Audeze LCD-5S

The evolution of a modern planar flagship – with more body, more slam, and an even more natural musical presentation.

With the Audeze LCD-5S, Audeze further refines its uncompromising reference headphone. While the original LCD-5 was already celebrated for its extraordinary speed, resolution, and precision, the LCD-5S takes a decisive step forward: more natural tonality, more authoritative sub-bass, and an overall more organic presentation – without sacrificing the technical excellence that made the original so respected.

The result is a headphone that succeeds both analytically and emotionally. The LCD-5S remains exceptionally fast, highly resolving, and razor-sharp in timing, yet sounds noticeably more relaxed and musical than its predecessor. Vocals gain additional body, instruments feel more tangible, and the bass delivers greater foundation and physical impact.

To achieve this, Audeze combines its ultra-light planar diaphragm with the new SLAM technology (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator), which controls airflow within the driver structure more effectively. The result is deeper-reaching, more physical bass performance while maintaining the control, speed, and low distortion Audeze is known for.

Sound Signature

The LCD-5S combines reference-grade resolution with remarkable musicality. Compared to the original LCD-5, the tuning feels more balanced and mature. The midrange delivers exceptionally natural tonality, vocals appear focused and holographic within the soundstage, while the treble remains highly resolving without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing.

Particularly impressive is the combination of speed and physical authority. Transients start and stop almost instantaneously, giving drums, strings, and complex arrangements exceptional clarity and precision. At the same time, the LCD-5S provides significantly more punch and sub-bass weight than its predecessor – controlled, deep-reaching, and highly convincing.

The soundstage remains realistic and precisely layered, with excellent separation and near “studio monitor-like” transparency, without sounding sterile or clinical.

Technology

The LCD-5S incorporates Audeze’s latest generation planar magnetic driver technology:

• 90 mm planar magnetic drivers
• Ultra-thin nano-scale diaphragm
• Fluxor™ magnet array
• Fazor™ waveguides
• New SLAM™ technology for improved bass impact and linear control
• Magnesium and carbon fiber construction for reduced weight
• Improved ear pads for enhanced long-term comfort

Despite its uncompromising performance, the LCD-5S remains comparatively efficient and performs exceptionally well even with high-quality desktop DAC/amps. At the same time, it scales dramatically with powerful Class A and flagship amplifiers, revealing its full dynamic capability.

Build Quality & Comfort

The LCD-5S combines modern high-end industrial design with luxurious materials. Carbon fiber, magnesium, leather, and the signature acetate rings with copper accents create an exceptionally premium feel.

Compared to the original LCD-5, comfort has also been further improved: new ear pads, refined pressure distribution, and an updated fit make long listening sessions significantly more comfortable despite the uncompromising flagship construction.

Technical Specifications