Audeze LCD-5 Review, Measurements, Interview

[Doug2507]

But did they confirm any physical or tuning changes between 1st release and now, excluding headband?

Nice review BTW.

 

[Mediahound]

But did they confirm any physical or tuning changes between 1st release and now, excluding headband?

The frequency response pretty much confirms it. If someone has an early one and can get their frequency graph (Audeze will provide it to you if you write them with your serial number), it would be interesting to compare. I imagine you would see peakier mids in the early ones.

 

[listenerwww]

Yep, Audeze provided me the frequency graph of my actual late 2022 LCD-5:

This is a measurement on their Neumann KU100, which lacks both an anthropometric pinna as well as simulation of the acoustic Z of the ear. It’s also internally compensated to its own Diffuse Field HRTF.

It’s really hard and nearly useless to try and parse how this measurement aligns with how the headphone would really sound, but it looks—to me—about right for what we know of LCD-5’s sound: upper midrange emphasized with flat bass and recessed lower/mid-treble.

This is to say, the graph you posted doesn’t indicate a tuning change, it actually indicates the opposite. My MM500 graph from Audeze on this rig looked very similar.

 

[Mediahound]

This is to say, the graph you posted doesn’t indicate a tuning change

Probably true, although the early (or pre-production) one I had on loan from an AD like a year ago definitely sounded more midrange forward to me versus this current one is just slightly midrange forward.

I like that it basically needs no EQ at all except for some bass boost for me.

 

[listenerwww]

Probably true, although the early (or pre-production) one I had on loan from an AD like a year ago definitely sounded more midrange forward to me versus this current one is just slightly midrange forward.

I like that it basically needs no EQ at all except for some bass boost for me.

To me, that seems like it is likely an issue of unit variation more than an intentional tuning change on Audeze’s part.

Part of the game when your pads are so acoustically significant, I spose.

 

[EMINENT]

I asked for mine and they said they lost it.

 

[Mediahound]

I asked for mine and they said they lost it.

Really? That's bizarre because I'm pretty sure they are kept in some central database.

 

[Audeze]

I asked for mine and they said they lost it.

That doesn't sound right. Whom did you speak to? Please contact us at support@audeze.com so we can look into this.

 

[EMINENT]

That doesn't sound right. Whom did you speak to? Please contact us at support@audeze.com so we can look into this.

Jon. Already reached out to them. Thanks!

 

[EMINENT]

Thanks to @Mad Lust Envy. Got me my current squigs... if you'd like to listen to them.

 

[Mediahound]

Thanks to @Mad Lust Envy. Got me my current squigs... if you'd like to listen to them.

Interesting, your peaks and valleys look sharper than mine, which are more rounded out. I guess just minor differences.

 

[shwnwllms]

Thanks to @Mad Lust Envy. Got me my current squigs... if you'd like to listen to them.

Reminds me, I never got around to posting mine (Production date April 2022)

 

[Mediahound]

I guess I'm glad that mine are slightly bassier (mine go up above teh 90 dBSPL line from 50Hz-90Hz. Only a few dB, but still.

 

[Doug2507]

Earlier unit, 11/21. Big hump at 3-4k! Not heard these yet, next week, very much expecting Roon EQ to be needed...

 

[Mediahound]

Earlier unit, 11/21. Big hump at 3-4k! Not heard these yet, next week, very much expecting Roon EQ to be needed...

Yep. On mine, I bring 3.6kHZ down in Roon EQ about -3db, and then a bit of bass boost. Makes the LCD-5's really sweet.