Audeze LCD-5 Review, Measurements, Interview

[boxster233]

Early 009 batches had many issues afaik.

And how many times has Abyss modified or updates it's products over the years to correct things.

 

[betula]

The LCD5 has a lighter weight than the Empyrean. From the new flagship headphone tsunami we have witnessed in the last few weeks, I am most interested in the LCD5. I like the new design, new pads. Pretty much 40% lighter than the LCD4, that is impressive.
The LCD4 also needed a lot of air in the upper frequencies which the LCD5 seems to have. I guess the only question is how much of that legendary Audeze bass remains in the LCD5.

 

[DuncanDirkDick]

True, but to be fair, these seem like a significant departure from the LCD-4 and shares more with the new CRBN at first glance.

LCD-4 has a terrible FR. Besides, you can still buy it

 

[thefitz]

It almost looks like the LCD-5 isn't a "replacement" for the LCD-4 at all, but another product entirely with what appears to be a distinct sound signature.

i.e. the LCD-3 seemed to be a "super" LCD-2, and the LCD-4 seemed to be a "super" LCD-3 (I owned them all), but this is a departure altogether.

 

[KMann]

I wish they weren't 14 Ohms though. From everything we know about the LCD4 series, the higher Ohm models seem to sound better.

LCD-R features the Parallel Uniforce traces too, just like LCD-5 but with much lower impedance (2 Ohms). Lower impedance does not automatically mean lower resolution. Compared to LCD-R, LCD-5 uses thinner diaphragm and thinner metal traces (the latter increases impedance). There are more than one way to design the trace geometry and magnetic circuits to meet specific design goals. Parallel Uniforce let us venture beyond what was previously possible.

 

[DuncanDirkDick]

Early 009 batches had many issues afaik.

Stax is really terrible in that regard, not only do they change something all the time, it's all silent revisions, and you can't even tell by serial.

 

[ThanatosVI]

It almost looks like the LCD-5 isn't a "replacement" for the LCD-4 at all, but another product entirely with what appears to be a distinct sound signature.

i.e. the LCD-3 seemed to be a "super" LCD-2, and the LCD-4 seemed to be a "super" LCD-3 (I owned them all), but this is a departure altogether.

Similar to the Empyrean -> Elite Evolution.

Overall it's pretty nice for those who recently bought an LCD-4. Since the 5 is so different.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

It almost looks like the LCD-5 isn't a "replacement" for the LCD-4 at all, but another product entirely with what appears to be a distinct sound signature.

i.e. the LCD-3 seemed to be a "super" LCD-2, and the LCD-4 seemed to be a "super" LCD-3 (I owned them all), but this is a departure altogether.

Very true I think, LCD-4 will still exist alongside the new flagship, just like LCD-3 is still there after so many years (and revision).

 

[Sound Eq]

definitely lcd4 will maintain its crown position, for being a creamy amazing sounding headphone compared to he lcd5, I feel lcd5 is a departure from the lcd4 sound and most who love lcd4 they loved its creamy sound, as such lcd5 is a headphone that will not replace lcd4

 

[FastAndClean]

The LCD4 also needed a lot of air in the upper frequencies which the LCD5 seems to have. I guess the only question is how much of that legendary Audeze bass remains in the LCD5.

interesting, most people think that lcd4 has too much air

 

[Ciggavelli]

I think a good comparison will be with the Utopias and Susvaras, given this new sound signature

 

[XVampireX]

The LCD4 also needed a lot of air in the upper frequencies which the LCD5 seems to have. I guess the only question is how much of that legendary Audeze bass remains in the LCD5.

What legendary bass? LCD-3 had bad bass....

 

[DuncanDirkDick]

What legendary bass? LCD-3 had bad bass....

I'm with you. I never found that bass legendary nor the mids 'creamy', just recessed. LCD3/2 are way more fun in that regard.

 

[thefitz]

interesting, most people think that lcd4 has too much air

Well, too much air proper, and a chasm directly before that, but anyway

 

[Torq]

Power/drive requirements for the LCD-5 for those that are interested: