LCD-1 Reviews

"Planar-magnetic headphones are usually quite expensive but Audeze is a Californian company, based in Santa Ana, and is a pioneer in this field and now it has launched a stripped-down pair of planar-magnetic headphones at a price that’s about as low as it's possible to go with this advanced headphone technology. All the headphones that Audeze makes are designed and assembled at its factory in California."

They Are Not What They Appear - Great for Producing!

Audeze evidently takes the needs of its pro customers seriously, because the LCD-1s major hugely on detail and resolution. It helps that there’s so much space to work with – an impressive amount even considering the open-back design – and instruments are placed so definitely within it.

If you like the idea of portable high-end headphones but aren’t swayed by the bulky HiFiMAN DEVA above, then the AUDEZE LCD-1 are worth a serious look. They don’t have the DEVA’s Bluetooth, but they are significantly lighter—and crucially—can fold up (AUDEZE are known for making massive headphones, so the LCD-1 are a welcome exception). We don’t think they sound quite as good as the DEVA, with slightly dryer bass and a reduced soundstage, but they still have plenty going for them—chiefly in the upper mids, which sound warm and engaging. These headphones respond exceptionally well to genres like rock and acoustic and should be high on the list for anyone who enjoys vocals.

Audeze is professional Made in U.S.A. recording studio equipment, not to be confused with consumer rubbish dragged-in from the Orient. When you consider this, the ultra-low price of the LCD-1 is even more shocking. These are the least expensive headphones Audeze makes; you're taking advantage of everything they've learned through years of innovations and patents in planar magnetic headphones. Other people fall all over themselves paying $4,000 for Audeze's LCD-4. It's like getting a more-durable Ferrari brand-new for just $15,000; these are all designed by the same engineer and made in the same California factory as the LCD-4 — and these LCD-1 fold for travel.

Headfonics says the Audeze LCD-1 "is the whole cake this time and at $399 it tastes rather good." Find a link to the full review here!

"The Audeze LCD-1s represent the new gold standard for entry level planar headphones, if such a thing can be said about a category which "slums" it at $400, but can top out in the $1000's"

The best audiophile headphones are operate on the open-back principle. That makes for a less fatiguing experience and delivers the best sound as it’s not bouncing around inside a closed ear-cup creating strange reverberations. It also means you get broad, expansive soundscapes perfect for open-world gaming.

Over the years, Audeze headphones have enjoyed the trust of professionals for audio reproduction. The LCD-1 is a fine example of LCD sound quality with the utmost comfort and the convenience of portability. This headphone houses 90mm planar magnetic drivers to deliver detailed sound output ranging from 10Hz to 50kHz frequencies.

The best over-ear headphones are still unmatched in terms of soundstage, audio quality, and comfort – even if you like the look and convenience of earbuds

If you have an expectation of Audeze circumaural headphones that they are large and heavy and not something you'd want to schlep around, the LCD-1 is a mould-breaker

Audeze’s flagship LCD-4s will set you back nearly four grand but their more reasonably priced LCD-1s have been a hit with pros.

"Despite the LCD-1's being Audeze's lowest-cost headphones, nothing is lost or compromised; these are well-made, comfortable, non-fatiguing, and importantly, sound very good, and therefore, good value for money."

Whether you're a professional audio engineer or a bedroom producer with some extra time on their hands, you should read this review of Reveal+ and the LCD-1 from Pro Audio Files.