LCD-X and XC Update

[Andrew_WOT]

From a technical standpoint data pass for a lot of filters, before u even activate bit perfect. But this is not a forum to talk about science.

And I really doubt the ability of the audiophile to distinguish bit-perfect from no-bit-perfect.

So, everyone pick the best way to enjoy music.

I do not have bat ears, but can easily tell WASAPI shared mode from bit-perfect exclusive on PC or Android OS standard 48K oversampled output vs bit-perfect UAPP.
In fact it's so apparent that it surprises me that somebody cannot hear it.

 

[PROblemdetected]

I do not have bat ears, but can easily tell WASAPI shared mode from bit-perfect exclusive on PC or Android OS standard 48K oversampled output vs bit-perfect UAPP.
In fact it's so apparent that it surprises me that somebody cannot hear it.

I really surprise about your ears.

Take care of them, they are pure gold.

 

[jonathan c]

I do not have bat ears, but can easily tell WASAPI shared mode from bit-perfect exclusive on PC or Android OS standard 48K oversampled output vs bit-perfect UAPP.
In fact it's so apparent that it surprises me that somebody cannot hear it.

What?

 

[iFi audio]

Your source has quite a big impact on the performance,

It sure does. Headphones/speakers and amps rely on whatever they get from transports and DACs after all

 

[AnamCeoil]

Duly noted, thanks! Was there anything in particular that you didn't like?

Whoops, I see I missed this question, apologies. I absolutely love the Zen Stack, and the Zen Can has kept me with it despite hundreds of hours looking to find something in the sub-$1000 bracket that performs as good…and here I am, multiple headphones later and still more than happy with my Zen Can for all my cans…but one, the lcd-xc.

When I run the lcd-xc on it I get an incessant crackle irrespective of whether I run it SE or balanced, on low or high gain etc. I saw in the Zen Can thread that it may be related to the power supply that I am using (the generic 5V one that came with later shipped versions, rather than the IFi power pack) which seems to impact lower impedance cans…but I have not yet had the chance to swop things around to test this.

 

[iFi audio]

Whoops, I see I missed this question, apologies. I absolutely love the Zen Stack, and the Zen Can has kept me with it despite hundreds of hours looking to find something in the sub-$1000 bracket that performs as good…and here I am, multiple headphones later and still more than happy with my Zen Can for all my cans…but one, the lcd-xc.

When I run the lcd-xc on it I get an incessant crackle irrespective of whether I run it SE or balanced, on low or high gain etc. I saw in the Zen Can thread that it may be related to the power supply that I am using (the generic 5V one that came with later shipped versions, rather than the IFi power pack) which seems to impact lower impedance cans…but I have not yet had the chance to swop things around to test this.

That's awesome to read, really. Thank you a lot! Regarding that crackling noise, I'd experiment with power supply for sure and would start from USB power first to set the base. Thanks!

 

[Arts2000]

Hey Guys,

Not sure whether this will be taken as spam or not but you can find my short review of the LCD-X via the link below.

Any feedback would be appreciated, more videos will be coming soon covering all things audio related.



Thanks.
Jacques

 

[iFi audio]

Hey Guys,

Not sure whether this will be taken as spam or not but you can find my short review of the LCD-X via the link below.

Any feedback would be appreciated, more videos will be coming soon covering all things audio related.



Thanks.
Jacques

That's a very nice effort, thanks a lot for sharing!

 

[Arts2000]

That's a very nice effort, thanks a lot for sharing!

Thanks

 

[ddfcoold]

That plate looks amazing. Does it count as void warranty?

 

[Kevintj604]

That plate looks amazing. Does it count as void warranty?

No. Super easy to remove. Just a couple screws and it's back to stock.

 

[mancpg]

When some people on this thread say they prefer the LCD-XC 2021 to the LCD-X 2022, what do they prefer about them?

I’ve had my LCD-X 2021 for a couple of years and am thinking about adding a pair of closed backs. Wondering if there are any improvements to be expected with the XCs.

Thanks!

 

[Kevintj604]

When some people on this thread say they prefer the LCD-XC 2021 to the LCD-X 2022, what do they prefer about them?

I’ve had my LCD-X 2021 for a couple of years and am thinking about adding a pair of closed backs. Wondering if there are any improvements to be expected with the XCs.

Thanks!

They sound very different from one another.

The LCDX 2021 is quite balanced but warmer titled and doesn't require EQ.

The LCDXC 2021 or 2022 (there wasn't any revision between them) is very bright by comparison. The treble especially higher treble is VERY energetic. I couldn't get past that as well as the weight so I sold mine. Having said that if you're okay with a heavy headphone (it's approaching 800 grams) and are okay with EQ'ing they are phenomenal. With EQ applied I don't think any manufacturer makes a more resolving closed back.

