High-end audio manufacturer Audeze has just announced a new reference audio headphone, the Audeze LCD-5. As you might expect from Audeze's celebrated LCD lineage, they're over-ear, they're open-back, they're planar magnetic and, thanks to a flurry of new design and tech features, they weigh just 420g. That makes them one third lighter than the 2015-release LCD-4 model and 23 per cent lighter than the LCD-3 – a product which gained a coveted five-star review from this publication back in 2014.
The California-based headphone specialist says the LCD-5 sets a new standard for accuracy, thanks in part to a new driver design with Audeze’s own patent-pending Parallel Uniforce voice coils, plus a new Fluxor magnet assembly (yes, those are the real names).
Then, there's the new acoustically designed, internally sloped leather earpads, the improved carbon fibre suspension headband, deep 'tortoise shell' acetate rings (no tortoises were harmed), all-new fully redesigned magnesium housing, plus Audeze's latest premium audio cable made with high-purity copper. Oh, and you get an aluminium travel case too.
If you're able to get to Orange County in the Golden State, Audeze will be demoing the new LCD-5 headphones at CanJam SoCal on September 25th-26th at the Irvine Marriott – and we're extremely jealous of you.
Audeze's high-end LCD line of planar magnetic over-ear headphones – renowned for its premium prices and, in our experience, premium performance – had become more accessible in recent years with the introduction of the LCD2 Classics (£600 / $800 / AU$1169) and a closed-back version (£700 / $900 / AU$1299).
The trend continued with the 2019-release £399 / $399 / AU$629 LCD-1, which boasted planar magnetic technology in a lightweight, foldable, affordable design. But the all-new LCD-5 marks a resounding return to high-end manufacture – Audeze's latest set of cans is, ahem, a different proposition entirely.
Ready for pricing then? The Audeze LCD-5 is now available on Audeze’s website and through select dealers, priced at $4500 / AU$6799 (roughly £3290, although official pricing for the UK has yet to be announced). Yes, they're expensive – although not as dear as the collection showcased in our 11 of the world's most expensive headphones feature. And after all, Christmas is coming...
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