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First Impressions: Audeze LCD-5 Headphones are a Very Worthy Upgrade

Do you have $4,500 burning a hole in your pocket? The new Audeze LCD-5 headphones have arrived and these are no minor upgrade.

Audeze LCD-5 Headphones Lifestyle

Update: See our in-depth Audeze LCD-5 Headphones Review.

When we spent some time with Audeze in NYC a few months ago, the Audeze LCD-5 headphones were not something that we were allowed to talk about. The new Audeze CRBN were about to be introduced and we left our private demonstration more than just a little impressed with the new electrostatic headphones and the version designed for MRI procedures. The California-based manufacturer of premium headphones was trying to put some distance between itself and the other innovative companies in the high-end category.

I own two pairs of Audeze headphones but the LCD-1 and Mobius are aimed at different markets and certainly not in the same conversation when it comes to pricing.

During a recent clean-up of my office, I discovered that I own 17 pairs of headphones; HiFiMan, Audeze, Meze Audio, Grado Labs, and 1More represent 75% of that total.

I was honestly shocked to discover that I owned that many headphones; including 4 pairs of true wireless IEMs.

When you have 3 kids; including one in college, $4,500 is a lot of money for a pair of headphones. As much as I would love to own a pair of the Audeze LCD-5 or Meze Audio Empyrean (I’ll leave the new flagship ELITE model for the rest of you), I could never justify the expenditure. Or live to tell about it.

I suppose I could sell all of them but who would want to wear my used headphones.

Audeze LCD-5 Headphones Angle
Audeze LCD-5 (MSRP: $4,500)

Do I need to sell a kidney to afford the Audeze LCD-5 headphones?

I have listened them. I even know which amplifier I would use with them. Enter Linear Tube Audio.

How do they stack up against the existing Meze Audio Empyrean or brand new Dan Clark Audio Stealth?

I suspect the Audeze booth at the upcoming CanJam SoCal 2021 is going to be really busy based on my initial impressions.

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One of the things that I’ve always found issue with in regard to Audeze’s premium models is the weight.

The LCD-5 fixes that issue for me at 420 grams which is almost the same weight as the Stealth.

Audeze LCD-5 Headphones with ear cups flipped

They also feel less like “suitcases” on your head which is something that I feel plagued earlier models. When you’re spending $3,500 – $4,500 on a pair of headphones, I want extreme comfort so it’s easier to listen for extended periods of time.

Audeze has done a superb job with the LCD-5 headphones. I could have listened to these for hours during my demo time. Unbelievably great headphones.

The LCD-5 sets a new standard for accuracy using a new driver design with Audeze’s own patent-pending Parallel Uniforce™ voice coils and new magnet assembly.

LCD-5 represents a completely new design made specifically for minimal reflections, improved frequency response, and a more open yet accurate soundstage.

Audeze LCD-5 Headphones Side

The LCD-5’s impedance is 14 Ohms, sensitivity is 90dB, and it weighs just 420 grams (1/3 less than the LCD-4). 

Handcrafted in California, USA, the LCD-5 has been meticulously engineered to provide unmatched audio for industry professionals and audiophiles alike. The LCD-5 is now available on Audeze’s website and through select dealers. Audeze will be demoing the new LCD-5 at CanJam SoCal on September 25th-26th at Irvine Marriott, and also at the Capital Audio Fest in November.

The LCD-5 features Audeze’s patented core technologies, and comes with new acoustically designed leather earpads, an improved and luxurious carbon fiber suspension headband, deep “tortoise shell” acetate rings, all-new magnesium housing, plus our latest premium audio cable made with high-purity copper, and an aluminum travel case.

Audeze LCD-5 Headphones with ear cups flipped closeup

Features:

  • New Parallel Uniforce™ diaphragms and Fluxor™ Magnets provide powerful sound, unparalleled sonic detail, and incredible accuracy without increasing the impedance
  • New internally sloped earpads that help to reduce unwanted resonances and interior reflections
  • Newly designed Fazors that are optimized to reduce diffractions
  • The LCD-5 cable is specially tuned with directional OCC high-purity copper strands that provide a low capacitance and low resistance path to maintain unsurpassed clarity and precision.
  • The LCD-5’s fully re-designed magnesium frame provides rigidity and ultra-light weight, while the acetate rings offer just the right touch of richness
Audeze LCD-5 Headphones Front

“Featuring our core technologies while adding some new innovations like our Parallel Uniforce voice coil, the LCD-5 incorporates decades of audio and technology research to deliver all the aspects of a truly reference audio experience,” stated Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram. “Our long term commitment to delivering reference products has led us to the LCD-5,” he added.

Specifications

StyleOver-ear, open-back
Transducer typePlanar Magnetic
Magnetic structureFluxor magnet array
Phase managementFazor
Magnet typeNeodymium N50
Diaphragm typeNano-Scale Parallel Uniforce
Transducer size90 mm
Maximum power handling5W RMS
Maximum SPL>130dB
Frequency response5Hz – 50kHz
THD<0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance14 ohms
Sensitivity90 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Minimum power requirement>100mW
Recommended power level>250mW
Weight420g

For more information: Audeze.com

Read our in-depth Audeze LCD-5 Review.

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