Today, we are going to review the Audeze LCD-S20 planar magnetic closed-back headphones. We will describe them in as much detail as possible, touching on all their features and sound quality. Audeze stands out to us in contrast to many other manufacturers. This is true both in terms of sound and in terms of how they segment their products. While they used to seem more like Hi-Fi audio, they are now more reminiscent of manufacturers such as Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser. In general, you won't find any poor sound quality, even if you are very picky. However, they regularly work on popularizing and making their brand more accessible. While it used to be impossible to find Audeze headphones for less than $4,000, the company now offers solutions for $300 with the mature, amazing sound of planar drivers, in which the company specializes.
The Audeze LCD-4 and LCD-5 were the first headphones recognized by engineers as progressive tools. The former is an incredible flagship model with impressive low-frequency detail thanks to its Double Fluxor Magnet Array technology. The latter is an impressive update that is lighter and more accurate in reproducing the frequency response curve. The reduction in weight from 690 to 420 grams in these models was achieved by using a single layer of magnets and correcting the sound profile. This marked the beginning of the popularization of mixing music projects on headphones. Previously, studio engineers would never have imagined that any of them would start mixing their projects on headphones, but now there is a whole group of renowned professionals who recommend working this way. Among them is multi-platinum engineer Andrew Scheps, who has worked with Jay-Z, Metallica, Adele, RHCP, and many others.
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Best Price on Audeze LCD-S20
The Audeze LCD-S20 are a compelling entry in the high-end headphone segment, bringing planar magnetic performance & advanced acoustic technology at a relatively attainable price. |
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This was the first dramatic turning point in the planar headphone segment. The second occurred when Audeze recently released two models in collaboration with Manny Marroquin, a man with not only a multi-platinum collection of works under his belt, but also more than one Grammy Award on his shelves. Then something unexpected happened – top-quality sound became affordable. Or rather, extremely affordable! The Audeze LCD-5 was out of reach for most engineers, but the Audeze MM-500 became the replacement that made its sound accessible. Now, not only professionals, but also enthusiasts and beginners can touch and use the beautiful headphones every day at work or for pleasure. The Audeze MM-100 is so similar to the MM-500 in sound quality that the mixes of people using these headphones are almost identical.
It is important to explain right away why this change is "dramatic" in principle. What's the big deal? For a sound engineer, the main problem is hearing everything they need to – frequency conflicts, transients, frequency articulation in critical areas, "sticking out" frequencies, and reactions to changes in compression parameters. Sometimes, a surgical approach is necessary; other times, a blacksmith's hammer is needed. All of this was previously only possible in a room with perfect sound design – sound panels that dampen reflections to reduce room resonance from the speakers – and high-quality equipment. Now, all you need is a good pair of headphones to complete the entire recording process. From recording to release on streaming platforms or in print. Take a look at the price of the Audeze MM-100, and everything will become clear. These headphones, along with the older version, have flooded studios around the world, and Audeze is growing incredibly fast thanks to sales.
However, the latest and completely unexpected breakthrough did not come from Audeze. Companies like Steven Slate Audio and Adam pioneered this direction, giving us the opportunity to complete the full audio production cycle (including both recording and post-production) with closed-back headphones. Among the models that make this possible, we are pleased to introduce the new Audeze LCD-S20. It has a closed-back acoustic design and can be confidently recommended to anyone.
That was a long introduction, but we wanted to provide some context and emphasize the importance of this model. Now, let's continue our review of the Audeze LCD-S20 at the usual pace to find out what makes this model so incredible. As always, we'll start with this device's specifications.
The Audeze LCD-S20 box looked quite familiar – we had seen it before on the Audeze Maxwell and the Audeze MM-100. There is even a recess in the foam for the Maxwell dongle; however, you won't find the dongle there this time. Along with the headphones, the box contains an identical cable to the one found in the MM-100 box, as well as a massive 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter. Sticker enthusiasts won't find anything of value this time, so you'll have to take the dust bag or carrying case from another pair of headphones. However, we believe that you have been given everything you need. Nevertheless, it is worth stocking up on a hard case for storage and transport because headphones are expensive – treat your belongings with care and make it a habit.
