I want to start out by stating I have never been disappointed by any of Dr. Drag Colich's creations. This award winning genius who invented the planar headphone has now brought it to celestial levels. The Audeze LCD-5s now replaces the LCD-5, is improved cosmetically, and includes the S.L.A.M. technology for extended bass. I tested these cans with the headphone jack on my McIntosh MR-80 solid-state FM tuner, the EAR HP-4 tube headphone amplifier, the Manley Absolute tube headphone amplifier, and the linear tube audio microZOTL. I also tested the headphone both balanced and single-ended for any sonic variations. They are supplied with a handy adapter.
Specifications
- Type - Over-ear (circumaural), open-back
- Transducer type - Planar Magnetic
- Magnetic structure - Fluxor™ magnet array
- Phase management - Fazor™
- Acoustic management - SLAM™
- Magnet type - Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm type - Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce™
- Transducer size - 90 mm
- Maximum SPL - >130dB
- Frequency response - 5Hz - 50kHz
- Impedance - 35 ohms
- THD - <0.1% @ 100dB SPL
- Sensitivity - 90dB/1mW (@Drum Reference Point)
- Minimum power requirement - >100mW
- Recommended power level - >500mW
- Maximum power handling - 5W RMS
- Weight - 475g
- Shipping Weight - 9 lbs.
- Package dimensions - 16 L x 14 H x 8 W in.
Additionally, I utilized the new Zesto Audio Athena tube DAC which I just recently reviewed. Included in the circuit with the EAR HP-4 tube headphone amplifier, was the Zesto Audio Leto Ultra 2 preamplifier. I discovered that the new Audeze LCD-5s needed a minimum (I mean minimum) of 125 hours of continuous break in. This may be because of the new elements, or the new all copper wire designed for these cans. The last part of the range to break in are the highs.
Utilizing my solid-state McIntosh MR-80 (restored by George Meyer AV) with the 5s plugged directly into the 6.5 inch jack was a wonderful combination. My notes are as follows:
- Mid-Range: With lots of texture and beautifully nuanced, the full bodied and great depth of the hall sounds made for an incredible experience. Even when the soundstage was crowded, the individual instruments were still easily identifiable.
- Highs: They were delicate and smooth with lots of sparkle when producing a Steinway piano. This driver gives an intense sense of realism.
- Lows/ bass: The bass response in these cans seemed endless with no bloat at all. It produced a very realistic and lively sound. The bass became dramatic when it needed to be and very refined when it did not.
Overall, the cans provided a very balanced listening experience and were efficient and easy to drive through a non-headamp output jack even retaining its responsiveness. The new cushions were very comfortable for long term listening sessions. And the supplied cables are the finest 100% copper and designed by Dr. Drag Colich to gain the most linear and neutral sound from the 5s.
I then listened with my EAR HP-4 tube headphone amplifier and played a DSD 64 recording of Time Out. My notes are as follows:
- Mid: The sax is beautifully centered and crystal clear. Never sounded more realistic anywhere. Piano is detailed and punchy. Piano notes decayed perfectly with rhythmic perfection.
- Bass: The double bass was stunning. No bloat, I heard just balanced perfection. No lumps or bumps were noted at any frequency.
- Highs: The high hat is spot on and lively, too. It was beautifully recessed, and textured with both silver and bronze colorations. I loved the beautiful realistic decay.
Extra notes: The snappy nature of the cans produce a realistic reactiveness to the sound. Spatial Ques are spot on. Images could not be tighter in their own space.
Next up I moved to my Manley Absolute tube headphone amplifier and compared both the single-ended and balanced on the 5s. I listened to my Sony ModWright NS9100ES with a tube power supply. I listened to the 24/96 Stravinsky disc, Robert Mandel ars nova production of l'histore du soldat. My notes are as follows:
- Mid: Truthful and neutral, lots of air, beautifully recessed into sound stage in balanced mode. In single-ended there was a touch less textural information but still quite life like.
- Bass: In balanced mode bass was deep and tight with prodigious bass from kettle drum. All was well textured and tight. In single-ended the bass is every bit as linear as balanced, but is a bit more forward in the sound stage.
- Highs: Balanced highs were extended and gorgeously natural. In single-ended the highs have a touch more sparkle and are brought slightly forward.
Extra notes: "Utter Perfection" - Bob Levi.
Overall presentation is engaging and wonderfully life like with pin point imaging. I love the lack of grain. Overall the 5s produce lively and natural sound. There is less depth and the soundstage is slightly more forward in single-ended listening. The disc is actually more exciting in single-ended listening, even with a touch less air and depth. I liked the very black background and lack of any noise.
Finally, I listened in single-ended to my linear tube audio MicroZOTL, still listening to the Stravinsky piece. My comments are as follows:
- Mid: They were forward, dramatic, and very neutral.
- Bass: It was very dynamic, possibly more dynamic than either the EAR or the Manley. Maybe it is the tube complement in the ZOTL, but the bass is very exciting and fun with the 5s.
- Highs: They were sweet, clean, and lively. I enjoyed the very extended treble with lots of air.
Extra notes: The ZOTL is similar to the Manley in single-ended. Both produced a somewhat forward soundstage and dramatic presentation. I noted a very black background which accentuates the sweet highs with lots of air. Overall, the disk has more of a HiFi feel with the ZOTL rather than that of an actual performance as I heard through the Manley or the EAR. Less depth is apparent. Never the less, the sound from top to bottom with the ZOTL is very liner and neutral.
Conclusions
I believe the Audeze LCD-5s are the finest planar headphones I have ever heard. They are comfortable to wear for the long haul and efficient for any headphone source. The better the headphone amplifier the better they sound. I am mightily impressed. The award winning Dr. C has done it again. He has pushed the envelope and redefined the state of the art. I did try a couple of different cables from other manufacturers, but I could not match the clarity and sense of realism of the supplied Audeze cables. Whether you listen to them single-ended or balanced you will enjoy the headphone listening experience to the max.
I highly recommend the Audeze LCD-5s headphones for your listening pleasure. They are fantastic!
Audeze LCD-5s
Retail: $4500
Audeze
3412 S. Susan Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
714.581.8010
