Overview

The Audeze LCD-X is an open-back, planar magnetic headphone built as a reference tool for mixing, mastering, and critical listening. A 106mm Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm sits inside a proprietary magnet array with Fazor phase management, delivering the resolution and low distortion of a high-end speaker system without needing a treated room. At just 20 ohms and 103 dB sensitivity, it's one of the easier Audeze models to drive, running well from most interfaces, consoles, or devices. This version pairs aluminum earcup rings with breathable leather-free earpads for a durable, refined build.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The LCD-X has been the reference headphone for working audio professionals since 2013, valued for translating consistently across systems. Leather-free pads are a straightforward choice if you'd rather avoid animal leather or want a cooler-wearing pad for long sessions.

• Class-leading resolution and low distortion without needing acoustic room treatment
• Low impedance and high sensitivity, so it drives easily from interfaces and consumer devices alike
• Breathable, leather-free earpads paired with the same aluminum earcup rings

Best for the Audeze LCD-X: use the included XLR-to-1/4" cable straight into an interface or headphone amp for the cleanest signal path — its efficient design means you don't need a high-powered amplifier to drive it well.

More Details

Why It Wins

• 106mm Ultra-Thin Uniforce Diaphragm: Delivers detailed, accurate sound with low distortion across the frequency range.
• Fazor Phase Management: Reduces phase distortion inside the driver housing for precise imaging.
• Low Impedance, High Sensitivity: At 20 ohms and 103 dB, it drives easily from nearly any device with a headphone output.

What Makes It Different

Most reference headphones ask you to choose between accuracy and ease of use. The LCD-X pairs Audeze's planar magnetic driver design with a low-impedance, high-efficiency build, so it delivers studio-grade resolution while still running cleanly from consumer gear.

Technical Highlights

• 10Hz-50kHz Frequency Response: With less than 0.1% THD at 100dB SPL.
• OCC Copper Cable: A 1.9m braided 4-pin XLR combo cable with a single-ended 1/4" adapter.
• Suspension Headband: Distributes weight evenly with highly cushioned earpads for long sessions.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Working Engineer: Professionals who need a reliable, translatable reference headphone.
• The Home Studio Owner: Anyone mixing without a fully treated room.
• The Serious Home Listener: Audiophiles who want reference-level accuracy without demanding amplifier requirements.

Ideal Use Case

• Mixing and Mastering: Where translation and accuracy matter most.
• Home Studios: Working in untreated or partially treated rooms.
• Desktop Reference Listening: Paired with an interface, DAC, or headphone amp.

What To Pair It With

• An Audio Interface or DAC: The LCD-X's low impedance drives cleanly from most interface headphone outputs.
• A Headphone Amplifier: Optional, but can further refine the signal path for critical listening.
• Reference Tracks: To compare mixes against commercial releases you know well.

Alternative Options

The LCD-X is built for accuracy and ease of driving rather than maximum scale. If you want Audeze's most resolving open-back model regardless of amplifier requirements, the LCD-5s is worth a look. If you'd prefer the same driver and build with leather earpads instead, we also carry the leather version of the LCD-X.