[borrego]

Hi everyone, seeking some guidance. I’m not based in a country that has an existing reseller of most of Audeze’s products (current one is only stocking the gaming stuff) but the previous reseller is dumping previous generation LCD-XC’s—pre-2021. I think they’d be 2019 or 2020 models (as far as I can tell they have 8 fazors instead of six).

I could possibly look to import the 2021 version of the XC, but I really prefer to just buy locally and avoid the hassle of international shipping and potential warranty issues and import taxes and all that. What I haven’t been able to figure out, in general is what the older sound signature was like, I keep reading that it was a little bit warm, and then the new one is not as warm, but I also keep reading about it being fairly bright, etc. I don’t have the ability, or really the intention of using EQ, and I’m not particularly fussed about sticking to the Harmon target, but I do like a headphone that’s mildly V-shaped and I have found that I like planars. One of the specific reasons I am considering XC is that I want a closed back Planar, otherwise I’d probably just get some sort of Hifiman product which is readily available. I’d be running it off an iFi amp so have the bass button available, though I am looking to upgrade at some point in the next 6 to 12 months if need be.

I’m also considering Denon 9200, but it is a bit more expensive here than the XC, and for the price the overall package is just a bit underwhelming. A completely different signature would be the Atticus, which I can import for about the same price as the XC, and would be an interesting option—just for something unique. I do have an HD 660 for when I listen to jazz, but the majority of what I would listen to would be some sort of hard rock or metal on the XC. Disturbed, Tool, Rammstein, Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, symphony X, Gojira, Chevelle, Fire from the gods, etc. I don’t listen to doom or death and not really a lot of 80s stuff, I’m in my 30s, so I’m a product of the late 90s and early 2000s. I think I probably prefer clarity, and really like when I hear clear drums and present male vocals, versus something a bit laid-back. Don’t need amazing female vocals.

DCA stuff, Monoprice, etc planar stuff is all special import. More expensive planar closed backs like Kennerton and Hifiman are way too expensive. My max is probably up to around $1.5k new (not interested in used). Lot of Audio Technica where I am and I’m pretty ‘meh’ with most of it or doesn’t fit. Demoed Celestee for kicks and found it boring, have seen local language issues outlining issues with Radiance so will stay away. Leaves me with not a lot of options.

Apologies, this is a long post for a question, which really is in general what do the XC’s from a couple of years ago actually sound like taking into consideration my musical preferences? Thank you! (And apologies if this has been beaten to death. I see a lot of posts that say just EQ it, but I’m curious what it’s like without that.)

2020 LCD-XC review and measurement: https://www.headphones.com/community/reviews-learning-and-news/audeze-lcd-xc-review
2018 LCD-XC review and measurement: https://www.audiofanatyk.pl/recenzja-sluchawek-audeze-lcd-xc-creator-edition-wer-2018/

I think the FR of the 2018-20 LCD-XC is actually more V-shape than that of the current version, which could be what you would prefer.

The 2018/19 LCD-XC has bubinga wood cups, the 2020 LCD-XC has maple wood cups. I think the bubinga cups look the best and which is what I have.

 

[Ddhead]

Can someone explain the difference between the new and old LCD-X?

You may refer to my post #933 in page 63

 

[cummje]

2020 LCD-XC review and measurement: https://www.headphones.com/community/reviews-learning-and-news/audeze-lcd-xc-review
2018 LCD-XC review and measurement: https://www.audiofanatyk.pl/recenzja-sluchawek-audeze-lcd-xc-creator-edition-wer-2018/

I think the FR of the 2018-20 LCD-XC is actually more V-shape than that of the current version, which could be what you would prefer.

The 2018/19 LCD-XC has bubinga wood cups, the 2020 LCD-XC has maple wood cups. I think the bubinga cups look the best and which is what I have.

Thanks a lot. I hadn't seen that 2018 review. It's actually quite revealing. Much appreciated.

 

[peterinvan]

Hi everyone, seeking some guidance. I’m not based in a country that has an existing reseller of most of Audeze’s products (current one is only stocking the gaming stuff) but the previous reseller is dumping previous generation LCD-XC’s—pre-2021. I think they’d be 2019 or 2020 models (as far as I can tell they have 8 fazors instead of six).

