LCD-1

Justin gets into details about his Audeze collection and how he uses each model

"They are also very easy to drive and the most comfortable pair of headphones from the brand that I’ve ever worn. Not only is the midrange resolution and detail superb – but these headphones recreate a huge soundstage. Impressive for the money. $399 at Amazon."

"Audeze LCD-1 combine so many attractive features that even after our detailed and lengthy test they seem like something fantastic. This model simply has no direct competitors. All possible alternatives in any case loses by the totality of qualities: price, technology, sound quality. Audeze LCD-1 is a real gift for both professionals and audiophiles."

"The LCD-1 headphones come from Audeze's LCD Reference headphone range. They're built for audio engineers and sound professionals to deliver the best, most accurate representation of music—any genre, any style."

"The Audeze LCD-1 is a superb model for those who value critical listening. It delivers the crisp, detailed, and rich sound that one comes to expect from high-end open-back headphones, but at a more attainable price point. The lightweight and compact design is also a sigh of relief from the heavy and bulky cans best associated with the category. Yes, you’ll have to live with certain exceptions like zero controls, special features, and noise neutralization. Are these dealbreakers? Maybe, but not for audio purists who want hi-fi sound on the cheap, which is what the LCD-1 offers you."

"Noise-canceling headphones are ubiquitous these days, but just drowning out ambient noise isn’t worth much if those headphones don’t sound any good. Audeze’s LCD-1 Headphones strike the perfect balance between audio quality, comfort, durability, and price. The open circumaural design and 90mm over-ear planar drivers deliver incredibly wide, spacious sound no matter what you’re listening to. For travelers, the lightweight design and memory foam earpads guarantee all-day comfort, even on the longest transoceanic flights. With a sub-$400 price tag, these might be the best bang-for-your-buck headphone value on the market."

"Though Audeze produces some of the most high-end planar magnetic headphones on the market, their high-end headphones can cost more than renting 40 hours of professional studio time. That’s why I have no qualms in saying that their entry-level Audeze LCD-1 headphones are more than accurate enough to serve as a reference tool for home recording artists."

"The LCD-1 headphones have been meticulously engineered and feature some of Audeze’s most powerful planar magnetic technology. The 90mm Over-Ear Planar Drivers in the LCD-1 headphones deliver frequency extension from 10Hz up to 50kHz with flawless precision and clarity, helping to deliver the rich, clear sound expected from Audeze headphones."

"Audeze is well-known for its headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, which are able to achieve incredible fidelity with virtually zero distortion, and they're typically really expensive. Think well over $1,000. But Audeze has been able to keep the price well down on LCD-1, and right now they're some of the best-sounding headphones you can buy for under $500."

"Right away, I found the LCD-1 headphones to be lightweight at 250-grams, comfortable on my head while making a good seal, and perfect for gaming, mixing music, or just relaxing and listening to music."

"Though Audeze produces some of the most high-end planar magnetic headphones on the market, their high-end headphones can cost more than renting 40 hours of professional studio time. That’s why I have no qualms in saying that their entry-level Audeze LCD-1 headphones are more than accurate enough to serve as a reference tool for home recording artists."

"Audeze is a California-based high-end headphone and audio manufacturer whose products for years have been at the top of the list for both audio professionals and musicians. The company attributes its unique selling point to combining the most high-tech materials available with its own “precision craftmanship.” Indeed, it was when the Audeze founders stumbled upon an ex-NASA scientist in 2008 – who had himself developed an ultra-thin membrane which became the basis for planar magnetic diaphragms – that Audeze established itself as a leading purveyor of high-quality and reference headphones. Consequently, the team rejected the use of conical drivers in favor of this new and strong material, originally developed for space applications."

One brand that understands that there has been a quantum shift in listening habits is Audeze. Not only have they continued to develop state-of-the-art products, but they have focused heavily on the gaming segment and that was clearly the way to go considering how many millions of people play daily. I’ve raised 3 avid gamers, so I know the drill. So does my bank account.

With a list price of $399, the Audeze LCD-1 is far less expensive than most planar-magnetic headphones. Along with its generally outstanding sound quality, that makes it a no-brainer in my book."

Ecoustics takes a look at the LCD-1 and Clarus Coda USB.

"Not only the Audeze LCD-1’s sound is great but the whole package is. Design, size, comfort, price, and sound: everything works in favor of this headphone. It’s going to be tough for the competition to beat this headphone at this price."

"By prioritizing intricate frequency performance, the LCD-1 is best suited to sound mixing and production. For casual listening, I was most impressed by them when listening to orchestral soundtracks – Back II The Future’s theme blew my mind with these on. But unless you’re willing to feed these high quality audio sources, you’ll find they lack the energy you may find in more consumer focused headphones....."

"The Audeze LCD-1 Planar Magnetic Headphones are so airy and precise, if you listen to a well-recorded album like Holly Cole’s “Temptation,” you will swear you’re in the room. The sound is fast and immediate, but with depth and quality soundstage. I can’t believe these are only $399!"