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Hard Carrying Case for Audeze LCD-S20
Here is an excellent hard case for storing and transporting your headphones; it is ideal for the Audeze LCD-S20. |
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In the race among manufacturers to strike a balance between price and product, Audeze has made the right moves. In addition to standardizing packaging production, the second wise decision was to find a platform that could be used for a variety of models. When the Audeze Maxwell was released, we welcomed this decision, considering it a success due to its obvious durability. After the MM-100 and LCD-S20 were released, it became clear that this platform would be used for many of the company's current and future models. There are obvious cost savings, and we get a sturdy, comfortable design on a budget where plastic usually dominates. The structure of these headphones is indeed the same, but for some reason, the new model does not have full articulation of the ear cups. Most likely, the company wants this model to last as long as possible to reduce the number of warranty claims due to frayed cables. Nevertheless, the design is reliable and commands respect. Professionals often value these qualities more than sound characteristics, especially when it comes to monitoring headphones.
Yes, the headband is made of metal, and the ear cup mounts are made of durable plastic. There is also a leather holder that cushions the contact between the heavy headphones and your head. The ear cups are very similar in shape to the Audeze MM-100s. While writing our Audeze LCD-S20 review and switching between the front photos in adjacent browser tabs, we couldn't find much difference. Even the finish is similar. The only visual difference is the presence of a bulge, which creates a chamber where the sound flow "wanders." It is covered with a soft fabric. We hope this solution will be durable, but keep your cats' claws away, at least initially.
The ear pads are elastic and comfortable; they contain memory foam/gel, and the outer material resembles natural leather. They don't float or stick, and they feel very pleasant to the touch and on the head. These are probably the best ear pads we have encountered in headphones (based on our studio sessions experience, we have handled close to a hundred headphone models). The overall design feels heavy in the hands, but thanks to the carefully chosen materials, the pressure from the top of the head and the ear pads distributes the weight perfectly, allowing you to wear the headphones for hours on end.
This valuable feature, which is also available on the neighboring model, allows you to connect the cable to any cup of your choice. This is useful when someone is sitting on one side of the console, someone else is sitting on the other side, and someone else is placing the audio interface on either the left or right side. The cable itself is twisted and of very high quality, but it looks like it comes from some OEM manufacturers in China. In any case, it performs its functions perfectly.
We've now reached one of the most important sections of our Audeze LCD-S20 review. Now it's time to discuss the most important aspect: the sound quality. However, discussing sound alone won't suffice in this case because the Audeze LCD-S20, being closed-back headphones, has almost all the advantages of semi-closed headphones without the disadvantages of closed-back headphones. They deliver elastic bass with well-defined articulation, completely devoid of the resonance characteristic of closed-back headphones. While the presence of bass in open and semi-open headphones is obvious – the frequencies are not enclosed in a single chamber, but "travel" outside – in these headphones, this effect is achieved by Audeze's latest SLAM system. This technology relieves the partial vacuum, or tension, formed in closed headphones through special channels that release air to the outside. This way, you still have closed headphones that prevent external sounds from entering and, more importantly, prevent internal sounds from escaping. Thanks to these unique channels running along the surface of the ear cups under the magnetic ear pads, it is now possible to use closed-back headphones not only for recording musicians (monitoring) but also for full-fledged mixing and mastering!
Yes, these aren't the first closed-back headphones that allow mastering tracks, but they are the first closed-back, magnetic, planar headphones to do so. Why is this feature so important for planar headphones? The speed of transients and the level of detail on these drivers are simply on another level. The ability to hear frequency conflicts across the entire spectrum and make the right decisions when mixing and mastering is an extraordinary skill. You no longer need studio monitors for your work! Most importantly, you don't need an expensive audio system in a dedicated room; you can work anywhere.
Attention!Mixing and mastering with headphones alone is not a panacea. We strongly recommend acquiring basic mixing and mastering skills on studio monitors first, to gain an understanding of the panorama and some theoretical aspects. Work this way for a while and then progress to using headphones for mixing and mastering! If you are new to sound engineering, do not use studio headphones for this type of task. We understand that budgets are usually limited at the beginning, and that a pair of studio monitors + an audio interface to connect them cost more than headphones. Otherwise, you risk achieving a very poor-quality mix.
