Audeze LCD-5 Review, Measurements, Interview

[Mad Lust Envy]

has anyone tried the LCD-5 case with the other LCD's? I know Audeze claims it doesn't fit but I want info from the trenches.

The standard LCDs as well as the Magnesium LCDs (like the GX, MX4, 4Z) will BARELY fit. Barely. There's a reason the website says it will not fit. Mainly because you shouldn't be forcing them to fit. They have to be placed on the minimal size setting on the rods, and the case will need to be a bit forced to close. I definitely would not advise.

Not ideal, but sure, it'll get in there. Note the yoke rod cut out for the LCD-5 won't match, so the rods on the other LCDs, will 'push' against the foam wall.

 

[the1andonly]

The standard LCDs as well as the Magnesium LCDs (like the GX, MX4, 4Z) will fit. Barely. They have to be placed on the minimal size setting on the rods, and the case will need to be a bit forced to close.

Not ideal, but sure, it'll get in there. Note the yoke rod cut out for the LCD-5 won't match, so the rods on the other LCDs, will 'push' against the foam wall.

for me personally the rods don't fit anyway but forcing closed
Sounds like there will be minimal shock absorption on the top and bottom, dang, that is what I was worried about, for me it was obvious in every other respect there is enough room and of course the foam can be cut.... Would you personally use it or no?

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

I'd definitely would recommend getting one of the other cases for the non-LCD5s. I'm partial to the economy case myself. It's all I'd need.

I think it looks nicer than the travel case, though the travel case is more rugged.

Personally in terms of personal preference in looks: Economy case > LCD-5 case > Travel case

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

I've just installed new headband from audeze.
Comfort is so much better now - as it supposed to be from the beginning considering these are ~4k headphones.

Also I feel that the sound has changed.
Of course its slight change nothing major.
Still to me the change is for good. The sound is less intense, also soundstage feels just a tad more open, they feel less in your face now.
The whole presentation is a bit "softer".
Also I strongly believe that bass benefited from less pressure it feels like diaphragm can move a bit more freely it's not ass stressed as it was.
Anyway, @Audeze customer service is a pleasure to deal with.

ps. Shipping took a bit - that's okay. But what was not ok is tracking information from USPS. Tracking history was so confusing... shame on you USPS

 

[the fool]

i hope audeze produce only lcd-5 with the new version headband from now, a flagship product is supposed to be perfected at all sorts, when i buy something at this price, i dont want to pay extra for better comfort.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

i hope audeze produce only lcd-5 with the new version headband from now, a flagship product is supposed to be perfected at all sorts, when i buy something at this price, i dont want to pay extra for better comfort.

Yes they are.
Cans with serial number above 1764 are with new headband.
My lcd5s are 15xx.

 

[Audeze]

All headphones produced after December 10th, 2021, with a serial number higher than 5-1764 already have the lower clamping force headband installed. We do not stock and will not offer the older headbands.

 

[dcguy73]

I see a lot of LCD-5 headphones for sale in the classifieds. Not surprising, as every new and shiny pair of headphones quickly slips from the short attention span of audiophiles, but disappointing. I think it was overhyped and is underrated as a result. I was one of the first wave to pick it up, and the LCD-5 is definitely my favorite pair of headphones that I own.

It doesn't come perfectly formed right out of the box. The LCD-5 requires some care and feeding, which in my case meant getting the updated, less-clamping headband, a set of Dekoni Nuggets to help it fit comfortably (carbon fiber = light, but no padding = not comfortable to wear), a quality copper cable to replace the bright-sounding hybrid one it came with, and a warmer-sounding headphone amp. While I do give the HE-1000SE the nod for comfort and versatility due to its bigger, softer earpads and lower power requirements, the LCD-5 has better build quality for the money, is much more even-sounding overall, and has more accurate bass and better bass slam than the Hifiman. It's a pleasure to use once it's been set up properly.

My next move would be to upgrade my HE-1000SE to the Susvara, but I consider the LCD-5 to deservedly be in the top tier and plan on keeping it in my main setup.

 

[chargedcapacitor]

I see a lot of LCD-5 headphones for sale in the classifieds. Not surprising, as every new and shiny pair of headphones quickly slips from the short attention span of audiophiles, but disappointing. I think it was overhyped and is underrated as a result. I was one of the first wave to pick it up, and the LCD-5 is definitely my favorite pair of headphones that I own.

It doesn't come perfectly formed right out of the box. The LCD-5 requires some care and feeding, which in my case meant getting the updated, less-clamping headband, a set of Dekoni Nuggets to help it fit comfortably (carbon fiber = light, but no padding = not comfortable to wear), a quality copper cable to replace the bright-sounding hybrid one it came with, and a warmer-sounding headphone amp. While I do give the HE-1000SE the nod for comfort and versatility due to its bigger, softer earpads and lower power requirements, the LCD-5 has better build quality for the money, is much more even-sounding overall, and has more accurate bass and better bass slam than the Hifiman. It's a pleasure to use once it's been set up properly.

My next move would be to upgrade my HE-1000SE to the Susvara, but I consider the LCD-5 to deservedly be in the top tier and plan on keeping it in my main setup.

A loooot of LCD-4/Z and susvara owners bought it on day one hoping for an upgrade, and got disappointed when it was more of a side grade.

Long time Susvara owners would prefer the more pleasant tonality, and not feel like the LCD-5 bass was worth it to make the change.

Long time LCD-4/Z owners would be blind sided by the fact that the LCD-5 actually has a mid range.

And I'm sure TC owners are enjoying their popcorn while watching us plebs duke it out over "lesser" headphones!

 

[dcguy73]

A loooot of LCD-4/Z and susvara owners bought it on day one hoping for an upgrade, and got disappointed when it was more of a side grade.

Long time Susvara owners would prefer the more pleasant tonality, and not feel like the LCD-5 bass was worth it to make the change.

Long time LCD-4/Z owners would be blind sided by the fact that the LCD-5 actually has a mid range.

And I'm sure TC owners are enjoying their popcorn while watching us plebs duke it out over "lesser" headphones!

TC owners and their ripped neck muscles? I for one am grateful for the lesser weight of the LCD-5, whether or not I'm a "plebe" because I don't own a heavier, more gargantuan (and expensive) headphone.

 

[Volote]

What I don't get is people thinking there are headphones to rule them all. There is no 'One Ring.' I'm new to this audiophile community and have quickly learned different headphones for different sounds for different folks. It's entirely foolish to think any new headphone is an upgrade outside of a different sound.

I'm looking forward to a more potential 1266 purchase next year for the fact it'll have a different sound signature and elevate the low end while suffering the mid range. But people love to fight and search for the next high. Enjoy the drugs, kids

 

[dcguy73]

What I don't get is people thinking there are headphones to rule them all. There is no 'One Ring.' I'm new to this audiophile community and have quickly learned different headphones for different sounds for different folks. It's entirely foolish to think any new headphone is an upgrade outside of a different sound.

I'm looking forward to a more potential 1266 purchase next year for the fact it'll have a different sound signature and elevate the low end while suffering the mid range. But people love to fight and search for the next high. Enjoy the drugs, kids

Better start exercising those neck muscles.

 

[Volote]

Better start exercising those neck muscles.

haha, ikr! i am mentally preparing myself

 

[chargedcapacitor]

Better start exercising those neck muscles.

My disk just slipped looking at this

 

[BowWazoo]

I find the LCD5, out of the box, very comfortable.
The only thing I think needs improvement is the length of the cable, from plug to splitter.
At this point, the cable is too short, and THAT is what I found uncomfortable.

Therefore, I have soldered me again a B&W Signature cable.