As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This audeze LCD xc planar magnetic headphones review focuses on the Creator Edition, which features carbon weave earcups. It is an over-ear, closed-back headphone designed for high isolation. The key defining specs are its 100mm planar magnetic drivers and its substantial 4-pound weight. Audeze engineered these headphones to reveal every detail in a recording with a neutral and transparent quality. The closed-back design helps reduce ambient noise, while the suspension headband aims to distribute that weight. This model replaces earlier versions with maple and bubinga wood cups, keeping the internal components identical. It is built for accuracy and isolation.
- 100mm planar magnetic drivers for clear and accurate sound
- Closed-back design for increased isolation and reduced ambient noise
- Fazor Elements for realistic imaging and phase response
- Carbon weave earcups replacing previous wood versions
- Handcrafted and calibrated in Southern California
Good fit for
This headphone suits recording engineers, musicians, and audiophiles who need a neutral and transparent sound signature. The closed-back design is ideal for those who require isolation from their environment. You will appreciate the dynamic and nimble bass if you listen to complex musical arrangements. The planar magnetic drivers provide the detail needed for critical listening tasks. It is a solid choice for studio work or focused home listening where ambient noise must be blocked out.
Who can skip it
You should look elsewhere if you prioritize portability. At 4 pounds, these headphones are heavy for extended travel. The closed-back design may not suit those who prefer open-back headphones for a wider soundstage. If you need wireless connectivity, this model does not offer Bluetooth. The substantial weight might cause discomfort during long sessions if you are sensitive to pressure. It is also not ideal for casual listeners who want a lightweight, everyday pair of cans.
Verdict
The Audeze LCD-XC offers precise, isolated sound through its planar magnetic drivers and closed-back design. Its heavy build and neutral tuning make it best for critical listening rather than casual use.
LCD-XC Key Specs Explained
100 mm Planar Magnetic drivers
These drivers use a thin, uniform diaphragm suspended in a magnetic field. This design reduces distortion and allows for fast, accurate sound reproduction. You get detailed highs and tight bass without the coloration common in dynamic drivers. This spec suits critical listeners who need transparency. Compare this to standard dynamic drivers when seeking higher fidelity and lower distortion in your audio chain.
Closed-Back
This design fully encloses the earcups to block outside noise. It provides high isolation, preventing sound from leaking out. You can use these in noisy environments without disturbing others. This is ideal for studio monitoring or travel. Compare this to open-back models, which offer a wider soundstage but poor isolation, to decide if privacy or spatial realism matters more for your use case.
Over-Ear
The earcups surround your ears completely rather than resting on them. This creates a seal that enhances passive noise isolation and comfort for long sessions. You benefit from reduced ear fatigue and consistent sound delivery. This fit style suits users who wear glasses or need all-day wear. Compare this to on-ear models, which are more portable but often less comfortable and isolating.
4 pounds weight
This headphone weighs four pounds, which is significantly heavier than most consumer models. The mass comes from the carbon weave earcups and internal driver assembly. You may feel this weight during extended listening sessions. This spec indicates robust build quality but requires a sturdy headband. Compare this to lighter headphones if you prioritize portability or long-term comfort without neck strain.
Design and Build Quality
The listing describes the Audeze LCD-XC as an over-ear, closed-back headphone. It features carbon weave earcups, which replace the previous maple and bubinga wood versions. This material choice contributes to the unit's substantial build. The headphones measure 11 inches in width and length, with a height of 7 inches. According to the listing, the total weight is 4 pounds. This mass comes from the dense magnetic assembly required for the planar magnetic drivers. The suspension headband distributes this weight across your head. This layout aims to reduce pressure points during long sessions.
The closed-back design is central to its physical function. It provides increased isolation and greatly reduces ambient noise. This makes the headphones suitable for environments where you need to block out external sound. The carbon weave finish gives the earcups a distinct look. It also suggests a rigid structure that can withstand regular handling. The headphones are engineered and handcrafted in California. Each unit is rigorously tested and calibrated before leaving the facility. This process ensures consistent performance across every pair.
You will notice the size and weight immediately when you pick them up. The 106 mm driver size inside the earcups requires a larger enclosure. This contributes to the overall bulk. However, the closed-back construction helps contain the sound. It prevents leakage and improves focus on the audio. The suspension headband allows for adjustment to fit different head shapes. This flexibility helps maintain a secure seal against your ears. That seal is critical for the isolation benefits the listing highlights. The design prioritizes acoustic performance and durability over lightweight portability.
Setup And Everyday Use Guide
Setting up the Audeze LCD-XC involves minimal configuration. The listing notes these are the latest version of the model, effective March 2021. You do not need to install software or pair via Bluetooth, as these are wired headphones. The suspension headband is designed to distribute the 4-pound weight. This mechanical design helps you wear the unit for long sessions without excessive pressure on your head. The over-ear fit ensures the carbon weave earcups seal around your ears. This closed-back design is critical for your daily use. It provides increased isolation and greatly reduces ambient noise. You will not hear outside distractions, and others will not hear your music. The 11-inch width allows the earcups to sit comfortably over your ears. The 7-inch height and 11-inch length give the unit a substantial footprint. You should store it in a protective case when not in use. The planar magnetic drivers require no warm-up period. You can switch tracks instantly. The neutral and transparent sound quality reveals details in every recording. This makes the headphones suitable for critical listening tasks. Recording engineers and musicians use them to hear exact nuances in audio. The carbon weave earcups are durable and replace the previous wood versions. You get consistent performance every time you use them. The rigid build means you handle them with care. The 100mm drivers deliver clear sound without needing external amplification, though a good source helps. You simply plug them in and listen. The suspension headband adjusts to your head size. This ensures a secure fit during movement. The closed-back design maintains its isolation properties over time. You rely on the physical seal for noise reduction. The handcrafted nature in California suggests consistent build quality. You get a reliable tool for accurate sound reproduction.
