VERITE STELLIA LIRIC LcdXC2021. THE 2022 CLOSED-BACK FLAGSHIP SHOWDOWN.
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- ZMF Focal MezeAUdio and Audeze have entered the arena to Steal the Crown for the best flagship closed-back headphones money can buy.
Chapters
1:24 Intro
2:16 A road map
2:31 Hardware smack-down
11:11 Spec low-down
17:32 Overall sound characteristics
19:56 FR Comparisons bass
27:24 Mid-range
31:47 Treble
35:12 Imaging and staging
40:33 Vocals
42:07 Thoughts
44:15 Equipment paring
45:25 Conclusion and saving money
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ZMF Verite-Closed Review • ZMF VERITE CLOSED REVI...
MEZEAUDIO LIRIC Review • MEZE AUDIO LIRIC REVIE...
FOCAL STELLIA Review • FOCAL STELLIA REVIEW. ...
Audeze LcdXC2021 Review • Audeze LcdXC 2021 Revi...
Focal Stellia www.mimic-cables.com/products...
MezeAudio Liric - www.mimic-cables.com/products...
Meze Elite - www.mimic-cables.com/products...
Raal Sr-1A - www.mimic-cables.com/products...
Audeze LCD-5 - www.mimic-cables.com/products...
Anything else - www.mimic-cables.com
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Edited by
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M U S I C
Music by Andre Louis
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Развлечения
As you probably already know, Koji when the LCD XC is properly EQ’d it becomes an absolute monster of a headphone. Adjusting the mids lower and boosting the sub bass I find the XC to be the best closed back out of the lot against your competitors in your video. ❤
One of the most underrated headphone channels on YT. I hope more visitors find the way here as I have done the last couple of months. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for the kind words, welcome to the fam 🐅
@MrLuftmann yup
The image comes up so close
You are an amazing audio reviewer and I love you to death and I'm starting to realize your talent to advertise a product is equally on par.
Thank you, it’s greatly appreciated, welcome to the fam
One of the most comprehensive reviews I have ever seen!!
Congrats for this great video. Very useful comparison at various price points. Great enthusiasm as well!
Watched this review with great pleasure last night! Truly great work, dear Koji! Thanks for your hard work and bringing to us your experience. I watch many reviewers and this comparison was truly fantastic and overwhelming for me. The way you feel and express your experience is amazing and really thanks for your work and dedication on this field! My deep respect and love! @ConvinceMeAudio
Thank you so much for the kind words, it’s greatly appreciated
Welcome to the fam 🐅
Bro you're the man- you don't waste time giving scenarios for every budget and use case which is useful. Subbed!
Thanks mate it’s very much appreciated, welcome to the fam 🐅
Good review, good pace, good wordings that I can actually sit down and listen to you for 45minutes.
Thank you, it’s very much appreciated, welcome to the fam. 🐅
Absolutely Great comparison that i was looking for
A new fan of your channel. You are a wonderful talent. I only have Sony MDR-ZR1's but hope to buy the Focal Stellias later this year. All the best to you and the channel.
Much respect from Australia.
Thank you for the kind words, I am very glad you enjoy the content
Welcome to the fam 🐅
I really enjoy the way you review! Glad Google popped this video up on my feed.
Thank you for the kind words, it’s greatly appreciated
Welcome to the fam 🐅
The best HP channel i know. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words very much appreciated, and apologies about the hiatus. Our editor abruptly left. We finally got things back on track.
Nice review, keep up the good work! pretty much agree with your impressions. value for money is much better on their open back counterpart i think, bad news for those of us that need closed back.
CMA you are now my favourite reviewer and because of you I purchased the Meze Liric. I am so pleased with them and everything they do. Your passion is amazing and you speak with such clarity. It took me over 6 weeks to decide between the Stellia and the Liric. Using them with the Cayin N7 and am so impressed with the sound I am hearing its just beautiful. I even like the way the Liric lets you know you have a badly recorded track. If you have to bump the volume up there seems to be no distortion at all. Thank you again for your efforts
Thank you, for the kind words, you’re welcome, welcome to the fam 🐅
I just pulled the trigger on a LCD-XC partially due to your articulate and detailed reviews. Thank you for your service. Good luck on you're product review journey.
I am so on the fence between the x and the xc. I have plenty of open back headphones already so I might just go closed this time. How are you liking it ?
@@villegas24Bump
Straight truth in this intro - love it
Really impressed by your review style, even though I had to listen on 2X speed. Subscribed!
