I remember the first time I tested those. Never knew headphones could sound so detailed, so filled with emotions, so perfect and smooth. It was that day YOU just opened my mind and the horizon became INFINITY! I can definitely say that LCD4 are the main reason I am so into audio these days. After that first ravishing impact nothing was the same and none other headphone came even close to THE BENCHMARK. And I heard A LOT. Couldn't afford such an investment, but the only thing close enough to please me to this Audeze was...ANOTHER AUDEZE! So the people involved in this company SURELY KNOW HOW TO CREATE ALMOST PERFECT PRODUCTS! Great video, thanks for opening my mind and ... GO TO THE TOP!You deserve it.
Thanks Flavius. You heard them at my place and still remember your face when you've heard them :) What can I say, LCD-4 is just amazing sounding, it's my personal favorite as of right now.
Hello, I have read your review of LCD4 and your versus of Benchmark hpa4 vs 789 vs sp200. In your review of lcd4 your said that this headphones are very good with HPA4 and in your amp comparison you put smsl sp200 very close (93-96%) of HPA4. My question is: how smsl sp200 drives LCD-4? At same level of hpa4?
Hi mate, Two years from this comparison review and a year from my SP200 review....I strongly recommend getting the SMSL SP400 for your LCD-4 and skipping the SP200 altogether. SP200 on its own drives LCD-4 to very loud levels, but its not the cleanest amp out there. SP400 solves plenty of issues of SP200, while offering double the power. I cannot differentiate the SP400 from HPA4 in a blind test...(please check my SP400 review)
Great review thanks....any chance of reviewing the Raal Requisite SR-1A please. They are a full ribbon driver configuration made in Poland I believe. They are being described as an end game ear speaker....
Hello, I have the lcd-3 and I am enthusiastic about the musical character. He sounds so relaxed. Do you think the lcd4 would be for me too? I am not a professional but a home user Thx
Which of the headphones that you listen to are worth recommending specifically for metal? I'm looking at upgrading from HD6XX to something in the $800-$1300 (USD) range, but might be able to stretch it to $1500 (putting an B-stock pair of LCD-3 in range, potentially). Considering mostly Audeze (X, 2, 3) and Focal (Clear) at the moment, maybe the Arya too. LCD-4 and Abyss are probably out of my budget right now.
For metal I do like Quad Era-1 the most for under $1k closely followed by LCD-2C. Arya can't do justice to metal, LCD-3 can't either. Can't say much about Focal, I listened to them in an unknown setup, with unknown music and in a noisy environment
great review!! do you think that a master 9 paired with a gd r8 audio with a di20 interface could be enough to make them fly to the top? Thank you! Keep it out!
Fantastic review. I own the LCD-X driven by the Jotunheim multi-bit or the SMSL THX 888/Topping D50S. I reckon that with one or both of those systems I might be close to your setup. You really make me want the LCD-4!
Definitely Not. With all due respect to Meze, the transient response is reaaaally weak with Empyrean. They sound slow and smooth All The Time, even with a ballsy amp, that is not right. And don't get me started with that weak low-end, I just don't hear it. Empyrean are super comfortable and they look very cool and modern, as for sound, it is mid-fi by my standards.
@@Shoaibexpert Oh you must be referring to the law of diminishing returns. Well I suppose that applies to more than just HiFi. If not would you take a minute and enlighten me on how HiFi works. I'm just a regular Fi guy.
Can't say, really, I tried only PM3 few years ago and those sounded passable...How about a used Audeze LCD-2 Classic or a Quad ERA-1? Amazing value and both sound great
@@afsaft HPA4 is too expensive and not everybody wants an ultra-linear experience. For an amazing bang for the buck, check the Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 at $750 - the best slam and kick I encountered thus far with my headphones. An amazing value, really.
I want those in a magnesium housing like the LCD 4z but still has the high impedance 200ohms and low sensitivity of 97 dB and has all the magnets and everything that the LCD 4 has but in a magnesium chassis because I'm afraid of of cracking and I don't am not fan of wood
Hello thank you for your presentations of helmets to help us in our choices. however, can you explain the expressions used by audiophiles to describe headphones such as: - brilliant - dark - quick - imagery - dynamic - resolution - transparent - detailed - sound scene - depth can you make a video to explain these terms or partially answer?
