Short answer: the Fostex TH900mk2. It ranks #315 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $1,399.98. The Audeze LCD-X ranks #327, rated 3.1/5, at $1,199, $200.98 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Fostex TH900mk2: Sub-bass and bass sit about 2.7 and 3.7 dB above target, giving a full, weighty low end with strong kick drums and bass guitar. The catch: An 8 dB peak near 5.4 kHz makes vocals, snares and electric guitars sound sharp or shouty, while an 8.3 dB dip near 9.4 kHz leaves the upper treble uneven.
What the Audeze LCD-X does well: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. The catch: Presence sits about 7.2 dB low with a 10.9 dB dip near 3.6 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Fostex TH900mk2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $200.98 saving on the Audeze LCD-X is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Sub-bass and bass sit about 2.7 and 3.7 dB above target, giving a full, weighty low end with strong kick drums and bass guitar.
Amazon $1,399.98 eBay
Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
Amazon $1,199.00 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fostex TH900mk2 | Audeze LCD-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.98 | $1,199.00 |
| Ranked | #315 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #327 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 62 (median of 7 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.94 dB standard deviation | 2.96 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.94 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.94 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.6 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 34 Hz (-6.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 20 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 103 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Weight | - | 1.3 lbs (612 g) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Fostex TH900mk2: