Audeze LCD-X 2021

Samwise.Gamgee · 12 Aug 2025 at 10:27

Hi everyone,

I Recently picked up a pair of Audeze LCD-X 2021 paired with a JDS Labs Element III DAC — and wow, with some EQ tweaks these headphones are just perfect. Since most of my listening is rock, they absolutely hit the sweet spot.

Only downside (and I know I’m not alone here) is the weight. After a while it definitely starts to make itself known.

Has anyone found a good solution for this? I’ve seen some threads mentioning carbon fibre headbands — anyone tried one or have other recommendations?

Raymond Lin · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:00

Genuine thick cow Leather Headband Strap for Audeze LCD-2 LCD-2 Classic LCD-3 LCD-4 LCD-4Z LCD-X LCD-XC LCD-MX4 LCD-GX Headphone - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Something like this?

or if you want to splash out

Audeze LCD Leather Headband - Camel

A padded suspension headband for the Audeze LCD series of headphones. Featuring a wider headband made of buttery smooth Italian full-grain Nappa leather with a soft polymer foam padding for comfort and flexibility.

www.turbulentlabs.com

Starvald · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:03

Surely they're not that hea- <goes to look up the specs> umm yeah 612g. Wow.

Is the leather strap the short version or the long version? Does the top hit the headband as you're wearing it? I think they do a shorter version, which they can get you, which might help weight distribution a bit more.

Man they're heavy.

Raymond Lin · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:04

Starvald said:
Surely they're not that hea- <goes to look up the specs> umm yeah 612g. Wow.

Is the leather strap the short version or the long version? Does the top hit the headband as you're wearing it? I think they do a shorter version, which they can get you, which might help weight distribution a bit more.

Man they're heavy.

They are 612g? And they say the i5 is heavy lol

Samwise.Gamgee · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:10

Raymond Lin said:
Genuine thick cow Leather Headband Strap for Audeze LCD-2 LCD-2 Classic LCD-3 LCD-4 LCD-4Z LCD-X LCD-XC LCD-MX4 LCD-GX Headphone - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Something like this?

or if you want to splash out

Audeze LCD Leather Headband - Camel

A padded suspension headband for the Audeze LCD series of headphones. Featuring a wider headband made of buttery smooth Italian full-grain Nappa leather with a soft polymer foam padding for comfort and flexibility.

www.turbulentlabs.com

Ooooh, I do like the look of that camel headband! I normally don't like two tone, but for whatever reason that's doing it for me.

Is the one you have linked from AliExpress any different from the normal one included?

Samwise.Gamgee · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:11

Starvald said:
Surely they're not that hea- <goes to look up the specs> umm yeah 612g. Wow.

Is the leather strap the short version or the long version? Does the top hit the headband as you're wearing it? I think they do a shorter version, which they can get you, which might help weight distribution a bit more.

Man they're heavy.

Helps build up the old neck muscles, after a long listening session I feel like an Ox.

Raymond Lin · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:11

Samwise.Gamgee said:
Ooooh, I do like the look of that camel headband! I normally don't like two tone, but for whatever reason that's doing it for me.

Is the one you have linked from AliExpress any different from the normal one included?

I can't confirm but thought i give you 2 price brackets.

The more expensive one can be in black as well.

Samwise.Gamgee · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:33

Raymond Lin said:
I can't confirm but thought i give you 2 price brackets.

The more expensive one can be in black as well.

Genuinely think I really like the two tone look, but it's nice to know I have options. Thanks so much for the link.

Raymond Lin · 12 Aug 2025 at 11:56

Samwise.Gamgee said:
Genuinely think I really like the two tone look, but it's nice to know I have options. Thanks so much for the link.

I like it too, it looks nice on the i5.

mrk · 13 Aug 2025 at 16:26

Raymond Lin said:
They are 612g? And they say the i5 is heavy lol

i5 is not heavy at all tbh, it's the weight balance that makes them feel floppy vs the hifimans which sit closer to the head.

Gray2233 · 13 Aug 2025 at 16:53

I've been running the Audeze LCD-2's for years now as my main/end game headphone, par the odd rare purchase I've largely given up on the rabbit hole.

Using third party/alternative headband straps can help with the often commented upon weight of some of their headphones, fortunately it doesn't bother me too much but I've met one or two who despite loving them ended up changing to something else.

Samwise.Gamgee · 14 Aug 2025 at 12:20

Gray2233 said:
I've been running the Audeze LCD-2's for years now as my main/end game headphone, par the odd rare purchase I've largely given up on the rabbit hole.

Using third party/alternative headband straps can help with the often commented upon weight of some of their headphones, fortunately it doesn't bother me too much but I've met one or two who despite loving them ended up changing to something else.

Yeah I must say I'm the same, I can put on a decent pair of Bluetooth headphones these days and still appreciate them. With that said I do love the sound signature that the Audze-LCD X produce, they are one of my favourite sounding headphones.

What's funny is out the box I hated them, it's only with EQ in my eyes that they truly shine.

mrk · 14 Aug 2025 at 12:22

Same as the LCD 5 then, cheap nasty sounding out of the box until EQd.