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Audeze LCD-X — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-X

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,199
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black wins by 1
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-X lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-X if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black leads on anc (91 vs 0).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black leads on comfort (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,199).

Audeze LCD-X 92
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-X
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-X versus Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-X Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

Audeze LCD-X

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Audeze LCD-X vs Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black

Which is better, Audeze LCD-X or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-X worth the price? +

At $1,199, Audeze LCD-X delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-X or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-X or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (91 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Audeze LCD-X or Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 · Midnight Black — leads on comfort (92 vs 88). Long-session wearability.