Well summarised, many people do not give the lcd4 credit the credit it deserves , just look at those measurements. It scales like crazy and has unbelievable driver control and power. The bass is so powerful, whenever I listen to other headphones it's like taking away a subwoofer from the setup. Going from Lcd-2 to x to 3 to 4 all provided big nice gains. As other reviewers have said this is one of the most detailed headphones yet it sounds euphoric which is so hard to do. Just eq up the 4khz dip and the soundstage and detail improve even more. On headfi, you'll always see this and the abyss phi tc on people's signature, those who have bought and sold off every other headphone and have TOTL systems. I'm like you, I place emotional impact highest because music is all about enjoyment, so I hate the hd800 but understand how much transients I'm missing out on veiled headphones - this is neither.
As always nice review my man! Suppose I did get my hands on these headphones, what's a good amp for this that won't break the bank? I have Audeze discontinued Deckard amp, do you think it's good for this pair? It's really good for my lcd2c...
I know Deckard amp, it is an OEM design made by the Matrix Audio team, basically a clone of their HPA-3U. Deckard will not be enough for LCD-4. The cheapest amp that works great with them is the SMSL SP200.
I heard these in several occasions with AGD HE9 & HA300 amps. If the LCD-X is a solid buy for the money, I am not sure about the LCD-4. For example, I could buy an LCD-X and a Hifiman Arya with the money, two headphones with very different sound signatures. I also prefer the Susvara. It's personal preference of course.
Hi Zeis. I have owned Master 9 for more than 2-3 years (also owned LCD-4 for a good while). M9 is a good amplifier and it was a great match for HD800. Don't know how HE-9 sounds, but you need a faster, more energetic / dynamic amplifier for LCD-4 than M9 to truly enjoy these headphones. HPA-4 is sure on top of my list for that.
Dan-Alexandru Gheorghe. Hi Dan, ya I remember reading it from your website. It’s possible that LCD4 is not a good match for AGD amp and the Cayin HA300.
Agree that LCD-X is a tremendous value in the Audeze line, probably the best value they have. I had the Master 9 and while it was a godly amplifier with HD800/S, it wasn't the best match for the LCD-4 and I was not hearing that lightning fast kick. As for Susvara, I wish someone had one closer to me, would make a detailed review for those.
Soundnews. Sandu, I would like to hear what the LCD-4 can do with the right amp. As for the Susvara, I think the HPA-4 could be a good match, if the output power is sufficient. The Susvara would benefit from sources with a sharper leading edge.
I've been listening to these a few days and I do agree that they are something special, but I'm still not a huge fan of listening to them. The clarity and detail are above what I've heard before (HD800s, HEDDphone, Clear MG, T1.3, LCD-X etc), the tonality is very nice and neutral and altogether there is a lot more perfection here than I've heard. The detail and control in the low end is staggering. This said, I find them tiring. Not fatiguing even if some highs are extremely piercing, but they push the detail into my ears in a way that feels like a workout. A wonderful kind of effort, but I can't relax with these and enjoy smoother softer music. Also metal sounds congested to me with these like all Audeze that don't seem to keep up. They EQ well I'm told so maybe that could fix most of it.
@@Accuaro It was quite an experience and I wrote quite a story about them. I listened to them Alone for 2 days, here is my review: soundnews.net/headphones/electrostatic/sennheiser-he-1-magnum-opus/
@@Soundnews Just read your write-up, and I have to say you hyped me up! What would you recommend for something under $2,000? Maybe one day I too will get an oppurtunity to listen to some HE-1's..
@@Soundnews Heard from the first one and I'll check the second one! Thanks! Also: under $200 would be a bit to low for a Planar, right? Or are the 4xx or 6xx also great?
@@Soundnews Hey, I know I’m late to this video but GREAT REVIEW! My question is this… In 2024, Are the LCD-4’s still among the best (classic). I will be using them for Mixing & Mastering so translation is everything. My room is too small to mix properly (especially bass). Is there a newer product that you feel I should consider? I have someone selling for about $2,000. Thanks for your help!!!
Hello, I have the lcd-3 and I am enthusiastic about the musical character. He is so relaxed. Do you think the lcd4 would be for me too? I am not a professional but a home user. Thx in advance
Nice review as always. I’ve tried the LCD-4s on a high end system. Unfortunately it was in a direct A/B comparison with the Abyss 1266 Phi. No competition. The Phi beat it on all fronts hands down and I know the Audeze sound signature very well (I already own a couple of models). If you have the coin, and are considering a HF in this budget range, then the flagship Abyss is worth a listen.
