Audeze
LCD-XC Closed Headphones
$1,299.00 USDFeatures
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
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.
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.
