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Best Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones of 2023 | Moon Audio

LCD-XC Closed Headphones

MPN: 100-XC-1017-00

$1,299.00
In Stock

Forward sound with top-end resolution and incredible bass. More details

Best Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones of 2023 | Moon Audio

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The Creator Pack comes with the Standard Single-ended cable and the new economy travel case. The Premium Package Edition includes the 1/4" Single-Ended LCD Braided Cable, the Balanced 4-Pin XLR Cable and the Premium Pelican Travel carrying case. Both LCD-XC headphone packages feature the new steel and leather suspension headband and carbon fiber cups.

Maple finish has been Discontinued

The LCD-XC headphones are Audeze's first closed-back headphone. Researched and developed for many years, it features exclusive Fazor technology. We recommend this classic headphone with Audeze-quality sound for a more exclusive experience in noisy environments. Drew recommends the Black Dragon Premium headphone cable V2 for Audeze as his Top Cable Choice for the LCD-XC.

Now in Carbon Fiber

Audeze's popular closed back headphone is now available in carbon fiber cups. The sleek weaved pattern creates a new, modern aesthetic in the classic headphone that you know and love.

Sound Signature and Design

LCD-XC is the most neutral of all the LCD Collection, making it a popular choice among with audiophiles, recording engineers and musicians alike, for its clarity and fast, accurate dynamics. The XC is sensitive enough to be driven directly by portable players and smartphones but an external amplifier produces better results. The closed-back design provides very good isolation and full and athoritative bottem end.

The LCD-XC transducer is specifically designed to work with a wide variety of driving sources. From portable players to studio use, the LCD-XC provides high volume without a headphone amplifier even though all LCD-series products benefit from a high-quality amp. The LCD-XC earcups are made from polished anodized aluminum with sloped ear pads of either premium lambskin leather or a leather-free super-suede microfiber fabric. The earpads are designed with specially-crafted foam offering the proper firmness and acoustic balance.

Engineered and Handcrafted in the Audeze California factory

The LCD-XC headphone is thoroughly engineered and meticulously hand-built using the finest, most luxurious materials combined with cutting-edge planar magnetic technology. The new LCD steel & leather suspension headband provides comfort for hours of listening pleasure. You can pair the LCD-XC with portable devices, but it sounds best driven by a quality amplifier.

Exclusive LCD-XC planar magnetic technology

Acoustically engineered for accuracy

Audeze’s innovative planar magnetic technology delivers clear and accurate sound that reveals everything on the recording.

Diaphragms thinner than a human hair

We use space-age materials in an ultra-thin diaphragm 4X larger than typical headphones for fast response times, dramatically reduced distortion, higher resolution, and improved imaging.

Near zero distortion

Double-sided magnet arrays deliver a uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm for near zero distortion.

Internal soundguides

Patented Fazor™ elements guide internal headphone soundwaves to avoid resonances for a more accurate waveform.

Industrial Design by Audeze

You’ll be proud of how the LCD-XC looks and sounds; it’s imbued with sophisticated looks and beautiful earcups that are manufactured at our facility. The quality of the entire structure guarantees years of trouble-free listening. Our cutting-edge designs and circuit technologies have created a breathtakingly beautiful sounding headphone.

Why the Black Dragon V2 Premium over the Silver Dragon V3 Premium for the Audeze LCD-X headphones?

The LCD-X and LXD-XC headphones have more treble extension over the LCD-2 and LCD-3. Thus, the smoother characteristics of the Black Dragon V2 Premium makes more sense. The Silver Dragon V3 Premium cable is a great choice as well, but for Drew's genre preferences in music, it really comes down to the end result of the music that you are passionate and listen to most often and which cable provides the best compliment to your music.

The LCD-XC is a planar magnetic design with an optimized diaphragm trace pattern that extracts the maximum volume from lower-powered amplifiers and portable devices. It’s been said the LCD-XC is the most neutral of all our headphones; they’re used by sound engineers and musicians alike to create the most accurate productions. The X and XC are sensitive enough to be driven directly by portable players like iPods, iPhones, and some of the better smartphones. You’ll enjoy a better sonic experience using an external amp, just as with the LCD-2 and LCD-3. Impedance is 20 ohms.

Recommendations

Drew recommends the Black Dragon V2 Premium Headphone Cable for Audeze as the best upgrade option for the Audeze LCD-X headphones.

"The Black Dragon V2 Premium Headphone Cable really smooths out the high energy top end while tightening up and controlling the bottom end or bass and it also makes the mid-range more musical."

Drew Baird, P.E., President of Moon Audio

Moon Audio has also created the Silver Dragon V3 Headphone Cable or the Silver Dragon V3 Premium Audeze Headphone Cable as upgrade options for the Audeze LCD-X headphones.

For best quality sound, Drew recommends: the Dragon Inspire IHA-1 Headphone Amplifier or the Pass Labs HPA-1 Headphone Amplifier.


What’s in the box?

  • LCD-XC planar magnetic headphone
  • 1.9m Single-ended 1/4'' to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable (both packages)
  • 1.9m Balanced 4-pin XLR to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable (Premium only)
  • 1/4" to 1/8" stereo adapter (Premium only)
  • Professional travel case (Premium only)
  • Economy travel case (Creator Pack only)
  • User guide and warranty card

Press and Reviews

Audeze Headphone Guide
Audeze

Headphone Guide
by Moon Audio

Absolute Sound Review
Absolute Sound

by Arnie Nudell
Sept. 2014

TONE Audio Audeze LCD-X Review
Tone Audio

by Jeff Dorgay
2014

Inner Fidelity Fazor Review
Inner Fidelity

by Tyll Hertsens
May 2014

Forbes Review
Forbes

by Geoffrey Morrison
Nov. 2013

Hifi Pig Review
Hifi Pig

by Linette Smith
Aug. 2014

Headfonics Review
Headfonics

by Michael
Oct. 2014

Headphonia Review
Headfonia

by Mike
Mar. 2014

Inner Fidelity Review
Inner Fidelity

by Rafe Arnott
Jun. 2018

Technical Features

Style
Over-ear, closed-back
Transducer type
Planar Magnetic
Magnetic structure
Proprietary magnet array
Phase management
Fazor
Magnet type
Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type
Ultra-thin
Transducer size
106 mm
Maximum power handling
5W RMS
Maximum SPL
>130dB
Frequency response
10Hz - 50kHz
THD
<0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance
20 ohms
Sensitivity
100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Minimum power requirement
>100mW
Recommended power level
>250mW
Weight
Maple: 690g / Carbon: 760g

*Warranty is 1 year for parts, 3 years for drivers from date of purchase. Warranty is ONLY valid if product is purchased from an authorized dealer such as Moon Audio.

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