Omg i just returned from an audio meet and someone brought lcd-4z tried it and omg i just want to leave my hd6xx there and buy an lcd 4 but i cant just shell out $4k My budget is prolly $1500 for my highend cans looking at focal clear or the hifiman arya but i really wanyed ti have a planar cans so i dint know what to get now after hearing lcd4 hahah but its out of budget 😢 Edit: man these thing is heavy as fuck
I've tried 4Z at my place, liked those as well, but I felt that LCD-4 are more natural sounding. Magnesium housing VS wood, most probably. Great headphones, nonetheless
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I remember the first time I tested those. Never knew headphones could sound so detailed, so filled with emotions, so perfect and smooth. It was that day YOU just opened my mind and the horizon became INFINITY! I can definitely say that LCD4 are the main reason I am so into audio these days. After that first ravishing impact nothing was the same and none other headphone came even close to THE BENCHMARK. And I heard A LOT. Couldn't afford such an investment, but the only thing close enough to please me to this Audeze was...ANOTHER AUDEZE! So the people involved in this company SURELY KNOW HOW TO CREATE ALMOST PERFECT PRODUCTS! Great video, thanks for opening my mind and ... GO TO THE TOP!You deserve it.
Thanks Flavius. You heard them at my place and still remember your face when you've heard them :) What can I say, LCD-4 is just amazing sounding, it's my personal favorite as of right now.
Hello, I have read your review of LCD4 and your versus of Benchmark hpa4 vs 789 vs sp200.
In your review of lcd4 your said that this headphones are very good with HPA4 and in your amp comparison you put smsl sp200 very close (93-96%) of HPA4.
My question is: how smsl sp200 drives LCD-4? At same level of hpa4?
Hi mate,
Two years from this comparison review and a year from my SP200 review....I strongly recommend getting the SMSL SP400 for your LCD-4 and skipping the SP200 altogether. SP200 on its own drives LCD-4 to very loud levels, but its not the cleanest amp out there. SP400 solves plenty of issues of SP200, while offering double the power. I cannot differentiate the SP400 from HPA4 in a blind test...(please check my SP400 review)
Great review thanks....any chance of reviewing the Raal Requisite SR-1A please. They are a full ribbon driver configuration made in Poland I believe. They are being described as an end game ear speaker....
I inquired about a loaner unit few months ago, still radio silence. I will ask again
LCD4 vs TH909 vs Phobos.. what do you think ?
Oh, that's an easy one, I still like LCD-4 the most
Hello,
I have the lcd-3 and I am enthusiastic about the musical character. He sounds so relaxed. Do you think the lcd4 would be for me too? I am not a professional but a home user
Thx
Which of the headphones that you listen to are worth recommending specifically for metal? I'm looking at upgrading from HD6XX to something in the $800-$1300 (USD) range, but might be able to stretch it to $1500 (putting an B-stock pair of LCD-3 in range, potentially). Considering mostly Audeze (X, 2, 3) and Focal (Clear) at the moment, maybe the Arya too. LCD-4 and Abyss are probably out of my budget right now.
For metal I do like Quad Era-1 the most for under $1k closely followed by LCD-2C. Arya can't do justice to metal, LCD-3 can't either. Can't say much about Focal, I listened to them in an unknown setup, with unknown music and in a noisy environment
best review guy by miles, not even close. great job 👏
Oh..I was super shy in that one, sweating a lot....I am a lot more relaxed nowadays. Check the newest stuff ;) PS: Thank You!
great review!! do you think that a master 9 paired with a gd r8 audio with a di20 interface could be enough to make them fly to the top? Thank you! Keep it out!
Fantastic review. I own the LCD-X driven by the Jotunheim multi-bit or the SMSL THX 888/Topping D50S. I reckon that with one or both of those systems I might be close to your setup. You really make me want the LCD-4!
Would you recommend the meze empyrean over the lcd4 ?
Definitely Not. With all due respect to Meze, the transient response is reaaaally weak with Empyrean. They sound slow and smooth All The Time, even with a ballsy amp, that is not right. And don't get me started with that weak low-end, I just don't hear it. Empyrean are super comfortable and they look very cool and modern, as for sound, it is mid-fi by my standards.
Great video. How do they compare to the Hifiman Arya? Thanks
If the price has anything to do with it, they sound 4 times better.
