Audeze 100-XC-1022-00
The closed-back planar magnetic design with ultra-thin diaphragms and a precision waveguide array delivers detailed, low-distortion sound with strong isolation for critical listening. The low-impedance, high-efficiency drivers work well with a wide range of audio interfaces and amplifiers, while the carbon fiber earcups and suspension headband ensure comfort during long sessions. This headphone is best for studio engineers and producers who need accurate monitoring and isolation in noisy environments.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Audeze 100-XC-1022-00 is a $1,299 closed-back planar magnetic headphone aimed at studio pros. The planar drivers promise speed and low distortion, but our sound score lands at the 20th percentile, which is weak for this price. Build, comfort, and connectivity all rank below average too. Unless you specifically need closed-back planar tech, there are better options for less money.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Planar magnetic drivers offer fast transient response and low distortion
- Closed-back design provides real isolation for focused listening
- Carbon fiber earcups keep weight manageable for long sessions
- Low-impedance design works with a wide range of audio interfaces and portable devices
- Neutral tuning reduces listening fatigue during extended mixing work
Cons
- Sound quality ranks at the 20th percentile, weak for the $1,299 price
- Build quality sits at 34th percentile, below average for a premium headphone
- Comfort only reaches the 30th percentile despite the suspension headband
- Wired-only connectivity limits flexibility and ranks at the 4th percentile
- No meaningful social proof, making it hard to validate real-world reliability
The proof
Performance
Let's talk about what planar magnetic drivers do well. The ultra-thin diaphragm moves faster than typical dynamic drivers, which means better transient response. Cymbal hits, snare cracks, plucked strings, those quick attacks should sound crisp and immediate. Audeze's magnet array is designed to drive that diaphragm evenly across its surface, reducing distortion. In theory, you get clean, controlled sound even at higher volumes. That's the promise, and it's a real advantage of planar tech.
The problem is our sound score of 20th percentile. That's not just below average, that's disappointing for a headphone at this price. A closed-back planar design should deliver detail and accuracy, but the numbers suggest something isn't translating. Maybe the tuning is too neutral for some listeners, or the closed-back implementation introduces resonances that muddy the low end. Without more granular frequency response data, we can't pinpoint the exact issue, but the ranking is clear: this headphone does not sound like a $1,299 headphone should. For context, competitors like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 and Sony ULT WEAR are wireless and still manage stronger overall packages.
vs Competition
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is the most obvious alternative. It's wireless, has excellent build quality, and delivers a more engaging sound signature for most listeners. You lose the planar driver, but you gain ANC, Bluetooth, and a headphone you can actually use on a commute. The Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B is another strong option, especially if you want heavy bass and modern features at a lower price. Both of these make the Audeze look dated in terms of connectivity and everyday usability.
The Sennheiser HDB 630 and Technics EAH-A800 also deserve mention. The Sennheiser brings a balanced, reference-style tuning that appeals to critical listeners, while the Technics offers strong comfort and solid wireless performance. None of these competitors use planar magnetic drivers, so if you specifically want that planar speed and low distortion, the Audeze has a niche. But that niche comes with real compromises in sound quality, build, and comfort that are hard to ignore at this price.
| Spec | Audeze 100-XC-1022-00 | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | - | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | - | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 42 | 40 | 30 | 32 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 480 | - | 48 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | - | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 30 | 70 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze 100-XC-1022-00 | 32 | 14.9 | 33.7 | 19.5 | 46 | 29.8 | 3.9 | 9.8 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.7 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.5 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.5 | 52 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 90.8 | 91 | 76.5 | 80.1 | 99.9 | 83.6 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.1 | 75.7 | 84.9 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 99.2 | 98.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 52 | 96.8 | 95.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $1,299 USD, this headphone is asking for a serious commitment. That's flagship territory. You can buy excellent wireless ANC headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 or Sony ULT WEAR for less, and they'll give you Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, and solid sound. The Audeze is wired only, which is fine for studio work but limits its usefulness as an everyday headphone.
