The LCD-XC are a closed version of the LCD-X headphones. They are planar magnetic headphones which can be found on eBay for $800-1000 and new cost about $1300 or so. The M17 is a digital audio player (DAP) cable of many features, acting as a balanced headphone DAC or unbalanced depending upon your configuration, and can also act as a digital audio interface via coaxial SPDIF to an external source. It has a micro-SD card slot and runs Android. While the Android firmware can’t be updated and support has fallen off for this older DAP, it still runs Spotify and has wifi and bluetooth too for use with a hotspot or just a wifi access point. It has a THX certified DAC capable of high resolution lossless playback for a variety of formats, and sounds absolutely incredible. With it’s 4 gain settings, one of which is only available with the external power adapter, it is a decent player that sounds incredible with the XCs even for portable use. I have a balanced cable (silver plated copper) that is just fine with these headphones and it gives incredible detail and nearly no distortion while adequately driving these headphones to safe levels that are more than acceptable for loud listening sessions. With the EQ in Spotify, the headphones have decent low-end, but without sound a bit flat. Unfortunately, there is no built-in EQ for other apps. However, now that Spotify supports lossless playback even on the older Android app, it is perfectly fine.
I wouldn’t really call this a “portable” setup, more like transportable, nor would I carry the M17 in a pocket. However, why would you with such a large, heavy pair of headphones? This is for lounging around the house with something simple, yet effective to deliver high quality audio without the hassle of large, fix place equipment, so you have the option of listening in a hotel room or an AirBnB while you’re getting away.
These are studio headphones, so they are naturally flat, but as having been described as having good response with an EQ that doesn’t overwhelm them, they have plenty of power handling (6 watt rated drivers) for loud playback, and while the M17 can’t push that, it will be hard to drive these headphones with a proper source that can handle both high power and a low impedance driver. The M17 does a fine job of that, however the battery capacity might be disappointing at louder volume, but, it can be charged via USB-C while on the go without the need for a 12V power adapter, making it all the more convenient to carry on a flight. With USB-C, it can be charged from an external battery on a long flight, or from a standard USB-C port, even such as on a laptop while daisy-chained to it’s power supply. With the ability to act as a DAC, with the driver available (albeit hard to find), you can use the M17 as a DAC/amplifier combo for a PC.
Sound is great with EQ, although with the Spotify app, EQ adjustments are limited, giving lack of low-end extension, but, with a bit of boost in the mid-bass, the headphones come to life and are enjoyable for all kinds of pop and electronic music. With a flat response, they sound great for classical too, perhaps a bit thin, but these are studio headphones. For my “main” setup, a Liquid Gold-X which I bought for it’s built in DAC, the LCD-XC’s sound phenomenal and I plan to buy a DAC from RME which has a very high sample rate (768kHz) and built-in EQ with balanced outputs. Anyway, the M17 has a nice place in my collection, and while it may not get much use, the XCs do. They are always inviting and ready to go. Ear pads can be swapped easily and cheaply with a variety of types. I use velour ear pads, but sheepskin and leather is available, and aftermarket earpads are cheap. They do apply with a tape that comes on the earpad, so swapping earpads isn’t really an option. Velour earpads tend to make headphones bright, which is why my XCs sound a bit thin without EQ, but I prefer them because they are more comfortable and don’t sweat as much. Leather or sheepskin earpads would tame the upper end.
Midrange on the XCs is detailed and present, with good detail in the upper-end that isn’t harsh or overbearing. Low-end is capable, with the ability to go deep. Since the XCs are closed headphones, isolation prevents a bit of leakage for loud-listening and a bit of privacy, which is sometimes important. Distortion from the M17 and XCs usually comes from the media, from clipping or over-compression in mastering that is sometimes intentional with certain genres. The only disadvantage to a high-quality setup, is noticing overuse of compression in the mastering usually because of trying to make the bass louder. This is why, for certain tracks, these headphones might actually be disappointing, because a better source and headphone can’t fix poor mastering. Vocals shine on these headphones, and with a bit of EQ in midbass, Ty Myer’s Ends of the Earth sounds so natural and dynamic, it always makes me cry, every play. That is the point of good audio – emotion, and these headphones deliver.
Both the LCD-XC and M17 can be found refurbished or second hand. Don’t waste your money of cables, just get a good quality copper stranded cable and don’t abuse it by tangling it or over-flexing to prevent damage. Cables aren’t as important as the media, source, and amplifier, and the whole point of music is to enjoy it, not to spend a ton of money. The LCD-XC and M17 might be expensive, but they are rugged and reliable choices. Parts and repair are available for the XCs should they get damaged, making them that much more robust.
Happy listening!