This is an entertaining, down to earth review of the LCD 5 and I think your channel deserve a wider audience from the audiophile community. I am currently running Focal Utopia from a Chord TT 2 and still deciding whether should I get the LCD 5 or the M Scalar next for my birthday. One thing I love about the Utopia is the energy and dynamics and it looks I may miss that with the LCD 5.
262 / 5,000 In case it helps. I have both among others and I can tell you that the Utopia is more exciting with more detailed high frequencies. The mid frequencies of the LCD-5 are more present and give the impression of having more detail. Both excellent is a matter of preference.
Best review yet on the LCD 5. :) and I love that you use Red Barchetta as a test track. It really is a beautiful recording. Try Tool’s Fear Inoculum. You’ll love it!!!
@@hansgustafianto5136 i have a plan to buy violectric first and use it with my current lcd-X and THEN grind for lcd-5. No other way for me, lack of cash u know😉 appreciate it, thanks 👏👍
@@mikedergalev Yup, Violectric generally always pair nicely with LCD-series, especially X. I was using V280 with my previous LCD-X 2021; and easily one of the best pairing I ever heard.. Just some suggestion, you can also try to look for some used V280 or 281 on 2nd hand market. These things are built really well by Fried and will last a very long time, even used.
I think you're correct on the leather, Michael. I purchased a pair of 2021 LCD-X a couple of months ago with the leather pad option and immediately noticed a significant difference in texture when compared to the pads on my 2020 version of the LCD-2. The leather of the LCD-2 doesn't have that kind of grainy texture that the LCD-X has. The leather is smoother and just feels buttery soft and luxurious on my ears. I ordered a pair of pads direct from Audeze thinking that my LCD-X had arrived with the non-leather option but the pads that arrived are the exact same. I emailed Audeze about the leather but got a response only indicating that they had changed the foam they are using. I am getting used to the new leather but prefer the older type as well as the old memory foam. The LCD-5 is a beautiful looking headphone and certainly lighter in weight than my Audeze cans, however, the LCD-5 comes at a price point which I can't afford. I run my headphones using a Burson Composer 3 combo Headphone Amp/DAC/Pre-Amp and am very much pleased with my rig. I'd have to imagine your set-up sounds extraordinary. Terrific video!
Tremendous review! I agree that the LCD-5 is a very impressive headphone, however, I also think that I miss some of the excitement that I find in the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser HD820, the Ultrasone Edition 15 and others. The LCD-5 tends to sound too disciplined and loses some of that explosive emotion you describe.
Thank you for the review. This is definitely not a headphone for me. I tested these using both Qobuz and Tidal on Roon. Unfortunately a lot of the music I love is not very well recorded and excessive detail makes the listening experience unpleasant. I am also sensitive about comfort. I want the headphone to disappear on my head. I listened to about 30 tracks of classical, pop, jazz, rock, electronic with lots of instruments and vocals. I found that of the 4 headphones tested (Susvara, LCD5, Utopia, and Meze Elite) the Elites were simply the most pleasurable listening experience. Not the biggest bass, detailed but not excessive, and wonderfully tonally balanced with good dynamics. I guess what Im saying is that my preferences is for a very good all rounder rather than a standout in any one area. BTW, my equipment for test was a Sparkos Aries amp and a Chord Qutest.
Try a REAL~7N grade Arctic Cables headphone cable. My LCD-2F with a 300$ 7N cable is superior to my LCD-XC with Audeze's premium cable. It really is night and day, especially if you listen to music like Autechre Live.
Have you tried the new headband? It makes the clamp a lot less and really improves the comfort for me. Supposedly the headband started shipping sometime in December but you can ask Audeze for an updated one
The TT2 brings even more detail out of the LCD, but for longer listening sessions the Woo is less fatiguing and gives a slightly deeper sense of soundstage. It sacrifices a bit of detail, but it's a tradeoff the LCD can afford to make. I prefer the Woo, but if you want to admire the shock and awe of max detail and resolution, the TT2 will provide it, at least as I hear it. OH-- EDITED to add: Boy do these headphones love analog. This may be the best vinyl headphone ever.
