LCD-X (2021 Revision)

LCD-x bass is so good, it’s hard to believe that its an open back.

Yeah I did post some planars. They are big and are used by audio engineers who need the BEST sound.  There is more to headphones than size for most people. They need to wear them, carry them, drive them.  When sound is all that matters they end up big, because bigger ones sound better. 

Hey wait a minute, I've got an Empyrean II and HE1000 too! No focal though, just a humble LCD-X. Such a well rounded collection! I support this amazing collection

Right now, I'm using Meze Empyrean IIs for 2022 COD MWII. Depending on the month and mood, I may be using my HE1000, LCD-X, Moondrop Dusk, or Letshuoer Z12. I have specific EQ settings for all of them so that I can boost my ability to hear footsteps. In the past, I used a set of Meze Liric 1s and they were my favorite FPS headphone. With my EQ, the sound stage would close in and texture would disappear (idk why it happens on the Liric bc it never happens on my other headphones). This made footsteps really really easy to find. I want another pair in my life but I can't justify having a headphone just for fps gaming atm. Planning to play BF6 in the future. The audio sounds really good from all the streams I've seen.

I mean, I also started with Beyers and there is nothing wrong with them. I remember hearing them for the first time thinking the same. It was a pair of DT770. Then I grabbed a pair of open backs, the HD660s and was shocked on how good open backs can sound. I side tracked for a few months with all other variants, DT880, HD600/650 etc and eventually I stepped up to LCD-X. It was like getting into the hobby once again. I had my mind blown on how good headphones can really sound. After the LCD-Xs tbh I tried various amounts of ZMFs, listened to Hifimans, Mezes in shops but ultimately I found my one and done, the Tungsten and never looked back ever since. I'm coming up to my 2yr anniversary of owning them and not buying anything else. Point is, if you like them and think they sound good and they do everything for you, don't look elsewhere. Diminishing returns hit hard after the LCD-X so take care

Interesting question because I would consider $1-2k about the same in terms of performance class. Not an exact science, of course, but here’s how I break out price ranges by performance class (and I have stuff at every level): <$300 = budget / economical $300-$500 = entry level $500-$1000 = mid range $1000 - $3000 = premium +$3000 = flagship / exotic So I’m going to answer with respect to upper mid range into premium territory : Meze 109 Pro - excellent “all rounder” for multiple genres and excellent value for money. Easy to drive and versatile. Big stage like listening in IMAX. More artisan than neutral sound - warm and sparkly. Physically unique design (may or may not be your taste). Sennheiser HD660S2 - standout technical performer, also good all rounder, though slightly lean on sub bass and requires some power, as it’s a high impedance headphone. Smaller stage as is typical for Sennheiser, right in your face, but with excellent imaging. Slightly technical sound while still being musical. Sennheiser HD800S - very big and wide stage, excellent for symphonic and natural instrumentation. Excellent imaging. IMO less good as an “all around” headphone. Lacks bass definition and overly analytical for many modern genres. Also requires a bit of power as it’s high impedance. LCD-X - only recommend if you’re willing to EQ. Can be an absolute bass cannon, and responds exceptionally well to EQ, so you can make the frequency response fit your liking. Excellent presentation that is wide and puts you right in the middle of the stage. Focal Clear MG - similar to the Meze but with less brightness, a bit smoother and a bit more of a dynamic thump in the bass. 109 is the better value IMO. ZMF Verite closed - outstanding staging and technical performance for a closed back headphone, rivals some opens. Holographic imaging. Wonderful lush vocals and excellent detail retrieval, very energetic, gorgeous design. Great all around genre performer. Ever so slightly light on bass for some genres but not enough to be a deal breaker, plus can be EQ’d. Needs a bit of power to shine. Tube amp kicks is up a couple notches, near god-tier IMO for a closed. Customizable in terms of pads to tweak the sound to your liking ZMF Atrium - slightly above your range but all of the excellence of the Verite but even better staging and holographic imaging because it is open, darker tune - more bass, more relaxed treble. Slower speed in exchange for lushness and tonal richness. Often considered a direct upgrade from the Sennheiser 6X0 line. Also tweak-able with pads. Absolute God tier on a tube. Artisan design. Sennheiser IE900 IEM - great all around IEM with a very balanced tonal response. Neutral - musical. Everything you’d expect from Sennheiser in terms of technical performance. Most comfortable IEM I’ve ever owned. Single dynamic driver shines and brings a very high quality analog sound. Audeze Euclid IEM - similar to the IE900, in terms of versatility and tonal balance (slightly more neutral) but it is a planar IEM, so a more planar sound - smoother, faster, plus a wider stage. Still excellent Audeze imaging. Great for gaming and movies. Biggest stage I’ve experienced on an IEM except for the Campfire Trifecta (above your price range). Me personally, I’m a collector, currently own 20+ pairs and have owned more. All of the above I have owned personally (most still do). I am an all genre guy, biggest being electric/EDM, R&B, pop, hip-hop, classic rock, alternative, symphonic, jazz - so I like headphones that can serve many purposes. Happy to answer any questions. Good luck!

LCD-X EQd is so good. Love mine. Just gotta get used to weight.

Open Back nothing beats an EQ’d LCDX 2021. Closed Back I’d personally chose an EQ’d Noire X or ZMF Eikon on an OTL

I'd personally get an Open Back. The LCDX 2021 sounds great out the box but it can be EQ'd to hell and back with zero distortion. The only other headphone that comes close or beats is an AB 1266 TC but I'd never spend that kind of money for a basshead experience.