Audeze
LCD-XC Closed Headphones
$1,169.00 USDPay Over Time
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Features
Closed-back design blocks out external noise and prevents microphone bleed in recordings
Highly efficient, easy to drive from any interface, console or device
Includes our braided OCC copper 4-pin XLR combo cable with single-ended 1/4" adapter and standard LCD travel case
Video
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The LCD-XC headphones from Audeze are their pioneering closed-back model. Developed over years of research, they incorporate exclusive Fazor technology for enhanced sound quality. Perfect for noisy environments, these headphones offer Audeze's renowned audio fidelity, ensuring a premium listening experience.
The Creator Pack includes the Standard Single-ended cable and the new economy travel case. Opt for the Premium Package Edition to get the 1/4" Single-Ended LCD Braided Cable, Balanced 4-Pin XLR Cable, and Premium Pelican Travel carrying case. Both packages feature the new steel and leather suspension headband and, now exclusively, carbon fiber cups.
The Maple finish option has been discontinued. Instead, the LCD-XC headphones are now available in sleek carbon fiber cups, boasting a modern aesthetic with a woven pattern that adds a fresh twist to the classic headphone design.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Audeze LCD-XC Headphones with our popular Black Dragon Premium Cable for Audeze Headphones. The smooth, musical quality of the Black Dragon smooths out the top end of the LCD-X open-back headphones, LCD-XC, and LCD-MX4 headphones since these are more forward-sounding headphones and it lends an immersive, natural sound. It will give you even more of that full, musical, "I'm there" feeling. A versatile cable that's great with vocals, the Black Dragon works well with a variety of genres, particularly with Rock and Roll, Electronica, R&B, and Pop.
Sound Signature and Design
The LCD-XC stands out as the most neutral headphone in the LCD Collection, favored by audiophiles, recording engineers, and musicians for its exceptional clarity and precise, rapid dynamics. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from portable players to professional studio setups. While the LCD-XC can be driven directly by portable players and smartphones, it truly shines with an external amplifier, which enhances its performance further. The closed-back design not only provides excellent isolation but also delivers a full and authoritative low-end response, ideal for both critical listening and immersive music enjoyment.
Specifically engineered to accommodate various driving sources, the LCD-XC offers robust volume levels across different devices. Although capable on its own, all LCD-series headphones benefit significantly from pairing with a high-quality headphone amplifier. Crafted from polished anodized aluminum, the LCD-XC earcups feature sloped ear pads available in premium lambskin leather or a leather-free super-suede microfiber fabric. These earpads incorporate specially-crafted foam that strikes the right balance between firmness and acoustic performance, ensuring comfort and optimal sound quality during extended listening sessions.
Engineered and Handcrafted in the Audeze California factory
The LCD-XC headphone exemplifies meticulous engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, integrating the finest and most luxurious materials with state-of-the-art planar magnetic technology. Every aspect, from its construction to its performance, reflects a commitment to uncompromising quality and precision. Designed for extended listening sessions, the new LCD steel & leather suspension headband ensures exceptional comfort without compromising on style. This thoughtful design feature allows for hours of immersive listening pleasure, whether at home or on the go.
While the LCD-XC can be connected to portable devices for convenience, its true capabilities shine when paired with a quality amplifier. This setup not only enhances its dynamic range and clarity but also brings out the full potential of its detailed sound signature, making it the preferred choice among discerning audiophiles and professionals seeking superior audio performance.
Acoustically Engineered for Precision
Audeze's pioneering planar magnetic technology ensures clear and precise sound reproduction, faithfully revealing every detail in your recordings.
Ultra-Thin Diaphragms
Utilizing space-age materials, Audeze's diaphragms are thinner than a human hair yet 4 times larger than those found in typical headphones. This design promotes rapid response times, significantly reduces distortion, enhances resolution, and improves imaging for an unparalleled listening experience.
Minimal Distortion
Featuring double-sided magnet arrays, the LCD-XC maintains a uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm, achieving near-zero distortion levels that preserve the integrity of the audio signal.