Before You Buy LCD-XC
Owning these Audeze LCD-XC headphones requires a specific setup. You need a capable amplifier to drive the planar magnetic drivers effectively. Low-output devices may not provide sufficient power, leading to weak volume or distorted sound. Check your current audio interface or DAC to ensure it can handle the load. These are wired headphones, so you must have the correct cable length and connector type for your source. Upkeep involves cleaning the carbon weave earcups and suspension headband with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the materials. The 4-pound weight means you will need to take breaks during long sessions to avoid neck strain. Compared to lighter dynamic drivers, these offer superior isolation and detail but demand more from your gear. If you prioritize accuracy and isolation over portability, this model fits well among high-end studio options. However, if you need lightweight convenience for travel, consider lighter alternatives in the Headphones category.
Check before you buy
- Verify your amplifier can drive 100mm planar magnetic drivers.
- Check cable length and connector compatibility with your source.
- Ensure your workspace allows for long listening breaks.
- Confirm you prefer closed-back isolation over open sound.
- Assess if you can handle the 4-pound weight comfortably.
Audeze LCD-XC Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best for: studio recording and critical listening
- Form Factor
- Over Ear
- Back Design
- Closed-Back
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11 × 11 × 7 inches
- Weight
- 4 pounds
The Audeze LCD-XC is a closed-back, over-ear headphone featuring 100mm planar magnetic drivers. It uses carbon weave earcups and a suspension headband for isolation. The design aims for neutral, transparent sound with detailed midrange and highs. Weighing 4 pounds, it suits recording engineers and audiophiles who need accurate playback. The build is handcrafted in California, ensuring rigorous calibration for professional use.
- 100mm planar magnetic drivers with Fazor Elements
- Closed-back design for ambient noise reduction
- Carbon weave earcups for improved isolation
- Neutral and transparent sound signature
- Heavier build at 4 pounds
- Larger dimensions measuring 11x7x11 inches
- Over-ear fit may not suit smaller heads
- You need high isolation from ambient noise
- You require accurate monitoring for recording
- You prefer closed-back planar magnetic sound
- You prefer lightweight portable headphones
- You need open-back spacious imaging
- You want a lighter weight under 2 pounds
Verdict: Audeze LCD-XC Planar Magnetic headphones offer precise closed-back performance for studio work. You should buy them if you prioritize isolation and neutral accuracy over portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audeze LCD-XC Planar Magnetic Headphones |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Back Design | Closed-Back |
| Fit | Over-Ear |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 11 × 11 × 7 inches |
| Weight | 4 pounds |
| Size | 106 mm |
| Model | 100-XC-1016-00 |
Frequently asked questions
Are the Audeze LCD-XC headphones closed-back?
Yes, the Audeze LCD-XC features a closed-back design. This construction provides high isolation from external noise. It makes the headphones suitable for studio recording environments where sound leakage must be minimized. The sealed earcups help contain the audio output for critical listening sessions.
What is the driver size in these headphones?
These headphones use 100 mm planar magnetic drivers. The large driver size contributes to detailed sound reproduction across frequencies. This specification allows for fast response times and reduced distortion. You get accurate audio performance without the coloration often found in smaller dynamic drivers.
How heavy are the Audeze LCD-XC headphones?
The Audeze LCD-XC headphones weigh 4 pounds. This is a substantial weight for over-ear headphones. The mass comes from the carbon weave earcups and internal components. You should consider comfort during long sessions due to this significant weight distribution on your head.
Do these headphones require an amplifier?
Yes, these planar magnetic headphones benefit significantly from a dedicated amplifier. They often require more power than standard dynamic headphones to reach optimal volume levels. Using a low-output device may result in weak sound. A capable amplifier ensures you utilize the full potential of the 100 mm drivers.
What type of fit do these headphones have?
The Audeze LCD-XC features an over-ear fit. The earcups fully encompass your ears rather than resting on them. This design enhances passive noise isolation due to the closed-back construction. It creates a secure seal around the ear for accurate sound staging and bass response.
Are the Audeze LCD-XC wireless headphones?
No, the Audeze LCD-XC are wired headphones. They do not support Bluetooth connectivity or wireless transmission. This design eliminates battery management and wireless compression artifacts. You get a direct, uncompressed audio signal from your source device through the included cable for maximum fidelity.
What color are the Audeze LCD-XC earcups?
The Audeze LCD-XC headphones are finished in black. The earcups feature a carbon weave pattern rather than wood. This material choice offers a distinct aesthetic compared to previous versions. The black color provides a professional look suitable for studio environments and critical listening setups.
What is the model number for these headphones?
The model number for these headphones is 100-XC-1016-00. This identifier distinguishes the Creator Edition with carbon weave earcups. It helps you verify you are looking at the correct version of the LCD-XC. Use this number when checking compatibility with specific cables or accessories.