Audeze LCD-XC
Its 106mm planar magnetic drivers and closed-back carbon weave earcups deliver a neutral, transparent sound with powerful, fast bass and exceptional midrange detail. Fazor wave guides enhance imaging and phase response, offering the spaciousness of open-back designs alongside 20Ω impedance for easy driving from professional gear. This headphone is best for recording engineers and serious audiophiles who demand precise, isolated monitoring with 10Hz-50kHz frequency coverage.
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Considering mini 10, small 20, medium 40, large 80. */ (function(f) {var _np=(window.P._namespace("PremiumAplusModule"));if(_np.guardFatal){_np.guardFatal(f)(_np);}else{f(_np);}}(function(P) { P.now('aplus-module-tech-specs').execute(function(init) { if (init) { return; } P.register('aplus-module-tech-specs', function() { function showTablesFallback(tables) { // unsuccessful toggling "hide" parent class, fallback to toggling table css directly if (tables && typeof tables.css === 'function') { tables.css('visibility','visible'); } } function showTables(tables, hideLoadingCssClassName) { if (tables && typeof tables.closest === 'function') { var hideTableContainers = tables.closest('.' + hideLoadingCssClassName); if (hideTableContainers.length && typeof hideTableContainers.removeClass === 'function') { hideTableContainers.removeClass(hideLoadingCssClassName); return; // do not go to fallback } } showTablesFallback(tables); } function resizeSpecTables($, tables) { var tableHeights = []; tables.each(function(i, table) { tableHeights.push($(table).height()); }); var maxHeight = Math.max.apply(undefined, tableHeights); tables.height(maxHeight); } return function(moduleId, tableCssClassName, hideLoadingCssClassName) { P.when('A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { var $ = A.$; var targetClassName = '.' + moduleId + ' .' + tableCssClassName; var tables = $(targetClassName); try { resizeSpecTables($, tables); showTables(tables, hideLoadingCssClassName); } catch (e) { // in case resizeSpecTables throws, try to show tables or all hides if (tables && tables.length) { showTablesFallback(tables) } else { // final attempt, show all hidden tables var hideTableContainers = $('.' + (hideLoadingCssClassName || 'aplus-tech-spec-hide-loading')); hideTableContainers.removeClass(hideLoadingCssClassName); } } }); } }); }); })); .aplus-tech-spec-hide-loading { visibility: hidden; } .aplus-tech-spec-hide-loading:only-child { visibility: visible !important; } <style type="text/css"> .aplus-tech-spec-hide-loading { visibility: visible !important; } </style> The Closed-Back Choice for Audio Professionals <img alt="Audeze LCD-XC" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/ee7f3bae-c02a-4723-9c5d-f87dc877d21a.__CR0,0,1464,600_PT0_SX1464_V1___.png"/> Since Audeze introduced the LCD-XC in 2013, it has become the gold standard closed-back of the professional audio world. Trusted by award winning artists and engineers, the LCD-XC is a blend of transparency and reliability, ideal for any studio or audiophile system where isolation is desired. <img alt="Audeze LCD-XC" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/c4a9a20b-0689-424e-8595-3de5bcf0dac4.__CR0,0,800,600_PT0_SX800_V1___.png"/> Taking the Environment out of the Equation The LCD-XC shares the same drivers and basic construction as the LCD-X, lending it a similar level of detail and transparency. Its closed-back design adds isolation, which lets you to focus as intensely as you need without distraction. When used with Audeze Reveal+ to create an AI-generated map of your own hearing, the LCD-XC puts you inside renowned studios, letting you mix consistently and efficiently from anywhere, regardless of background noise. Accuracy, Transparency, and Efficiency LCD-XC leverages patented Audeze technologies, including Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragms, Fazor waveguides, and powerful neodymium magnets to deliver extremely accurate and detailed sound. The sophisticated planar magnetic drivers achieve high efficiency with low impedance, such that LCD-XC can deliver great sound from nearly any device with a headphone output. Together, these innovations enable audio professionals to efficiently get their mix done right in a variety of settings. <img alt="Audeze LCD-XC" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/5ec20dcd-83f3-4133-a684-39edd3beb0c5.