imbalance and left ear slightly touches the fazor

 

[betula]

Can anyone with the 2020 version comment on the new pads ?
Stock ones lasted about a week until the left side completely became flabby and lost firmness. I quickly ordered a new set from Audeze, still cell-foam, and all seemed well for about two weeks. Left side squashed again, more than the right. I've now gone back to using the right stock pad on the left side, same story all over again. Both headband screws are tight equally. What's the deal ? Voodoo ?

Stock : Second pair :


...

That is far from ideal and not the first case I hear. The new pads might offer a slightly more balanced sound, but if the filling randomly wears out in a few weeks that is not good.
Perhaps we are up to another Audeze pad update where they fix this issue?

 

[donlin]

Can anyone with the 2020 version comment on the new pads ?
Stock ones lasted about a week until the left side completely became flabby and lost firmness. I quickly ordered a new set from Audeze, still cell-foam, and all seemed well for about two weeks. Left side squashed again, more than the right. I've now gone back to using the right stock pad on the left side, same story all over again. Both headband screws are tight equally. What's the deal ? Voodoo ?

Stock : Second pair :


...

I have the 2021 version and while the pads are much softer than the previous versions, each pad is exactly the same.

 

[Acodenotti]

I haven't had any pads issues on my 2020 pair so far, but I'm a little worried my glasses may end up leaving a dent into them eventually, I guess that's unavoidable though

 

[Deceneu808]

That is far from ideal and not the first case I hear. The new pads might offer a slightly more balanced sound, but if the filling randomly wears out in a few weeks that is not good.
Perhaps we are up to another Audeze pad update where they fix this issue?

This is not something I'd expect from a 1200$ headphone but I've learned to live with it. If it wears off to the point of being uncomfortable or I hear any change in sound, I'll give another go at a 3rd set of pads. If those fail too, then it's time to say goodbye

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Just to add opinion, so far I never had any problem regarding pads on LCD-X, on both 2021 and 2013 version.