I’m mostly curiously how this compared to Audeze’s own, similarly priced, contemporaneously released, CRBN electrostatic… clearly it would be as innovative and distinct…
Most in-depth review to date! I agree with EVERYTHING you’ve stated. The clamp force and the pads is a big miss for the LCD 5’s. It’s def not comfortable. I have no idea why they’ve chosen to change the pads but it’s a miss. Perhaps dekoni will make better pads for the LCD 5’s. And the bass is precise, quick, nimble, transparent and gorgeous! However, it’s a bit fragile and can borrow some punch fr the LCD 4’s or the Sony MDR Z1R’s. It’s an excellent headphone, nonetheless, but I prefer the lcd X (2021) and so I sold my LCD 5’s on eBay. The asking price of the LCD 5 should be around 3k and def not $4500 IMO.
Great review. As good as these can sound, I have so many issues with Audeze ... I wish they would address cause I would definitely try it if it wasn't for : 1) Unit variation with older models (haven't heard about this issues with LCD5, but it's still early days) 2) Infamous Audeze customer service, basically anything goes seriously wrong you're on your own, at least that's how it was in LCD4 era. 3) Glued on pads! I mean seriously? Who else does that? Not to mention in the 4k + market. 4) Ergonomics that Michael mentioned would drive me crazy. I've got OCD with head placement with every set I've got, this twisting would drive me nuts. 5) Cables ... probably as bad as HiFiMans Also I had an old LCD3 once, the pads started disintegrating and trying to swap glued on pads ... yuck, aslo the Zebrano wood ring started falling apart ... Anyway, I was hoping Audeze would really step up their game with their new lineup :( I had LCD3, LCDX and XC over the years and I really liked the sound ... the rest not so much. There are no excuses at this price point ...
I cut the cable section for time-- this episode was over 30 minutes at first cut, and I was worried folks would be upset that the sound section was so late in the episode, so the cable part of ergonomics was cut. The cable, by Hifiman standards, is a total win. It's OCC copper, great hardware. It's a 4 braid down to 2. I commented that an 8 braid down to 4 should be the standard at this price point, but it was better than most-- Hifiman, Focal, and Meze stock cables. Would have preferred a balanced Pentacon option-- 1/4" jack is all that was shipped. When you see the gorgeous 8-wire weaves shipping with budget friendly Chi-fi IEMs, you gotta wonder why the over-ear manufacturers can't get it together.
@@DirectorsGarage yeah it is weird. It could be ok by HiFiMan or Focal standards (the cable that comes with first iteration of Utopia ... ehhh), but it's another cable that needs to be replaced, I mean even if you look at it, connected to this gorgeous set it looks out of place. Your descripition of the technicalities makes me really want to try this set ... but the other factors, especially the glued on pads ... just can't get over that xD I will probably break tho and get a set 2nd hand at some point ... I really enjoy your content btw. and learning some great music history as I go : ) Thank you!
How you say: "... you can here what was recorded in the studio..."!? Have you been in the studio when recording was done and did you listen to the studio master? I agree it may sound more natural and right, without exaggerations, but ...
Hi Nikolay, I have been in many recording studios and sat in on recording sessions from Bon Jovi to Smokey Robinson to Meghan Trainor and Bebe Rexha. I sat in on scoring session with Hans Zimmer (at one killer studio with an entire wall of vintage compressors and pre-amps! What??) as he laid down tracks for a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and many spoken word sessions for audiobooks. My point isn't my experience in recording sessions, and I did study recording in a studio, and I've produced and engineered recordings myself, my point is the LCD-5 has a more reference frequency response, and it sounds more like what I would hear in a studio environment. I don't' hear a lot of boosting going on, particularly in the bass. Sorry if my analogy offended you. I offer opinions based on my experiences. I'm definitely an acquired taste!
@@nikolaygramchev Not the sessions of the music in this video-- def not Ronnie Spector-- how cool would that have been? I did meet her a few times at events. Here's a cool thing-- the labels have been licensing their masters lately for direct 2-track tape dubs-- and they are the closest to the master short of the master itself-- it's literally 1 generation down.-- and they're being dubbed by engineers. That has never happened before, and these tapes are spectacular. They do not have any of the problems that LPs face (particularly the innermost tracks). I'll be doing an episode on them sometime this spring. They cost a small fortune-- $450 - $500 per album.
Thank you for the wonderful video. I feel like I've watched a great music documentary and headphone review at the same time lol
I have just auditioned the LCD5 today. The review is spot on. Your best one so far from what I have seen.
Excellent review Michael! You're fortunate to enjoy music from audio products very few will have the previlage to own.
Keep uo the great work.
This is an entertaining, down to earth review of the LCD 5 and I think your channel deserve a wider audience from the audiophile community.
I am currently running Focal Utopia from a Chord TT 2 and still deciding whether should I get the LCD 5 or the M Scalar next for my birthday. One thing I love about the Utopia is the energy and dynamics and it looks I may miss that with the LCD 5.
second to that, he is good :)
262 / 5,000
In case it helps. I have both among others and I can tell you that the Utopia is more exciting with more detailed high frequencies. The mid frequencies of the LCD-5 are more present and give the impression of having more detail.
Both excellent is a matter of preference.
Best review yet on the LCD 5. :) and I love that you use Red Barchetta as a test track. It really is a beautiful recording.
Try Tool’s Fear Inoculum. You’ll love it!!!
Love your unique Headlines sections Michael. Excellent work.
Thanks for what you do Michael. I enjoy your reviews very much
Excellent impressions and review as always.
True to your ears and heart.
great one MIchael, can't wait for the LCD5 v Susvara shootout......
btw, will you be getting the Diana TC?
Lcd-5 vs Susvara is going to be epic.
Wow Michael this was a comprehensive and thorough review, well done!
Thank you for the review, Michael! I found LCD-5 actually pair nicely with violectric lineup, especially Niimbus
Im looking at violectric 590 mk2 right now. Niimbus is way too expensive for my pocket. Hope 590 will be a good pairing nonetheless 🤗
@@mikedergalev Yup! It will pair up nicely. Currently I am using mine with V280 :)
@@hansgustafianto5136 i have a plan to buy violectric first and use it with my current lcd-X and THEN grind for lcd-5. No other way for me, lack of cash u know😉 appreciate it, thanks 👏👍
@@mikedergalev Yup, Violectric generally always pair nicely with LCD-series, especially X. I was using V280 with my previous LCD-X 2021; and easily one of the best pairing I ever heard.. Just some suggestion, you can also try to look for some used V280 or 281 on 2nd hand market. These things are built really well by Fried and will last a very long time, even used.
@@hansgustafianto5136 thanks for advice👏🤗
I think you're correct on the leather, Michael. I purchased a pair of 2021 LCD-X a couple of months ago with the leather pad option and immediately noticed a significant difference in texture when compared to the pads on my 2020 version of the LCD-2. The leather of the LCD-2 doesn't have that kind of grainy texture that the LCD-X has. The leather is smoother and just feels buttery soft and luxurious on my ears. I ordered a pair of pads direct from Audeze thinking that my LCD-X had arrived with the non-leather option but the pads that arrived are the exact same. I emailed Audeze about the leather but got a response only indicating that they had changed the foam they are using. I am getting used to the new leather but prefer the older type as well as the old memory foam.