Enhanced Sound Guidance
Audeze's patented Fazor™ elements intricately guide internal headphone soundwaves, mitigating resonances to produce a more accurate waveform and pristine audio reproduction.
Sophisticated Industrial Design by Audeze
The LCD-XC combines striking aesthetics with superior sound quality, featuring exquisite earcups crafted at Audeze's own facility. Built to last, the headphone's robust construction ensures years of reliable, trouble-free listening pleasure. Their innovative designs and advanced circuit technologies culminate in a headphone that not only looks stunning but also delivers breathtakingly beautiful sound.
Why the Black Dragon V2 Premium over the Silver Dragon V3 Premium for the Audeze LCD-X headphones?
Comparing the LCD-X and LCD-XC headphones to the LCD-2 and LCD-3 reveals a notable extension in treble, making the smoother characteristics of the Black Dragon V2 Premium cable particularly suitable. Alternatively, the Silver Dragon V3 Premium cable also stands out, depending on your musical preferences and which cable best complements your favorite genres.
The LCD-XC features a planar magnetic design with an optimized diaphragm trace pattern, maximizing volume even with lower-powered amps and portable devices. Praised for its neutrality, the LCD-XC is favored by sound engineers and musicians alike for its ability to create accurate productions. While it can be driven directly by portable players such as iPods, iPhones, and high-end smartphones, using an external amplifier enhances the sonic experience, akin to the benefits observed with the LCD-2 and LCD-3. The impedance stands at 20 ohms, ensuring compatibility across various audio setups.
Recommendations
Drew recommends the Black Dragon V2 Premium Headphone Cable for Audeze as the best upgrade option for the Audeze LCD-X headphones.
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.
Features:
- Planar Magnetic Drivers: Audeze's renowned planar magnetic technology for detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
- Closed-Back Design: Provides enhanced isolation from external noise, making them ideal for immersive listening and studio monitoring.
- Fazor Technology: Exclusive Fazor elements improve clarity, extend frequency response, and enhance imaging.
- Premium Build Quality: Crafted with high-quality materials including carbon fiber cups for durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Comfortable Fit: Features a steel and leather suspension headband and plush earpads for extended listening comfort.
- Natural Sound Signature: Offers a balanced sound signature with deep, controlled bass, clear midrange, and smooth treble.
- Aesthetic Design: Modern and sleek appearance with carbon fiber cups, adding a contemporary touch to the classic headphone design.
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
FAQ
What is special about the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones?
The Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones feature planar magnetic drivers and a closed-back design, offering exceptional sound quality with improved isolation from external noise.
Are the Audeze LCD-XC headphones suitable for studio use?
Yes, the LCD-XC headphones are designed for professional studio monitoring, providing accurate and detailed sound reproduction ideal for mixing and mastering.
How is the sound quality of the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back compared to other headphones?
The LCD-XC headphones are renowned for their rich and natural sound signature, with deep bass, clear mids, and smooth treble, making them a favorite among audiophiles and audio professionals.
Are the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, they feature plush earpads and a lightweight design that ensures comfort during extended use, allowing for immersive listening without fatigue.
What amplification is recommended for the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones?
These headphones benefit from high-quality headphone amplifiers to fully drive their planar magnetic drivers and achieve optimal sound performance and dynamics.
Do the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones come with a warranty?
Yes, Audeze products typically come with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Can the Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back headphones be used with mobile devices?
While they are primarily designed for studio and home use, the LCD-XC headphones can be used with mobile devices, although they may benefit from a headphone amplifier for best performance.
How does the closed-back design affect the sound of the Audeze LCD-XC headphones?