Thank you for the kind words it’s very much appreciated
Welcome to the fam 🐅
My reviews tend to be longer than most, I attempt as much as I can to cover every aspect so that when somebody is planning to purchase any audio equipment that is the value of a small car can you get all the information they can possibly require. 😎
Also I have found that longer content on the channel seems to do better, but I’m glad you’re enjoying the reviews hope you will enjoye the incredible things we have not yet release that is on the way
@@ConvinceMeAudio its not the length of video, but more so the speed of articulation you work with. it is quite slow.
Just what I was looking for! Liked and subbed, good work Sir!
Very glad the content aligns with what you’re looking for. welcome to the fam 🐅
excellent review thank you
Verite Closed is one of the most popular closed back hifi headphones as of late. There is a certain magic with them even over the Verite Open. The VC is a bit more dynamic and warmer and usually synergizes with amps better than most other closed backs. Not to mention its one of the most "open" sounding closed backs ever.
Im set with my VC and my tube amp, never wanted other closed back after I bought VC
*So well done in so many ways, knowing it well when I own 2 of these headphones and some other headphones mentioned in this video. Thank you.*
Glad you enjoyed it, the true flagship shoot out will be coming to, in the top end of the category
LCD5, Susvara 1266 Diana TC, final audio to 8000 pro et cetera going to be an exciting one
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks. And Senn HD800S, Focal Utopia, .. The closed ones needed some attention and you did it so good. So well done/written. I wouldn’t mind if it would have even more details and weighing, because *you are the man doing it all so well.* I missed out exactly which pads to put onto the Audeze XC.. By The Way, not time is wasted any on this video. No need to rush it or to shorten it. Every word you say and would say is music to the ears. You know your stuff very well and I *Thank you* for all that.
@@newsigmundfreud3023 i’m glad the video came across the way I intended, and more importantly it’s beneficial,
🐅 the lcdxc is the dekoni elite lambskin
@@newsigmundfreud3023 Hello, I am trying to find the best all around Headphone it doesnt matter closed back opened back, what Headphone can you recommend (Please except susvara and utopia) like Focal Clear Mg? Zmf Verite Open or Close? Focal Stellia?
@@kaankucuk1612 Believe it or not, I still think Sennheiser HD800S does the best job. If you want choose DAC and AMP wisely. Verite Closed does better than open. LCD 5 is also amazing over and all with Ferrum Oor AMP with Hypsos power supply.
Superb review.
Excellent comparison video! I have the Stellia, I originally wanted the Verite but found a Stellia sub 2k as an open box with no prior owner. It was too good a deal to pass up. I think ultimately I'd probably enjoy the Verite or Liric more, I just don't do a wealth of analytical listening and can certainly attest that the Stellia will expose poorly recorded music. However when the stars align and the recording quality meets the interest then I don't know of another experience like the Stellia. I don't think they're a default recommendation, but for folks with well-recorded collections looking for some authoritative dynamics and super clear detail with total control and speed, the Stellia are certainly an experience. I would recommend them with the Dekoni LTD pads. Those pads push them away from your ear a bit more than the stock preventing your ears from touching the driver housing and given the sense of a bit more space. They also do a better job than stock of injecting some air to balance out the upper mids. Awesome video, look forward to your take of the Stealth!
I agree, that’s a fantastic deal
They really are amazing headphones
Just because they do everything so well and on the go!
Glad you enjoyed the video welcome to the fam
Nice roundup. I know it must be difficult to have access to a multitude of headphones and also to choose amongst which ones of the top tier to showcase. As others have indicated too, I would have loved the Denon AH-D9200 to be evaluated against these. Not sure how they would stack up against these others, but maybe in a future review? Representing Japan in the mix as well? From the few RUclips reviews out there, and personal/anecdotal accounts on various headphone forums, everyone seems to just fall in love with them.
Thanks mate, I appreciate it, yes I do actually want to review headphones from that brand. A lot of people have mentioned it, but it’s notoriously difficult to get hold of four review
You can be sure if it lands on the desk it will get reviewed and put up against some of the industries best
Xmas greetings my fave reviewer, i try hard to like closed back but simply cant do it
Subjectivity is key, but unfortunately on the go, it’s a necessity
Christmas and holiday greetings from CMA
@@ConvinceMeAudio 👍🏻😊
IEM shootout:
Mext
Ej07 kinda lava
Monarch mkii
Variation
UP
Sa6
Oracle
Probably too many iem on that list
LOL 😂
Keep the content coming 🥰🎉👍🏿
Hoped the Denon 9200 would be among them. Those seem to be amazing
I got those and sold the XC 2021 right after. Same detail but not nearly as heavy and fatiguing.
