LCD-X and XC Update

[godmax]

I'm thinking of getting an xc as a closed back to supplement my rad 0. I've been pondering over stellia, vc, noire, celestee etc for months but I think I prefer how planars sound. The xc also seems to be very good value price wise

The question you may ask yourself might be, what you will define as supplement/complement? Are you looking for a similar set of sonic properties of the Rad-0 in a closed form or something that is rather the opposite for an different take on overall presentation? I assume from your list of existing headphones you kinda want something with less low end focus, since you got everything greatly covered already?
I am also currently torn between the LCD-XC and Kennerton Rögnir for my next closed planar headphone trial/buy, currently leaning towards the lighter Rögnir, but seems you are already very tolerant to more 'weighty' headphones . The 2021 re-tuning of the LCD-XC seems a really interesting shift from previous generation(s).

 

[Bimbleton]

Looking for some work headphones, and I'm contemplating between an Arya vs LCD-X (2021) and XC (2021). Arya will be delivered today, but I have a suspicion I won't like them, as they've been noted to be bright and perhaps a little sibilant.

I really enjoy the new revision Sundara's, but they lack slam in the bass, and a sense of 'body' for male vocalists. Not sure if I'm using the correct terminology, but certain male vocalists sound a little hollow and distant. I love the soundstaging, the mid/treble clarity, and the relative laid-back nature of it (with some EQ'd bass shelf). Also, I'm a little sensitive to shoutiness, so EQ'd that down a touch as well.

Do you think the 2021 LCD-X would give Sundara-level clarity while bringing more bass-slam and 'body' to vocals? Thanks!

PS: Also, is the LCD-X on Amazon definitely for sure the 2021 revision with the new tuning? Can anyone confirm?

 

[mikecheck95]

Looking for some work headphones, and I'm contemplating between an Arya vs LCD-X (2021) and XC (2021). Arya will be delivered today, but I have a suspicion I won't like them, as they've been noted to be bright and perhaps a little sibilant.

I really enjoy the new revision Sundara's, but they lack slam in the bass, and a sense of 'body' for male vocalists. Not sure if I'm using the correct terminology, but certain male vocalists sound a little hollow and distant. I love the soundstaging, the mid/treble clarity, and the relative laid-back nature of it (with some EQ'd bass shelf). Also, I'm a little sensitive to shoutiness, so EQ'd that down a touch as well.

Do you think the 2021 LCD-X would give Sundara-level clarity while bringing more bass-slam and 'body' to vocals? Thanks!

PS: Also, is the LCD-X on Amazon definitely for sure the 2021 revision with the new tuning? Can anyone confirm?

It is more linear than Sundara with better bass slam except for lower treble where it is still muted. If you don't mind EQing a bit you can get much better performance out of the LCD-X however, if you don't want to EQ at all you will probably enjoy your Sundara more and it will be better for music production. Arya is coloured (bright) to me. Sundara's tuning is pretty much spot-on in the upper mids/lower treble to my ears.

 

[KCXT]

Looking for some work headphones, and I'm contemplating between an Arya vs LCD-X (2021) and XC (2021). Arya will be delivered today, but I have a suspicion I won't like them, as they've been noted to be bright and perhaps a little sibilant.

I really enjoy the new revision Sundara's, but they lack slam in the bass, and a sense of 'body' for male vocalists. Not sure if I'm using the correct terminology, but certain male vocalists sound a little hollow and distant. I love the soundstaging, the mid/treble clarity, and the relative laid-back nature of it (with some EQ'd bass shelf). Also, I'm a little sensitive to shoutiness, so EQ'd that down a touch as well.

Do you think the 2021 LCD-X would give Sundara-level clarity while bringing more bass-slam and 'body' to vocals? Thanks!

PS: Also, is the LCD-X on Amazon definitely for sure the 2021 revision with the new tuning? Can anyone confirm?