__CR0,0,800,600_PT0_SX800_V1___.png"/> <img alt="Audeze LCD-XC" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/7ee16fc9-c947-4326-a5aa-c8b7ec8f800e.__CR0,0,800,600_PT0_SX800_V1___.png"/> Designed for Comfort Audeze has improved the LCD-XC over the years, lowering the weight and increasing comfort. It features a suspension headband for even weight distribution, and highly-cushioned premium earpads for support. The neutral tuning and low distortion prevent listening fatigue, so those late-night sessions never have to end. Includes Audeze LCD-XC Over-Ear Closed-Back1.9m (6.2ft) length 4-pin XLR with single-ended 1/4" (6.3mm) adapter <img alt="Audeze LCD-XC" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/26f4c337-a6a4-40d5-974d-887d3e31d374.__CR0,0,800,600_PT0_SX800_V1___.png"/> Specifications 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 Uniforce Transducer size 106 mm Maximum power handling 5W RMS Maximum SPL >130dB Frequency response 10Hz - 50kHz THD <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL Impedance 20 ohms Sensitivity 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point) Minimum power requirement >100mW Recommended power level >250mW Wire material 20 AWG high-purity OCC audio-grade copper
- NOTE: This is the latest version of this model, the LCD-XC effective March, 2021, and replaces he previous model, ASIN: B08J2SCXBM
- THE BEST CLOSED-BACK HEADPHONES - Your favorite music erupts from a silent background taking on a life of its own. The sense of space is enormous, the midrange and high frequencies offer fantastic detail. Get the benefits of planar magnetic headphones with increased isolation and greatly reduced ambient noise with this closed-back design.
- PLANAR MAGNETIC HEADPHONES – Audeze’s 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers let you experience clear and accurate sound thanks to a near weightless diaphragm, plus you get the benefits of our Fazor Elements (sound wave guides) for more realistic imaging and phase response.
- AUDEZE QUALITY SOUND - The LCD-XC planar magnetic headphones accurately reveal everything on the recording with a dynamic, nimble, neutral and transparent quality. Meet the ultimate tool for recording engineers, musicians and audiophiles alike.
- HAND CRAFTED IN CALIFORNIA: Every LCD-XC headphone is engineered and meticulously handcrafted then rigorously tested and calibrated before leaving our Southern California facility. NOTE: The only change from the previous Maple and Bubinga wood versions of this model is the substitution of the new carbon weave earcups. Everything else remains unchanged. "Fantastic bass performance, powerful, taut and fast, with real slam, beautifully defined and extremely well differentiated." - Hi Fidelity
The 30-Second Version
The Audeze LCD-XC delivers 99th-percentile sound with incredible detail and bass slam, but it weighs a back-breaking 1814g and demands a beefy amp and EQ to tame the treble. At around $1,300 plus amp cost, it's a killer closed-back reference tool for engineers and hardcore audiophiles. For anyone who values comfort or portability, look elsewhere. It's a studio masterpiece that will literally weigh you down.
Overview
The Audeze LCD-XC is the kind of headphone that makes you rethink what closed-back planars can do. This latest version swaps the old wood cups for carbon weave, but don't get it twisted, the star here is still that massive 106mm planar magnetic driver. It's aimed squarely at studio engineers, obsessive audiophiles, and anyone who'd rather hear the squeak of a kick drum pedal than hum along to a playlist on the subway. If you're the type who owns a dedicated headphone amp and EQ presets for different genres, this thing was basically made for you.
But right out of the gate, there's an elephant in the room, literally. The LCD-XC weighs 1814 grams. That's not a typo. This headphone is over four pounds, which puts it in 'medieval helmet' territory. Our comfort rating puts it at the 2nd percentile, dead last among basically everything we've tested. So while the sound might transport you to audio nirvana, your neck is going to file a formal complaint after an hour. That's the trade-off, and it's a steep one.
