Revisiting the Audeze LCD-X – Still Worth It In 2024?

It’s been eleven years since Audeze first introduced the LCD-X. At $1,199, it’s one of Audeze’s best selling headphones and remains a popular choice, even a decade and some change later. There have been minor revisions over the years, but the goal of the LCD-X has not changed. It looks to provide a reference tuning to recording professionals and audiophiles alike. Given the competition at the LCD-X’s price range, I wanted to take another look at the headphone to see how it really stacks up in 2024. In this review we’ll reevaluate the classic headphones and compare them to some other, similarly priced headphones that are out there on the market. So let’s get on into it.

What’s in the Box:

• LCD-X headphones
• Standard LCD Travel Case
• 4-pin XLR Cable
• 4-pin XLR to 1/4″ TRS adapter

Build Quality

Over the years, Audeze has refined the LCD-X to enhance its durability and comfort, resulting in a headphone that is as sturdy as it is luxurious. The frame is constructed from a blend of high-grade metals, providing a solid foundation that resists wear and tear while maintaining a relatively lightweight form factor. The latest iteration features a redesigned suspension headband, which distributes the weight evenly across the head, minimizing pressure points and ensuring prolonged comfort during extended use. The earpads are generously cushioned with premium materials that conform to the shape of the listener’s ears, further enhancing comfort and providing a snug yet breathable fit. Those ear pads come in leather and vegan options. 

Design 

The LCD-X features Audeze’s Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ diaphragms, which aim to achieve precise sound reproduction with minimal distortion. These diaphragms are paired with Fazor waveguides, which manage the phase of sound waves to ensure a smoother frequency response and enhanced imaging. Its powerful neodymium magnets further contribute to the LCD-X’s 103 dB/mW sensitivity and 20 ohm impredence. This makes the LCD-X versatile and adaptable, whether used in a professional studio environment or on the go. You can also add in Audeze’s Reveal+ software, which tailors the listening experience to the unique hearing profile of the user, effectively creating a personalized and highly accurate mixing environment.

Sound Impressions:

The LCD-X looks to provide a reference sound geared towards audio professionals. But it doesn’t abandon Audeze’s signature sound properties completely. This makes for a unique headphone that has the ability to please pros and audiophiles alike.

Bass:

The bass on the LCD-X is a classic sounding Audeze bass. It’s strong, dynamic, and full of slam. I find the bass response to be a bit warm, as most Audeze headphones are. But given that these are pretty forward sounding headphones, the bass still feels relatively linear. The timbre of the low end is quite warm. This doesn’t make the bass feel muddy, though, as the planar drivers make sure that the bass hits are tight and punchy. It’s the midbass bloom that brings out this warmth. This midbass bump is common in Audeze headphones, and even though these are considered reference level, that’s not going to go away. 

All this said, I find the bass to be quite reliable. It doesn’t overrepresent body or quantity in any way, just warms it up a little. Audeze even seems prepared for users to want to adjust the sound to match their reference levels. That’s what makes Reveal+ so compelling. At the core of these headphones is a high performer that can be tailored to each listener’s ears. 

Mids: 

The midrange, like the bass, is a little bit warm sounding, again stemming from the upper sheen of that midbass bloom we just talked about. That said, it is also quite nuanced and detailed. I appreciate the clarity and focused vocal presentation that this headphone offers. Audio pros will be excited by the level of accuracy the LCD-X provides as well as the separation. 

Parsing apart instruments from vocals can be important in the mix and mastering process. Being able to rely on your monitors and headphones to get an accurate portrayal of the layering is key to the process. The LCD-X offers a midrange that makes that possible. 

But it’s not only geared towards pros. The dynamic properties of the LCD-X are quite impressive. Snare drum hits are snappy with full body. On top of that, the varying intensity of singers’ voices adds a layer of nuance to the sound.

Top End: 

At the high end of the frequency response, we get a unique performance for one of Audeze’s more mid tier headphones. Unlike the LCD-2, which can sound so warm that the top end loses its shine, the LCD-X has, again, a linear response that adds clarity and detail to the mix. Like the mids, there’s great dynamics as cymbals hit with satisfying tact. It’s probably the least colored section of the frequency response and I think pros and audiophiles will love it. 

Most importantly, these are not harsh headphones. They’re able to present great detail without causing discomfort to the listener. So for producers who need to rely on their headphones for long periods of time, that is good to know. 

Comparisons:

Fostex TH808:

In some ways, the TH808 and LCD-X are similar, and in some ways they’re different. One thing I don’t find they have in common is bass response. Both are fast and precise, but the Audeze has a bit more body and life to it. The midrange on both are pretty linear, leaning into a more reference tuning. The highs are similar too, though I would say the top end is a little brighter and crisper on the Fostex. Overall, I think the TH808, which comes in at $1,299, is more what an audiophile might want from a fun but accurate headphone. Meanwhile, the LCD-X is a little smoother and refined, and ultimately more in line with what a pro might want to hear. 

Hifiman Arya Organic:

The Arya Organic, at $1,149, is quite different from the LCD-X. The Arya has a much less forward approach, gearing itself entirely to audiophiles. Bass is perhaps a little more technically nuanced, but it doesn’t have the heft of the LCD-X. Moreover, the mids are quite a bit leaner on the Arya Organic, and the Hifiman headphone has brighter highs. The Arya Organic is a true audiophile’s headphone. It’s smooth and musical, but doesn’t necessarily present the audio in a way that a professional might need. Don’t get me wrong, the Arya’s presentation is tasteful and musical, but in terms of head to head, they’re just completely different headphones.

Final Thoughts:

So is the LCD-X still a compelling buy in 2024, eleven years after its launch in 2013? I’d say a resounding yes. The LCD-X is competitive with other headphones in its price range, and offers a unique sound that audiophiles and audio pros alike will find enjoyable. But my favorite part of this headphone is that, due to its versatility, it brings the audiophile and pro closer to what each other is hearing. This, I suspect, leads to better sounding music and more engaged listening. Bridging the gap between production and enjoyment can only lead to even better sound. 

The Audeze LCD-X is available at Audio46.