Nice write up and good comparisons, thanks! How about the slightly 'shadowed' and recessed Audeze upper-mid/treble region? Even though I like Audeze sound and I love their bass, I have experienced this on all LCD models including the 4. While the competition can't touch Audeze bass, a lot of them offer nicer and airier upper frequencies. Is the LCD24 any different in this regard?

I would say it's less powerful than the LCD4 from a bass perspective (but still has that Audeze kick) , but holds it own against Hifiman, and other planars on the hids and highs. If you are focused on the upper frequencies, personally, I would focus more on Focal or Senn.

I am trying to get the best of both worlds. Great bass (which is my priority if I have to choose) AND open, airy upper mids/treble. Focal and Senn are too bright for me. I find the Empyrean offering the perfect balance between great bass and airy treble. (At least for me, for now.)

Thank you so much for this very Interesting review, alexzogh! Do you find that the FR of the LCD-24 is less far off reference curves re. high mids and treble, requiring less EQ (or none?) than the LCD-4 ?

Does EQ help bring the LCD-24 bass to the same quantity/quality of the LCD4?
Great review too!

Good review. I would add one more con, the price. $3495 is not affordable to a lot of people.