Audeze LCD-5 Review

Audeze is a name that resonates deeply within the audiophile community. Known for its mastery of planar magnetic technology, Audeze has consistently delivered headphones that push the limits of sonic performance. With the LCD-5, Audeze enters a new realm of precision, refinement, and innovation. It represents the company’s most ambitious effort to date—a $4,500 flagship that promises not just incredible detail, but also a listening experience as close to reference perfection as possible.

But how does the LCD-5 compare to its iconic predecessors like the LCD-4 or LCD-X? Is it worth the ultra-premium price? And is this headphone for you? Let's dive into the build, sound quality, comfort, and value to find out.

Design & Build Quality: Luxurious, Lightweight, and Refined

The first thing that strikes you about the LCD-5 is how lightweight it is compared to previous Audeze flagships. Weighing just 420 grams, it is significantly lighter than the LCD-4, thanks to a carbon fiber suspension headband and magnesium housing. This addresses one of the biggest critiques of past Audeze models—fatigue from weight during long listening sessions.

The new acetate rings, combined with a clean matte finish and sculpted earcups, give the LCD-5 a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The materials are premium, and every curve feels intentionally crafted. It’s unmistakably a luxury headphone, but one that prioritizes function as much as form.

The package includes a new combo balanced/6.3mm cable that allows flexible connection options. The connectors are sturdy and professional-grade, and the included aluminum carrying case reinforces the premium feel.

Comfort: A Huge Leap Forward

Historically, comfort hasn't been Audeze’s strong suit, but the LCD-5 marks a turning point. The carbon fiber headband, lighter chassis, and smaller earcup design allow for much better weight distribution. The pads are sculpted to contour more naturally to the head, improving seal without causing pressure hotspots.

While some users with larger ears might find the slightly smaller pads a tight fit compared to the LCD-4 or LCD-X, most will appreciate the dramatic comfort upgrade. It’s finally a flagship planar headphone that you can wear for multiple hours without neck strain.

Sound Quality: Reference-Class Performance, Redefined

The LCD-5 isn’t just a visual upgrade—it delivers some of the most technically impressive sound we’ve heard from any headphone. It represents a shift from the lush, warm, slightly romanticized sound of the LCD-4 to something more neutral, clean, and studio-accurate.

Bass

The bass is fast, tight, and controlled. Unlike some planars that offer boosted low end, the LCD-5’s bass is tastefully restrained, prioritizing accuracy over quantity. It reaches deep and delivers impressive slam when needed, but always with finesse and separation. This makes it ideal for classical, jazz, and acoustic music, where clarity in the lower registers is crucial.

While bassheads may miss the visceral rumble of older Audeze models, audiophiles looking for linear low-end performance will be thrilled.

Midrange

The midrange is the star of the show. Vocals are rendered with a level of intimacy and clarity that is breathtaking. You can hear every breath, inflection, and nuance of a vocal performance. Instruments like strings, pianos, and horns come through with a natural tonal balance that’s as close to “real” as headphones can get.

The upper mids have been lifted slightly, giving the LCD-5 a more forward, resolving presentation that excels with detail retrieval without becoming shouty or harsh.

Treble

The treble is crisp, extended, and immaculately clean. There’s a delicate sparkle in cymbals and high strings that adds air and spaciousness without tipping into sibilance. Audeze has tuned this treble region to be incredibly transparent, allowing high-frequency details to emerge without sounding fatiguing.

This is a more revealing treble than in previous LCD models, and it rewards high-quality recordings and source chains.

Soundstage and Imaging: Controlled Precision

The LCD-5 doesn’t aim for an artificially wide soundstage. Instead, it delivers a realistic, intimate, and extremely precise spatial image. Instruments feel locked into place, and the depth layering is outstanding. Instead of feeling like you’re in a concert hall, you feel like you’re in the recording studio control room—right where the music is made.

For some listeners, the stage might feel a touch narrower than, say, the Focal Utopia or HIFIMAN Susvara, but the LCD-5 counters that with pinpoint imaging and depth that are second to none.

Detail Retrieval and Technicalities

This is where the LCD-5 absolutely shines. Its ability to render micro-details, transients, and low-level information is elite. Every nuance in a recording—whether a reverb tail, the creak of a piano bench, or a subtle string vibrato—is captured. The resolution is so high that poorly recorded or compressed music will stand out, which is a double-edged sword depending on your library.

Dynamic range is excellent, and the planar driver’s speed and control allow for accurate, nuanced playback even in busy mixes.

Pairing & Amplification

Despite its high performance, the LCD-5 is surprisingly efficient and can be driven well by a high-end portable DAC/amp combo like the Chord Mojo 2 or iFi Diablo. That said, it truly flourishes with top-tier amplification, such as the Ferrum OOR, Niimbus US4+, or dCS Lina stack.

It’s a headphone that scales beautifully—you’ll hear every upgrade in your chain, for better or worse.

Who Is It For?

The Audeze LCD-5 is designed for:

• Audiophiles seeking a transparent, reference-level headphone.

• Mixing and mastering engineers who need accuracy above all.

• Detail lovers who thrive on technical performance.

• Users who prefer a neutral-bright, revealing signature.

It may not suit:

• Listeners who love warm, lush tuning (check LCD-4 or Meze Elite instead).

• Bassheads who want overwhelming low-end thump.

• Budget-conscious listeners—this is a serious investment.

• Casual users or those using poor sources—this headphone will expose flaws ruthlessly.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional resolution and detail retrieval.

• Neutral reference tuning ideal for critical listening.

• Lighter and more comfortable than previous Audeze models.

• High-end materials and luxurious build.

• Improved imaging and dynamic speed.

• Comes with combo cable and robust carrying case.

❌ Cons:

• Expensive, putting it out of reach for most consumers.

• Less bass warmth than previous LCD models.

• Forgiving neither of poor recordings nor weak sources.

• Earcup size may feel slightly snug for some.

• Treble-forward tuning might not be everyone's preference.

Final Verdict

The Audeze LCD-5 represents a bold evolution in the company's flagship headphone design. It sheds the weight and warmth of the LCD-4 in favor of precision, neutrality, and cutting-edge detail retrieval. From its luxurious build to its laser-focused sonic accuracy, the LCD-5 is a tour de force that firmly cements its place in the upper echelon of personal audio.

While it’s not a “fun” or “colored” headphone in the traditional sense, for those chasing the truth in their music, there are few headphones that do it better. If you're looking for a reference-level, high-resolution listening tool with beautiful design and all-day comfort, the LCD-5 is an elite contender.

Rating: 9.6/10