Audeze LCD-XC closed cans

Posted by: EJS on 26 September 2016

Mini review of the LCD-XC cans.

Have been running these for well over a year now, and have to say that these are easily the most comfortable and easy-sounding headphones I have had the pleasure of listening to. I originally came to these looking for 'phones with a similar sound as the Sennheiser HD600 but without their tendency to smother details, and finding I did not really enjoy Sennheiser's upscale offerings. For a while I tried Grado's GS1000 but couldn't shake the feeling that these were simply out of tune. Anyway: the Audeze planars impressed at first hearing, and still do.

Very persuasive and musical with plenty but not excessive detail, lifelike bass and treble but focusing on the midrange. Despite their closed design, presentation is solid and full-bodied, not sounding shut in at all. They are very heavy, of course, but the giant leather cushions work well. Well-crafted, too - still looks like new (take that, Grado). Despite their power rating, not that easy to drive - I listen to them plugged in directly to the Accuphase integrated.

Posted on: 26 September 2016 by feeling_zen

Nice review.

I was seriously impressed when I listened to them earlier in the year. I ultimately I had a comfort problem with Audeze in genreal (everyone's noggin is different) and went for something else. Had no complaints about the sound quality though and in modern open plan (i.e. noisy) homes, a closed back pair of cans is really attractive. Not the widest soundstage I ever heard but the intimate and musical detail they reveal is incredible.