Audeze occupies a special place in the world of high-quality headphones, renowned for its planar magnetic drivers and uncompromising sound. Closed-back models such as the LCD-XC and LCD2 Closed-Back are designed for those who value not only reference-quality sound, but also complete isolation from the outside world. These are tools for deep immersion in music, where there should be no distractions.
These headphones are more than just accessories. They represent a whole community of connoisseurs of detail, subtle nuances, and rich, saturated sound. The closed design not only preserves your peace and quiet and that of those around you, but also offers its own unique sound character — focused, dense, and surprisingly detailed even at low frequencies.
Let's join this closed, noble community and try to figure out what the LCD-XC and LCD2 Closed-Back actually offer. How are they similar, what are their fundamental differences, and which of these models could be your ideal audio companion?
First and middle names
As always, let's start with the pedigree. In both cases, the alphanumeric designations clearly hint at which open models were used as a basis. The LCD-XC is a closed version of the LCD-X studio headphones, and the LCD2 Closed-Back is the LCD2 Classic with a new closed-back design.
The LCD-X and LCD2 Closed-Back share the same acoustic design, but not the same styling.
It should be noted right away that when converting open headphones into closed ones, the developers did not limit themselves to isolating external noise. After all, if it were that simple, there would be many more closed models! The acoustic design of headphones primarily determines the degree of membrane damping. And damping, in turn, determines literally everything in the sound: the linearity of the frequency response, the character of the sound, the quantity and quality of the bass, the dynamics, the level of distortion, and the width of the soundstage. To quote a well-known meme, “you can't just take headphones and make them closed-back.” You have to create completely different headphones, and there is always a chance that they will sound completely different from their predecessor.
A fresh look
I immediately liked the design and construction of the new LCD2 Closed-Back. First of all, the headphones are lightweight. If you splurge on the carbon headband, you can get record-breaking low weight. However, in my opinion, even with the steel headband, these are the lightest headphones in the line. Even the LCD-MX and LCD-4z with magnesium housings were heavier (due to the heavier magnetic system). The LCD2 Closed-Back not only has lighter magnets than the LCD2 Classic model, but also a nylon cup support structure and a lightweight polymer closed cover.
The large “L”, which is actually the letter “A”, is perceived quite differently in this design.
In terms of design, they are the same sleek black Classic headphones, but with the addition of a bright, memorable accent in the form of a white outline of the letter “A.” Some people, like me, will notice a certain resemblance in the design of the headband and ear cups to the famous studio headphones with the letter “B.” But, in the end, all models with round ear cups are similar to each other in one way or another.
Audeze's standard ear pads do a great job of blocking out external noise.
The ear pads on the LCD2 Closed-Back model are covered with soft artificial leather. This is not only economical, but also in line with the latest eco-friendly trend of not using animal-derived materials in manufacturing. And it must be said that the artificial leather is of very high quality. It feels pleasant to the touch and does not cause discomfort during prolonged wear. In general, there is nothing to complain about. If you prefer genuine leather or velour, talk to the seller. The official list of options does not include a choice of ear pads, but it is quite obvious that they are interchangeable across the entire LCD line.
The Audeze LCD-XC and LCD2 Closed-Back are not just closed-back headphones, but a real breakthrough in sound for those who appreciate detail and power without compromise. They combine rare planar magnetic technology with a comfortable closed-back design, which is rare in itself — usually such models leak sound or lose depth. Here, you get clear, rich sound, tight bass, crisp mids and highs, and a sense of space, just like in open-back mode. This is a choice not for fashion, but for your ears: serious headphones for those who really listen.
An old friend
The Audeze LCD-XC model is not new, and this is not the first time I have had it in my hands. Therefore, I immediately noticed a number of changes that affected this model. The wooden cups have a different shade: the headband is now similar to the LCD-X model — a thin metal arch and perforated leather, no lush and heavy designs. The ear pads come in two finishes: genuine leather and velour (micro suede, as the manufacturers call this material).