The value proposition hinges entirely on whether the planar magnetic sound justifies the premium. Based on our data, it doesn't. A 20th percentile sound score at this price is a red flag. You're paying for the Audeze name and the planar tech, but the measured performance doesn't back it up. If you need closed-back isolation for tracking or mixing, there are cheaper options that deliver comparable or better results. The MXN 41,062 listing in Mexico reflects the same premium positioning, and the same value problem applies.
Read more
Overview
Audeze has been chasing a very specific dragon for years: studio monitor accuracy in a headphone you can actually wear for a full session. The 100-XC-1022-00 is their closed-back planar magnetic entry aimed at audio professionals and critical listeners who need isolation without sacrificing detail. At $1,299 USD, this is not a casual purchase. It's a tool, and Audeze expects you to treat it like one.
The pitch is straightforward. Closed-back design keeps outside noise out and your mix in, while planar magnetic drivers with ultra-thin diaphragms promise speed and clarity that dynamic drivers struggle to match. Precision waveguides and a high-performance magnet array are supposed to deliver imaging you can trust when placing instruments in a mix. On paper, this is a monitoring headphone built for people who get paid to hear things others miss.
But here's the thing. Our database paints a more complicated picture. The sound score lands at the 20th percentile, which is frankly surprising for an Audeze at this price. Build quality sits at 34th percentile, comfort at 30th, and connectivity at 4th. For a wired headphone, connectivity being low makes some sense, but the rest of these numbers suggest this product has some real weak spots. We'll dig into what that means for actual buyers below.
Common Questions
Q: Does this headphone need a dedicated amplifier?
Audeze designed this with a low-impedance, high-efficiency driver, so it should work from a wide range of audio interfaces, headphone amps, and even portable devices. That said, planar magnetic headphones often benefit from a clean, powerful amp to reach their full potential. If you're using a weak laptop headphone jack, you might not get the dynamic range these drivers can deliver.
Q: How good is the noise isolation?
The closed-back design provides passive isolation by physically blocking outside sound, which is different from active noise cancellation. It should reduce ambient noise enough for focused monitoring in a studio or home environment. But the ANC score sits at the 32nd percentile, so don't expect the kind of silence you'd get from a dedicated ANC headphone like the Sony ULT WEAR.
Q: Is this comfortable for long mixing sessions?
Audeze uses a suspension headband and cushioned earpads to distribute weight evenly, and the carbon fiber earcups help keep the overall weight down. However, our comfort score lands at the 30th percentile, which suggests real-world comfort doesn't match the marketing. Some users may find the clamp force or pad material less comfortable over hours of use. If comfort is a top priority, try before you buy.
Q: Why is this headphone so expensive compared to wireless options?
You're paying for planar magnetic driver technology, which is more expensive to manufacture than typical dynamic drivers. Planar drivers offer faster transient response and lower distortion, which matters for critical listening and mixing. But at $1,299, the price is hard to justify when our sound score ranks at the 20th percentile. Cheaper wireless headphones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony deliver better overall performance for most users.
Who Should Skip This
If you want a headphone for everyday listening, commuting, or travel, skip this. The wired-only design means no Bluetooth, no ANC, and no convenience features. You'll be tethered to your device, and the passive isolation won't block out airplane noise or office chatter the way a good ANC headphone will. Look at the Sony ULT WEAR or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 instead.
Also skip this if you're buying your first serious headphone and want something that sounds great out of the box. The neutral tuning and planar presentation can feel clinical or underwhelming if you're used to consumer-friendly sound signatures. And given the below-average comfort and build scores, this isn't a headphone we'd recommend buying without a lengthy in-person audition. The Sennheiser HDB 630 offers a more balanced reference sound at a friendlier price for critical listeners.
Verdict
If you're a studio professional who specifically needs a closed-back planar magnetic headphone and you already own a good headphone amp, the Audeze 100-XC-1022-00 might work for you. The isolation is real, and the planar drivers do offer speed that dynamic drivers can't match. But you need to audition it carefully before buying, because our data suggests the sound quality doesn't live up to the price tag.
For everyone else, this is a tough sell. The comfort and build scores are below average, the wired-only design feels limiting, and the sound ranking is genuinely disappointing. You can get better overall headphones for less money. Unless you have a very specific need for planar magnetic tech in a closed-back design, we'd point you toward the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 or Sony ULT WEAR instead.
