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When we spent time with Audeze in New York a few months ago, the Audeze LCD-5 headphones weren’t something we were allowed to talk about. New Listen to the CRBN were about to be showcased and we left our private demo more than a little impressed with the new electrostatic headphones and the version designed for MRI procedures. The Californian maker of premium helmets was trying to differentiate themselves from other innovative companies in the premium category.
I have two pairs of Audeze headphones but the LCD-1 and Mobius cater to different markets and certainly not in the same pricing conversation.
During a recent cleaning of my office, I discovered that I had 17 pairs of headphones; HiFiMan, Audeze, Meze Audio, Grado Labs and 1More represent 75% of this total.
I was honestly shocked to find that I had so many headphones; including 4 pairs of true wireless IEMs.
When you have 3 children; including one in college, $ 4,500 is a lot of money for a pair of headphones. As much as I would like to own a pair of Audeze LCD-5 or Meze Audio Empyrean (I will leave the new flagship ELITE model for the rest of you), I could never justify the expense. Or live to talk about it.
Guess I could sell them all but who wants to wear my used headphones.
Do I have to sell a kidney to buy the Audeze LCD-5 headphones?
I listened to them. I even know which amplifier I would use with them. Enter Linear tube audio.
How do they compare to the existing Meze Audio Empyrean or the brand new? And Clark Audio Stealth?
I suspect the Audeze booth at the next CanJam SoCal is going to be very busy based on my first impressions.
One of the things that have always bothered me when it comes to Audeze’s top end models is weight.
The LCD-5 solves this problem for me at 420 grams, which is almost the same weight as the Stealth.
They also feel less like “suitcases” on your head, which I think has plagued previous models. When you spend between $ 3,500 and $ 4,500 on a pair of headphones, I want extreme comfort to make it easier to listen for long periods of time.
Audeze did a superb job with the LCD-5 headphones. I could have listened to them for hours during my demo. Insanely good headphones.
The LCD-5 sets a new standard of precision using a new driver design with Audeze’s own patent-pending Parallel Uniforce ™ voice coils and a new set of magnets.
The LCD-5 represents an all-new design specifically designed for minimal reflections, improved frequency response and a more open yet precise soundstage.
The LCD-5’s impedance is 14 Ohms, its sensitivity is 90 dB, 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 deliver unparalleled sound to industry professionals and audiophiles. The LCD-5 is now available on the Audeze website and at select retailers. Audeze will demonstrate the new LCD-5 at CanJam SoCal September 25-26 at Irvine Marriott, as well as at Capital Audio Fest in November.
The LCD-5 features Audeze’s patented core technologies and comes with new acoustically designed leather ear cushions, upgraded and luxurious carbon fiber suspension headband, deep “tortoise shell” acetate rings, a brand new magnesium housing, as well as our latest premium audio cable made with high purity copper and an aluminum travel case.
Characteristics:
- New Parallel Uniforce ™ diaphragms and Fluxor ™ magnets deliver powerful sound, unmatched sonic detail and incredible precision without increasing impedance
- New internally sloped ear pads that help reduce unwanted resonances and interior reflections
- Newly designed fazors that are optimized to reduce diffractions
- The LCD-5 cable is specially tuned with high purity directional OCC copper strands that provide a low capacitance, low resistance path to maintain unmatched clarity and precision.
- The LCD-5’s completely redesigned magnesium frame offers rigidity and ultra-light weight, while acetate rings provide just the right touch of richness
“Featuring our core technologies while adding new innovations such as our Parallel Uniforce voice coil, the LCD-5 incorporates decades of audio and technological research to deliver all aspects of a truly benchmark audio experience,” said Sankar Thiagasamudram, CEO of Audeze. “Our long-term commitment to providing benchmark products led us to the LCD-5,” he added.
Characteristics
| Style | Ear loop, open back |
| Transducer type | Planar Magnetic |
| Magnetic structure | Fluxer magnet network |
| Phase management | Fazor |
| Magnet type | Neodymium N50 |
| Diaphragm type | Nanoscale Parallel Uniforce |
| Transducer Size | 90 mm |
| Maximum power handling | 5W RMS |
| Maximum SPL | > 130dB |
| Response frequency | 5 Hz – 50 kHz |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100dB |
| Impedance | 14 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB / 1mW (at drum reference point) |
| Minimum power required | > 100mW |
| Recommended power level | > 250mW |
| Weight | 420g |
For more information: Audeze.com
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