Short answer: the Audeze LCD-XC. It ranks #21 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1,299; the DUNU Arashi ranks #106, rated 4.0/5, and costs $1,380, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the Audeze LCD-XC: A preference score of 89 and a 1.9 dB deviation show an overall balance that follows the Harman target closely with a neutral tilt. The tradeoff: Bass is clearly recessed, about 6 dB light in the sub-bass and about 2 dB light from 60 to 200 Hz, so kick drums and bass guitar lack weight.
What the DUNU Arashi does well: Hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 82 with a smooth 1.95 dB deviation from target, so midrange and bass sound natural and well balanced. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 4 dB below target under 60 Hz and is 5.4 dB down at 30 Hz, so the lowest rumble in electronic and film scores is lighter than ideal.
Buy the Audeze LCD-XC. It is rated higher for sound quality than the DUNU Arashi and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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A preference score of 89 and a 1.9 dB deviation show an overall balance that follows the Harman target closely with a neutral tilt.
Amazon $1,299.00 eBay
Hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 82 with a smooth 1.95 dB deviation from target, so midrange and bass sound natural and well balanced.
Amazon $1,380.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audeze LCD-XC | DUNU Arashi | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299.00 | $1,380.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #106 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 89 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 82 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.90 dB standard deviation | 1.95 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 28 Hz (-5.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic | 1 x 100mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 20 ohms | 26 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (677 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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