Audeze LCD-1
← Back to Gear Reviews

Audeze LCD-1

★★★★★
5/5 — Headphones
~£349
Approx. UK RRP

Audeze's entry-level planar magnetic headphone brings the legendary LCD series' extraordinary resolution and imaging to a price serious home producers can actually afford.

Specifications

DriverPlanar magnetic, 90mm
Frequency Response10Hz–50kHz
Impedance16 Ohm
Sensitivity99dB/1mW
DesignOpen-back
Weight250g (lightest planar ever)
CableDetachable
FoldableYes

Planar Magnetic Technology

Planar magnetic drivers use a thin membrane with a printed conductor pattern suspended between magnets. The result is lower distortion, faster transient response, and more accurate bass reproduction. The LCD-1's 90mm planar driver delivers resolution and imaging that dynamic driver headphones at this price simply cannot match.

Soundstage and Resolution

The LCD-1 provides the widest, most three-dimensional soundstage of any headphone in its price range. Sub-bass frequencies are reproduced with physical presence and accuracy that reveals the true character of low-end synthesis. Mixing on the LCD-1 reveals details that other headphones miss.

Practical Design

At 250g, the LCD-1 is the lightest planar magnetic headphone ever made. Audeze specifically prioritised comfort for extended listening. The foldable design and 16 Ohm impedance mean it performs well from standard headphone outputs without a dedicated amplifier.

Who Is It For?

Serious mixing engineers and audiophiles who want planar magnetic resolution without the high cost of larger LCD models. The best headphone available at this price for critical listening and mixing.

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Planar magnetic resolution — exceptional detail
  • Widest soundstage of any headphone at this price
  • 16 Ohm — works from most headphone outputs
  • Lightest planar magnetic headphone available
  • Legendary Audeze engineering

✕ Cons

  • Open-back leaks sound both ways
  • Premium price
  • Not suitable for tracking/recording

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-1 is a landmark product: genuine planar magnetic resolution at an accessible price. The soundstage, detail retrieval, and bass accuracy are in a completely different class from dynamic driver headphones at similar prices. For serious mixing engineers who want the absolute best reference headphone at this price, the LCD-1 is the obvious choice.

Check Price on Amazon UK →