Audeze LCD-5 Evaluate: Planar State Of Thoughts

It is not usually {that a} evaluation begins with speak concerning the machine’s packaging however that is no atypical pair of headphones. Audeze’s flagship headphones are available an aluminum journey case, like a scaled-down model of a carry-on that would not be amiss in enterprise class. Inside, the LCD-5 nestles in its personal custom-cut foam, together with the XLR cable, XLR to six.35mm adapter, two keys for the flight case, and a pair of white cotton gloves. Sure, this pair of headphones comes with a pair of auctioneer’s gloves, so you do not spoil the pristine premium supplies along with your uncultured fingertip grease.

Audeze has put some premium supplies into, onto, and across the LCD-5. Between that and the redesigned and smaller transducer, the brand new flagship is sort of 40% lighter than the prior LCD-4. That is good for lengthy listening periods, and if you happen to’re something like me, you will not need to take them off — they sound that good. They appear good too, with magnesium grilles surrounded by tortoiseshell acetate. The suspension-style headband is usually carbon fiber to save lots of on weight and supply all of the power that customers of Audeze’s carbon metal headbands are used to. The one minor quibble I’ve is that the scarf might do with an choice for these of us with bigger skulls.

The ear pads have been redesigned, with a sculpted form that stays away out of your ears higher whereas nonetheless sealing correctly for higher bass response. The pads are premium leather-based and are glued onto the cups. The corporate says it examined detachable pads however none met its requirements for sound high quality. I would love a suede or Alcantara choice for breathability even when it meant the sound signature altering barely.