[Dixter]

Thanks! I'll try your EQ settings. I dont even have a filter 16, mine only goes to 10. I'll have to figure out how to do in MathEQ what you did in Peace.

One of the nice things about the Peace is its pretty much free ( donations ) and its pretty easy to learn... when I loaded the one Jonne shared I just had to save it for each of the inputs... started with the freq roll - saved and then the Q settings - saved and worked my way thru the settings and the final save... then you can tweek it to how you want...

 

[Ham Sandwich]

I have some new LCD-X cans (new 2020) version). I am using them with a Kann Cube non balanced because I don't have cables yet for 2.5mm balanced. I was using the cube with some cheap Bose cans and the sound was harsh and brassy. With the X now the sound is warm, the bass is full and tight. The issue now is it is almost too dark, there seems to be a "hole" in the upper mid/treble. Is that an issue with the cans or the cube? The cube does have an EQ but it seems to lower the volume when used and I heard it was not advisable to use EQ. Suggestion? I could live with it because my ears don't like bright treble anyway but ideally the highs could stand to be slight bit more.

The LCD-X sounds like it has a "hole" or recess in the mids and low treble because it does. The recess is more noticeable to me when using solid state amplification than when using hybrid tube or full tube amplification.

You can experiment with EQ to fill in the midrange and see how you like the LCD-X with a more neutral sounding midrange. The specs for the A&K say it has a 10 band parametric EQ (PEQ). I've never used a A&K with EQ. I assume their PEQ implementation is capable. Then go to the Oratory1990 list of EQ presets. And plug in the PEQ settings for the version of the LCD-X you have. I'd try just the midrange and treble PEQ settings and ignore the bass EQ for now. And see how you like that. And see how well the A&K is able to drive the LCD-X while using the EQ (once you get the balanced cable you'll have more headphone amp power and this should work better). You'll need to adjust the EQ gain down so you don't get digital clipping when using the EQ.

If you like the LCD-X with the midrange/treble EQ but don't want to use EQ you can consider the new Audeze MM-500. The MM-500 has the harman midrange/treble built in and doesn't need EQ. But be aware that the MM-500 isn't going to sound exactly like a LCD-X with EQ. The MM-500 will have its own sonic character. It isn't exactly like a LCD-X with EQ.

I have both the LCD-X (2021 version) and MM-500.

 

[bust3r]

One of the nice things about the Peace is its pretty much free ( donations ) and its pretty easy to learn... when I loaded the one Jonne shared I just had to save it for each of the inputs... started with the freq roll - saved and then the Q settings - saved and worked my way thru the settings and the final save... then you can tweek it to how you want...

I like PEACE but can only use it on the dektop as EQ in Windows will not work with PEACE if you are using ASIO or WASAPI, so MathEQ it is. Trying to wrap my head around how to setup MathEQ the same as the screenshot of PEACE with the filters.

 

[bust3r]

I was able to implement the exact EQ settings into MathEQ but am getting a slightly different graph, with the bass accentuated in the sub low end. I'm not complaining, this EQ sounds really good. Highly impressed so far and far better in the mids. Kudos, this is excellent!

 

[Jonne Haven]

I was able to implement the exact EQ settings into MathEQ but am getting a slightly different graph, with the bass accentuated in the sub low end. I'm not complaining, this EQ sounds really good. Highly impressed so far and far better in the mids. Kudos, this is excellent!

Hey @bust3r!

I'm glad that the EQ is working out for you! And I'm glad that you figured out how to get all the filters going in MathAudio. You really do need all of them.

Your graph looks accurate to me. There is supposed to be an accentuation in the low sub end. Remember that my graph is showing frequencies down to 10Hz. Here's my graph:

Happy listening!

-J

 

[samhein]

Jonne, this EQ is amazing! I thought Resolve's EQ was endgame but this is definitely next level. I might pick up the LCD-X just to try out your EQ!

 

[Jonne Haven]

Jonne, this EQ is amazing! I thought Resolve's EQ was endgame but this is definitely next level. I might pick up the LCD-X just to try out your EQ!

Hey @samhein,

I'm glad you like my EQ for the LCD-XC!

Don't tell Resolve what you said, lol, I have great respect for his EQs that I've tried and pretty much anything he says, so your comment is quite the validation.

FWIW I think my EQ for the LCD-X sounds better. I don't know if you should go out and buy one just for my EQ (though it's my favorite headphone) but wow, what a statement!

