Review: Audeze LCD 1, their smallest, lightest, most affordable full-size headphone ever

Audeze LCD 1, www.audeze.com...
Specifications
Price: $399
Style: Over-ear, open-circumaural
Transducer type
Planar Magnetic
Magnetic structure
Single-sided Fluxor™ magnet array
Phase management
Fazor
Magnet type: Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin Uniforce
Transducer size: 90 mm
Maximum power handling: 5W RMS
Maximum SPL: 120dB
Frequency response: 10Hz - 50KHz
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: 99 dB/1mW
Ear Pads: Memory foam, genuine lambskin leather
Weight: 250g
Follow me on Twitter @AudiophiliacMan
#headphonereviews #bestheadphones

[@metal571]

Definitely wouldn't say the LCD1 is tonally similar to the LCD2C. Quite a bit less 1k and much more properly in-line and more forward upper midrange around 3-4k, the latter of which is severely lacking on LCD2F and LCD2C. But yes the stage is quite a bit narrower on the LCD1, but imaging is good. I love these things, thanks for getting the word out further, Steve. I think it has a real chance of dethroning the HD 650 indeed

[@raghavkumar9470]

That T-Shirt's awesome

[@Nadtochy]

It's so nice and natural to take notes using paper.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Steve: Two potential fun video topics for the future to consider? 1) How loud do you play your music & why if we normalize all gains to 100% for discussion purposes? Of course, there are lots of variables here....amount of power / quality / loudness of recording / room size /mood / etc? 2) Why are some components / systems called "lifestyle components / systems (e.g., Naim Muso). Isn't all audio lifestyle gear? For what it's worth? Thanks for your continued great job!!

[@Rock2005Star]

Great review Steve! Thanks so much!! 👌👌

[@jn3750]

Steve, you know Ken Rockwell? He says the LCD1 sounds as good as the $5000 Stax

[@juliangst]

A closed version for portable use would be interesting, but closed planars are really hard to get right.

[@user-tj5hq2kz8x]

Pretty sure that's just the mobius

[@juliangst]

@@user-tj5hq2kz8x nah, I don't think so

[@Rock2005Star]

I just tried the Blue Ella and thought it sounded AMAZING for a closed-back planar magnetic headphone!! It's Blue's flagship and only PM headphone. Normally $699, I got it on sale at Amazon for only $399! Lots of great pro reviews out there for it too, and I even left one on Amazon!! It comes with a built-in analog amp with 2 different active settings to give you that full sound. Highly recommended! Check it out

[@pauld7069]

Affordability = larger potential audience.

[@HansProbs]

A = LPA (now cancel the A’s) Nobody = LP ????????????? 😦😥🤯

[@olimphus26]

Theres many things I dislike about the LCD-2 Classic starting from the tonality and the recessed mids but for some reason I keep coming back to that headphone more than anything else, it has something that makes me pick them up and listen to them.

[@heliopijpe]

Buying them as soon as they hit the EU market, stellar, light, portable, right price ...

[@simonguilmain8834]

Any chance on providing comparison with the Audeze Sine? The other light and affordable Audeze. Thank you!

[@WookieWoolie]

How do you feel they compare to the Verum 1's as both plannar and a simular price?

[@nl_2652]

How does it compare to the Hifiman Sundara?

[@ikaruga24]

I haven't heard the LCD-1 in person but i have listened to some demo sounds that are lurking about. I have heard the Sundara live but the 2020 model. In my ears the Sundara feel very metalic in nature and not too pleassant. They are not bad, not by a long shot, but they are not as good as i would have imagined for a planar magnetic headphone. The LCD-1 from what i understand so far has an absolutely awesome sparkly sound, much more detailed and fuller and the bass has proper texture and it's full, not hollow. It could prove more fatiguing for long sessions due to this spark and the vocals sound just a tab bit recessed or muffled if you prefer but for my ears even through sound demos it just sounds superior compared to the Sundara. Also, keep in mind the LCD-1 you can use it from any source you can imagine while the Sundara you will need quite a bit of power from an amplifier (at least 2000mW) to really show you what they can do and even then they still don't have the pleasant sound of the LCD-1.

[@jimixdnb]

Which bass would you consider to be more linear: the LCD-1 or the 2C?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

LCD 1

[@ChrisKeyman]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliachello, LCD1 would be a good choice for mixing and mastering use ? Is the Soundstage so bad ? Hifiman sundara would be a better choice? *I tried the Hifiman Ananda and the frequency response was almost perfect but the Soundstage was too spacious and airy and I couldn't mix on them.

[@mrright884]

Good evening audio friends. Who would wins? LCD-1 or Sennheiser 660S? Anybody experience?

[@brydon10]

The 6XX is actually an HD 650, not an HD 600.

[@AndyBHome]

Massdrop HD6xx - is that closest to the HD600 or the HD650? I heard it's basically the HD650. Regardless, I have the Massdrop HD6xx and am totally underwhelmed by it. I don't get why people like it so much. I prefer the sound of virtually any of my other open ear headphones to it. It sounds distant and dull to me. Maybe I just need to turn it up more? I have tried a handful of different headphone amps to try to unlock the magic, but it's still locked in there somewhere. Maybe I just need to break them in more? I have to admit that I haven't run them for even 100 hours yet because I really don't enjoy listening to them much - that and the fact that they barely fit over my huge ears with their extra thick plush earpads.

[@chambeet]

Andy B It has HD-650 drivers, so it’s basically an HD-650. Maybe you’d like the 600 more? That’s what I have, but I haven’t heard the 650/6XX before, but I hear the 600 is more neutral and less warm.

[@AndyBHome]

@@chambeet yes I actually heard that about the 650 vs. the 600 long before Drop (the new name for Massdrop) started the 6xx collaboration. It's impossible to say for sure, but I would guess that I probably would indeed like the 600 better than the 6xx. I also wonder if I wouldn't be very happy with the more recent 58x. Thanks for the feedback!

[@tyquan1000finest]

Andy B based off why you don’t like the hdxx because it is the hd650 you probably wouldn’t like the 600hd because it’s flatter so the music would sound even more dull to you. I want the hd 600 but for mixing & mastering music if your using the headphones to enjoy music in a fun way definitely get different headphones

[@sameeptaneja]

How does it compare with Mobius in wired mode having a larger 100 mm driver when listening to the same tracks?

[@jacksonville4932]

I've had the mobius for so long and I loved it wired. It sounded so intimate and the bass was deep and rich. I have the lcd 2 f now and I'm loving the upgrade. You get the audeze sound from both, but the lcd 2 (like Steve said) is insanely more open and spacious and detailed like a mfker

[@cybergod77]

Thks for the review & comparison, is the construction plastic?

[@yogiwp_]

These vs Aiva/B20/M570 vs Sundara vs HE5se vs HE-560? (Same price range)

[@wemustgo]

I come here because his shirt :)

[@miguelbarrio]

That looks really nice. Is it really over the ear rather than around? It kind of looks like around the ear. I don’t like my ears pressed.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Miguel Barrio Then you won’t like it

[@jamiesmith6838]

Hey Steve! How'd you get a pair already? 🤔😁

[@LATasKara]

Could you buy the hyperX Cloud Orbit and make a review of them? Please! They also feature an Audeze plannar magnetic drivers

[@tradehut2782]

LCD 2 soundstage already sounds smaller in soundstage compared to Sennheiser open backs. Cant imagine going even smaller than that.

[@jsharp9735]

Digging the second album, the first one sounds like the first 20 seconds of a song before it starts, but never does.

[@ericdaniel323]

Any idea how these compare with the discontinued EL-8?

[@olimphus26]

The discontinued the el8 ? Damn

[@d4rkpkzz]

Interesting you preferred LCD 1 to the 6XX, how were vocals like on the LCD 1?

[@olimphus26]

I know right, surprisingly the mids are quite different than the typical Audeze mids, I just looked at the FR and the mids are not as recessed as the older siblings. Maybe that's giving more presence to the vocals plus the "ultra thin diaphragm" and fazor array must be doing something. Now I want to compare them myself.

[@zipperunamused9009]

I suspect it’s honeymoon effect. HD600/650 when properly driven offers TOTL mid range presentation. Yes, LCD2.2 and LCD3 are better but not by too much, certainly better than HD800 line and all of the Focal line, including their most expensive model. I have been buying and listening to Audeze since 2009 - started with LCD2 pre order.