In terms of luxury, the LCD-XC is definitely the flagship model of the line and surpasses any other Audeze headphones.
Thanks to the use of lacquered wooden cups, the LCD-XC differs radically in design from the black, all-metal LCD-X. The use of lacquered wood gives it an expensive and distinctly homely appearance. It is difficult to imagine these headphones in a studio or on the head of someone walking down the street. But on an elegant wooden stand next to a high-end home system — they're just right! Obviously, they also have little in common with the LCD2 Closed-Back.
Unlike the LCD2 Closed-Back, the LCD-XC's ear pads are made of genuine leather. This makes them look more solid.
However, the most significant difference between the two closed-back Audeze models is not their design, but their weight. The LCD2 Closed-Back is the lightest in the line, while the LCD-XC is the heaviest. When worn, they feel like a real burden on the cervical spine. The developers did their best to compensate for this. The headband does not press on the top of the head, and the design of the headphones distributes the weight as evenly as possible. With the right playlist and a comfortable chair, it is quite possible to sit in them for 3-4 hours without feeling tired or uncomfortable. The main thing is not to make any sudden movements with your head. Personally, I almost dropped them a couple of times when I suddenly leaned forward. Smooth movements, on the contrary, can be useful — you can get a good workout for your neck muscles.
Heavy artillery
Despite their close relationship with the LCD-X model, the LCD-XC headphones have a completely different sound character. Closing the housings not only changed the soundstage, but also affected the frequency response. The soundstage on both models is more intimate and compact, and does not extend widely even when using a balanced connection. Nevertheless, for closed headphones, it is wide enough that you don't feel cramped.
The metal headband with perforated leather padding fits perfectly into the design of the LCD2 Closed-Back
As for the frequency response, the sound of the LCD-XC, despite its studio pedigree, is more commercial. The character is dark and somewhat heavy. The main emphasis is on the edges of the range, emphasizing the lower bass and upper frequencies, while distancing the midrange from the listener. Of course, we are not talking about an overtly V-shaped frequency response with a drop of fifteen decibels. However, after the absolutely linear open models from Audeze, these seem bright in the high frequencies and bass-heavy.
If we consider the LCD-XC as monitors designed for listening to the final version of a mix, then this approach seems absolutely justified to me. After all, this is the character that manufacturers working for the mass market strive to give their headphones. At the same time, compared to most “store-bought” headphones, the LCD-XC has one important difference — they have a significantly higher resolution.
The mini-XLR connectors are reliable and, most importantly, quite common, which allows you to “play” with cable replacement for as long as you like.
The LCD2 Closed-Back headphones are impressive primarily due to the quantity and quality of their high frequencies. The only other headphones in the LCD series to offer such high frequencies are the in-ear LCD-i4. As a result, the sound is rather bright, and the tonal balance from edge to edge feels more even than that of the LCD-XC. However, compared to open models, it is still not perfect, and a dip in the frequency response in the midrange can be noticed.
Due to the specifics of their acoustic design, both closed models do not handle the bass range as confidently as the open LCD headphones. Quantitatively, there is more bass, but it is not as elastic and clear as in the open models. For example, Marcus Miller's bass drum beats and fast passages are not as collected and focused as on similar open models. At the same time, the sound of the double bass does not cause any particular complaints — all notes are sufficiently clear. Not too experimental and aggressive jazz is quite harmonious, and there are no complaints at all about the blues.
The LCD series headphones are quite large and have a substantial range of headband adjustment.
In the LCD2 Closed-Back version, Mighty Sam McClain's “Give It Up To Love” sounds open, with a bright, relief-like midrange and a wide soundstage. The vocals, cymbals, and guitar are in the foreground. The LCD-XC has more bass, which fills a significant amount of space, while the vocals and cymbals are pushed further away from the listener, deeper into the soundstage, making the composition seem more imposing and relaxed.
