Since 2013, the LCD-XC has held a special place in the Audeze catalog. Born from the need to offer the acoustic isolation of a closed-back headphone without sacrificing the sonic qualities of planar magnetic technology, it shares its 106 mm drivers with the open-back LCD-X while adding attenuation of external noise. The model has evolved over the years: thinner diaphragms, optimized magnetic circuits, and earcups that have gone from wood (bubinga, maple) to today’s woven carbon fiber.
Planar drivers in a closed enclosure
Housing a large planar driver in a sealed enclosure raises acoustic challenges that dynamic headphones don’t face. The diaphragm, suspended between two arrays of magnets, must be able to move freely despite the air pressure generated by the closed cup. Audeze had to adapt the internal acoustic treatment of the earcups to avoid resonances and maintain a balanced frequency response.
The closed design slightly changes the sound compared with the LCD-X: bass gains presence in the 120–200 Hz region, giving electric bass lines and percussion a more solid foundation. Isolation also lets you work or listen without ambient noise masking the finest details in the recording.
The Fazor, Uniforce, and Fluxor technology trio
Three technologies patented by Audeze are integrated into the LCD-XC.
Fazors act as waveguides placed on either side of the magnetic structure. Their role is to channel the sound waves emitted by the diaphragm so they reach the ear more coherently, without interference or diffraction. The result is improved transient response and a more precise stereo image.
Uniforce diaphragms have a distinctive feature: the width of the conductive traces etched on the diaphragm varies according to the intensity of the magnetic field at each point. Where the field is stronger, the traces are narrower; where it weakens, they widen. This compensation allows the entire surface to vibrate with uniform force, reducing distortion and improving control of movement.
The Fluxor system refers to the arrangement of neodymium magnets in double-sided arrays, generating a dense, homogeneous magnetic field around the ultra-thin diaphragm.
Build and materials
The current earcups are made of woven carbon fiber, a rigid and lightweight material that replaces the wood species used in the first versions. The headband combines a steel frame with a leather suspension strap (or leatherette for the non-leather version) that distributes the weight across the top of the head. The earpads are filled with open-cell foam, wrapped in full-grain leather or leatherette depending on the chosen option. Their slightly angled shape directs the drivers toward the ear canal.
Each pair of drivers is matched to within ±1 dB before assembly. The headphone is hand-assembled in Audeze’s California workshops, then individually tested. A certificate of authenticity accompanies each unit.
The weight is still significant, around 650–680 grams. That’s the price to pay for the powerful magnets and rigid structure required at this level of performance. Long listening sessions sometimes call for breaks, especially for smaller or lighter builds.
Power and compatibility
With an impedance of 20 ohms and a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW, the LCD-XC can be used plugged directly into a smartphone or a basic audio interface. The sound will be decent, but not optimal. A dedicated headphone amplifier capable of delivering 1 to 4 watts unlocks the drivers’ potential: wider dynamics, tighter bass, and a more open soundstage.
The maximum power handling of 15 W (over 200 ms) and SPL above 130 dB provide ample headroom, even at high volumes.
The supplied cable is braided OCC copper, terminated in 4-pin XLR on the source side and mini-XLR on the headphone side. An adapter allows connection to a 6.35 mm jack, and a second adapter ensures compatibility with 3.5 mm outputs. The cable is 1.9 meters long.
Typical uses
The closed-back format meets two main needs. In the studio, it prevents sound leakage toward a microphone during a recording or tracking session. For personal listening, it blocks out conversations, air conditioning, or street noise. Sound engineers use it on video shoots, in mobile control rooms, or for stage monitoring.
For home listening, the LCD-XC suits those who share their living space and don’t want to impose their music on others, or conversely, those who seek silence to focus on the music.
Box contents (standard case version)
This version includes the standard rigid, padded LCD carrying case, which protects the headphone during transport. The 4-pin XLR cable with 6.35 mm jack adapter is provided, as well as a 6.35 mm to 3.5 mm adapter. The warranty card and certificate of authenticity complete the package.