[@olimphus26]

@@zipperunamused9009 600/650 offering TOTL mid range is giving them too much credit tbh, i know they scale nicely but c'mon.

[@zipperunamused9009]

well, we all hear differently and I can only share my decades of experience with cans. Once you have been around the block you will understand HD600/650 are cans you never ever sell. You do need somewhat beefy amp, I would take no less than GS-X or equivalent when driving HD650.

[@olimphus26]

@@zipperunamused9009it is true that we hear differently, my experience is this tho, I use a denon integrated amplifier to drive my headphones currently that has way too much power for those headphones and I have done AB comparisons with the zmf auteur and the mid range just doesnt compare. Imagine winnie the pooh had a pair 650s and he dipped them in his honey and the result was the zmf auteur. Liquid, lush mid range.

[@AndoniTejerina]

I was about to buy the Blon b20´s as my first planars... but now I have a doubt...

[@carlosbauza1139]

Good Luck to the next generation of headphone buyers. I happily froze my 'phone purchases at the Sennheiser HD-600.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Watch the video, the LCD 1 clobbered my Sennheiser HD6XX...

[@konradherrmann3213]

must be nice, living in the past, no offense, but finally there is some real progress on the market, but maybe the 600 is the only worthwhile product, that sennheiser ever produced in price:quality.

[@carlosbauza1139]

My buggy carried me only this far! Am happy for you guys!

[@konradherrmann3213]

@@carlosbauza1139 all good, just fun

[@chambeet]

That’s what I’ve had for the last few years. If I ever have a ton of money, sure, I’ll buy more, but I’m happy with my HD-600s for the time being.

[@funkyfurballs1078]

I wad close to buying the Shure SRH1840... how would it compare to the LCD 1?

[@michaelwilliamson7881]

Could you possibly do a video where you compare these to the V-Moda crossfade 2 wireless codec edition? they're around the same price, but it'd be nice to get a take on how they stack up against each other. I might want to purchase either one of those in the future. Thanks

[@NyteStalker89]

LCD-1 = More neutral. V-Moda Crossfade 2 wireless(Codec edition sounds identical) = More fun. Bigger, harder bass with some mids and roll off in the highs(Classic V-Moda sound sig). LCD-1 is going to sound cleaner and more open than the vmodas. I've got four or five pairs of V-modas as I love the brand but I wish they'd make an open backed headphone. I have some hifiman and Audezes to compare against and it really depends on the sound you want and what you have to drive them. The LCD-1 on paper have a low power requirement to drive, but due to being open backed and a planar, you want to push them with an amp.. something that gives more power than a phone .

[@agm6095]

Steve have to tested the Nura headphones?

[@jasonf229]

Steve help please. I need your reputable perspective on the cerwin vega xls 12s tower speakers. I really want to buy these as my final towers.

[@jacobcharters6614]

Ive heard the LCD X is still the best overall out of series how would it compare to my he 400i from hifiman?

[@bloozism]

Don't buy hifiman, the build quality is borderline garbage.

[@NyteStalker89]

@@bloozism Someone didn't read the comment they responded to.

[@bilguana11]

Most ELAC gear goes up Nov. 4.

[@Marian1st.]

How does it compare to Grado 325 and higher models?

[@manuelsirotti3793]

Hey man, in terms of detail I would use it for mixing and so far from the LCD 2 ??

[@ChrisKeyman]

Hello friend, I am looking for a studio headphones. Lcd2 was too dark for me. Lcdx 2021 almost perfect with eq but too heavy for my neck. I am looking now for an lcd1 or a hifiman sundara maybe. What did you do?

[@bloozism]

Over or on ear? Comfort with glasses?

[@jeffreyepiscopo]

Are these worth the $100 more than the Monoprice M1060 in your opinion?

[@konradherrmann3213]

nice joke 😂

[@konradherrmann3213]

@ROMERO { 115 } 👍

[@antonkokic]

we need this in europe asap

[@jurre9892]

By the end of october for €400,- (The Netherlands)

[@konradherrmann3213]

@@jurre9892 ha ha, just like schiit, with their deplorable dutch-representative....

[@jurre9892]

@@konradherrmann3213 don't know who will be the distributor. Just read it a few hours before I saw this video.

