Publication Reviews

"The Audeze Penrose X is a high-end wireless gaming headset, whose outstanding audio performance is worthy of the Xbox Series X's power and speed. Equipped with 100-millimeter planar magnetic audio drivers, the over-ear cans deliver crisp and detail-rich sound even at maximum volume. A high-quality removable microphone, on the other hand, guarantees clear in-game chats"

"These headphones may be relatively pricey, but they earn every penny between the build quality and performance. I view it as an investment in mental health, great sound and great music soothe the soul. For delivering uncompromised sound in a package that allows you to enjoy music without disturbing other, the Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back is a Top Choice selection, no doubt about it."

Audeze only narrowly avoided offering an app for a single gaming headset this year, when it released the much delayed Penrose (look for our review in the new year). Audeze HQ now offers settings for two gaming headsets, the Audeze Mobius and Audeze Penrose.

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."

"The Audeze Penrose follows hot on the heels of the recent Auderze Mobius headset and can be considered as close as we’re going to get to a mass-market console headphone that Audeze will ever build. Avaiable in two forms, the Penrose is a PlayStation focused variant of the Xbox variant Penrose X and represents something more than the everyday plug and play for PC and console owners. Regularly crafting headphones that are backed by some seriously praiseworthy planar drivers, Audeze brought an entirely different level of audio experience when they dropped the aforementioned Mobius back in 2019. Unfortunately, to get the sort of sound quality that is liable to make you cry you can expect to shell out thousands of dollars, and the Mobius even weighs in at $399. With the release of the Audeze Penrose, it seems that this Californian company are looking to balance a truly enthusiast-level experience with a price point that is well within the reach of anybody that considers the audio landscape to be just as crucial as RTX."

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

"Penrose X uses a wireless 2.4gHz dongle instead of the completely wire-free Xbox protocol. This enables the headset to also be used on PC, which is a huge bonus. To connect to the Xbox, though, just make sure the dongle is in the Xbox mode, plug it into a USB port, and turn on the headset. It’s simple to get up and running and the connection was rock solid, in my experience."

"The Penrose is the first Audeze gaming headset that we can unreservedly recommend..."

"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!"

"Maybe this next statement is a bit of a Shook-ism, but I’ve always felt that “you can always get what you want if you know how to ask for it.” For me: I want the truth, I want clarity, and I want my feelings acknowledged. I want to see myself inside of the song, and to feel what the artist feels. I want to know that I have someone on the other side who shares in my joy and pain. The Audeze LCD-1 headphones have gifted me both an understanding and exposing musical companion. They are both partner and savior in the music loving experience. I now pass them on to you, highly recommended."2

"I like headphones that have a lot of clarity, which the AUdeze have. You get deep rich bass and an ambient feeling it gives you a roomier feel to it, as compared to the Meze 99"

"These are the most immersive headphones I have ever experienced, there is no thing like them"

"I heard about the Audeze LCD-X from my son’s teacher at Berklee School of Music. The guy swears by these for rigorous studio listening that’s practically as good as any high-end speaker system. I had a chance to try them out, and the depth of sound and overall transparency creates an almost three-dimensional listening experience. The giant, rather heavy earcups won’t make you many friends on the subway (if you ever return to the subway, they’ll probably think you’ve arrived from Planet Vlogosphere). But in the studio, the LCD-X helps isolate you from outside noise so you can focus on the minute details that demand your attention. The bass is what really distinguishes these, though the middle and high frequencies add warmth and a crisp snap, respectively. That translates to separation and richness unlike anything I’ve heard before with headphones. With an ordinary pair of buds or cans you might tap your foot and bounce your head. The second you slip on the LCD-X headphones, it’s impossible not to dance. As befits the, yes, $1,600 price tag, the unit comes with a padded traveling case worthy of 007 and earpads lined with memory foam and shrouded in rich leather."

"It is pretty clear that we enjoyed these headphones. For an entry-level pair of headphones covering audiophile listening and planar magnetics, these really hit the nail on the head. The price point is well fit and their range is fantastic. They compete well with brands of similar reputation and price. Best driver by a propper headphone tube or DAC amplifier, we fell in love with these. Again, everything we mention, score, and all are all based upon price point and performance. Sure, we have heard better. However, better usually means a lot more when it comes to price. These make for one of our planar favorites within the $300-$500 range."

"The Audeze LCD-4 is one of the flagship models from Audeze. The LCD-4 incorporates extensive research, performance advancements, and high-quality workmanship that clearly place it above other planar magnetic headphones in the market. The LCD-4 not only features a great invention and research, but it is by far one of the most thrilling headphones you can listen to. The only real downside of this headphone would be the price. At close to $4000, the LCD-4 is way outside most people’s budget."

"The LCD-1’s are a pair of open-back headphones, aimed at studio users, musicians, and audiophiles alike. They include an open circumaural design, which is meant to provide an enhanced transparency and sound stage. Each can includes a 90mm over-ear Planar driver, with something Audeze are calling Ultra-thin Uniforce Diaphragms and Fluxor Magnets.'