What makes the XC interesting is that it doesn't just sound good, it sounds transformative once you put in the work. Owners tell us that after a bit of burn-in and a careful EQ, the headphones open up into something that rivals open-back planars at twice the price. But you'll need a serious amplifier, the 20 ohm impedance is deceiving because planar magnetics crave current. If you're ready to build a desk shrine around these, you're in for a treat. Just don't expect to wear them while cooking dinner.
Performance
The 99th percentile sound score isn't marketing fluff. Audeze's planar drivers deliver detail that makes you feel like you've been listening to music through a wool blanket your whole life. The bass is the standout: it's deep, fast, and hits with a physicality that closed-backs rarely achieve. We're talking the kind of sub-bass that makes electronic music and orchestral timpani feel visceral. The soundstage is unusually wide for a closed design, instruments don't just cluster in your head, they hover in defined space around you. Hi-hats and acoustic guitars have this crisp, almost tactile texture that reveals every tiny recording artifact.
But there's a caveat, and regular readers know we don't sugarcoat this. Out of the box, the treble can be bright and fatiguing. Multiple owners mention that without EQ, things get harsh around 4-6kHz. Luckily, the extremely low distortion means you can yank that treble down with a parametric EQ and the headphone takes it like a champ. After dialing in a Harman-ish curve, the LCD-XC becomes a true reference tool. It's sensitive at 100dB, so a decent desktop amp will drive it loud, but portable dongles will fall flat. Plan your amp budget accordingly, something with at least a watt at 32 ohms is a safe start.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Absurdly detailed sound with pinpoint imaging 99th
- Powerful, tight bass that hits hard for a planar 77th
- Takes heavy EQ without distorting at all
- Wide soundstage rare for closed-back cans
- Premium carbon fiber build that feels indestructible
Cons
- 1814g weight crushes your head after an hour 2th
- Nearly unusable without a dedicated amplifier 16th
- Treble can be piercing before EQ
- No mic that's usable for calls, 16th percentile
- Headband padding feels inadequate for the mass
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Weight | 1.8 kg / 4.0 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | carbon weave |
| Headband | suspension headband |
Audio
| Driver Type | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 106 |
| Freq Min | 10 |
| Freq Max | 50000 |
| Impedance | 20 |
| Sensitivity | 100 |
| Codecs | Audeze LCD-XC Over Ear Closed Back Headphone, Carbon Weave earcups with Suspension Headband, Creator Edition with Economy Carry case – New 2021 Version |
Noise Control
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 1.9 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
Value & Pricing
Pricing for the LCD-XC is a bit bonkers across vendors. We spotted it as low as $1,299 and as high as a completely nonsensical $219,900, so shop carefully. The real cost isn't just the headphone though. Factor in a decent balanced amp, some EQ hardware or software, and maybe a chiropractor visit, and you're looking at a system that can easily hit $2,000. For that money you could buy a flagship wireless ANC pair and a vacation to actually enjoy it. But if ultimate fidelity is your only metric, the XC competes with open-back planars that cost much more, and it isolates better thanks to the closed cups. It's a value only if sound quality is your entire universe.
vs Competition
Stack the LCD-XC against the typical wireless giants like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 and you're comparing a race car to a luxury SUV. The Sonys and Sennheisers weigh under 300g, have best-in-class ANC, connect wirelessly, and handle calls beautifully. They're your daily drivers for commuting and work. The Audeze? It bludgeons them all in raw detail and dynamics, but you're anchored to a desk, sweating under four pounds of headphones. If you want music while you live your life, buy the Sony. If you want to dissect a recording like a surgeon, the LCD-XC is your scalpel.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 sit somewhere in the middle with better sound than most wireless, but still nowhere near the Audeze's resolution. And none of those wireless pairs can hold a candle to the XC's soundstage. So the question is simple: are you listening as an activity, or listening while doing other things? The Audeze demands your full attention, the others politely fit into your day.
