Audeze is back at the top of the audiophile conversation with the new LCD-5s, a flagship pair of planar magnetic headphones designed for listeners who want cleaner detail, deeper bass, and a wider frequency reach for high-resolution music.
Positioned as the successor to the LCD-5 released in 2021, the LCD-5s arrives with an MSRP of $4,500 and centers its upgrades around revised 90 mm planar magnetic drivers. Audeze says these ultra-thin drivers are built to deliver a notably extended frequency response from 5 Hz all the way up to 50 kHz, helping reveal subtle textures in recordings while keeping the low end authoritative. The company also claims total harmonic distortion remains under 0.1% at 100 dB, a spec aimed at listeners who prioritize low distortion and faithful sound reproduction.
Key to the LCD-5s tuning is Audeze’s use of its Parallel Uniforce diaphragms paired with its Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology. In plain terms, the goal is to improve control across the driver surface for more consistent motion, translating into tighter bass impact and more precise rendering of fine details in vocals and instruments. For anyone building or upgrading a high-end headphone setup, these are the types of changes that matter most because they tend to influence clarity, transient response, and overall tonal refinement.
Despite a relatively low 30-ohm impedance, Audeze recommends pairing the LCD-5s with an audio source capable of delivering more than 500 mW of power to get the best performance. The headphones are also rated to handle up to 5 W RMS maximum power input, giving users flexibility with a wide range of powerful amplifiers.
Comfort and practicality haven’t been ignored, either. The LCD-5s weighs 475 g (about 1.05 lbs.), and it includes redesigned ear pads intended to support long listening sessions. In the box, Audeze bundles a 4-pin XLR balanced cable, along with 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm adapters, and packs everything into an aluminum travel case—an important touch for a premium headphone that owners may want to transport safely between home, studio, and listening meets.
For audiophiles searching for a master-grade planar magnetic headphone with extended frequency response, low distortion claims, and a clear emphasis on high-resolution music playback, the Audeze LCD-5s aims to be a no-compromise option in the ultra-premium tier.
