Wired
In WiredAC Editor-in-Chief Harish Jonnalagadda explores everything hardware, including phones, audio products, storage servers and network devices.
Audeze knows how to make a good pair of headphones, and the Sony-owned brand has diversified over the past two years, mainly with the introduction of the Maxwell and new models. Maxwell 2 gaming headset. Although I really like Maxwell 2 and use it extensively MM-500 it continues to be my top choice when I’m at my desk.
However, the MM-500 is priced at $1,699, and if you want Audeze headphones around $500, the Maxwell 2 and MM-100 was the only option – until now. Audeze launched the LCD-S20 late last year and I’ve been using the headphones for the better part of the past six months.
The LCD-S20 has planar drivers and even comes with similar SLAM technology as the electrostatic CRBN2. It costs $5,999. The best part is that The LCD-S20 retails for $499making it one of the most accessible options in Audeze’s catalog. Don’t get me wrong; That’s still a lot of money for a headphone, but considering the drivers, tuning and price, this might be the best Audeze product in years.
The LCD-S20 shares the same features as the MM-100, including the design. The main difference is that the headset has a closed design, which as a result does a better job with isolation and sound leakage.
As with all Audeze headphones, the build quality is excellent. The LCD-S20 is made from a mix of aluminum, magnesium, plastic and steel, and it feels like a premium product above all else. The integrated ear cushions are very comfortable, and while I would have preferred more adjustability around the headband, this didn’t prove to be a problem. The outer part of the ear cup is finished with fabric, which makes the LCD-S20 easily distinguishable from the Maxwell 2.
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If anything, the only problem I have with the LCD-S20 is the weight. At 550g, it’s one of the heaviest headphones in its category, and you’ll feel that heaviness. Yes, the headband does a good job of distributing the weight evenly, but there’s no doubt you’ll feel the weight – especially if you’re wearing it for long periods of time. Having used the LCD-X, LCD-GX, MM-500, MM-100, and Maxwell 2 over the last four years, I’m used to most of these headphones by now, but it’s something to consider if you’re considering the LCD-S20.
You get the same cable as the MM-100 with the LCD-S20, which is a good choice. It plugs into any ear cup, has a 6.35mm connector, and you get a toggle switch that lets you convert it to 3.5mm. The LCD-S20 doesn’t have a fabric carrying case, which is a little disappointing, but other than that, I have no issues with the accessories that come with the product.
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As for the sound, the LCD-S20 uses the same 90mm planar drivers as the Maxwell 2, along with Neodymium N50 magnets, Phasor waveguides and SLAM technology for a cleaner low end. The bass itself is rich and detailed, and despite the LCD-S20’s slight boost in sub-bass frequencies, it’s still quite manageable. You get engaging bass with plenty of liveliness and snappy transitions, and I like it better than the MM-100 in that respect.
Mids are clean and natural, with vocals that shine in the mix. The treble is smooth, and while you don’t quite get airiness, the overall dynamic range is pretty good. The soundstage and tuning make the LCD-S20 a good choice for casual listening as well as studio monitoring – if you don’t mind the loudness.
The LCD-S20 has an impedance of 18Ω and a sensitivity of 93dB/mW, and you’ll need a good source to get the most out of the LCD-S20. I mainly used headphones Fiio K19and has done an excellent job of unlocking its full potential.
Overall, I got some use out of the LCD-S20. It’s a great addition to Audeze’s catalog, and alongside the MM-100 and Maxwell 2, the brand has a decent selection of mid-range products aimed at a variety of use cases.
With exquisite build quality and class-leading planar drivers, the LCD-S20 proves once again that Audeze knows how to deliver a pair of great-sounding studio monitoring headphones.
