I had both for a long time. Arya stealth is superior in every way to my ears. Clearer and bigger soundstage.

But I'm a scum that likes bass extension and vibrations. I'm not an audiophile. I want my ears to literally vibrate.

The Arya Stealth was MUCH more powerful (cable of being more powerful). Wasn't even a competition really.

Arya stealth is amazing tho. Sold my LCD-X 2021 because I loved the Arya so much. Pure bliss.

thanks for the info!

How does the bass EQ compared to the XS?

I usually add a bass shelf and bass filter with +6db of bass or sub-bass(depending on song). I find the XS get muffled with too much bass. The LCD-X can EQ much further while keeping the bass clean and impactful.

I will probably buy the Arya SE off amazon to compare to the XS.

I have the Edition XS and the LCD-X 2021, I pretty much agree with everything you said.

I'm not an audiophile, so all I will say is I like the presentation better on the Edition XS. I am always wowed by the Edition XS.

The bass on the LCD-X is amazing, the impact is on another level while keeping clarity. I need to EQ the LCD-X bass to get that magnificent impact.

I wish I could take the clear impact bass from the LCD-X and give it to the Edition XS. There would be no need to ever upgrade again.

Have you tried the Arya Stealth?
I am selling my LCD-X and am thinking of returning the Edition XS to get the ARYA Stealth.