Thanks again, you made my day!

Blessings,
-J

 

[Jonne Haven]

I also used it to make changes for my XC, Bubinga wood, Since I got both the wood and Carbon.

REW is handy ain't it!
-J

 

[Derivative]

Just got my hands on the XC 2021 version, ostensibly to replace the Celestee as the closed back in the collection.
First impressions, without any EQ, are very very good. My reference is the Focal Clear, which I love, but these come across as both more resolving and more engaging.
Early days but I'm excited for the upcoming sonic journey with these cans, especially the EQ experimentation.

 

[Jonne Haven]

Just got my hands on the XC 2021 version, ostensibly to replace the Celestee as the closed back in the collection.
First impressions, without any EQ, are very very good. My reference is the Focal Clear, which I love, but these come across as both more resolving and more engaging.
Early days but I'm excited for the upcoming sonic journey with these cans, especially the EQ experimentation.

Hey @Derivative!

Maybe you'll want to experiment with these settings:

LCD-XC 2021 EQ Revision 10-26-22

Preamp: -18.75 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 4.5 dB Q 1.3
Filter 2: ON LSC Fc 39.5 Hz Gain 6.2 dB Q 0.7
Filter 3: ON LSC Fc 40.2 Hz Gain 1.27 dB Q 4
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 80 Hz Gain 5.75 dB Q 1.85
Filter 5: ON LSC Fc 125 Hz Gain 6.53 dB Q 0.7
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 197 Hz Gain -8.02 dB Q 1.4
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 250 Hz Gain 6.65 dB Q 0.6
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 590 Hz Gain 2.05 dB Q 3
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 740 Hz Gain -1.35 dB Q 2.5
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 1015 Hz Gain -2.45 dB Q 1.5
Filter 11: ON PK Fc 1015 Hz Gain 2.9 dB Q 2.9
Filter 12: ON PK Fc 1300 Hz Gain 0.25 dB Q 3.2
Filter 13: ON PK Fc 1675 Hz Gain 1.4 dB Q 4.5
Filter 14: ON PK Fc 1800 Hz Gain -4.2 dB Q 0.9
Filter 15: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain 0.55 dB Q 5
Filter 16: ON PK Fc 2350 Hz Gain 1.95 dB Q 4
Filter 17: ON PK Fc 2700 Hz Gain -0.45 dB Q 5
Filter 18: ON PK Fc 3550 Hz Gain -1.15 dB Q 4
Filter 19: ON PK Fc 4150 Hz Gain 4.01 dB Q 2.1
Filter 20: ON PK Fc 4335 Hz Gain 1.01 dB Q 2
Filter 21: ON PK Fc 5750 Hz Gain -3.85 dB Q 3.7
Filter 22: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain 2.4 dB Q 3
Filter 23: ON PK Fc 9000 Hz Gain -8.6 dB Q 6
Filter 24: ON HSC Fc 10000 Hz Gain 2.3 dB Q 1
Filter 25: ON HSC Fc 13000 Hz Gain 0.98 dB Q 2.7
Filter 26: ON PK Fc 19000 Hz Gain 1.45 dB Q 0.6

Blessings,
-J

 

[Derivative]

Hey @Derivative!

Maybe you'll want to experiment with these settings:

LCD-XC 2021 EQ Revision 10-26-22

Preamp: -18.75 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 4.5 dB Q 1.3
Filter 2: ON LSC Fc 39.5 Hz Gain 6.2 dB Q 0.7
Filter 3: ON LSC Fc 40.2 Hz Gain 1.27 dB Q 4
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 80 Hz Gain 5.75 dB Q 1.85
Filter 5: ON LSC Fc 125 Hz Gain 6.53 dB Q 0.7
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 197 Hz Gain -8.02 dB Q 1.4
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 250 Hz Gain 6.65 dB Q 0.6
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 590 Hz Gain 2.05 dB Q 3
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 740 Hz Gain -1.35 dB Q 2.5
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 1015 Hz Gain -2.45 dB Q 1.5
Filter 11: ON PK Fc 1015 Hz Gain 2.9 dB Q 2.9
Filter 12: ON PK Fc 1300 Hz Gain 0.25 dB Q 3.2
Filter 13: ON PK Fc 1675 Hz Gain 1.4 dB Q 4.5
Filter 14: ON PK Fc 1800 Hz Gain -4.2 dB Q 0.9
Filter 15: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain 0.55 dB Q 5
Filter 16: ON PK Fc 2350 Hz Gain 1.95 dB Q 4
Filter 17: ON PK Fc 2700 Hz Gain -0.45 dB Q 5
Filter 18: ON PK Fc 3550 Hz Gain -1.15 dB Q 4
Filter 19: ON PK Fc 4150 Hz Gain 4.01 dB Q 2.1
Filter 20: ON PK Fc 4335 Hz Gain 1.01 dB Q 2
Filter 21: ON PK Fc 5750 Hz Gain -3.85 dB Q 3.7
Filter 22: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain 2.4 dB Q 3
Filter 23: ON PK Fc 9000 Hz Gain -8.6 dB Q 6
Filter 24: ON HSC Fc 10000 Hz Gain 2.3 dB Q 1
Filter 25: ON HSC Fc 13000 Hz Gain 0.98 dB Q 2.7
Filter 26: ON PK Fc 19000 Hz Gain 1.45 dB Q 0.6

Blessings,
-J

Thank you for sharing this. I need a little education - is this for a specific EQ software?
I stream Qobuz either directly from laptop (desktop app) or through volumio on RPi - does the software work with either of these set ups? any guidance appreciated.

 

[Jonne Haven]

Thank you for sharing this. I need a little education - is this for a specific EQ software?
I stream Qobuz either directly from laptop (desktop app) or through volumio on RPi - does the software work with either of these set ups? any guidance appreciated.

You sound like you are serious about EQ so I'll drop you in the deep end of the pool.

This is a parametric equalizer EQ. Though it will work with any parametric equalizer with enough filters, most EQ enthusiasts as with myself use Equalizer APO with the PEACE front end. It's free and most excellent. Links are below. Be sure to go to Sizes and Amounts settings and change the Snap to dB gain to .01 so that this EQ will work. I believe any further needed instructions can be found at the links.

Equalizer APO -
https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/

PEACE front end -
https://sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/

If you need more help just ask!

Blessings,
-J

 

[Derivative]

You sound like you are serious about EQ so I'll drop you in the deep end of the pool.

This is a parametric equalizer EQ. Though it will work with any parametric equalizer with enough filters, most EQ enthusiasts as with myself use Equalizer APO with the PEACE front end. It's free and most excellent. Links are below. Be sure to go to Sizes and Amounts settings and change the Snap to dB gain to .01 so that this EQ will work. I believe any further needed instructions can be found at the links.

Equalizer APO -
https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/

PEACE front end -
https://sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/

If you need more help just ask!

Blessings,
-J

Thanks again! I will explore and PM any questions

 

[Beagle]

The LCD-X sounds like it has a "hole" or recess in the mids and low treble because it does.

It seems that the LCD series that I’ve heard all have this “flaw”. I recently acquired a MX4 and same thing. Muddles the entire bass/lower mid area.

 

[Ham Sandwich]

It seems that the LCD series that I’ve heard all have this “flaw”. I recently acquired a MX4 and same thing. Muddles the entire bass/lower mid area.

It's the traditional Audeze LCD midrange tuning they've been doing since they started. It's a headphone tuning that can work well for planar magnetic headphones. It's not truly neutral. With good source and good amplification the tuning works well and the brain will adapt and fill in (just like how the brain adapts to the Stax SR-007).

I find the traditional Audeze tuning works better when you use a hybrid or full tube amp. The 2nd harmonics that tubes do and the general fuller midrange that tubes can do helps fill in the midrange recess that the Audeze headphones have. My main setup is the Liquid Fire hybrid and Audeze LCD-2 and now the LCD-X (2021). When I'm using the Liquid Fire amp with the Audeze I never (hardly ever) feel a need to EQ the headphones to fix the midrange.

However, when using solid state amplification I more often do feel a need to EQ that midrange to fill it in and get it closer to the Harman style of neutral. I got the Monolith Liquid Gold X solid state amp. With that amp I was getting real feelings of needing to EQ the midrange. Especially with vocals (both female and male). So to make that amp happy and make me happy with the new amp I got the MM-500. Problem solved. I'll use the MM-500 with the Liquid Gold X and other solid state amps. And continue to use the LCD-X with my hyriids and future full tube amp.

How well the traditional Audeze tuning works does depend on the amp and DAC.