Audeze upgrades its high-end LCD-5 headphones with new planar magnetic drivers
The upgraded Audeze LCD-5 feature new planar magnetic drivers with more prominent bass.
- Audeze quietly announced a successor to its flagship LCD-5 headphones at the 2026 NAMM show.
- These feature the company’s SLAM acoustic technology, updated drivers, and redesigned ear pads.
- The upgraded Audeze LCD-5 headphones are now available for $ 4,500 on the company’s website.
Audeze has quietly upgraded its flagship LCD-5 headphones. Announced at the 2026 NAMM show, the company’s refreshed open-back cans promise improved sound quality and superior comfort with updated ear pads.
The upgraded Audeze LCD-5 feature the company’s Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator (SLAM) technology. Previously reserved for Audeze’s CRBN electrostatic headphones, this delivers powerful bass with reduced distortion and an improved soundstage. In particular, Audeze claims that SLAM boosts bass frequencies extending down to 10HZ by 6dB. Otherwise, the LCD-5 sport 90mm planar magnetic drivers with nano-scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragms, Fluxor magnet arrays with neodymium N50 magnets, and Fazor phase management. Their frequency response spans 5Hz to 50kHz, and the company recommends amplifier power over 500mW for optimum performance.
The ear pads have been redesigned for improved comfort, passive isolation, and to minimize audible reflections.
The Audeze LCD-5 comprises a carbon fiber and magnesium chassis, genuine leather, and polished tortoiseshell acetate ear cup rings with copper accents. Audeze has also redesigned the ear pads with a curved geometry specifically made to improve comfort and seal. The upgraded build should minimize audible reflections and resonance inside the ear cups. Unfortunately, the new Audeze LCD-5 weigh a hefty 475g.
The LCD-5 ship with a 4-pin XLR balanced cable, adapters for 6.3mm and 3.5mm connections, and an aluminium travel case. The headphones are available now from the company’s website for $4,500.