@@cretan911 Yeah well, that's not exactly how HiFi works now is it?!
@@Shoaibexpert Oh you must be referring to the law of diminishing returns. Well I suppose that applies to more than just HiFi. If not would you take a minute and enlighten me on how HiFi works. I'm just a regular Fi guy.
Don't you think that audeze lcdx offer better treble extension that lcd4?
Is OPPO PM-1 worth buying for 600 euros, and if not, what should I buy instead?
Can't say, really, I tried only PM3 few years ago and those sounded passable...How about a used Audeze LCD-2 Classic or a Quad ERA-1? Amazing value and both sound great
@@Soundnews Thanks! Which head-phone amp for Audeze or Quad? The Benchmark?
@@afsaft HPA4 is too expensive and not everybody wants an ultra-linear experience. For an amazing bang for the buck, check the Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 at $750 - the best slam and kick I encountered thus far with my headphones. An amazing value, really.
Are u using original pads or 2021 version?
Which headphones do you think is better the audize lcd 4 or the kennerton wodan?
?
I want those in a magnesium housing like the LCD 4z but still has the high impedance 200ohms and low sensitivity of 97 dB and has all the magnets and everything that the LCD 4 has but in a magnesium chassis because I'm afraid of of cracking and I don't am not fan of wood
I've had LCD-4Z as well. Not as magical sounding as LCD-4, not sure why, but I presume the wood housing adds a bit of naturalness.
Hello
thank you for your presentations of helmets to help us in our choices.
however, can you explain the expressions used by audiophiles to describe headphones such as:
- brilliant
- dark
- quick
- imagery
- dynamic
- resolution
- transparent
- detailed
- sound scene
- depth
can you make a video to explain these terms or partially answer?
Hey Mathieu, please check the glossary here: www.stereophile.com/content/sounds-audio-glossary-glossary
Well summarised, many people do not give the lcd4 credit the credit it deserves , just look at those measurements. It scales like crazy and has unbelievable driver control and power. The bass is so powerful, whenever I listen to other headphones it's like taking away a subwoofer from the setup. Going from Lcd-2 to x to 3 to 4 all provided big nice gains. As other reviewers have said this is one of the most detailed headphones yet it sounds euphoric which is so hard to do. Just eq up the 4khz dip and the soundstage and detail improve even more. On headfi, you'll always see this and the abyss phi tc on people's signature, those who have bought and sold off every other headphone and have TOTL systems. I'm like you, I place emotional impact highest because music is all about enjoyment, so I hate the hd800 but understand how much transients I'm missing out on veiled headphones - this is neither.
As always nice review my man! Suppose I did get my hands on these headphones, what's a good amp for this that won't break the bank? I have Audeze discontinued Deckard amp, do you think it's good for this pair? It's really good for my lcd2c...
I know Deckard amp, it is an OEM design made by the Matrix Audio team, basically a clone of their HPA-3U. Deckard will not be enough for LCD-4. The cheapest amp that works great with them is the SMSL SP200.
@@Soundnews Ok cool. Thanks for the info.
Good review Sandu 😊 thank you.
@@Soundnews Could you please recommend a DAC to pair with the SP200? I was thinking about getting the Topping D50 DAC... good pairing?
@@Soundnews do u think the ifi Diablo will do justice on the LCD-4? thanks
I heard these in several occasions with AGD HE9 & HA300 amps. If the LCD-X is a solid buy for the money, I am not sure about the LCD-4. For example, I could buy an LCD-X and a Hifiman Arya with the money, two headphones with very different sound signatures. I also prefer the Susvara. It's personal preference of course.
Hi Zeis. I have owned Master 9 for more than 2-3 years (also owned LCD-4 for a good while). M9 is a good amplifier and it was a great match for HD800. Don't know how HE-9 sounds, but you need a faster, more energetic / dynamic amplifier for LCD-4 than M9 to truly enjoy these headphones. HPA-4 is sure on top of my list for that.
Dan-Alexandru Gheorghe. Hi Dan, ya I remember reading it from your website. It’s possible that LCD4 is not a good match for AGD amp and the Cayin HA300.
Agree that LCD-X is a tremendous value in the Audeze line, probably the best value they have. I had the Master 9 and while it was a godly amplifier with HD800/S, it wasn't the best match for the LCD-4 and I was not hearing that lightning fast kick. As for Susvara, I wish someone had one closer to me, would make a detailed review for those.
