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Audeze LCD-S20 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Over-Ear HeadphonesAudeze LCD-S20

Audeze LCD-S20 — image 1

Audeze

Audeze LCD-S20

Expert Review Analysis

The Audeze LCD‑S20 is a closed‑back planar‑magnetic headphone aimed at studio professionals, offering ultra‑low distortion, extended bass down to 10 Hz and strong passive noise isolation. Its robust build and high‑output 18 Ω drivers make it ideal for tracking, mixing and mastering, though its 550 g weight can be a comfort challenge.

✓ Best for: Studio professionals who need precise, low‑distortion monitoring for tracking, recording, mixing and mastering, especially when preventing microphone bleed is critical; users with headphone amps or interfaces that can supply >250 mW and who prioritize bass depth and isolation over portability.✗ Not ideal for: Casual listeners, commuters, or anyone requiring lightweight, portable headphones for extended on‑the‑go use; users without a dedicated amp who cannot meet the minimum power requirements.

Pros

✓Extended bass response down to 10 Hz with a 6 dB+ boost thanks to SLAM™ technology, providing powerful low-end without muddiness.
✓Ultra‑low distortion below 0.1 % at 100 dB SPL and precise impulse response, delivering accurate monitoring for mixing and mastering.

Price History

Current

$469.00

Average

$469.00

Lowest

$469.00

Highest

$469.00

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#2,897Best#2,897Worst#2,897

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating3.2/ 5Reviews6

Specifications

Audio

Transducer TypePlanar magnetic

Driver Size90 mm mm

Frequency Response10 Hz - 40 kHz

Maximum SPL>120 dB

THD<0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1 kHz

Connectivity

Cable TypeBraided oxygen-free, single-sided, detachable, with 1/4" plug and 3.5 mm mini adapter

Cable Length8.2 ft (2.5 m) mm

Design

StyleOver-ear, closed-back

Headband TypeLeather suspension strap with seven adjustment steps

Earpad TypeMagnetically attached, cloth-covered gel-filled

Build MaterialsMagnesium, aluminum, steel

Features

Magnetic StructureFluxor™ magnet array

Magnet TypeNeodymium N50

Phase ManagementFazor™

Acoustic ManagementSLAM™

Diaphragm TypeUltra-Thin Uniforce™

General

BrandAudeze

ModelLCD-S20

ColorBlack and silver

Height6.0 in (152 mm) mm

Width11.0 in (279 mm) mm

Driver

Magnetic StructureFluxor™ magnet array

Diaphragm TypeUltra‑Thin Uniforce™

Cable

Cable DetailsBraided oxygen‑free, detachable, 8.2 ft length with 1/4" plug and 3.5 mm mini adapter

Dimensions & Weight

Height6.0 inches

Width11.0 inches

Depth10.0 inches

Weight2.9982867632 pounds

Research Sources

zenproaudio.com

crutchfield.com

bhphotovideo.com

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User Reviews

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3.2

(6 reviews)

$469.00$499.006% off

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LCD-S20Black, Gray

Over-Ear Headphones

✓

High level of passive noise isolation from the closed‑back design, preventing microphone bleed during tracking sessions.

✓Magnetically swappable, cloth‑covered gel‑filled earpads and a leather suspension headband with seven adjustment steps ensure comfort during long studio sessions.

✓Easy‑drive 18 Ω planar drivers compatible with typical audio interfaces, mixers, laptops and mobile devices without requiring a dedicated amp.

Cons

✗Heavy overall weight of approximately 550 g (1.21 lb), which can become uncomfortable during extended wear compared to lighter studio headphones.
✗Bulky form factor may limit portability and practicality for on‑the‑go or space‑constrained studio environments.
✗Requires a minimum power input of >100 mW and recommended >250 mW, meaning it may need a dedicated headphone amp for optimal performance.
✗No built‑in active features such as Bluetooth or ANC, limiting its use to wired, stationary studio setups.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓SLAM™ bass extension delivers clean, deep low frequencies down to 10 Hz without sacrificing clarity.
✓Distortion remains under 0.1 % at high SPL, ensuring transparent sound for critical mixing tasks.
✓Closed‑back design provides strong passive isolation, reducing mic bleed during vocal tracking.
✓Planar drivers offer detailed spatial imaging and precise timing, beneficial for mastering work.
✓Magnetically attached earpads and adjustable leather headband make quick adjustments easy.

Criticized by Experts

✗The 550 g weight is noted as a major drawback for comfort during long studio sessions.
✗Overall bulkiness raises questions about practicality for users who need a more portable solution.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers praise the LCD‑S20 for its innovative SLAM™ bass boost, ultra‑low distortion and accurate planar imaging, positioning it as a strong contender for studio tracking, mixing and mastering. However, they consistently flag its heavyweight and bulky design as significant comfort concerns, suggesting it’s best suited for stationary studio environments rather than mobile or long‑duration wear.

How It Compares

vs. Sony MDR‑7506

Advantages

✓LCD‑S20 delivers far deeper bass down to 10 Hz with a 6 dB+ boost, which the MDR‑7506 cannot match.
✓Planar‑magnetic drivers provide lower distortion and more accurate imaging than the MDR‑7506’s dynamic drivers.

Disadvantages

✗At 550 g the LCD‑S20 is considerably heavier than the 220 g MDR‑7506, reducing comfort for long sessions.
✗LCD‑S20 lacks the compact, portable form factor of the MDR‑7506, making it less suitable for field recording.

Choose the LCD‑S20 for studio precision and bass depth; opt for the MDR‑7506 when portability and lightweight comfort are paramount.

vs. Audeze Maxwell

Advantages

✓LCD‑S20’s SLAM™ technology provides a stronger, more controlled bass extension than the Maxwell’s gaming‑tuned response.
✓Lower impedance (18 Ω) makes the LCD‑S20 easier to drive from standard audio interfaces compared to the Maxwell’s higher impedance.

Disadvantages

✗Both headphones are heavy, but the LCD‑S20’s 550 g weight is slightly higher than the Maxwell’s 490 g, adding extra fatigue.
✗The Maxwell is tuned for gaming with a more pronounced V‑shape, which some users may prefer for entertainment over the LCD‑S20’s linear studio tuning.

Select the LCD‑S20 for accurate studio monitoring; pick the Maxwell if you want a slightly lighter, gaming‑oriented sound signature.