Audeze LCD-5 Review, Measurements, Interview

[jaboki]

This is the $50K question for me.

My gut feeling tells me it'll never go back to 100% forever. Maybe 95, 96, 97% ... 99%

 

[MatW]

Huh, you're right, it's definitely a different material from the base but it still sounds and feels like some sort of metal to me? Or it's some thick magic coating. Looks like three distinct layers.

Probably curved multiplex, with three layers.

 

[staticosaur]

I don't know how carbon fiber works, but if you put the LCD-5 on a block, e.g.:

Does anyone think it'll always 100% go back to shape over an extended period of time?

For these extent it will go back 100%. In general deformations depend on material elasticity, physical size and strength of tensioning. All materials go back to original shape, when exerted force is removed, as long as strength limit is not exceeded. This is their elastic range of deformation and depends on the material’s Young modulus. Beyond it, plastic deformation takes place and it is not reversible. Things get more complicated if the material is composite (the case of carbon fibre headband), but the plasticity argument is always valid. Whether you exceed the limit it depends on applied force and headband form factor and dimensions.
The bottom line is that if there is permanent change, you have plastic deformation occurred and this is not good as it weakens the structure and further deformation or cracking could follow. Carbon fibre is very strong, not only light. It is more likely that some of the other components deform first (if you try to do it), like screws, pads adhesive, etc.

 

[jaboki]

For these extent it will go back 100%. In general deformations depend on material elasticity, physical size and strength of tensioning. All materials go back to original shape, when exerted force is removed, as long as strength limit is not exceeded. This is their elastic range of deformation and depends on the material’s Young modulus. Beyond it, plastic deformation takes place and it is not reversible. Things get more complicated if the material is composite (the case of carbon fibre headband), but the plasticity argument is always valid. Whether you exceed the limit it depends on applied force and headband form factor and dimensions.
The bottom line is that if there is permanent change, you have plastic deformation occurred and this is not good as it weakens the structure and further deformation or cracking could follow. Carbon fibre is very strong, not only light. It is more likely that some of the other components deform first (if you try to do it), like screws, pads adhesive, etc.

I guess that's why carbon fiber is so popular. Not just for looks but for the function/structure properties you mentioned.

 

[dfiled]

I guess that's why carbon fiber is so popular. Not just for looks but for the function/structure properties you mentioned.

It just seems so odd that after all the comfort issues that Audeze has had over the years, they now introduce a model with entirely different comfort issues.

 

[chargedcapacitor]

It just seems so odd that after all the comfort issues that Audeze has had over the years, they now introduce a model with entirely different comfort issues.

To be fair, these headphones will never slip off your head like previous audeze cans. So if you move around a lot, these are great.

 

[jaboki]

It just seems so odd that after all the comfort issues that Audeze has had over the years, they now introduce a model with entirely different comfort issues.

Audeze could technically make a steel version (e.g. enough requests). Previously, they made the steel one first and added on CF to reduce weight. Since the weight is amazing now, I'm sure people won't mind a few additional grams.

 

[EMINENT]

The stem hole part seem to be affixed via screws. Could that part be replaceable with another at a different angle for larger noggins?

 

[llamaluv]

As far as headphone stands, my undisputed favorite must be this one, the 'Memento Mori':

According to some reports, it also includes some sort of headphone amplifier functionality as a value-add. Which makes I suppose given its list price (£6000).

 

[betula]

I had the 2021 LCD-X. I thought the LCD-X had a wonky tuning; it sounded like there were several chunks missing from the mid frequency range. This made making an EQ profile difficult. The bass on them was great though! Not as textured as the LCD-MX4 (which I will be selling soon), but very good.

The detail on the LCD-R and LCD-5 is superior to the LCD-X (from my experience), and each of these headphones present far superior vocals. The LCD-R and LCD-5 are much easier to EQ to my preference as well.

The bass on the LCD-5 is great, a bit better on the LCD-R. I have not had the chance to compare the bass on the MX4 to the LCD-5 yet. That would be my next test.

Just an explanation as to how I compared the LCD-R and LCD-5:

For my last listening session, I used my trusty SPL meter to assist me in matching volume of the Jot A and IHA-6 for each headphone. This involved me starting with no EQ tuning on either headphone. I used a tone generator to volume match at 300Hz, since I was most concerned about testing the bass between the headphones. After I volume matched, I made a bass shelf on my RME Adi DAC (so that both cans would have the same bass shelf), and created separate EQ profiles (for mids and upper mids) in EQ APO for each headphone, then tested the max SPL on various songs to make sure each headphone was as equal as possible.

Once I was sure each headphone was made as equal to each other as I could manage, I started listening to several songs with various types of bass presentation.

The LCD-5 has slightly faster, and more textured bass than the LCD-R, but it's not by a large margin. The LCD-5 does dig a bit deeper in the sub bass than the LCD-R. It was not an easy comparison, by any means. These are very difficult headphones to compare. Comparisons between other cans, such as anything from Hifiman, would be a lot more apparent.

I will be using this same technique to test the LCD-MX4, but I will have to use the A90 amp for the MX4 with RCA. Switching headphones on the same amp and volume matching would be much to difficult, and ruin much of the testing credibility.

If the LCD-5 can beat (or even match!) the MX4 in bass texture and presentation, then I will likely get rid of my other gear and invest in a better amp that can really push the LCD-5 to it's limit.

Great impressions, thanks for sharing.
It is always reassuring to read posts like this from likeminded audio fanatics.

 

[jaboki]

As far as headphone stands, my undisputed favorite must be this one, the 'Memento Mori':

According to some reports, it also includes some sort of headphone amplifier functionality as a value-add. Which makes I suppose given its list price (£6000).

Interesting...

https://www.metaxas.uk/products/marquis

 

[llamaluv]

Interesting...

I'll take one in each color, please.

 

[ThanatosVI]

I'll take one in each color, please.

In that case they surely grant a Discount on your 36.000$ purchase

 

[04gto]

As far as headphone stands, my undisputed favorite must be this one, the 'Memento Mori':

According to some reports, it also includes some sort of headphone amplifier functionality as a value-add. Which makes I suppose given its list price (£6000).

I am very much a function over form person, but I don't care what that piece of art 'does', I want one! That is *** nice.

 

[arrakian]

Ok so a few hours in. I'm blown away. NOTHING like past Audeze. They make my Arya sound thin and muddy. The timbre and clarity are perfect. Favorite headphones by far. The details are mind-blowing. The soundstage is exactly what I've been looking for in terms of not a concert hall but I'm in a large room with the band. Fantastic separation. Smooth across the hz range. The tonality of the Bass blows me away especially on In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins. I'm hearing bass tones I have never heard before(which is especially great as a drummer considering i've already googled about which kick drum/drum head Phil used in the performance) I greatly prefer these to my friend's Susvara.

They are more "susvara sounding" than past Audeze cans.

I have things to get done tonight but I cannot take these off.

What’s your headphone audio chain?