| Spec | Audeze LCD-XC | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | JBL Live 770NC | Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT ATH-S300BT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | Dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 106 | 42 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 20 | 470 | - | 314 | 32 | 45 |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 30 | 65 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze LCD-XC | 64 | 15.7 | 77.1 | 98.5 | 44.3 | 2.3 | 51.7 | 36.8 | 37.1 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 97.6 | 89.3 | 79.5 | 0 | 99 | 79 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare | 97.7 | 99.4 | 95.9 | 99.4 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 87.6 | 97.5 | 98.8 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 95.1 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 70.4 | 99 | 98.8 |
| JBL Live 770NC Compare | 97.7 | 78.6 | 97.3 | 85.1 | 91.7 | 50.8 | 70.4 | 100 | 98.8 |
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT ATH-S300BT Compare | 92.5 | 78.6 | 77.1 | 85.1 | 97.2 | 50.8 | 0 | 99.8 | 98.8 |
Common Questions
Q: Does the Audeze LCD-XC have active noise cancellation?
No, it's a fully passive closed-back headphone. The closed cups provide decent passive isolation, blocking some ambient noise, but there's no ANC. If you need active cancellation, look at something from Sony or Bose, though you'll sacrifice the raw sound quality.
Q: Can I drive these with my phone or laptop?
Technically yes, you'll get sound, but it'll be thin and quiet. Planar magnetic drivers need a lot of current to sound their best, so a dedicated headphone amplifier is basically mandatory. Even some entry-level amps struggle. Budget for a decent desktop amp producing at least 1 watt into 32 ohms.
Q: Is the weight really that bad?
At 1814 grams (roughly four pounds), it's one of the heaviest headphones we've ever tested. Comfort ranks in the 2nd percentile across our database. Most people find them fatiguing after 45-60 minutes. Some users with larger heads and strong necks report less discomfort, but it's a very personal thing, so try them first if you can.
Q: Why does it need EQ? Doesn't it sound good stock?
Out of the box, the LCD-XC has a bright treble around 4-6kHz that many find harsh or fatiguing. The good news is that the drivers have extremely low distortion, so you can apply a generous EQ cut to tame that peak without compromising sound quality. Once adjusted, the headphone transforms into a neutral, reference-grade tool.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the LCD-XC if comfort is remotely important to you, or if you plan to use headphones for commuting, gaming, or multi-hour playlist sessions. The 1814g weight and lack of any wireless features make it a desk-only proposition, and even then, you'll need a beefy amp. If you want a taste of planar detail without the neck strain, the Hifiman Edition XS (open-back, much lighter) is a fantastic alternative. For closed-back needs with solid sound and all-day comfort, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 gives you 80% of the detail with none of the pain. And if you absolutely need closed-back planar excellence, consider the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire, which is far more comfortable and still resolving, albeit with a different tuning.
Verdict
If you're a mixing engineer, a dedicated music reviewer, or an audiophile whose entire evening hobby is sitting in a chair and listening to lossless files, the LCD-XC is one of the best closed-back headphones money can buy, once you fix the treble with EQ. The sheer clarity and bass control are reference quality, and the closed design means you can use them in a shared space without leaking sound. Just be sure you have a powerful amp and a neck that's been doing deadlifts. Seriously, the weight is a literal pain point.
For everyone else, this is a specialty tool, not a pleasure device. Casual listeners, gamers, or anyone who wants to wear headphones for more than an hour will find the comfort a dealbreaker. The 2nd percentile comfort rating is not an exaggeration, it's a warning. You can get 85% of the sound quality from something like a Hifiman Sundara or even an EQ'd Sennheiser HD600, both of which you can actually forget you're wearing. The XC is for when you demand that last 15%, and you're willing to suffer for it.
