The Audeze LCD-X and the Sennheiser HD 800 are two of the most sought after headphones of audio engineers and audiophile alike. That is why today, I’m diving in the deep end with both headphones to see which is better. Today I’ll conduct a full Audeze LCD-X vs Sennheiser HD 800 comparison review.

Audio Engineers and Audiophiles Delight – Audeze LCD-X Creator Package vs Sennheiser HD 800 Comparison Review

Specifications

In the Box

Design

Headband

Audeze LCD-X

As I lift the Audeze LCD-X out of its box, I first notice the weight of the headphones. As I take the headband in my hand, I’m impressed with its softness. Its cushion, which is roughly the same thickness as the HD 800’s headband cushion, is coated with lambskin leather. The metal headband feels durable, and I have no fears that it would ever crack or need fixing. As I lift the headphones to place them on my head, I notice the headband is flexibly and easily fits onto my head.

Sennheiser HD 800

On the other hand, the Sennheiser HD 800 is much lighter, and as I lift it out of the box I notice its headband is stiffer than the LCD-X. It is made of metal as well. Additionally, it is coated with heavy duty plastic, giving it a sense of sturdiness. The cushion along the headband is covered with a cozy suede-like material. As I place it on my head, it is clear that it is more comfortable fitting than the LCD-X based on weight alone.

Earcups

Audeze LCD-X

While both the Audeze LCD-X and the Sennheiser HD 800 are both open back headphones, they differ in their overall look and feel of their earcups. The LCD-X has large, oval-shaped earcups made of metal. Where the grill is (on the “open” side of the headphone), there is a loose cloth material between the electronics inside and the metal housing. Compared to the HD 800, the LCD-X squeezes my head fairly tightly but I like that the earcups have mobility and swivel as I position them over my ears.

Sennheiser HD 800

By contrast, the Sennheiser HD 800 has big, asymmetrical, D-shaped earcups. The cups are made of plastic and have a metal grill at their opening. The headphones sit comfortably over my ears and might even feel a little bit loose. To be fair, my head is quite small. The cups don’t swivel much but they don’t need to because of their comfortable fit.

Earpads

Audeze LCD-X

The round, oval, earpads of the Audeze LCD-X are made of memory foam making them extremely soft and comfy. Asymmetrical in thickness (the back side of the earpads are thicker than the front side), they are coated with lambskin just like the headband cushion. Extravagant indeed!

Sennheiser HD 800

Following suit with the HD 800’s ear cups, the Sennheiser’s earpads are also large and D-shaped. However, rather than being thick and pillowy, the cushions are actually thin. The cushions are coated with the same suede-like material as the headband cushion.

Sound

Lows

Audeze LCD-X

My first impression of the low frequencies of the Audeze LCD-X is that they are flat, accurate, and warm. They react quickly and dynamically to transients, and sustained sounds alike. I get the sense that both left and right are well matched due to their overall punchiness and reactivity, particularly in the bass frequencies. I’m impressed by their clarity and space. Wow!

Sennheiser HD 800

In comparison, the Sennheiser HD 800 lacks the detailed transients and thus the punch of the LCD-X.  It’s sub frequencies are not as clear, and actually all of the lows feel cloudier overall than the LCD-X.

Mids

Audeze LCD-X

Vocals sit lower in the mix than expected in the Audeze LCD-X. And while the mid-range is aesthetically pleasing due to its warmth and smoothness, it feels slower reacting and less punchy than the HD 800.

Sennheiser HD 800

The Sennheiser HD 800 has a detailed and balanced mid-range. It is faster and more reactive in the mids, producing a punchiness to transients in vocals, drums, and percussion. Its overarching emphasis is on the high-mids, with a boost at both 4kHz and 6kHz. This boost makes the mid-range lively, but can also cause harshness when listening for extended periods or listening to bright mixes.

Highs

Audeze LCD-X

Spaciousness and air make listening to the highs of the LCD-X delightful. But while the high frequencies are detailed and pleasant, they are also a bit understated. As a result, cymbals tend to sit a bit quieter in the mix that I would have expected. There is a boost at 10kHz and 16kHz, but overall the high frequencies feel smooth.

Sennheiser HD 800

The highs on the Sennheiser HD 800 are more forward than the LCD-X. They are detailed, but less airy than the LCD-X. Like the high-mids, sometimes the highs feel harsh on overly bright recordings. The HD 800 has a boost at both 8kHz and 16kHz.

Soundstage

Audeze LCD-X

The very first thing I noticed when I started listening to the Audeze LCD-X was its spacious soundstage. It has great width, excellent depth (creating the feeling of listening to speakers), and accurate and detailed height, especially from its detailed high and low frequency response.

Sennheiser HD 800

On the other hand, while the Sennheiser HD 800 has an accurate width, its depth and height are more subtle and not as clear.

Overview

Both the Audeze LCD-X and the Sennheiser HD 800 are incredible headphones. The LCD-X has an extremely detailed low-end and high-end, while the HD 800 has an extremely detailed mid-range.  If you love the sound of a spacious soundstage, you’ll be more impressed with the LCD-X. However, if you like a more subtle soundstage, try out the HD 800.

Both the Audeze LCD-X and the Sennheiser HD 800 are available for the best price here:

Audeze LCD-X Creator Package at Audio 46

Audeze LCD-X on Amazon

Sennheiser HD 800 at Audio 46

Sennheiser HD 800 on Amazon

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