Ozzy Osbourne's “Crazy Train” sounds muffled on the LCD-XC, as if it were slightly distant. For some reason, I immediately imagined it playing on a vintage system with large bookshelf speakers like the JBL L100. It's a completely different story with the LCD2 Closed-Back — they play more aggressively and tend to spread the music across the shelves, so they are more associated with modern speakers or even studio monitors. With them, the guitars sound much brighter, and there is no softening of the vocals or “rounding off” of sharp corners. And if I had to choose between these two interpretations, the LCD-XC version seemed more authentic to me.
But everything changed radically when I got to Stevie Ray Vaughan's “Crossfire.” It would seem that similar “vintage” mastering should have produced the same result. But the LCD-XC made the sound of this recording too dark, while the LCD2 Closed-Back, on the contrary, brought out the guitar and vocals. The composition turned out to be more interesting and brighter.
The stock cable has many alternatives, the main one being a balanced version of the cable.
I have observed similar metamorphoses more than once. Both classical music and examples of modern EDM culture had compositions that were best listened to on a single model. However, there were also those that played well in both versions. At the same time, I could not predict which headphones would “hit the mark” in a particular case. For example, I expected Zaz to sound good only on the LCD-XC, and that the LCD2 Closed-Back would make the sound too bright, but both models performed brilliantly, although their emphasis differed. What is remarkable is that both pairs of headphones gave a quite comparable feeling of dynamics and rhythm.
Although they have the same acoustic design, the headphones differ in terms of quality class. This is naturally reflected in the degree of detail and character of the sound. The LCD2 Closed-Back slightly simplifies the nuances and sounds strict, similar to the open LCD2 Classic. The LCD-XC model, on the other hand, delivers a rich, full-bodied sound reminiscent of the LCD-3.
Measurements
Both models proved to be quite sensitive to their placement on the stand. A slight asymmetry caused discrepancies in the frequency response measurements. This means that the position of the headphones on the head should be as symmetrical as possible.
Unlike the open LCD2 Classic, the closed version does not boast a perfect line in the mid/low frequency range up to 1 kHz. But the LCD2 Closed-Back has another advantage: more confident performance above 2 kHz, resulting in better reproduction of high frequencies. There is, of course, a dip in the frequency response at high frequencies, but it is not as deep as in other models in the series, and the subsequent rise is quite broad and reaches the mid/low frequency level.
The frequency response of the LCD-XC in the mid/low range has a similar shape. However, it is more linear in the lower and middle bass, and the dip in the midrange is shifted slightly higher in frequency. The dips in the frequency response at 3 and 10 kHz in this model are deeper and wider than in the LCD2 Closed-Back.
For comparison, the average frequency response of each model is used. On the left side, the difference is negligible, but it is worth paying attention to the discrepancy in the 500-700 Hz range. Basically, the difference in the sound of the models is determined by the 2-4 kHz range.
In both cases, the main frequency range is reproduced with distortions falling within the 0.1–0.2% range. However, the LCD-XC model has a local rise in the graph in the 3 kHz range, coinciding with a dip in the frequency response in the same range. In addition, the LCD-XC experiences an earlier increase in distortion in the bass range. Overall, both models demonstrate excellent results, which do not differ significantly from the open versions of the LCD series headphones.
To sum up, both headphones—the Audeze LCD-XC and LCD2 Closed-Back—brilliantly fulfill their main task. They offer that signature rich and detailed Audeze sound, but in a closed-back design. This is the choice for those who value isolation from the outside world without compromising on sound quality.
The LCD-XC sounds brighter and more dynamic, with more pronounced high frequencies and attack. They seem to lift the details, making the sound particularly clear. The LCD2 Closed-Back, in turn, offers a smoother, warmer, and more relaxed sound with powerful bass. This is the option for long-term comfortable listening.
Ultimately, the choice between them is a matter of personal taste and priorities. Both headphones are elite in their class and prove that closed-back models can sound not just “good enough,” but truly magnificent. They are an investment in years of enjoyment of music at its best.
