Audeze LCD-XC (Latest Revision) | Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

Audeze LCD-XC Closed Back Headphone

This is an amazing closed back headphones. It is so clear, every instrument is identified, the bass is not overly over-whelm, mid range and terrible are so clear. But, I noticed that it is very good with instrumental music, not so good for rock and roll or your regular pop musics. It is priced at an affordable level. This is what really shocked me. Such an amazing headphone, I would guessed that it will be at around $2500 but it is not. I highly recommend to anyone who are into instrumentals music for this headphone.

Excellent headphone with a little EQ

Wanted a nice pair of closed-back headphones for my desk/office setup and decided to spring for an open-box deal on these. The hard travel case they came in is pretty amazing and far surpasses any expectations I had. First thing I noticed when picking up the headphones was the significant weight. I wouldn't say they are uncomfortable on the head but they don't "disappear" like my Sennheiser HD580s do. To be clear, the weight does not detract from the listening experience, it's just heavier than any other pair of headphones I've had before. The sound without EQ sounded a little weak on the bottom, just a touch too forward in the mids, and not much sparkle up high. This is where the EQ functionality on my RME ADI-2 FS really shined. +4 dB @ 100 Hz, Q 0.5 to bring up the lows. -0.5 dB @ 580 Hz Q 2.5 just to clear up a little mud in the mid-bass. -1.5 dB @ 2 kHz Q 0.5 to soften the mids, +1 dB @ 10 kHz Q 0.5 to add back some top end. I don't think I'd enjoy these headphones as much without the EQ - listening preferences are 90's alternative rock, jazz, pop, 80s-90s hip-hop, classic rock, and a little classical on occasion. Preferred sound in my main hi-fi rig is detailed mids/highs with a subtle but strong bottom end. Focal floorstanders with a pair of SVS subs to fill in the bottom. Full sound with amazing soundstage definition is what I really enjoy.

Not my thing

I used these in a professional recording studio setting as well as casual listening. They are very shouty and bass light. I found myself trying to turn them up but the upper mid-range is too much. It hurts to turn up. Tried them with my Fiio as well and they don't need much power. That's the good part. The low end is light on these. It's there but just not enough for me. In the studio it was just too much of a learning curve to get a decent mix. Exchanged for HEDD and am very happy now.