Thread: Audeze LCD-5 Announced

The embargo on the new LCD-5 (MSRP $4500 USD) planar magnetic headphone from Audeze ended today. The first reviews are starting to pop up like the one at ecoustics.

Audeze is advertising both new sound quality and physical comfort improvements. New driver technology and earcups for lower distortion and clarity. Much lower impedance so it is easier to drive. Lighter weight and a new headband design.

Just got our pair of Audeze LCD-5 headphones. My first impressions are based on some quick listening to a few of my reference test tracks.

They're very lightweight, lighter than I expected, being used to holding and wearing the LCD-4 for so long. Similar in weight to the STAX SR-009S. The headband is a little more comfortable, but the earcups seem a little smaller around my ears than the LCD-4.

The LCD-5 is slightly quicker than the LCD-4, which is one of the things I am personally most sensitive to hearing. Another very apparent difference is the overall voicing, which is more forward than the LCD-4. The soundstage is also a little better. After listening a little more closely, there is a bit more low-level detail retrieval from the LCD-5. The sort of sounds that are otherwise masked or harder to hear behind more prominent sounds. Similar to the effect of when you have a much quieter room or a lower noise floor and less low-level distortion. So I am hearing more with the LCD-5 than with the LCD-4.

Because the overall tone is different, and the sound is more forward, there may be some who still prefer the LCD-4 or the LCD-4z. In my opinion the LCD-5 is a clear upgrade. But if someone likes a more laid-back presentation or tends to focus a bit more on the midrange and vocals, the LCD-4 or LCD-4z might sound a little sweeter or richer.

Hardware chain is RME ADI-2 Pro AE and Bryston BHA-1.

Originally Posted by NekoAudio

Just got our pair of Audeze LCD-5 headphones. My first impressions are based on some quick listening to a few of my reference test tracks.

They're very lightweight, lighter than I expected, being used to holding and wearing the LCD-4 for so long. Similar in weight to the STAX SR-009S. The headband is a little more comfortable, but the earcups seem a little smaller around my ears than the LCD-4.

The LCD-5 is slightly quicker than the LCD-4, which is one of the things I am personally most sensitive to hearing. Another very apparent difference is the overall voicing, which is more forward than the LCD-4. The soundstage is also a little better. After listening a little more closely, there is a bit more low-level detail retrieval from the LCD-5. The sort of sounds that are otherwise masked or harder to hear behind more prominent sounds. Similar to the effect of when you have a much quieter room or a lower noise floor and less low-level distortion. So I am hearing more with the LCD-5 than with the LCD-4.

Because the overall tone is different, and the sound is more forward, there may be some who still prefer the LCD-4 or the LCD-4z. In my opinion the LCD-5 is a clear upgrade. But if someone likes a more laid-back presentation or tends to focus a bit more on the midrange and vocals, the LCD-4 or LCD-4z might sound a little sweeter or richer.

Hardware chain is RME ADI-2 Pro AE and Bryston BHA-1.

Very cool. Our pair is shipping this week. Are your bringing in the CRBN for display?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Originally Posted by Mike

Are your bringing in the CRBN for display?

Yes, still waiting for it.