Audeze LCD-S20 Closed-Back Planar (Audeze 4/10/25 Something Exciting!?)

[04gto]

Just got an email this AM. Is this the rumored new flagship? (My wallet is gently sobbing in the background)

Edit: Added a couple of pictures with specs and price. Build looks similar to the Maxwell, which has a very good, solid build, while also eliminating most of the failure points: the electronics. It does look very high quality in pictures. Can't wait to actually feel it out and hear it in hand at CanJam SoCal 2025.

 

[dunring]

I signed up for it just in case it's a B stock sale. Usually for new products don't they make a big announcement ahead of time? At least there's won't be a tariff on it :+)

 

[Kevintj604]

I also received the email and immediately thought it’s going to be a Maxwell successor or something in a lifestyle space with ANC like a Bathys.

I highly doubt it’s a flagship or LCD series announcement.

Still excited for what they announce I’m just not expecting a big release.

 

[mbmzor]

I also received the email and immediately thought it’s going to be a Maxwell successor or something in a lifestyle space with ANC like a Bathys.

I highly doubt it’s a flagship or LCD series announcement.

Still excited for what they announce I’m just not expecting a big release.

I hope it’s an open back version of the maxwells, I wish they just made the LCD2 classic a wireless version or I could turn my GX’s wireless.

 

[04gto]

I signed up for it just in case it's a B stock sale. Usually for new products don't they make a big announcement ahead of time? At least there's won't be a tariff on it :+)

Unfortunately tariffs effect just about anything manufactured in the US, because not all of the ingredients in the cake are locally sourced. I hope it is at least something wired and not anything wireless or gaming related.

 

[Metalingus]

Someone on this forum said at CanJam thread Audeze told LCD-6 coming sometime early this year, maybe it.

 

[04gto]

Someone on this forum said at CanJam thread Audeze told LCD-6 coming sometime early this year, maybe it.

In fact at CanJam SoCal 2024, I asked Sankar directly- "Is there anything coming better than the LCD-5?". He smirked a little and said "We certainly have some big stuff coming in the next year, so keep your eyes open". So maybe?

 

[Metalingus]

In fact at CanJam SoCal 2024, I asked Sankar directly- "Is there anything coming better than the LCD-5?". He smirked a little and said "We certainly have some big stuff coming in the next year, so keep your eyes open". So maybe?

Maybe it's CRBN2?

 

[Spawn300Z]

I was notified that I is a new affordable closed back called the LCD-S20

 

[kith86]

I was notified that I is a new affordable closed back called the LCD-S20

Any picture, specs and price yet !?

 

[Kevintj604]

Any picture, specs and price yet !?

$499 USD
Ships early May
https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-s20

This is basically exactly what I thought it was going to be when I saw the announcement 5 days ago. What I wasn’t expecting is a 550gram wired Maxwell. I’m excited to see Audeze move to magnetic pads and their SLAM technology in a non electrostatic headphone but the weight is a concern in that chassis.

 

[evanft]

550g is beyond the limit for me. My E3 is about 100g lighter than that and I wish it were lighter still.

 

[TechNICKal]

I'm a bit confused on why at this point they haven't updated their entire LCD line, including this new model, to their LCD-5 chassis. Weight and comfort seem to be the biggest complaint from their fans and they pretty much solved this 4-5 years ago with the LCD-5, yet the rest of the LCD line is still using the same chassis since 2009. I understand it's their flagship model, but comfort should be excellent regardless of price. Maybe they'll prove me wrong though and this will be comfy, but we'll see.

It is nice to see new headphones being released that aren't $1K +, and the new magnetic ear pads are a hugely welcome change. Maybe they'll release some different ear pad materials so we can easily pad swap like ZMF and Abyss. Hopefully they sound great too!

 

[Kevintj604]

550g is beyond the limit for me. My E3 is about 100g lighter than that and I wish it were lighter still.

Agreed. I’m okay with a heavier headphone but that much weight on the Maxwell/MM-100 chassis build quality doesn’t bring me confidence.

 

[04gto]

The extra weight does not bother me. Lighter certainly doesn't automatically equate to more comfortable. My LCD-XC I find easily more comfortable than my LCD-5 was, despite the extra 250 grams. Also having owned the Maxwell, it was fine for me on comfort, but a lot have people have a bad fit with it. I think the Maxwell style headband leaves a lot of room for improvement. However, the sound is what matters most to me. Very curious about the tuning. I like using EQ, but will this be the first Audeze where I don't HAVE TO use EQ?

I am excited to try it at CanJam SoCal 2025!