[boxster233]

A very interesting comparison. However, if we set the loudness limit to 80dB (which I never exceed) then all the headphones are very much the same in terms of both current and voltage requirements. Which implies that, at such moderate listening levels, the amp's drive capability doesn't matter much. I'm sure there must be other variables involved because it seems to good to be true that I could drive a Susvara or LCD-5 from a low powered (but high quality) amp.

That aside, the LCD-5 is the first Audeze to ever get to my shortlist for my final, singular, endgame headphones - based to the initial reports on its sound signature, weight and comfort. It seems to have addressed all the (for me) downsides of previous Audeze models I've tried. Can't wait to compare it to some of the other recent TOTL 'phones.

How do you keep at 80? So much is missed at 80db.

 

[adrianm]

How do you keep at 80? So much is missed at 80db.

I barely go past 65. But i do use closed backs.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

That aside, the LCD-5 is the first Audeze to ever get to my shortlist for my final, singular, endgame headphones - based to the initial reports on its sound signature, weight and comfort. It seems to have addressed all the (for me) downsides of previous Audeze models I've tried. Can't wait to compare it to some of the other recent TOTL 'phones.

Totally same opinion here, finally the worthy opponent to my Diana Phi has born. Comfort is as important as SQ, or even more.

 

[boxster233]

I barely go past 65. But i do use closed backs.

Which closed back?

 

[Currawong]

A very interesting comparison. However, if we set the loudness limit to 80dB (which I never exceed) then all the headphones are very much the same in terms of both current and voltage requirements. Which implies that, at such moderate listening levels, the amp's drive capability doesn't matter much. I'm sure there must be other variables involved because it seems to good to be true that I could drive a Susvara or LCD-5 from a low powered (but high quality) amp.

That aside, the LCD-5 is the first Audeze to ever get to my shortlist for my final, singular, endgame headphones - based to the initial reports on its sound signature, weight and comfort. It seems to have addressed all the (for me) downsides of previous Audeze models I've tried. Can't wait to compare it to some of the other recent TOTL 'phones.

Looking at the numbers has got me thinking, as they ramp up at the same rate, but are simply larger for the Susvara and LCD-5. I do wish that there was a clearer way to indicate an amplifier's ability to deliver power over time, relative to the numbers.

 

[adrianm]

Which closed back?

Old faithful Z1R's. Haven't found a replacement I prefer yet and I've just given up on it. Had high hopes for the Stealth but they sound like something I'd steer clear of. Might get an LCD-5 as an open back alternative and call it a day if i do find a use case for open backs.

 

[betula]

Old faithful Z1R's. Haven't found a replacement I prefer yet and I've just given up on it. Had high hopes for the Stealth but they sound like something I'd steer clear of. Might get an LCD-5 as an open back alternative and call it a day if i do find a use case for open backs.

I recall someone calling the D8000 a 'Z1R on steroids'. I can't comment as I never heard the Z1R.

 

[adrianm]

I recall someone calling the D8000 a 'Z1R on steroids'. I can't comment as I never heard the Z1R.

Might have been @Currawong . I remember hearing that as well. The comfort issues and availability in my area are what kept me from trying them.

 

[jaboki]

Totally same opinion here, finally the worthy opponent to my Diana Phi has born. Comfort is as important as SQ, or even more.

1000%. I love Audeze house sound, I just hate the physical weight that comes with it.

 

[Deceneu808]

Does anybody know if the pads are cell foam or memory foam ?

 

[Bimbleton]

Not sure if it’s been posted here, but Director’s Garage gave some great impressions of the LCD-5.

 

[Articnoise]

I decided to graphically illustrate the LCD-5 power requirements compared to other headphones to better illustrate what I was talking about. Note not only the actual requirements, but the rate at which the power requirements increase versus other headphones. (Edit: Fixed a dumb mistake.)

Good illustration. My understanding is that for planar magnetic headphones current is almost always the limited factor, just like voltage is the limiting factor for electrostatics. From your grafs we can see that LCD-5 will need quite powerful amp to really sing.

 

[LetTheKidsTechno]

Does anybody know if the pads are cell foam or memory foam ?

the pads were super soft and comfy. newer style pads they've been using on the 2021 models..

 

[sp33ls]

Old faithful Z1R's. Haven't found a replacement I prefer yet and I've just given up on it. Had high hopes for the Stealth but they sound like something I'd steer clear of. Might get an LCD-5 as an open back alternative and call it a day if i do find a use case for open backs.

Eyyy -- Z1R gang represent. : )

I keep thinking of selling my Z1R, but it's so hard to let them go. There's something unique and charming about them. Once your brain "clicks" to their presentation, everything just sounds right. They're not perfect -- on some tracks, the bass can bleed a bit into the low mids. But then on others, the bass is just amazing.

That aside, the LCD-5 is the first Audeze to ever get to my shortlist for my final, singular, endgame headphones - based to the initial reports on its sound signature, weight and comfort. It seems to have addressed all the (for me) downsides of previous Audeze models I've tried. Can't wait to compare it to some of the other recent TOTL 'phones.

^ Exactly my thought too. I'm thinking my "endgame" could be with LCD-5 & Z1R being somewhat complementary to one another. Verite Closed is still on my shortlist...

 

[qboogie]

Uh oh, the impressions of LCD-5 have made me very interested to spend that money. I'm almost finished paying off the Stealth, so if that doesn't earn its place in my home after a week I'm going for the LCD-5. It seems to do everything well, and checks off the boxes of what I value the most in headphones. I owned LCD-3F and LCD-X 2019, but didn't totally dig the tonality and narrowish stage sizes. Audeze listened to all the feedback and it sounds like they got a winner.

Maybe the acetate rings could be customized a la Rosson cans.

On top of that I own a Hugo TT2 and M-scalar combo so it's reassuring to hear that people are enjoying this pairing. Wonder how it would do with the Formula S, given that thing is a high current beast that can finesse the 1266 TC.

All this TOTL thirst I'm having can't be healthy. I'm currently trying to calculate how many more patients per day I need to see to pay it off. Or worse, moonlight in a few terrifying emergency departments between now and then. Either that or immediately sell the McIntosh MHA200 that is due here in the coming months.

My son was only 2 years old when I told him he could inherit my ZMF Verite. He probably wouldn't even remember such a thing, and I don't recall pinky swearing a thing.

Thanks to all who have provided on-head impressions to all us thirsty folks. Everytime I read them my brain let's out a little squirt of dopamine.