I could possibly look to import the 2021 version of the XC, but I really prefer to just buy locally and avoid the hassle of international shipping and potential warranty issues and import taxes and all that. What I haven’t been able to figure out, in general is what the older sound signature was like, I keep reading that it was a little bit warm, and then the new one is not as warm, but I also keep reading about it being fairly bright, etc. I don’t have the ability, or really the intention of using EQ, and I’m not particularly fussed about sticking to the Harmon target, but I do like a headphone that’s mildly V-shaped and I have found that I like planars. One of the specific reasons I am considering XC is that I want a closed back Planar, otherwise I’d probably just get some sort of Hifiman product which is readily available. I’d be running it off an iFi amp so have the bass button available, though I am looking to upgrade at some point in the next 6 to 12 months if need be.

I’m also considering Denon 9200, but it is a bit more expensive here than the XC, and for the price the overall package is just a bit underwhelming. A completely different signature would be the Atticus, which I can import for about the same price as the XC, and would be an interesting option—just for something unique. I do have an HD 660 for when I listen to jazz, but the majority of what I would listen to would be some sort of hard rock or metal on the XC. Disturbed, Tool, Rammstein, Asking Alexandria, Bring Me the Horizon, symphony X, Gojira, Chevelle, Fire from the gods, etc. I don’t listen to doom or death and not really a lot of 80s stuff, I’m in my 30s, so I’m a product of the late 90s and early 2000s. I think I probably prefer clarity, and really like when I hear clear drums and present male vocals, versus something a bit laid-back. Don’t need amazing female vocals.

DCA stuff, Monoprice, etc planar stuff is all special import. More expensive planar closed backs like Kennerton and Hifiman are way too expensive. My max is probably up to around $1.5k new (not interested in used). Lot of Audio Technica where I am and I’m pretty ‘meh’ with most of it or doesn’t fit. Demoed Celestee for kicks and found it boring, have seen local language issues outlining issues with Radiance so will stay away. Leaves me with not a lot of options.

Apologies, this is a long post for a question, which really is in general what do the XC’s from a couple of years ago actually sound like taking into consideration my musical preferences? Thank you! (And apologies if this has been beaten to death. I see a lot of posts that say just EQ it, but I’m curious what it’s like without that.)

I got a used pair of LCD-XC (2019) with the wood cups. These are now my reference phones, and I enjoy them a lot, even without EQ. Here is my test playlist with various generes, just to show where my taste lies:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/fa6622ac-b9ca-4482-97a4-24e6480b4449

I do not find the weight to be a problem, as I use these phones while reclining in my La-Z-Boy chair

Here is my comparison with the HD820s

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sennheiser-hd-820.22850/reviews#review-27643

 

[cummje]

I got a used pair of LCD-XC (2019) with the wood cups. These are now my reference phones, and I enjoy them a lot, even without EQ. Here is my test playlist with various generes, just to show where my taste lies:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/fa6622ac-b9ca-4482-97a4-24e6480b4449

I do not find the weight to be a problem, as I use these phones while reclining in my La-Z-Boy chair

Here is my comparison with the HD820s

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sennheiser-hd-820.22850/reviews#review-27643

Wow that’s an eclectic playlist—a lot of good stuff there. If the XC’s pass that then yeah, they should be an excellent option. Good review too. Sounds like I should go ahead and give them a shot. Thank you!

 

[393699]

I just did another slight update again to my previous EQ. This is the best one I have made yet.

Pre-Amp = -6.5

25Hz = +2 Q 2
Low Shelf 58Hz = +3 Q 1.2
Low Shelf 125Hz = +1.5 Q 1
450Hz = +1 Q 3.5
700Hz = -1 Q 3.5
1.1kHz = +1 Q 3.5
1.85kHz = +1 Q 3
3.6kHz = +3 Q 3
4.1kHz = +2 Q 4
5.65kHz = -2.5 Q 3
7.3kHz = +1 Q 5
8.3kHz = +1.5 Q 4
12.2kHz = -3 Q 3

 

[lightoflight]

I just did another slight update again to my previous EQ. This is the best one I have made yet.

Pre-Amp = -6.5

25Hz = +2 Q 2
Low Shelf 58Hz = +3 Q 1.2
Low Shelf 125Hz = +1.5 Q 1
450Hz = +1 Q 3.5
700Hz = -1 Q 3.5
1.1kHz = +1 Q 3.5
1.85kHz = +1 Q 3
3.6kHz = +3 Q 3
4.1kHz = +2 Q 4
5.65kHz = -2.5 Q 3
7.3kHz = +1 Q 5
8.3kHz = +1.5 Q 4
12.2kHz = -3 Q 3

Thanks! What amp are you using for this?

 

[393699]

I have the Audio-GD C2 headphone amp (2017 Edition).

 

[dunpeal]

Are the Dekoni Elite Sheepskins thicker than the stock pads (2021)? The fazors touch my ears after a few minutes and it's driving me nuts.

 

[pofofo]

Are the Dekoni Elite Sheepskins thicker than the stock pads (2021)? The fazors touch my ears after a few minutes and it's driving me nuts.

Yes, they are thicker and the foam is denser (memory foam).

 

[Deceneu808]

Are the Dekoni Elite Sheepskins thicker than the stock pads (2021)? The fazors touch my ears after a few minutes and it's driving me nuts.

After going through a couple of pad swaps I ended up with stock again and stuck a piece of foam inside the cup of the pad and I've got around the same problem you have.
Dekoni pads are really thick and nice but another problem with those was in the summer they always used to stick to my left upper part of my jaw and made this really annoying sound.

EDIT : I've used the foam discs from my old DT 880 that I had around but you can try something like this https://dekoniaudio.com/product/att-foamkit/

EDIT 2 : @Audeze When LCD-X in LCD-5 form factor ?

 

[deafenears]

After going through a couple of pad swaps I ended up with stock again

Would stock for yours be the leather or leather-free? The newer open cell foam or memory foam?

 

[Deceneu808]

Would stock for yours be the leather or leather-free? The newer open cell foam or memory foam?

I went from stock leather cell foam to Dekoni Sheepskin to stock leather free cell foam to Dekoni Choice Leather and back to stock leather cell foam with inserts

 

[Jonne Haven]

I'm a little embarrassed to share this profile because it may not be mixing/mastering normal or your typical audiophile's profile but I think you'll find it hella fun! I mean if I'm going to own these gigantic planar magnetic headphones I may as well test its limits!

So for those of you like rumbling sub bass that doesn't encroach upon the mids too much and crystal clear highs that don't sacrifice the LCD-X's natural, stellar imaging and separation...unlocking and unleashing the fun sides of the LCD-X 2021 here's an EQ that leaves nothing to the imagination!





As you can see from the overlay-ed, inverted chart of Oratory1990's FR (yes PEACE can do that!) I have stuck with his mids calculations even more religiously than he did. My curve (green) deviates most from his (red) in the bass and the highs, adding a couple shots of bass slam and sparkling highs that makes vocalists more realistic and up close and personal.


Pre Amp: -14.75 (Be sure to enter this value to avoid clipping)

Band 1: Freq 29.7 Gain 3.09 Q 0.69 Filter Low Shelf
Band 2: Freq 35 Gain 0.99 Q 3.3 Filter Low Shelf
Band 3: Freq 70 Gain 5.25 Q 1.5 Filter Peak
Band 4: Freq 90 Gain 10.5 Q 0.7 Filter Low Shelf
Band 5: Freq 130 Gain 0.5 Q 0.6 Filter Peak
Band 6: Freq 540 Gain 0.5 Q 2.7 Filter Peak
Band 7: Freq 810 Gain -1.85 Q 2.2 Filter Peak
Band 8: Freq 1235 Gain -1 Q 2.4 Filter High Shelf
Band 9: Freq 1500 Gain 7.9 Q 0.71 Filter High Shelf
Band 10: Freq 1910 Gain 1.3 Q 5 Filter Peak
Band 11: Freq 2730 Gain -3.6 Q 2.2 Filter Peak
Band 12: Freq 3700 Gain 4 Q 1.4 Filter Peak
Band 13: Freq 5775 Gain -5.4 Q 4.3 Filter Peak
Band 14: Freq 6800 Gain 0.65 Q 5 Filter Peak
Band 15: Freq 7350 Gain -2.75 Q 5.7 Filter Peak
Band 16: Freq 12500 Gain 1.2 Q 1.7 Filter High Shelf
Band 17: Freq 13500 Gain 0.99 Q 0.6 Filter High Shelf[/JUSTIFY]

To increase or decrease sub-bass, adjust gain to Band 4 to taste.
To increase or decrease treble/air, adjust gain to Band 17 to taste.
If the tracks you're playing have a bit too much "bass body" change Band 4's Frequency from 90 to 70-80 and you'll get more of a "planar typical" bass sound that extends just as deep.

If you're looking for a good song to test it out try this track:
Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk:

It's YouTube so you'll want to add ~2 dB to your volume knob.


10 Band Version:

Pre Amp: -14.75 (Be sure to enter this value to avoid clipping)

Band 1: Freq 29.7 Gain 3.11 Q 0.69 Filter Low Shelf
Band 2: Freq 35 Gain 0.99 Q 3.3 Filter Low Shelf
Band 3: Freq 70 Gain 5.25 Q 1.5 Filter Peak
Band 4: Freq 90 Gain 10.5 Q 0.7 Filter Low Shelf
Band 5: Freq 1500 Gain 6.8 Q 0.8 Filter High Shelf
Band 6: Freq 2680 Gain -3.9 Q 2.2 Filter Peak
Band 7: Freq 3700 Gain 3.65 Q 1.4 Filter Peak
Band 8: Freq 5830 Gain -8 Q 3.6 Filter Peak
Band 9: Freq 6900 Gain -1.9 Q 3.3 Filter High Shelf
Band 10: Freq 7775 Gain 4.05 Q 1 Filter High Shelf

To increase or decrease sub-bass, adjust gain to Band 4 to taste.
To increase or decrease treble/air, adjust gain to Band 10 to taste.
If the tracks you're playing have a bit too much "bass body" change Band 4's Frequency from 90 to 70-80 and you'll get more of a "planar typical" bass sound that extends just as deep.



Here is an original track that I restored and mastered with these headphones from an analog cassette recording I wrote/recorded as a teen. These cans are an indispensable tool in my studio work/play:

Jonne Haven - Swing




It's been said already, but I must add that I've been working on EQing the LCD-X 2021 everyday for almost 2 months now and I find that it responds to EQ settings superbly and with the greatest of resolution. Even the smallest of changes are reported, with minute detail and without distortion, the best of any headphone I have EQ'd.

Enjoy!
-J

EQ Revision (06-12-22)
For more punch and slam

For those of you interested the EQ profile I posted in February it has under gone several silent revisions. The latest can be found below in the 18 band iteration.

And so for deep, tight bass that sounds more resolving and moves quickly out of the way of the honestly crafted mids and meticulously shaped highs, that accentuates the LCD-X’s "punch and slam" effect with kick drums and snares.



As you can see from the overlay-ed, inverted chart of Oratory1990's Harman Compensated FR (yes PEACE can do that!) I have stuck with his mids calculations even more religiously than he did. My curve (green) deviates most from his (red) in the bass and the highs, adding a couple shots of bass slam and sparkling highs that makes vocalists more realistic and up close and personal. 80Hz is exaggerated in order target bass drums and make them cut through the mix. The dip before 37.5Hz is there to give sub,sub bass some slam to bass guitars.


Pre Amp: -14.35 (Be sure to enter this value to avoid clipping)

Band 1: Freq 36.5 Gain 4.36 Q 0.69 Filter Low Shelf
Band 2: Freq 37.5 Gain 0.9 Q 4 Filter Low Shelf
Band 3: Freq 80 Gain 5.7 Q 1.4 Filter Peak
Band 4: Freq 90 Gain 8.85 Q 0.7 Filter Low Shelf
Band 5: Freq 120 Gain 2.2 Q 1.41 Filter Peak
Band 6: Freq 220 Gain -1.55 Q 1.7 Filter Peak
Band 7: Freq 535 Gain 0.55 Q 2.1 Filter Peak
Band 8: Freq 810 Gain -1.85 Q 2.41 Filter Peak
Band 9: Freq 1235 Gain -1 Q 2.4 Filter High Shelf
Band 10: Freq 1500 Gain 8.4 Q 0.71 Filter High Shelf
Band 11: Freq 1910 Gain 1.3 Q 5 Filter Peak
Band 12: Freq 2800 Gain -3.5 Q 2 Filter Peak
Band 13: Freq 3400 Gain 3 Q 2.1 Filter Peak
Band 14: Freq 5780 Gain -4.35 Q 5.5 Filter Peak
Band 15: Freq 7350 Gain -2 Q 7 Filter Peak
Band 16: Freq 10000 Gain -0.5 Q 0.9 Filter Peak
Band 17: Freq 12500 Gain 1.85 Q 2.4 Filter High Shelf
Band 18: Freq 19000 Gain 0.93 Q 1 Filter High Shelf

To increase or decrease sub-bass, adjust gain to Band 4 to taste.

Here’s two original tracks of mine to try this profile out with that I mastered with the LCD-X 2021 that really pushes these cans to do things previously not thought possible by me:

Jonne Haven - “Big Bad World”



Jonne Haven - “Swing”




It's been said already, but I must add that I've been working on EQing the LCD-X 2021 everyday for almost 7 months now and I find that it responds to EQ settings superbly and with the greatest of resolution. Even the smallest of changes are reported, with minute detail and without distortion, the best of any headphone I have EQ'd.

Blessings,
-J

 

[Andii]

A little TOO close.