The closed-back design provides improved isolation from external noise and enhances bass response, making them suitable for critical listening and immersive audio experiences.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Style | Over-ear, closed-back |
| Transducer Size | 106 mm |
| Weight | 677g |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Transducer Type | Planar Magnetic |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium N50 |
| Magnetic Structure | Proprietary magnet array |
| Phase Management | Fazor™ |
| Diaphragm Type | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ |
| Cable | 1.9m (6.2ft) length 4-pin XLR with Single ended 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter |
| Wire Material | 20 AWG high-purity OCC audio-grade copper |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Maximum SPL | >130dB |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point) |
| Impedance | 20 ohms |
| Maximum Power Handling | 5W RMS |
| Minimum Recommended Power | >100mW |
| Recommended Power Level | >250mW |
- TETorsten E.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agoGreat sounding neutral headphones
I was looking for neutral-sounding closed-back headphones and my expectations have been more than met. Separation and clarity is sensational - certainly for this price.The sound is on the analytic side, which I like, but not too much. I was able to easily create a warmer but still very „precise“ sound by using a DAC setting with a little more roll-out on my SP30000. Good Hi-Res recordings provide plenty of dynamics and a crisp deep bass. The headphones have a nice forward and super clear sound for the mids and highs, which I love. For recordings that are not so great, the headphones do sound a little analytic - but then, why listen to bad recordings...The headphones come with a solid travel case, which I find extremely useful.The one thing that Audeze may want to work on is the weight. While the comfort is really good, the headphones are a little heavy. But the joy of listening prevails!
- CSChristopher S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4 years agoIncredible! Paired with an A90 amp
Absolutely stunned at the clarity and separation of the instruments. My first planar magnetic I’ve ever listened to. Bought them for midnight mixing sessions in the studio where I have massive monitors and like to listen cranked up to 11. I have to say after boosting the bass just a bit these things slam the bass so hard it gave me goosebumps. I am a true convert and believer that these are the best sounding cans on the market. Can it really get any better.
- RSRick S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4 years agoMy listening experience with Audeze LCD-XC
After listening the Audeze LCD-XC for almost 2 weeks on the stock cable, I was like OK, this headphone sounds good but not that great like some people claimed. Then, things came to an abrupt change -- after I replace it with a custom 24 AWG, 8 threads cable with 4-pin XLR connection ( 7N OCC copper + silver ).Music listened to -- jazz, instruments, country, Unrivaled separation of details - I could hear different instruments playing at the same time, and distinguish them easily -- like picking apples from the tree. Some details were even unheard of previously with other headphones or speakers.Bass hit hard and fast, but not overwhelming.Detailed Treble - guitars sound like they were being plucked in front of me, they might be on the highs like some people experienced, for me, they are tolerable cause it wasn't fatiguing at all.Human voice that gives you the goosebumps, they are strong and detailed -- like the singer was literally singing in front of me, they are really the strong points of these headphones.The whole listening experience was enjoyable, I felt like I was literally putting a pair of high end speakers between my ears. How some people say it -- yes, musical. The presentations were forward, detailed, each piece of musical instruments played their role while not muddled up. I could hear them playing in synced, like how symphonic orchestras were in motion, I always appreciate the fact that the electronic instruments were being played out and sea waves lashing out at…
- AFAlva F. H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars4 years agoSo far I love the LCD XC headphones.
I have had the LCD 2 headphones for about five years. I ordered the closed back XC’s for apartment listening. I like the neutral sound of LCDs, and how fast they are. Ifound it difficult to find a really good pair of closed back phone. So far these are exactly what I was hoping for. I also ordered the black dragon V2 Cable. This is a very good upgrade as it does tone the highs down a bit. But, it also gives a closeness to the sound that I really love. Also the staging is a little better. Overall I’m very satisfied with his purchase.
- RRayVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5 years agoLCD-XC Closed Headphones
This is a very smooth sounding Amp/DAC. I use Audeze LCD-X phones with a stock 4 pin balanced cable. This amp is so powerful that I cant get the volume over 10 oclock. Questyle runs their amps for 72 hours before they leave the factory so they arrive burned in. As a result I havent noticed any sonic changes since I first connected it. Although looks are secondary I highly suggest purchasing the accessory transparent cover which really sets it apart. Drew was kind enough to install mine before shipping. Excellent product and great service!