[@konradherrmann3213]

@@jurre9892 OK no offence meant. I tried from france, schiit nl. and they had nothing of the new stuff

[@husnainanwaar1992]

Audeze isine 20 vs LCD 1 What do you prefer...

[@leonisbacher1772]

If only it was closed back it would make so much more sense ! I would buy it instantly.

[@marion_roberts]

But what about durability?

[@MrStingraybernard]

I’ve heard the hifiman sundara sounded better but had build quality issues

[@AntoineThisdale]

So really "on ears" and not "around" then? Similar to the difference between the Sony XM2 and XM3? (fit comparison, not sound quality, obviously).

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Definitely bigger than an on-ear

[@AntoineThisdale]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I'll have to give them a try then. I've been using the 6xx since release on my home computer (mostly gaming and tidal). I was thinking of a small upgrade.

[@datadaveangelstravelsadven444]

What does your shirt say in the middle of the record? (Watching on my cell makes it too small to read)

[@datadaveangelstravelsadven444]

@@crashkdw thanks

[@jamiesmith6838]

Aren't you comparing the wrong two headphones? There's a great price difference between the two?? What you should have done, IMHO is compare it to other $399 cans! The New LCD-1 is a game changer.

[@olimphus26]

The 2 classic is overpriced and you can get it in the used market for less than 500 dollars. I'd say it's a fair comparison.

[@jamiesmith6838]

@@olimphus26 Not exactly. New Vs used? Where do they do that with any sincerity? So what's a used LCD-1 worth. Do you compare that to Koss? Let's stay with the specifics, and be realistic on comparisons.

[@olimphus26]

@@jamiesmith6838 the lcd 1 is a new release... it doesnt make sense talking about the used market for that headphone right now. in 6 months from now maybe it wouldnt be a fair comparison depending on how the price for a 2 classic is. If you could get a new porsche for 70k or a used ferrari for 75-80k? why would that not be a fair comparison? knowing how well ferrari owners care for their cars.

[@jamiesmith6838]

@@olimphus26 The concept of New Vs Used is my position. I know LCD-1 is new. My point is I'd prefer comparing items in their targeted markets. It only gets convoluted otherwise. Like this exchange. Of course Audeze upper models should sound better! If they didn't what's the increase pricing about? That applies to all audio manufacturers! Let's be realistic. Of course, I would take an open box Stax L-700 setup at $500 over both Audezes! But, that is not what an honest comparison is either. Price points are set for a reason. Kinda a no brainer. These aren't Ferraris and Porsches. They also have different models! Which Porsche? Which Ferrari? Which depreciated worse? Why? Quality? Maintenance cost? Market? Condition? There's too many variables to consider. Purchase Price, is but one! "Apples and oranges" are everywhere here! What "new" $399 headphone sounds best for $399? That's it.

[@jamiesmith6838]

@@olimphus26 I'll add, a "new" Porsche under factory warranty makes clearly logical and financial sense over buying a used Ferrari.. Regardless of up-keep or condition of the Ferrari?? Aren't we talking dollars and sense? Why didn't you consider a twin engine Cessna in this "comparison"? Or a trip around the world? Get my point? Value is a concept that market demand often dictate. Let's keep it simple. I think Steve wasnt being sincere talking about two headphones at two opposing price points when new! What I did get is the new LCD-1 questions why spend more?🤷

[@blatancyproductions8246]

next hd600 for the audio community?

[@nonenothing4412]

seems so .... and I hope so

[@trellusg]

Already ordered first day they took pre-orders! 😅

[@1ce2berg]

And how have they been for the past year so far?

[@garth56]

The HD6xx is not the 600 it is the 650 and I listened to the LCD1 it isn't close to the HD6XX or the 650. So people do not think after this that the HD6XX trails the LCD1 it most certainly does not :-)

[@NyteStalker89]

pssssst sound is subjective and to some people the HD 6xx sounds like garbage and the LCD-1s don't. Don't go telling people that X is better than Y. People need to take youtubers advice with a grain of salt and a find a way to test things for themselves to hear what is best for them. I've heard people trash anything because THEY didn't like it and scare someone from making a good purchase for themselves. I lived by this mantra when working sales at best buy and still do to this day when selling anything. I talked many people out of buying beats by buying a pair of them, Sony 1st gen ANC and Bose QC 35s to keep on hand and clean for people to try. I eventually added some V-modas and B&O sets into the mix within the price bracket to give a true choice all paired with listening materials that the headphones would shine with. All that to say, I got people to try something better than what youtube told them to buy and many of them have in turn showed me headphones that I had disregarded due to a youtube person not liking it and in turn loving it myself.

