Premium headphone innovator Audeze, celebrated for its award-winning technology, announces the launch of the LCD-S20, a new closed-back planar headphone. Priced at $499, it becomes Audeze’s most accessible LCD model, opening up the brand’s studio-trusted sound quality to aspiring producers, musicians, and audiophiles needing acoustic isolation. A key feature is the introduction of Audeze’s patent-pending SLAM (symmetric linear acoustic modulator) technology, a first for their planar headphones. SLAM, initially seen on the flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphone (2024), employs precisely tuned acoustic channels to selectively enhance low frequencies and promote more linear diaphragm movement.

This integration allows the LCD-S20 to achieve a richer, more realistic bass response and improved fine detail for a more precise soundstage compared to other closed-back headphones in its class. According to Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram, the LCD-S20 democratizes Audeze’s renowned studio-quality sound without sacrificing innovation or performance, highlighting SLAM as a significant advancement in audio fidelity and user experience.

Specs

Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Over-ear, closed-back
Transducer type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planar magnetic
Magnetic structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fluxor magnet array
Magnet type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neodymium N50
Phase management. . . . . . . . . . . . Fazor
Acoustic management. . . . . . . . . SLAM
Diaphragm type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ultra-Thin Uniforce
Transducer size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 mm
Maximum SPL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . >120dB
Frequency response. . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hz – 40kHz
THD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <0.1% @ 100dB SPL, 1kHz
Impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ohms
Sensitivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 dB/1mW (@ Drum Reference Point)
Maximum power handling. . . . . 5W RMS
Minimum power requirement. >100mW
Recommended power level. . . >250mW
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550g
Shipping weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 lbs.
Package Dimension. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.5 L x 10 H x 5 W in.

The LCD-S20 prioritizes long-term comfort and user convenience with supple, replaceable synthetic leather earpads and a matching headband. It also introduces a new magnetic earpad attachment system for quick and easy earpad changes. It features a detachable single-sided cable that can be connected to either the left or right earcup for optimal cable management. Built on the proven Audeze chassis first seen in the popular Maxwell headset (2022), the LCD-S20 boasts a spring-steel headband, forged aluminum yokes, and durable glass-infused nylon components. The earcups are finished with a sophisticated woven cloth.

The 90mm planar magnetic drivers, manufactured in Audeze’s Southern California facility, incorporate patented technologies like Fluxor magnets, Fazor waveguides, and Uniforce voice coils to ensure the accurate, ultra-low distortion sound Audeze is known for. The LCD-S20 is now available for purchase on the Audeze website for $499.