audeze Lcd-gx review | Are Audeze gaming headphones worth it?
Audeze LCD-GX Audit - Planar attractive gaming headphones of the highest range
The LCD-GX ($899) is probably one of the more fascinating headphones I've come across recently. They are Audeze's high-end "gaming" headphones; complete with a red variety plot and lightning microphone. I certainly didn't have the foggiest idea of what to expect in this initial setup, however, all I can say so far is that what I got was more than just a gaming headset. Sources and music used in listening tests
The enhancer/DAC used in this survey was a Miniature Dark Name connected via USB to my workstation. For listening tests, I used a wide variety of music including rock, jazz, traditional, acoustic, hip-jump, and Latin. I played tracks from my own FLAC library as well as Qobuz in real time played with Roon (selective mode).
What's in the container?
The LCD-GX comes with a lot of goodies. First, Audeze includes an Expert travel case, which isn't exactly comfortable but will certainly protect your headphones in a hurry. You also get two connections: a stunning standard ¼" connection from Audeze's LCD series (1.9m) as well as a 3.5mm TRSS connector (8ft) with the receiver. Also included is a 3.5mm splitter for connecting mouthpiece and headphones to work audio desktops and an OMTP to CTIA audio connector.
Energy needs
The LCD-GX has an impedance of only 20 ohms and a response level of 100 dB. From my testing, I had no problem driving these headphones with anything I threw at them. even from my MacBook, I felt they provided very great sound quality. I will not list the required amplifier for these headphones.
Build quality and comfort
The LCD-GX uses Audeze's more recent magnesium suspension, which, while comparable in size to regular LCD headphones, saves a lot of weight. Basically, everything on this form is connected to metal, with the main exceptions being the cushions and hanging straps, which are made of faux calfskin. The magnesium suspension itself feels the main areas of strength for exceptionally robust. Despite being exceptionally light, it's not moldable and doesn't seem to crush easily. Cushions made from cowhide are extremely comfortable and I don't think you'll need to replace them anytime soon. The eyelash is the main point of concern for me in the form, as it effectively lengthens in contrast to the lambskin variation; it might require replacement down the line. Generally speaking, the LCD-GX feels exceptionally premium and organized.
In addition, the solution is generally excellent. The cushions on the LCD-GX are deep and huge; it provides more than enough room for your ears to fit in there. Thanks to the magnesium chassis, the weight of the LCD-GX is significantly reduced compared to the usual Audeze plan. They're certainly still hefty at 460g, but that's practically 200g lighter than normal compared to other standard LCD-series headphones. As with the mold, the main problem is that the faux cowhide headband extends significantly and can cause the metal headband to interact with the client's head; applying some load. I personally haven't encountered this problem, but I actually needed to mention it because it seems to be an extremely normal sign of concern on the web.
⦁ Sound
⦁ As I stated earlier when I first reviewed the LCD-GX I had no idea what was in store. My previous foray into standard LCD series headphones was the LCD-2 (2020) which required some really critical EQ before I got to the heart of it where I thought it sounded perfect. There's also the way it's presented as a gaming headset, so I felt like it might have some crazy game-driven tuning - but it didn't. All things being equal, I found the LCD-GX to be one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I've had in recent memory. I'm not saying this for the reason that it has the best niche exhibit or the ideal recurring response that it doesn't. I say this because the LCD-GX show is an invigorating mix of extremely soothing, rich resonance matched with elements that really spiced up the music I was paying attention to.
⦁ Bass
⦁ As with other Audeze headphones, the LCD-GX's bass is superb. In general, it extends fairly well, although I felt that it drifted somewhat around 30 Hz. At present, while I certainly felt that the bass had excellent depth, I felt that their general bass was a little on the less fat side; I tracked the bass on the LCD-2 and HiFiMan Ananda for a bit more presence below 100Hz. For the target, I found the bass to be very prominent on the LCD-GX, and it easily beats headphones like the Sennheiser HD 660S and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Expert. Be that as it may, I actually observed the Ananda and the LCD-2 to be barely better expressed and definite at the minimum. Even for one foot of bass on the LCD-GX, it is exceptionally characterized and enjoyable.
