How to be sure you're getting a 2021 version Audeze LCD-X?

[CTR640]

Ordering (expensive) headphones from Amazon is a bad (and dumb) choice. I once bought an expensive speaker and when it got delivered, you could clearly see the seal has been removed to be replaced by some 'fake OEM' seal. And the flip cover, you can easily feel and see the dense in the middle. And the worst? It was advertised as New. Fortunately I got my refund. Better order headphones from authorized web/stores.

 

[hottyson]

I ordered my LCD-X July of 2021 B-stock from Audio 46. The serial number is 75272XX. However, there are 6 magnets.

Do I go by the serial number that shows that these are pre-2021?
or
Do I go the number of magnets that are six which would make this the newer 2021 version?

 

[Terco]

2021 version, you are good.

 

[hottyson]

2021 version, you are good.

Wow!
That is awesome!
This whole time I thought I had old version because of the serial number.
I feel like I just got a brand new set of headphones.

serial number is 75272XX

 

[deafenears]

I ordered my LCD-X July of 2021 B-stock from Audio 46. The serial number is 75272XX. However, there are 6 magnets.

Do I go by the serial number that shows that these are pre-2021?
or
Do I go the number of magnets that are six which would make this the newer 2021 version?

Was the serial no. on the box? Headband? Or actually on the drivers themselves?

 

[hottyson]

Was the serial no. on the box? Headband? Or actually on the drivers themselves?

On box. On headband. On authenticity card. I have not opened the front pads to see driver numbers.
Pictures omit last two digits of my serial number.

 

[deafenears]

On box. On headband. On authenticity card. I have not opened the front pads to see driver numbers.

*shrugs* maybe @Audeze can answer?

 

[hottyson]

I am thinking that since they were B-stocks, perhaps they were returned, damaged pair that were repaired with new parts even though they were old models. This is all okay with me of course. I got lucky.

 

[deafenears]

I am thinking that since they were B-stocks, perhaps they were returned, damaged pair that were repaired with new parts even though they were old models. This is all okay with me of course. I got lucky.

This is plausible, yeah! Lucky you indeed.

 

[zazex]

I still think the surest bet is to contact Audeze, describe what you have (and how you came to have it), ask for a definite answer from an authorized person, ask any other related questions. Document the conversation, then put that info away.

Seems to me that any other method will result in a less than positive answer whether based on rumor. innuendo, hearsay, or what-have-you. It's a bit of work, yes, but a big result.

 

[hottyson]

I still think the surest bet is to contact Audeze, describe what you have (and how you came to have it), ask for a definite answer from an authorized person, ask any other related questions. Document the conversation, then put that info away.

Seems to me that any other method will result in a less than positive answer whether based on rumor. innuendo, hearsay, or what-have-you. It's a bit of work, yes, but a big result.

My refurbished LCD-X was rebuilt with 2021 headphone parts. So it is definitely a 2021. However, they still have the old memory foam pads 2020.

 

[zazex]

The really important thing to realize here is if you need a warranty repair, Adeze alone will determine whether you receive it.

From seeing random posts on the web and elsewhere it seems to me that they play hardball when it comes to warranty matters. And, as you may know, getting them fixed out of pocket can be very expensive.

So, here I'm just suggesting from experience and otherwise what and how
to best protect yourself in this warranty situation.

 

[hottyson]

The really important thing to realize here is if you need a warranty repair, Adeze alone will determine whether you receive it.

From seeing random posts on the web and elsewhere it seems to me that they play hardball when it comes to warranty matters. And, as you may know, getting them fixed out of pocket can be very expensive.

So, here I'm just suggesting from experience and otherwise what and how
to best protect yourself in this warranty situation.

Thanks for the tip.

I should probably share too. I contacted Audeze about the warranty a couple of months ago, and they honored the warranty. Audeze has one of the best customer service that I have dealt with and I recommend them to many because of the satisfaction that I have dealing with them.

I also purchased replacement rods from them months prior to that and that exchange left a lasting impression and high regard for their quality of service. They are a great company.

 

[zazex]

That's very good to hear; thanks for sharing it.

 

[Zerviscos]

When buying online (or even at a physical retailer) - it's pretty difficult to know the stock turnover of the retailer (lower turnover = higher chance of being sold an old model), or even if the old model LCD-X was accidentally put in the 2021 version box (if there is a 2021 version box).

So is there something on the headphone itself you can identify to distinguish a 2021 version LCD-X from an older version LCD-X? Like, do the drivers have a green hue under direct light (like the Stealth version Hifiman Arya does whereas the non-Stealth version does not)? Or is a serial number somewhere on the headphone and all numbers past a certain value must be the 2021 version? Or is the weight different? Or is the impedance/sensitivity different?

Because that is a lot of money to spend just to speculate you're getting the version you want; I'd like to be able to know definitively...

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

If you have specific questions, please email support@audeze.com

Also check out our discord server: https://discord.gg/audeze

There are instances as far as I know with old LCDs that get sent to Audeze, they can replace the drivers for 2021 version. There was even a listing that happened recently in that similar case, but he had a receipt for it. Just to be sure, you're better off buying brand new from Audeze or if from someone, ask for the S/N and show proof, otherwise might be old.