Audeze LCD-X 2021

HiFi, OpenBack
Audeze LCD-X 2021 — The Studio Planar That Rocks

The LCD-X has been on my radar since it became the go-to headphone for producers and mixing engineers who want planar detail without the analytical coldness. The 2021 revision addressed the tuning complaints of the original, and what Audeze delivered is, frankly, one of the most capable all-rounders in the planar world.

Build & Design

Let’s address weight first: 612g. Yes, it’s heavy. If you’re coming from a Sennheiser or a Koss PortaPro, the first time you put these on your head you’ll wonder if someone left a brick inside. That said, the suspension headband does a reasonable job of distributing the weight, and after twenty minutes you mostly forget about it. Mostly.

The build itself is tank-like — the aluminium rings, the leather headband, the robust yokes — this is a headphone built to survive studio life. The 2021 revision slimmed down the earcups slightly and introduced lighter magnets, which helped, but there’s no pretending this is a lightweight design.

Sound

Bass

Magnificent. The LCD-X’s bass is one of the best things in headphone audio, full stop. It’s deep, authoritative, textured, and impactful without a hint of bloat. Bass guitar lines have individual note definition that makes my HD600 sound vague by comparison. Kick drums thump with chest-felt impact. Electronic music is visceral and engaging. Crinacle has consistently ranked the LCD-X highly for bass quality, and it’s entirely deserved.

Mids

The 2021 revision is where the biggest improvement lies. The original LCD-X had a notable dip in the upper mids that made vocals sound recessed and distant. The revision smoothed this out considerably — vocals now have presence and body without the old recession. They’re still not as forward as the HD600 or Focal Clear, but they’re no longer hiding in the back of the mix.

Treble

Smooth and extended without being sparkly or airy. The LCD-X rolls off gently in the upper treble, which gives it a fatigue-free character that’s perfect for long studio sessions but can leave some listeners wanting more “air.” Amir at Audio Science Review measured a clean, well-extended response, and subjectively it translates to a treble that’s detailed but never harsh. If you find the HD600’s treble occasionally peaky around 6kHz, the LCD-X will be a welcome relief.

Soundstage & Imaging

Good but not exceptional for an open-back. The soundstage is wider than closed-backs but more intimate than the Arya or HD800. Imaging is excellent, however — instruments are precisely placed with strong lateral separation. For studio mixing work, the imaging precision is more important than raw stage width, and here the LCD-X delivers.

Dynamics

The 2021 revision improved efficiency significantly (20 ohm impedance, 90dB/mW sensitivity), meaning the LCD-X is easy to drive. Macro dynamics are powerful — this headphone can go from quiet to loud with convincing authority. Microdynamics are good, though not quite at the level of the best planars. Where the LCD-X excels is in the sheer physicality of its presentation — music feels real and present in a way that many headphones miss.

Comparisons

Against my HD600, the LCD-X is a different beast entirely. More bass, more resolution, more extension — but the HD600’s midrange intimacy and natural tonality remain special. They serve different purposes beautifully.

Against the Meze Poet, the LCD-X is heavier (literally and sonically), more impactful, and more technically accomplished. But the Poet is the headphone I’d wear for three hours without thinking about it. DMS described the LCD-X as “the headphone that makes everything else sound thin,” and on bass-heavy material, he’s not wrong.

Through my RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Sparkos Gemini, the LCD-X sounds superb — the Gemini’s warmth complements the LCD-X’s neutrality without making things muddy. Even the modest Schiit Magni Piety drives the LCD-X with surprising authority thanks to that low impedance.

Verdict

The LCD-X 2021 is the headphone I’d recommend to anyone who wants one planar to do everything — studio work, critical listening, and pure enjoyment. The weight is the only real drawback, and if you can live with it, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most capable headphones under £1500.

Pros

  • Reference-quality bass — deep, textured, impactful
  • Improved 2021 tuning addresses midrange dip
  • Easy to drive, scales well with better gear
  • Built to last a lifetime

Cons

  • Heavy at 612g — not for everyone
  • Soundstage width trails some competitors
  • Treble could use more air for some tastes
  • Not cheap, even at its price point

Ratings:

  • Build & Design: 8 / 10
  • Sound: 9 / 10
  • Comfort: 6.5 / 10
  • Value: 8 / 10

If your neck can handle it, the LCD-X 2021 might be the only planar you ever need.