This is probably the best comparison I've seen! Love your concise and no fluff approach. Your description of VC sounds like a perfect pair for me, except that I don't really need closed phones. Wondering what would be its open equivalent? Same qualities and should work well with poorly recorded music. Btw I heard VO at a show unfortunately it doesn't left me with a positive impression.
First and foremost thank you so much, and welcome to the fam
I would state Diana V2, elite from Meze empyrean from everything I have heard the Atrium from ZMF, but that’s coming in at the end of the week and I will let you know
These might be your best bet
I can answer that one. Definitely the ZMF Atrium which I also own. It will not disappoint you.
@@TheGreatMrBill that should be Landing with a bit of luck Tuesday or Wednesday I can’t wait to hear it, I’ve heard so many good things
@@ConvinceMeAudio it's currently my favorite open back. With my favorite closed back being the Kennerton Rognir.
@@TheGreatMrBill How would you compare the Rognir with the the Atrium? I heard some people saying they were very close sound wise.
This was quite a fun shootout... I ended up buying a used Focal Radiance for 800 with aftermarket dakoni pads and a upgraded cable. No it's not quite as technical as Stellia but the tuning is highly enjoyable. The VC is my personal favorite but the prices are crazy high for these.
People are sleeping on the radiance getting butthurt over the Bentley logo
VC character is beautiful, it attract you with music to stay and listen whole day, this headphone spoil me so much it is so precious to me 💎
Thanks for the comparisons! I'm planning to get a closed back later this year and have been considering the Stellia and LCD XC, this review was exactly what I've been looking for to help decide, although now I might consider the Verite as well. Can I ask how they rank when it come to sound leakage at high volumes?
For leakage it would go like this
The most isolating is Lirik then VC xc stellia
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks so much :)
Finally as proud owner of VC ✌ I'm here to say that they are not stopping to amaze me. It most likely is my beloved end game closed backs, until Zach dont convince me that closed Atrium is better and make me bankrupt 😂😂
They are divine
@@ConvinceMeAudio Yes they are 💎 I still dont know what voodoo magic Zach did to make closed back headphones sounds so open. With OTL amp they are spectacular
Excellent review. You mentioned that you need to drive the Liric properly, from a purely mobile point of view (ie going to work etc), would something like a Fiio m11 pro be able to fully drive the Liric to acceptable levels? Or do we need something more powerful like a M15 or something from other brands. I have no problems using a 3rd party 4.4mm cable to utilise the extra power from balance output if its needed.
I think that is more than adequate but synergy will play a role, I owned that the AP and I don’t think the pairing might be too pleasant but let me know how it goes
Mojo 2 was really good on the go really good I think PAW6000 would be amazing too but most of the time I used to go blu and it was fine
I own the stellia, vc and liric. I got the stellia for less than 2k. I think I like the liric best but I do listen to mostly electronic music. Keep thinking of selling 2 out of the 3 but can’t decide really
It’s definitely a very difficult choice LOL choosing which one to keep
I think the zmf is better for me compared to the stellia. I currently own the clear mg and the dynamics can be a bit much for my ADD ADHD when im listening to anjunadeep . I use my SA5000 because of their speed and upper treble clarity. I think the zmf might round out my collection.
Good vid! Interesting bit about the Stellia and Mojo 2 paring. What was it you didn’t like?
Somewhat soft, veil detail retrieval, not as visceral and impactful
Sounded a bit gooey
@@ConvinceMeAudio interesting, Stellia seems to give me crazy detail no matter what it's plugged into. Like even a potato haha. Going to look into this and see what I think. I'll connect my Stellia to BTR5 and it's insane how much audible info they extract, just listening to whatever tv show I'm watchging. This stuff is so subjective though and appreciate your take. Good stuff!
Nice review....but one contender is missing: the Denon AHD9200 , quite the same as Stellia at around half the price , test it please ;) I have the 9200 and the liric, liric is better for soundstage/imaging/comfort but the denon has better slam, dynamism and is more engaging,pleasant without fatiguing, mids are better. In fact in the Liric you hear your music with all details etc with the Denon you LIVE your music
This unit has been bought up a lot, but unfortunately it’s rather difficult to get hold of I would’ve loved for it to have been in the reviewplus th900
Which have just landed
Good review. The only thing I would say the Dave Dac and the m scaler are way better that the TT 2 and m scaler. That is more end game. But I don’t think there. Is such a thing as end game. It’s just upgrade to the best thing until the next upgrade 😀.
