AV news has been somewhat thin on the ground since Thanksgiving – as is usually the case – but Audeze has recently announced the arrival of new reference audio headphones, the LCD-5, priced at $4,500. We reviewed the LCD-1 earlier this year, which itself comes in at less than a tenth of the price, but Audeze says the new LCD-5 ‘phones set “a new standard for accuracy”. New driver designs comprise ‘Parallel Uniforce’ voice coils and new magnet assemblies.
With minimal reflections, improved frequency response and a more “open” soundstage, the new cans have an impedence 18 Ohms, sensitivity of 90dB, and weigh in at only 420 grams. Targeted at pros and audiophiles, the new headphones are made in California and engineered to provide “unmatched” audio. Ergonomic and aesthetic features include acoustically designed leather earpads, a carbon fiber suspension...