⦁ Wednesdays
⦁ Shockingly, the mids here were for the most part very great and didn't lose the apparent balance of the headphones like they did with the LCD-2. I find the midrange resonance on the LCD-GX to be exceptionally "right sounding"; they don't seem unnatural in any way and are extremely easy to tune. In any case, I felt that the upper midrange was somewhat sunken and could use a bit more presence around 4.5k; however, it doesn't require anywhere near as much as the LCD-2 or other Audezes. I have also observed that 2k is very sickening in energy. This indicated that the instruments whose body lies around the recurrent reaction could appear to be somewhat calm and for the most part only dissipated the centers to a piece. Additionally, the midrange tone was amazing and normal, with none of the stuffiness I heard on the LCD-2 (pre-EQ). Likewise, I thought the midrange on the LCD-GX generally had an excellent target and developed somewhat after adding some EQ to the 4.5K. First, I noticed that it's a bit more defined here in the FR than the Anand, and pretty much the same point-for-point as the LCD-2 (post-EQ).
⦁ Highs
⦁ I'm really into the treble on the LCD-GX because it's very well made and has a simple tuning. Indeed, I found the treble to be marginally dull, yet it was undeniably smooth and even; there were no highs that I could hear or find exhausting. In addition, the treble on the LCD-GX extends well into frequencies above 10K and, like the LCD-2, has an exceptionally pleasant air quality. Plus, I feel like they generally have excellent goals. They are exceptionally immaculate in their transmission of pitches and I believe they are on a par with the Anandas; by simply touching behind the LCD-2 in such a way.
⦁ Soundstage, imaging, and layering
⦁ I would describe the soundstage of the LCD-GX as truly wide-angle, as it was roughly comparable to the LCD-2. FYI, it sounded more spacious to me than the DT 1990 Ace and much more spacious than the HD 660S; it just wasn't on a similar level of latitude as Ananda. I also believed his portrayal was amazing. When I played around and paid attention to the music, I had no trouble recognizing where the sounds started. I was a little disappointed in the tools department. They actually recognize instruments, vocals, and different layers, making the mix all around in contrast to most headphones, but I'd say it didn't do it as neatly as the LCD-2 or Ananda.
⦁ Elements
⦁ As with the LCD-2, the elements are definitely one of my number one characteristics of the LCD-GX. These headphones have an incredible punch and hammer quality that delivers an exceptionally filling, draw-in, and responsive effect. The micro-dynamics on these headphones are also generally excellent, making instruments feel booming as if you can feel the strain with which the instruments are being played. Listening to the percussion instruments that are part of Carlos Santana's Outro solo in "Oye Como Va" would honestly give me chills. This powerful quality adds a lot of energy to the music and simply gives the instruments an exceptionally practical presence in the mix.
⦁ EQ
⦁ I don't feel like the LCD-GX really needs EQ, however it benefits from every other headphone I've tried. First, I found the bass to be somewhat thin, so I was happy to add a bass rack below 100 Hz. Other than that, I simply add a bit more power to the 2K and 4.5K to bring the centers closer to my own target. In case you might want to evaluate the EQ profile I created for them, you can input them into your decision customization programming:
⦁ Highest at 30 Hz, +1 dB Q from 1
⦁ Low rack at 100Hz, +2dB Q 0.7
⦁ Highest at 2500 Hz, +2dB Q 1.41
⦁ Highest at 4500 Hz, +3dB Q from 2
Conclusion
I wish Audeze would make a non-gaming version of these headphones, as I recognize that the "gamer" label really sabotages what these headphones are equipped with for tuning into music. The LCD-GX conveys a generally excellent, warm resonance (perhaps the best of all conventional LCDs), a strong and pleasing form factor, as well as a specialized finish that I believe is satisfactory at its $899 MSRP. On the off chance that Audeze made the LCD-M (M for magnesium) out of the LCD-GX to replace the LCD-2 example in the LCD lineup, I think it would become one of the most incredible options under $1000.
A note in case you're trying to balance LCD-2 versus LCD-GX
In case you are trying to settle on the LCD-2 (non-exemplary) and the LCD-GX, I think it just depends on whether you have EQ. I really believe the LCD-2 has a slightly better niche design, but it really needs EQ before it feels like a $995 headphone; although the LCD-GX runs great every step of the way.