The LCD-5 is a beautiful looking headphone and certainly lighter in weight than my Audeze cans, however, the LCD-5 comes at a price point which I can't afford. I run my headphones using a Burson Composer 3 combo Headphone Amp/DAC/Pre-Amp and am very much pleased with my rig. I'd have to imagine your set-up sounds extraordinary. Terrific video!
great review, one of your best. lots of great music to look up now. always good music suggested on you channel , keep up the great reviews
I hope you get to review the Abyss Diana TC. Would love to hear your evaluation.
I would too.
Tremendous review!
I agree that the LCD-5 is a very impressive headphone, however, I also think that I miss some of the excitement that I find in the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser HD820, the Ultrasone Edition 15 and others. The LCD-5 tends to sound too disciplined and loses some of that explosive emotion you describe.
Brilliant review 👍
Now that would be a great giveaway when you hit 50K!
Challenge accepted! I'll do you one better-- if you all can get this channel to 50k subs by the end of 2022, I'll give this pair away. #truth
Have you heard the Diana tc yet?
Thank you for the review. This is definitely not a headphone for me. I tested these using both Qobuz and Tidal on Roon. Unfortunately a lot of the music I love is not very well recorded and excessive detail makes the listening experience unpleasant. I am also sensitive about comfort. I want the headphone to disappear on my head. I listened to about 30 tracks of classical, pop, jazz, rock, electronic with lots of instruments and vocals. I found that of the 4 headphones tested (Susvara, LCD5, Utopia, and Meze Elite) the Elites were simply the most pleasurable listening experience. Not the biggest bass, detailed but not excessive, and wonderfully tonally balanced with good dynamics. I guess what Im saying is that my preferences is for a very good all rounder rather than a standout in any one area. BTW, my equipment for test was a Sparkos Aries amp and a Chord Qutest.
Try a REAL~7N grade Arctic Cables headphone cable. My LCD-2F with
a 300$ 7N cable is superior to my LCD-XC with Audeze's premium cable.
It really is night and day, especially if you listen to music like Autechre Live.
Have you tried the new headband? It makes the clamp a lot less and really improves the comfort for me. Supposedly the headband started shipping sometime in December but you can ask Audeze for an updated one
Did you like them better on the TT2? You where ah struck the first time, and you had them on the Chord TT 2?
The TT2 brings even more detail out of the LCD, but for longer listening sessions the Woo is less fatiguing and gives a slightly deeper sense of soundstage. It sacrifices a bit of detail, but it's a tradeoff the LCD can afford to make. I prefer the Woo, but if you want to admire the shock and awe of max detail and resolution, the TT2 will provide it, at least as I hear it. OH-- EDITED to add: Boy do these headphones love analog. This may be the best vinyl headphone ever.
I’m mostly curiously how this compared to Audeze’s own, similarly priced, contemporaneously released, CRBN electrostatic… clearly it would be as innovative and distinct…
Most in-depth review to date! I agree with EVERYTHING you’ve stated. The clamp force and the pads is a big miss for the LCD 5’s. It’s def not comfortable. I have no idea why they’ve chosen to change the pads but it’s a miss. Perhaps dekoni will make better pads for the LCD 5’s.
And the bass is precise, quick, nimble, transparent and gorgeous! However, it’s a bit fragile and can borrow some punch fr the LCD 4’s or the Sony MDR Z1R’s. It’s an excellent headphone, nonetheless, but I prefer the lcd X (2021) and so I sold my LCD 5’s on eBay. The asking price of the LCD 5 should be around 3k and def not $4500 IMO.
I disagree completely. I think they are worth every penny, and I think they are extremely comfortable, but I have the less clampy headband though.
@@michaelp.3485 To each their own.
ruclips.net/video/d5fYnN2IQRg/видео.html
@@BrJD-ii4iv That's right. To each their own. And I ain't clicking that link.
Why do you prefer X over 5? I find it really strange tbh🤔
@@mikedergalev - Much better comfort, easier to drive & stronger emphasis on bass. Plus, the neutrality of the 5’s can sound a bit dull.
