Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Audeze LCD-5
In-depth Technical Examination of Audeze’s High-End Open-Back Design
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Spec Sheet
- Open-back design
- Circumaural
- 90 mm driver
- Neodymium magnets (N50)
- Nanoscale diaphragm and fluxor magnets
- FAZOR waveguide
- Parallel Uniforc voice coils
- Impedance: 14 Ohm
- Frequency response: 5 – 50000 Hz
- Max. SPL: > 130 dB
- Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.1 % @ 100 dB
- Leather ear pads and headband
- Weight: 420 g
- Includes 2.5 m connection cable (4-pin XLR to 2x mini XLR, incl. adapter to 6.3 mm jack) and aluminium case
Studio Log
| Available since | December 2021 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 528522 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 14 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 50000 Hz |
| Adapter | No |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 130 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack |
| Weight | 420 g |
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Customer Review Summary
Introduction to the Audeze LCD-5
The Audeze LCD-5, released in December 2021, stands as a flagship open-back, over-ear headphone encompassing cutting-edge planar magnetic technology. Priced at £4,099, it diverges notably from its predecessors in both design and sonic character. Its relatively low impedance of 14 Ohms and lightweight build mark substantial engineering achievements for a planar magnetic model.
Design and Build Quality
Weighing just 420 grams, the LCD-5 is remarkably light for a headphone equipped with 90 mm planar magnetic drivers and sizeable neodymium N50 magnets. The open-back and circumaural design prioritises both acoustic transparency and all-day comfort. Its ear pads and headband are covered in genuine leather, with memory foam interiors that adapt gently to the head’s contours, reducing fatigue during extended listening sessions.
The build exudes solidity paired with understated elegance, housed within an aluminium case supplied with the headphones along with a 2.5 m detachable connection cable featuring a 4-pin XLR to dual mini XLR configuration, and an adapter for 6.3 mm jack connectivity.
Technical Specifications and Requirements
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 50 kHz, delivering ultra-wide bandwidth
- Impedance: 14 Ohms, unusually low for a planar magnetic design
- Sensitivity: 130 dB maximum sound pressure level
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): less than 0.1% at 100 dB
- Drivers and Magnets: 90 mm drivers with nanoscale diaphragms and fluxor magnets enhanced by FAZOR waveguides and Parallel Uniforc voice coils
Such specifications point to a headphone built for extreme precision, maximum clarity, and very low distortion across a vast dynamic range.
Sound Quality and Performance
The LCD-5 exhibits a soundstage that is unusually expansive and intimate simultaneously, with a tonal balance that avoids exaggerating any single frequency band. The bass reproduction stands out for its controlled and articulate depth, particularly noticeable in electronic music’s deep sub-bass registers. Midrange frequencies remain immaculate and transparent, framing voices and instruments with crystalline definition. Treble response is extended but never piercing, delivering airiness without artificial brightness.
This headphone reveals every nuance and detail in the recording, making it relentlessly honest in presentation. It exposes flaws in low-quality source material, allowing the listener to experience the music’s raw, unvarnished state. Such transparency suits genres demanding both precision and power including jazz, classical compositions, and operatic performances. Notably, it offers a listening experience difficult to match even among other high-end models like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or flagship sets from Fostex and Beyerdynamic.
Amplification and Usage Considerations
Despite its low impedance, the LCD-5 requires a high-calibre headphone amplifier capable of delivering upwards of 2.5 watts at the headphone output. Portable device outputs or single-ended amplifiers barely tap its potential. For optimal sonic results, a balanced connection employing the supplied 4-pin XLR cable is highly recommended. The headphones also benefit considerably from an extended break-in period, typically around 50 to 70 hours, easing initial brightness and fully realising the nuanced tonal architecture.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The combination of light weight and high-quality leather ear pads with memory foam ensures the LCD-5 can be worn for prolonged listening without discomfort. The medium clamping force strikes a balance between secure fit and gentle contact. The headphone becomes less noticeable once music plays, avoiding the sense of pressure often encountered with planar magnetic models of a similar scale.
Conclusion
The Audeze LCD-5 delivers a level of sonic purity, spaciousness, and detailed resolution that sets a new benchmark in planar magnetic headphone design. Its unparalleled clarity and neutrality demand equally meticulous source equipment and amplification. For audiophiles willing to invest in the supporting hardware and dedicate time to proper break-in, the LCD-5 opens a new realm of listening realism and musical engagement. This model is tailored for experts and serious music lovers who prioritise uncompromised sound quality and refined craftsmanship.
