Audeze LCD-XC Over-Ear Headphones, Closed-Back, Leather free, Black, Carbon cups

Audeze LCD-XC Over-Ear Headphones (Closed-Back, Leather, Black, Carbon Cups)

Hear the truth, not the room.

Close your eyes and step into a control room where distractions disappear, mixes translate, and details pop with lifelike clarity. LCD-XC is Audeze’s reference-class closed-back planar magnetic headphone—built to deliver open‑back spaciousness with studio-grade isolation, so you can create, analyze, and simply enjoy your music anywhere.

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Why Audiophiles Choose This Product

• • Sound quality: Reference-leaning, highly detailed presentation with excellent instrument separation; unusually “open” sense of space for a closed-back design. Many reviewers note a forward, resolving midrange that spotlights vocals and acoustic instruments without harshness.
• • Engineering: 106 mm planar magnetic drivers with Audeze’s Ultra‑Thin Uniforce diaphragms and Fazor waveguides deliver low distortion (<0.1% @ 100 dB) and >130 dB peak SPL capability.
• • Practicality: Carbon‑fiber cups add rigidity and help reduce mass versus earlier wood versions; the latest chassis with suspension headband improves comfort—vital for a 677 g flagship.
• • Compatibility: 20‑ohm impedance and 100 dB/1 mW sensitivity make LCD‑XC easy to drive from most quality interfaces or headphone outputs. Included braided 4‑pin XLR combo cable plus 1/4" and 3.5 mm adapters cover studio and portable rigs.
• • What sets it apart: It’s the closed‑back many engineers reach for when they want open‑back imaging without bleed. Or as SoundStage! put it, “as close as a closed‑back model has ever gotten to the awesome spatiality of the best open‑back headphones.”

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What’s Included

• • LCD‑XC over‑ear headphones (Carbon cups, Black; leather earpads)
• • Travel case
• • Braided 4‑pin XLR combo cable with 1/4" single‑ended adapter
• • 1/4" to 3.5 mm adapter
• • Certificate of authenticity and warranty cards
  Contents per current Audeze listing; some retailers may vary their “Creator” or “Premium” bundles.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Value	Notes
Product Type	Wired (analog)	Dual mini‑XLR cup connectors; included XLR + adapters
Transducer	106 mm planar magnetic	Large diaphragm for low distortion and speed
Magnet/Phase	Neodymium N50, Fazor™ waveguides	Improved phase behavior and imaging
Impedance	20 Ω	Friendly to most interfaces and DAPs
Sensitivity	100 dB/1 mW (DRP)	Plays loud without huge voltage
Frequency Response	10 Hz – 50 kHz	Full‑range extension for mastering-grade work
THD	<0.1% @ 100 dB	Clean, low-fatigue listening
Max SPL	>130 dB	Headroom for transient‑rich material
Cable	1.9 m braided; 4‑pin XLR with 1/4" adapter	Plus 1/4" to 3.5 mm adapter in box
Weight	677 g	Suspension headband aids long-session comfort

All specifications as published by Audeze.

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How It Sounds (Research-backed snapshot)

• • Tonal balance: Neutral‑to‑slightly‑forward in the mids with poised treble; excellent detail retrieval without edgy grain. Reviewers frequently highlight the LCD‑XC’s vocal presence and mix‑revealing transparency.
• • Stage and imaging: Rare among closed‑backs, LCD‑XC presents an airy, “open‑back‑like” stage that makes panning, depth, and reverb tails easy to judge.
• • Dynamics and bass: Planar speed with controlled, linear low end—more about accuracy and texture than inflated slam; responds predictably to EQ if you prefer extra weight.

Fit matters with any sealed planar: a good seal yields proper bass and tonal balance. Community feedback on the 2021‑present version notes the sound shifts with placement; once sealed and seated correctly, response is even and easily fine‑tuned with EQ if desired.

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Professional Recognition

• • Publication quotes
  • “As close as a closed‑back has ever gotten to the spatiality of the best open‑backs.” — SoundStage! (quoted by Audeze).
  • “Highly recommended… a truly transparent view through the window of recorded events.” — InnerFidelity (Rafe Arnott).
• • In-depth review
  • TechPowerUp’s LCD‑XC 2021 review details the current carbon‑cup design, comfort updates, and modern accessory set.
• • Heritage and innovation
  • Audeze’s patented Uniforce diaphragms and Fazor waveguides underpin the LCD‑XC’s clarity and low distortion, reflecting the brand’s long leadership in planar magnetic design.

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Who It’s For

• • Mix engineers and creators needing reference‑grade accuracy with real isolation (no room bleed, no mic bleed).
• • Audiophiles who love open‑back spaciousness but require a private, closed‑back experience.
• • Listeners who value durability (carbon cups, serviceable parts) and a pro‑ready cable/adaptor kit out of the box.

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Comfort & Use Tips

• • Expect a substantial feel: at 677 g, LCD‑XC is heavy compared with many dynamics; the suspension headband spreads weight effectively for multi‑hour sessions. Take short breaks as needed.
• • Seat for a seal: adjust height and clamp so pads fully seal around the ear—this preserves bass extension and tonal balance.
• • Connectivity: Use the included 4‑pin XLR combo cable with the 1/4" or 3.5 mm adapters to match your interface, console, or DAP.
• • Optional software: Pair with Audeze Reveal+ to personalize HRTF and emulate reference studios for more consistent mix translation.

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The Bottom Line

LCD‑XC delivers a rare combination: closed‑back isolation with an open, revealing sound that professionals trust and enthusiasts love. With proven planar engineering, a robust carbon‑cup build, and an inclusive cable kit, it’s a confident choice when precision, privacy, and long‑term reliability matter.

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