As Timecop said, GOOD CALL!!!!
Forget the noise cancelling, noise added headphones and get some real headphones.
Now there is the audiophile we knew you were coming through GDHAL!!!!!
Well done!!!!
Pls give us a report when you have them broken in and setup.
I always prefer open back headphones, but for your purposes I understand going closed back.
And those should be some of the best.
Happy listening,
God Bless,
Wayne

Hi Wayne. Thank you. Note these are the open back model headphones. Audeze does make an "LCD-XC" which is closed back, however, I purchased the "LCD-X" which is open back.

And of course I shall report back once I've had a chance to listen to them! It may be nearly a week before they even ship - but I do know my order has been received and is being processed - because there is that much final work at the factory and QA before Audeze sends out. I come to understand that each pair of headphones they produce is so customized that even within the same model, two pairs can sound and/or measure ever so slightly different. Of course I cannot say for certain whether or not that is true.

But I did talk with their sales staff, performed a lot of do diligence by reading reviews, etc.

I'm looking forward to them! By the way, in no way will they detract from my listening to the T Refs. The headphones would be meant for additional late night or early morning listen where I wouldn't have listened at all otherwise. Ordinarily, I'll still be using the T Refs!

Little bit surprised you went for the X rather than the XC, considering the A/C noise and the way you were looking for something closed.
Did you listen to them? Is that the reason you chose the X?
Because, for me, for my ears, open back headphones are not just a little bit better, they are WAY better than the closed back ones.
BUT
I have not heard the XC, which many people say sounds terrific. Nor the Fostex which LOTS of people rave about.
I think you made a great decision and will love them.
Happy listening when you get them,
God Bless,
Wayne

Hi Wayne.

After some do diligence on my part, I came to understand that the open back are preferred (compared to closed back) from an audio sound quality perspective.

It is true that my A/C shall present a challenge. However....

First, my audio (Golden Ear) dealer wanted to sell me his *used* pair of Audeze LCD-3 headphones for $1200, the same price I paid for a new pair of LCD-X.

I went with the "X" instead of the "3" version because of the *significantly* lower impedance with the "X", which would allow me to use the headphones directly from a pc sound card. Therefore, I can position myself much further from the A/C if I needed/wanted to. That said, my primary source for the headphones would be my Oppo UDP-205, which is in close proximity to the A/C.

Additionally, I intend to "bite the proverbial bullet". Meaning, while I am also yet to install a new quieter A/C (believe it or not), I've come to the thinking that if it is that hot/humid (which invariably is about 20 days per year), I simply won't listen at all (as painful as that is)

Moreover, it is my understanding that even the closed back version of headphones would not *completely* isolate the external noise. So I may not be gaining anything by using closed back.

I did not listen to the headphones prior to my purchasing them. I consider the purchase similar to the way I purchased my Schitt Yggdrasil (which I'm very happy with) in that I went primarily on reviews, company reputation, price and overall "gut feel".

Lastly, Audeze offers a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee. The only out-of-pocket I would incure is the cost of shipping back to them. I don't expect that I would be pursuing that option though

EDIT:

According to the Audeze website, the LCD-3 and LCD-X have the EXACT same specifications with the sole exception being the impedance.

Again, GDHAL,
I think you made a wise decision and I am fairly sure you would be able to listen quite well even with the A/C running, most days of the year. Headphones do put the music right there and cut down on background sound, even when open backed.
I think you got some of the best, so I expect you will really enjoy tunes with them on!!!!
Let us know,
God Bless,
Wayne

Okay everyone, so I've received the LCD-X today

Initial impressions (i.e. after 15 minutes listening to familiar "reference" tracks, however, not really "critical" listening per se).

They do sound "good" to "very good". The two issues I have are as follows (in no particular order). I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

1 - they seem somewhat (i.e. slightly) "microphonic". If I touch the metal casing, ring, etc. and/or move them abruptly it is audible (click type of sound). However, under normal circumstance this would be acceptable because (a) it appears intermittent (doesn't always happen) and (b) I don't touch them or move continuously. I have placed a call to Audeze support.

2 - The treble is a bit "veiled" in comparison to the bass. At face value, it would seem they could benefit from some degree of EQ, and that would be consistent with one or more reviews I've read.

I'll need to listen further, of course.

On the plus side and in response to the myriads of negativity they receive regarding their weight, they are extremely comfortable.