Soundnews. Sandu, I would like to hear what the LCD-4 can do with the right amp. As for the Susvara, I think the HPA-4 could be a good match, if the output power is sufficient. The Susvara would benefit from sources with a sharper leading edge.
I've been listening to these a few days and I do agree that they are something special, but I'm still not a huge fan of listening to them. The clarity and detail are above what I've heard before (HD800s, HEDDphone, Clear MG, T1.3, LCD-X etc), the tonality is very nice and neutral and altogether there is a lot more perfection here than I've heard. The detail and control in the low end is staggering. This said, I find them tiring. Not fatiguing even if some highs are extremely piercing, but they push the detail into my ears in a way that feels like a workout. A wonderful kind of effort, but I can't relax with these and enjoy smoother softer music. Also metal sounds congested to me with these like all Audeze that don't seem to keep up. They EQ well I'm told so maybe that could fix most of it.
Will you do a video on your all time favourite headphones?
I wish I could borrow a HE-1 from Sennheiser to shoot that video :) . HE-1 and LCD-4 are so far my all time favorites
@@Soundnews You've had a listen to the HE-1's? That's incredibly fortunate lol, any other headphones you like? LCD-4's are heavvvy
@@Accuaro It was quite an experience and I wrote quite a story about them. I listened to them Alone for 2 days, here is my review: soundnews.net/headphones/electrostatic/sennheiser-he-1-magnum-opus/
@@Soundnews Just read your write-up, and I have to say you hyped me up! What would you recommend for something under $2,000? Maybe one day I too will get an oppurtunity to listen to some HE-1's..
Love your reviews, really underated. Keep up the good work!
Cans are a bit over my pricerange though. What are good planars for under $500??
Hifiman Sundara and Quad ERA-1 are great planars. Era-1 are on the fun side, Sundara are a bit more technical sounding. I like them both.
@@Soundnews Heard from the first one and I'll check the second one! Thanks!
Also: under $200 would be a bit to low for a Planar, right? Or are the 4xx or 6xx also great?
@@petervanderham4725 I didn't listen to 4XX or 6XX so can't say. Maybe go for a used Sundara?
@@Soundnews I'll check that! The ERA-1 is really expensive here, just barely under $1000 :( Sundara is a lot cheaper!
@@Soundnews
Hey, I know I’m late to this video but GREAT REVIEW! My question is this…
In 2024, Are the LCD-4’s still among the best (classic). I will be using them for Mixing & Mastering so translation is everything. My room is too small to mix properly (especially bass). Is there a newer product that you feel I should consider?
I have someone selling for about $2,000.
Thanks for your help!!!
👀
Hello,
I have the lcd-3 and I am enthusiastic about the musical character. He is so relaxed. Do you think the lcd4 would be for me too? I am not a professional but a home user.
Thx in advance
Nice review as always. I’ve tried the LCD-4s on a high end system. Unfortunately it was in a direct A/B comparison with the Abyss 1266 Phi. No competition. The Phi beat it on all fronts hands down and I know the Audeze sound signature very well (I already own a couple of models). If you have the coin, and are considering a HF in this budget range, then the flagship Abyss is worth a listen.
I wish I had a chance to try the 1266 Phi or TC. I can't find one locally. This is one of my goals for 2020
Everyone says the abyss sounds unnatural and is way too uncomfortable and heavy
Omg i just returned from an audio meet and someone brought lcd-4z tried it and omg i just want to leave my hd6xx there and buy an lcd 4 but i cant just shell out $4k
My budget is prolly $1500 for my highend cans looking at focal clear or the hifiman arya but i really wanyed ti have a planar cans so i dint know what to get now after hearing lcd4 hahah but its out of budget 😢
Edit: man these thing is heavy as fuck
Once you heard you cant unhear it... You'll be haunted forever if you don't get them. Hehe
@@ntraxmartinLliterally i can still hear it in my head hahah. Back now here in my office using my 6xx it sounds meh lol
@@pinoyxbox hahahaha damn...
I've tried 4Z at my place, liked those as well, but I felt that LCD-4 are more natural sounding. Magnesium housing VS wood, most probably. Great headphones, nonetheless
Anyway what dac did you pair with? Sounds best.
Jeepers those are over 8000.00 dollars Canadian. They better sound good. Way to rich for this mere peasant.