 

[Kentajalli]

Well, Yes and No!
Both headphones, as far as I know, use the same drivers!
Here is LCD-X

Here is LCD-XC

And here is one, superimposed on the other, allowing for treble level:

The faded curve is LCD-X, the solid curve is XC.

It is a matter of point of view!
From the superimposed graph, you can see that:
1- Both headphones have the same FR from about 1.8kHz upwards.
2- The XC, being a closed back, has all outputs below 1.8kHz, muted a bit.
OR
3- The X being an open back has all lower frequencies boosted! This is because there is no back pressure on the diaphragms.
This makes the headphones sound warmer, OR makes the XC sound brighter, depending on your view-point.
I personally did a simple Mod. on my LCD-XC ( https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...eze-lcd-xc-21-effects-of-small-venting.42829/
From my measurements, after allowing small venting to occur on the XC, you get this:

Just look at the curve below 300Hz.
As I reduced the back pressure from XC diaphragms, in small steps, it changed the bass FR curve.
Here is a zoomed version of the affected area.

At the end of the day, either, the X is too warm, or the XC is too bright, take your pick.
But since both headphones have almost no DISTORTION to speak of, EQ to you heart's desire, just make sure you don't run out of gain.
Distortion? what distortion!

 

[mancpg]

They sound very different from one another.

The LCDX 2021 is quite balanced but warmer titled and doesn't require EQ.

Well, Yes and No!
Both headphones, as far as I know, use the same drivers!
Here is LCD-X


Here is LCD-XC


And here is one, superimposed on the other, allowing for treble level:

The faded curve is LCD-X, the solid curve is XC.

It is a matter of point of view!
From the superimposed graph, you can see that:
1- Both headphones have the same FR from about 1.8kHz upwards.
2- The XC, being a closed back, has all outputs below 1.8kHz, muted a bit.
OR
3- The X being an open back has all lower frequencies boosted! This is because there is no back pressure on the diaphragms.
This makes the headphones sound warmer, OR makes the XC sound brighter, depending on your view-point.
I personally did a simple Mod. on my LCD-XC ( https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...eze-lcd-xc-21-effects-of-small-venting.42829/
From my measurements, after allowing small venting to occur on the XC, you get this:



Just look at the curve below 300Hz.
As I reduced the back pressure from XC diaphragms, in small steps, it changed the bass FR curve.
Here is a zoomed version of the affected area.



At the end of the day, either, the X is too warm, or the XC is too bright, take your pick.
But since both headphones have almost no DISTORTION to speak of, EQ to you heart's desire, just make sure you don't run out of gain.
Distortion? what distortion!

The LCDXC 2021 or 2022 (there wasn't any revision between them) is very bright by comparison. The treble especially higher treble is VERY energetic. I couldn't get past that as well as the weight so I sold mine. Having said that if you're okay with a heavy headphone (it's approaching 800 grams) and are okay with EQ'ing they are phenomenal. With EQ applied I don't think any manufacturer makes a more

Well, Yes and No!
Both headphones, as far as I know, use the same drivers!
Here is LCD-X


Here is LCD-XC


And here is one, superimposed on the other, allowing for treble level:

The faded curve is LCD-X, the solid curve is XC.

It is a matter of point of view!
From the superimposed graph, you can see that:
1- Both headphones have the same FR from about 1.8kHz upwards.
2- The XC, being a closed back, has all outputs below 1.8kHz, muted a bit.
OR
3- The X being an open back has all lower frequencies boosted! This is because there is no back pressure on the diaphragms.
This makes the headphones sound warmer, OR makes the XC sound brighter, depending on your view-point.
I personally did a simple Mod. on my LCD-XC ( https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...eze-lcd-xc-21-effects-of-small-venting.42829/
From my measurements, after allowing small venting to occur on the XC, you get this:



Just look at the curve below 300Hz.
As I reduced the back pressure from XC diaphragms, in small steps, it changed the bass FR curve.
Here is a zoomed version of the affected area.



At the end of the day, either, the X is too warm, or the XC is too bright, take your pick.
But since both headphones have almost no DISTORTION to speak of, EQ to you heart's desire, just make sure you don't run out of gain.
Distortion? what distortion!

Wow thanks @Kentajalli and @Kevintj604 for the detailed replies. I love my LCD-X and think they’re perfect. I didn’t know the lack of back pressure was what contributed to their warmth. Makes sense and makes sense that the closed LCD-XC would be perceived as brighter.

I don’t mind the weight of the LCD-X. I grew up on my dad’s old Japanese JVC closed backs from the late-70s early 80s. Those were beasts on an 11 yo head. (I’m in my 40s now).

The “extra” energy up top on the LCD-XC would probably be beneficial as I plan to use them in a shared space, and will probably need to keep them on low volume. This may help keep some of the details of the music intact for my aging ears.

Thanks again!