[@Marian1st.]

Real lamb skin is not a plus.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Are they plastic ?

[@patrickcunha9614]

Ron Bernard yes

[@saint6563]

IMO the Audiophilic chases $$$. Fine. However, he's missing out in direct links to purchase the software he promotes. Thanks for the vids!

[@ramalakshmanan9158]

Hi, Steve, I bought the LCD1s on your recommendation and that of metal571 - but also watched and read a number of other reviews. The problem is that when I purchased a Dragonfly Cobalt if I increase the volume to about 90% on iDevices the dragonfly LED will glow red and the sound will cut off completely. I found one comment about this at this link : www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/eq5x7e/dragonfly_cobalt_crashing/ and another at www.head-fi.org/threads/dragonfly-cobalt-vs-discussions.910539/page-14 Post #197 which is more like my experiences. The device works okay with my 32 ohm Grados but the LCD-1s are low impedence and the IE800s in the second link above are also 16 ohms and I'm thinking that the ratings given on the Audioquest website that they can handle down to 10 ohm are overly optimistic. You had mentioned the Dragonflies in connection with the LCD-1s so I was wondering whether you had similar problems. I need to return the item soon within the next four days including the weekend and so any assistance you can give me is very welcome - I am registered disabled for some years here in the UK and so surviving on state benefits. I am in time to return it for not being satisfied but if it is not proven to be defective then I will lose the postage which with insurance is not insignificant. Just under 5% of the cost of the item itself! If you are able to respond to this by Tuesday at the latest it will help me greatly. Many thanks, Rama

[@ChrisKeyman]

Hello, how do you like them?

[@husnainanwaar1992]

What differentiates Elon Musk is that he does things right. And Audeze is similar.

[@uangchen5981]

looks cheap

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

Why don't you be open minded and hear it?

[@thelastrhino2581]

Give me a break. The HD-600 and HD-650 are still better... by a mile. Not buying the hype.

[@thelastrhino2581]

@ROMERO { 115 } Metal571 never pushed a review out as fast as he pushed that one. He is a very honest guy, but something didn't sit right for me with his review of the LCD-1 either. He then did a Q&A... did he mention again there that he would replace the 650 with the LCD-1 as his reference of neutrality?

[@keeferdog5617]

The new LCD-1 is as ugly as that black Vinyl Master shirt.

[@jamiesmith6838]

I figured Audeze had to cut a corner somewhere to bring value way up, which is sound! What are you going to do, take pictures in your headphones?? SMH

[@newfguy1826]

Real lambskin? To people aware of animal cruelty, the use of animal skins is a non starter. Cognitive dissonance epidemic in society

[@ecyfoto]

Newf Guy Yeah. I was thinking the same. I’m not a veggie nor a vegan but there are plenty of good synthetics nowadays.

[@olimphus26]

Cry me a river.

[@jamiesmith6838]

@Blue LMAO!

[@jamiesmith6838]

@Blue What does he wear for shoes? Big green banana leaves? 🤣🤣🤣

[@NyteStalker89]

HEY EVERYONE, I'VE GOT THE INTERNET EDGELORD OVER HERE! See? No one cares.

[@usandthemx]

Single 90 mm driver means it ATTEMPTS to produce high, mid range, and low sound at the exact same time. Which creates MUDDY sound, guaranteed. ALSO it creates the sound stage in the CENTER of your skull, as do all headphones. ALL THIS FUN for ONLY $399.00 - URP!!!!!!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Curious what cheaper headphone you might recommend, light, comfy, I like the leather idea doesn't have to be a lamb, upgrade capable cable, for somebody that listens in a quiet room?

[@Krassi-nb8me]

Great that you know how something sounds that you DONDT have. thanks for the great info. i want this ASAP.

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

@@Krassi-nb8me Dunces...Can't stand negative people that know everything before they do. Freaking annoying. Who's friend's with these people? LMAO