Most definitely, the Dave is actually better than the TT2 combo LOL they’re both on my desk right now
And thank you, welcome to the fam
Nice. 👍
Do you think the focal utopia ear pads would pair well with the focal stellia?
Which Dekoni pads did you get for the LCD-XC? Do you have a link?
Excellent comparison, I was looking for it for a long time, I have LCD XC and find these indeed lacking bass punch and rumble. I am looking for either Stellia or VC I have A90 and Chord Hugo 2, which one of 2 VC and Stellia is less brighter with more visceral and punchy bass with A90 or do you think with EQ XC can match the two. Your feedback definitely help me choose either one of Them. Thanks
Vc with hybrid pads
Will give you a better performance for what you want
With that set up
@@ConvinceMeAudio Many thanks for your guidance.
@@lonestar1664 I'm also using hybrid auteur but with tube amp, VC sounds powerful with lot of impact and great sound stage
Hey dude could you talk on the differences and how big they are between the utopia and the Stellea? I’ve been trying to decide between the two headphones for the last five months or so.
sajid from amplify audio has a video comparing both and he does a good job summarizing the two sets.
I've got one more question the review didn't cover. Out of those 4, which one would be best for competitive gaming?
Verite and lcdxc I would definitely say, but I would personally choose the vc
So, I’ve ordered the XC being an Audeze fan who needed a closed back for under £1200.
I get the feeling that performance of it is based solely on the quality of the track?
Also, how do you like them compared to other £1000 closed backs, as opposed to the £3k beasts on here?
I liked these in this price category for closed
Closed Headphones are very difficult to get right and to be honest with you. The market is very spare below the $2000 mark
But I remember at the time, really enjoying these, especially when Pat swap
I’m trying to think what else I would choose in this category maybe THX 900 possibly? But even that’s 1800
I have not played around with many of them in this category at this price point. Unfortunately, most of my experience comes from 2000 and above
The Denon or Fostex need to be in the conversation. I own the Denon AH-D9200 and it’s awesome.
De Fostex 900 are semi open, so I discounted those for now, but I will do a review later on
The Denon or something I am intrigued by but it’s almost impossible to get hold of in the UK
I have 9200 as well. Just curious what is Your signal chain?
@@ivandubov2537 Ferrum OOR Hypsos benchmark DAC threeB
Mono block benchmark ahb2 HoloAudio May KTE
Gold point stepped attenuator
The fostex 900 mk 2 and sapphire/white special tuning are certainly both quite enable cans. They don't provide the same isolation as these like a traditional closed back so this is a good comparison. The bass is quite fun on both but the special tuning has a bit better tonal balance while regular mk2 is a deep v with pretty spicy treble.
Please make a Review video for VC closed vs atrium closed
Forget about the price for 1 second, I am extremely interested in the LCDX 2021. It is obvious the LCDXC is not on the same level as these 3 other headphones. I assume the LCDX 2021 version is also not on par with these 3?
Digging them shades by the way =)
Here is the thing, the LCD XC 2021 is absolutely fricking superb for the price point like surprisingly so, as for the LCDX, I honestly don’t know about the 2021 addition yet because it has not come in for review.
But the 2019 the EXC is far superior
@@ConvinceMeAudio If the X 2021 ever come in, you have my full support and attention.
I will contact some of the boys and get one in mate it should’ve been done ages ago actually but we have been so flooded with stuff LOL there are 14 reviews you guys have not even seen yet that’s already shot
@@ConvinceMeAudio Wow that is a lot of videos in queue lol. From what I have heard from other sources, the new X 2021 is very similar to the old version with that mandatory EQ. I never considered any of these headphones until I watched this video of yours today. Now I'm interested in that Vertie closed. but there's also that Vertite open. mmmmmm.
I actually bring my verite on the go xd
How I can get 15% discount on headphones? Is there any code or coupon? Thanks
Please email me info@mimic-cables.com
Good evening and where is dan clark stealth? They say the best closed ones.
Th900 and those were not available at the time TH 900 is already here, I am hoping the stealth will arrive at some point soon to
But I think I might have to create another category about $4000 for those headphones and the hi-fi man closed as well they’re considerably more expensive
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thanks just wanted to see your review on them. Do you think they are better than these review headphones?
What about the Sony MDR Z1R?