Great review. As good as these can sound, I have so many issues with Audeze ... I wish they would address cause I would definitely try it if it wasn't for :
1) Unit variation with older models (haven't heard about this issues with LCD5, but it's still early days)
2) Infamous Audeze customer service, basically anything goes seriously wrong you're on your own, at least that's how it was in LCD4 era.
3) Glued on pads! I mean seriously? Who else does that? Not to mention in the 4k + market.
4) Ergonomics that Michael mentioned would drive me crazy. I've got OCD with head placement with every set I've got, this twisting would drive me nuts.
5) Cables ... probably as bad as HiFiMans
Also I had an old LCD3 once, the pads started disintegrating and trying to swap glued on pads ... yuck, aslo the Zebrano wood ring started falling apart ...
Anyway, I was hoping Audeze would really step up their game with their new lineup :( I had LCD3, LCDX and XC over the years and I really liked the sound ... the rest not so much. There are no excuses at this price point ...
I cut the cable section for time-- this episode was over 30 minutes at first cut, and I was worried folks would be upset that the sound section was so late in the episode, so the cable part of ergonomics was cut. The cable, by Hifiman standards, is a total win. It's OCC copper, great hardware. It's a 4 braid down to 2. I commented that an 8 braid down to 4 should be the standard at this price point, but it was better than most-- Hifiman, Focal, and Meze stock cables. Would have preferred a balanced Pentacon option-- 1/4" jack is all that was shipped. When you see the gorgeous 8-wire weaves shipping with budget friendly Chi-fi IEMs, you gotta wonder why the over-ear manufacturers can't get it together.
@@DirectorsGarage yeah it is weird. It could be ok by HiFiMan or Focal standards (the cable that comes with first iteration of Utopia ... ehhh), but it's another cable that needs to be replaced, I mean even if you look at it, connected to this gorgeous set it looks out of place.
Your descripition of the technicalities makes me really want to try this set ... but the other factors, especially the glued on pads ... just can't get over that xD I will probably break tho and get a set 2nd hand at some point ...
I really enjoy your content btw. and learning some great music history as I go : ) Thank you!
If you contact Audeze, they will replace the headband for free, mailing it t you, if you opt to keep the LCD-5.
How you say: "... you can here what was recorded in the studio..."!? Have you been in the studio when recording was done and did you listen to the studio master? I agree it may sound more natural and right, without exaggerations, but ...
Hi Nikolay, I have been in many recording studios and sat in on recording sessions from Bon Jovi to Smokey Robinson to Meghan Trainor and Bebe Rexha. I sat in on scoring session with Hans Zimmer (at one killer studio with an entire wall of vintage compressors and pre-amps! What??) as he laid down tracks for a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and many spoken word sessions for audiobooks. My point isn't my experience in recording sessions, and I did study recording in a studio, and I've produced and engineered recordings myself, my point is the LCD-5 has a more reference frequency response, and it sounds more like what I would hear in a studio environment. I don't' hear a lot of boosting going on, particularly in the bass. Sorry if my analogy offended you. I offer opinions based on my experiences. I'm definitely an acquired taste!
@@DirectorsGarage I felt absolutely not offended. And I know you do a lot of studio but I was interesred in you attendng this particular recording.
@@nikolaygramchev Not the sessions of the music in this video-- def not Ronnie Spector-- how cool would that have been? I did meet her a few times at events.
Here's a cool thing-- the labels have been licensing their masters lately for direct 2-track tape dubs-- and they are the closest to the master short of the master itself-- it's literally 1 generation down.-- and they're being dubbed by engineers. That has never happened before, and these tapes are spectacular. They do not have any of the problems that LPs face (particularly the innermost tracks). I'll be doing an episode on them sometime this spring. They cost a small fortune-- $450 - $500 per album.
what you drinking there with ice? Guinness or pepsi? i guess they are not cough syrup 😜
Iced tea! No sugar.
no clamp force on my head ,,,
Audeze leather SMELLS like leather. If your pads don't undeniably smell like leather, they aren't.