If you're looking specifically at Audeze closed backs, consider the LCD-2 closed. I really don't find it too far off the Elegia/Sundara level of clarity and IMO/IME it hits much harder than the Sundara.

Edit: missed that you're looking at opens, but I still think the 2-closed could be a good option. Good stage for a closed back and retains clarity along with bringing the bass. The XC may fit that same bill for you as well.

 

[betula]

Do you think the 2021 LCD-X would give Sundara-level clarity while bringing more bass-slam and 'body' to vocals?

Better clarity, more slam.

The Arya on the other hand will sound very different. Spacious and soft versus the smaller soundstage and more focused presentation of the LCD-X. Resolution is very similar. Both are quite a bit better than the Sundara in pretty much everything.

 

[Bimbleton]

Thanks for all the advice. Does the LCD-X take EQ pretty well? And would you say it’s relatively easy, non-fatiguing to listen to?

 

[mikecheck95]

Thanks for all the advice. Does the LCD-X take EQ pretty well? And would you say it’s relatively easy, non-fatiguing to listen to?

Audezes have low distortion and can take a decent amount of EQ.

 

[portalheadd]

I wonder how the new pads will affect my LCD-2f. my pads are totally fine and are in a very good condition. but if the new pads will affect 2f in a good way I would like to replace them. also does anyone knows if the LCD pads that are for sale on the Audeze Website are the same as LCD-X 2021 pads?

 

[Golyatx]

Thanks for all the advice. Does the LCD-X take EQ pretty well? And would you say it’s relatively easy, non-fatiguing to listen to?

They take eq extremely well, even +15 bass boost after trying a lot of eq things, I like the stock the most, very nonfatigue sound, sometimes add more bass and treble for fun listening . X 2021.

 

[Bimbleton]

Okay final question: prior to intense listening, how long should I chill my balanced silver cables in my Xbox(TM) Fridge?

 

[Audeze]

I wonder how the new pads will affect my LCD-2f. my pads are totally fine and are in a very good condition. but if the new pads will affect 2f in a good way I would like to replace them. also does anyone knows if the LCD pads that are for sale on the Audeze Website are the same as LCD-X 2021 pads?

Audeze no longer carries the older pads. All LCD pads currently sold through Audeze are of the newer variant.

 

[portalheadd]

Audeze no longer carries the older pads. All LCD pads currently sold through Audeze are of the newer variant.

Thanks for clarification. Can you provide any information about how the new Pads will affect 2F's FR wise? from what I gathered, it looks like new pads are less Plush and kinda thinner with completely different foam material. I don't have any Idea how they will affect the sound of 2 fazors.

 

[Kevintj604]

Just received the 2021 LCDX Leathers. They're soooo good. I'll be upgrading the grills and headband tomorrow but honestly they are way lighter than I remember the old ones being. Much better weight distribution. And they sound totally different as well. I couldn't be happier that I sold the 2021 XC's and bought the opens. To my ears they are way better balanced.

 

[mikecheck95]

Thanks for clarification. Can you provide any information about how the new Pads will affect 2F's FR wise? from what I gathered, it looks like new pads are less Plush and kinda thinner with completely different foam material. I don't have any Idea how they will affect the sound of 2 fazors.

It's hard to say definitively because no one has measured them yet. However to my ears there is more presence in the 4k region (to the point where not much correction is required) there is a slight problem around 2.5k (maybe phase cancelation). Big 10k peak and a bit of a dip in the sibilance region drawing even more attention to the 10k peak. They definitely still need EQ but they sound good. Bass is fantastic (although I still EQ a bass shelf). Dynamics are great. Obviously the big sell with the LCD-2 is that it's a great value set. They also look great just be careful with the wood rings as they are more fragile than one would anticipate around the cutaway that controls the cup swivel.

 

[Bimbleton]

I’m curious about subjective sonic impressions of the ‘21 LCD-X without EQ. (Secretly hoping I can use it connected to a PS5 controller). How does it sound to you? Is it non-fatiguing, non-sibilant? Enjoyable?