When comparing Audeze LCD-4 vs Bose SoundSport In Ear, the Slant community recommends Bose SoundSport In Ear for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Bose SoundSport In Ear is ranked 9th while Audeze LCD-4 is ranked 46th. The most important reason people chose Bose SoundSport In Ear is:
Bass output is very good. It has good power yet at the same time is fast and punchy. It does not bloat the sound at all. The highs and mids are able to deliver a good level of detail that makes the sound quite lively. These will work best for bassy tracks, though rock, jazz, classical and pop will still sound enjoyable.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Dark sounding headphones with powerful bass, full mids and slightly recessed highs
The hallmark of the LCD-4's sound signature is the bass. The lower frequencies go quite deep and also have a lot of power. This sound is achieved without bloat or muddiness. Those who prefer powerful yet still fairly accurate bass will definitely love these.
The mids are full, clear and are quite forward as well so detail from vocals or guitars can easily be appreciated.
The highs take a bit of a back seat. While there is still a good level of detail and resolution on the sound, the highs are not as sparkly or airy as other high end headphones. This can be a good thing for some though as this gives the LCD-4 a smoother sound but with less shimmer up top.
Pro Superb build quality
The build is a mix of metal, wood, authentic leather as well as carbon fiber. You can really tell that these headphones are expensive and are built really well.
Pro Soundstage has good width
The open back design gives these headphones good soundstage. Though not the widest, there is a good sense of space and separation to the sound.
Pro Heavy duty detachable cable with solid connectors
The LCD-4's cable is quite thick and hefty which should make it more resistant to breakage and other problems that most thinner cables have. Also, it uses mini XLR connectors which are much more secure as they lock in place.
Pro Ear cups feel really soft and smooth on the skin
It uses authentic leather on the earcups' surface which feel really smooth and supple on the skin. There is also a lot of cushioning thanks to the high quality foam material that is inside the cups. The foam also has acoustic properties that help seal in the sound really well.
Pro Includes a large, hard plastic shell case
The LCD 4 comes with case with ample room and padding inside for the headphones and the cable. While the case will most likely not fit in your travel bag, it will provide plenty of protection to your headphones should you decide to take them out of your home.
Pro Great bass reproduction along with good detail and smoothness to the highs and mids
Bass output is very good. It has good power yet at the same time is fast and punchy. It does not bloat the sound at all. The highs and mids are able to deliver a good level of detail that makes the sound quite lively. These will work best for bassy tracks, though rock, jazz, classical and pop will still sound enjoyable.
Pro You have the option a short or long cable
In stock form, these headphones have a relatively short cable. However, Bose includes an extension cable for extra reach. This can help to minimize the wire length that you have to deal with when going for a run or exercising.
Pro Won't easily get damaged by splashes of liquid
The earbuds can resist small splashes of liquid or sweat. The hydrophobic cloth material wrapped around the headphones helps to minimize issues relating to moisture.
Pro Won't fall off the ears easily
The specially designed Stay Hear ear tips have a wing design which helps to add grip to the earpieces when worn. This helps to ensure that the headphones will not easily get dislodged when on the move.
Pro Can be worn for long periods with little to no discomfort
The ear tips are very soft and flexible. Combined with the ear bud design that does not jam into your ear canal, these are a joy to use in terms of comfort, even for extended periods.
Cons
Con Very heavy
It weighs around 700 g, and that's without the cable. This makes the LCD-4 one of the heaviest headphones in the market today and will most certainly put quite a strain on your head and neck if you decide to wear these continuously.
Con Leather material on ear cups trap heat
The leather material prevents heat from escaping effectively. This results in heat building up rather quickly around the ears when using the LCD-4, so it's likely that you'll feel uncomfortable after long listening sessions.
Con Requires a powerful amp for optimal volume and sound
Plugging these directly to your computer or smartphone will lead to poor sound, since it requires a powerful amp to get good volume and to output the optimal sound quality that they are capable of producing.
Con Leak a lot of sound
The metal grills on the sides of the earcups do next to nothing to keep the sound within the ear cups. Other people near you will most likely hear what you are listening to.
Con Separate variants for iOS/Android
Do make sure to buy the proper variant for your device. The remote will not function optimally if the headphones are used with a different platform.
Con Has poor noise isolation
You'll still be able to clearly hear your surroundings with these on. If you want to focus on your music while using these, then the noise that mixes with your music can get quite distracting.