Less bloom though
I’m excited to see if LCD4 prices start to nose dive.
Everytime I see an LCD headband design makes me thankful for ZMF’s headband…
3 Likes
Love ZMF headbands, but this headphone for my head is easily one of the most comfortable headphones I have worn only maybe the Empyrean/Elite is more comfortable. I thought the clamp force was a bit tight at first now its just right. Bigger heads may find it too tight. Also zero hotspot. So far so good!
For those of you on Instagram and enjoy some LCD-5 MHA200 Audioporn 
And did so because this idiot is back:
Seriously, how has this guy not made the list of reviewers to avoid yet? 
5 Likes
It’s either a complement or an insult! Perhaps you need to introduce some spicy takes or measurements into your reviews to get on the avoid list.
1 Like
Well, any regular viewers should know that I’ve claimed:
- DACs make a difference
- Amps make a difference
- Cables make a difference
- Measurement chasing does not guarantee good sound
Spicy enough? 
6 Likes
Straight to the avoid list you go sir.
3 Likes
Sad that those are considered spicy takes by some at this point, what has the hobby become lol
3 Likes
What does this mean?
First new…tech? driver ? etc?
From Audeze??
Thanks
Several reviews out there already:
2 Likes
You forgot batteries make a difference!
This might be controversial, but owning all Audeze releases this year, I think my favorite is LCD-R followed by CRBN, LCD5 and LCDX 21.
Best value obviously the LCDX, but LCDR was also spectacular value.
LCD5 however is the best tuned they’ve ever released, but a bit emotionless especially without a warmer source or tubes
1 Like
I haven’t heard CRBN but I think there’s a lot of truth in your other observations. The X, R, and 5 showed that Audeze is figuring out how to address some of their longstanding issues.
2 Likes
I just wish LCD5 could stage less in-head.
It still sounds decidedly like a headphone whereas Susvara, Raal & Abyss punch out of the artificial boundary and sound more speaker-like.
Even Utopia sounds more holographic and spacious than LCD5, which really surprised me. It was really hard to choose a keeper between these 2 as they’re really trading blows and directly competitive, as you mention in your great review 
1 Like
From Currowongs review stating these are like a HD-650 but better didnt make me want to spend $4500 on them…but I do want to audition and here with my ears. Its the only way to really decide.
Its a great time to be in this crazy hobby!
These first impressions are good but I am not jumping out of my listening chair or selling my D8000 Pros etc…Looking forward to listening to these first hand!
Alex
I was very impressed with the value of the LCD R, it might have lacked some refinement and organicness but wow it does a real lot right for the money. It is held back by the Jot it ships with, absolutely takes off with nicer source gear, but it still sounds very good with the included amp which does make it a solid one and done value
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that phrase applied to various new headphones lol. I don’t think I’ve ever really found a true direct upgrade to the 600/650, sure there’s better out there but not anything that I’d consider really a replacement for them, at least personally
Agreed picking between Utopia and LCD-5 on their total sonic merits would be tough. They trade blows, as you say. For me I think the decision would come down to fit to use case and how will they synergize with gear a potential owner already has and likes.