Those are one of my least favourite headphones I’ll be honest, but I would love to bring them back in at some point and actually test it on real high-end equipment
Things are very different from the early days of testing that unit many many years ago
To be honest I think 3k is too much for Stellia. Logically it should cost about 2k after Clear MG (1400 USD). And Focals have problems with quality and customer service. For 3k I would buy Verite Closed, which is phenomenal, or at least Meze Liric for 2k. Which is also great HP and 50% cheaper than Stellia
I mean I would like it to be cheaper too, there’s no arguing against that
But it is a flagship above those headphones you mentioned by a considerable amount
Not only from the packaging et cetera but actual sound quality, you get a lot for your money I think it’s one of the more value for money than some of the other headphones I could mention
I wonder is Sony MDR Z1R is still good next to these models?
I detested those headphones LOL, in fact those and the HD 820 I think might be some of the worst headphones designed but that’s just my subjective opinion 😄 but they are very rare, it would be interesting to revisit them hopefully somebody will send it in for review again
@@ConvinceMeAudio That's quite a hot take! The Z1R is pretty well regarded by most reviewers and users (this one included).
@@matthewweflen it did not agree with me, 😎 soft sounding gooey slightly better than the HD820, two of the worst headphones I’ve tried personally
But, it’s audio its objective at the end of the day if you like it that’s all that matters
But I would not put it technically alongside this lot personally
@@ConvinceMeAudio I always wonder how Sony's Z1R sounds but didnt consider it to be worth to buy, since I have VC probably from closed backs I would be considering only closed Atrium
@@soulfulfool should be coming in any day for review now, I would not recommend a Sony personally I have very bad experiences
OMG...Stellia/Verite/Liric/Lcd...Lcd/Liric/Verite/Stellia. Having no access to try before buying due location, and already owning Zr1's, but looking for something different to go with the new M17. Listen to a wide range of genres. Starting to give me nightmares , this one. Somebody, somewhere, flip that coin for me. I'm sick of watching reviews. And then rewatching them same reviews!
Vc if you want to be tied to a desk, stellia if you want to take it out and have the same amount of flagship performance, the others are great too LOL but there you go
@@ConvinceMeAudio Good man...Stellia it is...and I'll be taking it everywhere!
@@bv3bv334 A couple of notes, I do mention it in the review as well definitely check it out before you buy as well, it is slightly V shaped
But it does not hinder the mid range, very technical very high resolving drivers it sounds incredible on the OOR
Yeah I think they’re still my favourite closed backs LIRIC definitely gives it a run for its money, but frequency response could be hit and miss with genres of music and songs
@@ConvinceMeAudio Thank you...top man for taking the time and effort to reply. I'm a new subscriber, just found your channel whilst investigating the Stellia. Your commitment to reviews, and attitude towards comments is fantastic. Bring on the Stellias! Gotta live your life...as I'll tell the wife 😁
@@bv3bv334 It’s my pleasure mate welcome to the fam
That conversation is gonna be fantastic LOL I recommend buying her dinner and a present
If you’ve got any questions reach out mate
I can see Elites hanging there nobly🙃
Review coming soon 🐅
@@ConvinceMeAudio Looking forward to watch it! I received them in march, they are truly a Royal piece of art.
so freaking beautiful and comfortable
@@ConvinceMeAudio Flawless looks and performace.
Why the sunglasses?
Eyes are very sensitive to light,
I only have 3% vision or so and very light sensitive, and as you can imagine in the studio very powerful lights 😎
@@ConvinceMeAudio ok
Sorry but that Mimic cables site is cheating buyers.... On main page it says Audeze LCD-XC is about 1300 but on the inner page the price is $1,799.00 USD...
Come on, Mimic, we have expected 15% extra discount for 1299$, and here you make price 1799$ :D
CMA viewers get 15% off if you contact him directly, and no he is not. There are two additions of LCD XC, there is the founders edition and the premium
Please don’t accuse until all the facts are in place, it’s not fair and it might mislead other people as well
you know what the Internet is like
@@ConvinceMeAudio Contact whom? With which email?
@@ConvinceMeAudio I am saying after seeing that in their web sate man. I saw high price literally in their site, if you dont believe me, enter and see yourself
@@yusif.heybatov all the information is in the description mate, for the items and his email address
Is this dude blind?
If he is than your comment is insensitive and anyways unnecessary. If he's not than making fun of people for the sole reason that they look slightly out of the norm is exactly what bullies do. Such comments and behavior keep society boring and uniform - just sad.