Audeze LCD-XC 100-XC-1016-00
Sony WH-1000XM6
What Buyers Say
Audeze LCD-XC 100-XC-1016-00
The Audeze LCD-XC is a high-end closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional clarity and detail, especially after EQ adjustment and a brief burn-in period. Users praise its low distortion, powerful bass, and wide soundstage, but note it requires a powerful amplifier and is very heavy. While some find it bright or fatiguing out of the box, most agree that with proper EQ it becomes an end-game headphone that outperforms competitors like the HD600.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and detail
- Low distortion allows heavy EQ
- Powerful and impactful bass
- Wide soundstage for closed-back
- Comfortable for large heads and glasses
Cons
- Very heavy weight
- Requires powerful amplifier
- Bright out of the box
- Needs EQ for optimal sound
- Expensive with additional amp cost
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
Scores
Specifications
| Audeze LCD-XC 100-XC-1016-00 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.81 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | carbon weave | synthetic leather |
| Headband | suspension headband | synthetic leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 106 mm★ | 30 mm |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 10 Hz | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 50 kHz★ | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 20 Ω | 48 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB | 103 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | Audeze LCD-XC Over Ear Closed Back Headphone, Carbon Weave earcups with Suspension Headband, Creator Edition with Economy Carry case – New 2021 Version | LDAC |
| Surround | — | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | — | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | — | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.899999976158142 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
| Water Resistance | — | Waterproof |
Pros & Cons
Audeze LCD-XC 100-XC-1016-00
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong anc (66th percentile)
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 9.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 41 specs.