This technology is not unique. There are already a number of manufacturers that offer something similar. For example, the Adam Audio H200 has special ports that relieve pressure inside the ear cups. This feature makes the headphones free from low-frequency resonance problems. We consider this Adam model the best choice for monitoring among modern models and one that helps you make informed decisions about control, mixing, and recording. However, Audeze is in a league of its own with its drivers. The level of detail of their closed-back headphones is simply unique, thanks to the company's innovative design.
We would like to address an old rumor from audio technology forums that the Audeze Maxwell model stretches the thin driver membranes with internal pressure, creating a noticeable vacuum between the ear cup and head with strong or sharp compression. Yes, we experienced a sensation characteristic of closed headphones with strong isolation, but we don't believe the story. With the SLAM channel system, there is no such pressure, so you don't have to worry.
And there's no need to hide it – these headphones have a noticeably wider soundstage thanks to SLAM technology. While closed-back headphones usually cover only the ears, with these, you feel like you're sitting in front of a high-quality stereo system, as if you were wearing expensive open-back headphones. We didn't feel the need to make a direct comparison with open-back headphones because there will be a difference. However, without taking one pair off and putting another on, we feel that this could only usually be achieved by significantly inflating low and high frequencies to create a sense of foundation and space. That doesn't sound natural or authentic.
But… There isn't as much bass as you might expect. Yes, the sound is incredibly detailed, but there's no bloat. The measurement graphs on the internet don't correspond to reality. According to those graphs, there should be an additional 3-4 dB of frequencies from the beginning of the range up to 130 Hz. We keep in mind that measurements and reality are different. Here, however, we heard a very balanced, mature, fast, and accurate sound profile. Most importantly, it was natural. Of course, no one can deny your taste preferences, but we were extremely impressed from the very beginning! Rest assured that you will hear every detail of the recording.
As was the case with the Audeze MM-100, the midrange frequencies did not surprise us, as that model focused on them. However, that cannot be said about the Audeze LCD-S20, where everything is balanced and geared towards professional use. It should be noted that the mix that comes out of the engineer's pen is the inverse of his monitoring equipment. In other words, excessive bass on monitors or headphones means there will be too little bass in the final mix. Conversely, restrained bass on headphones or monitors results in more bass in the final mix. The same applies to high frequencies. "Dark" headphones and monitors produce bright mixes, while "bright" headphones and monitors produce "dark" mixes. And it is precisely here in the midrange frequencies that you can sense that the voices and midrange instruments are slightly distant. They sound distant but natural. These headphones have everything you need to ensure the final track has prominent vocals that feel like they're "right in your face." The detail in the midrange is extraordinary, and you can feel their functional tuning. It took some time to get used to the upper midrange, specifically the slightly boosted 2–2.5 kHz range. They are noticeable for the same reason we described above: to keep the mixing and mastering balanced. But we assure you, this will not cause you any problems! If we, with our high sensitivity to this range due to our studio tasks, got used to it, then you can too.
In terms of a professional approach, the high frequencies here are quite "correct." Many engineers immediately notice this when listening to bright studio monitors, which often leads to criticism. While it's enjoyable to listen to, it's challenging to work with. However, when there is a slight roll-off in the high frequencies in the room, which does not result in a loss of detail but rather ensures the proper mix, it will be noticed but is unlikely to receive negative feedback. Regarding the Audeze LCD-S20, the second situation applies – everything is as it should be; no audiophilia necessary. The driver pulls out every possible detail and delivers so much information that it's hard to believe.
We understand that many people want to use more descriptive language when talking about sound, but these headphones don't need to explain how a saxophone or voice sounds – they sound clear and natural. That's why the manufacturer markets these headphones primarily as a professional tool. The sound is very "delicious," like a perfectly balanced dish with just the right amount of salt, acidity, bitterness, and spiciness. Everything here is designed with professional needs in mind, yet this sound can and should be recommended as a starting point for audio enthusiasts. It's the "Reference Sound" that many will want in their collection, which may mark a new stage in developing their hobby.
While writing our review of the Audeze LCD-S20 headphones, we found some negative reviews (on marketplaces, forums, and in comment sections on various websites) regarding their sound quality. Perhaps the reviewers received defective products, or perhaps they simply don't know what headphones for audio industry professionals and sound engineers sound like. Conversely, the person who left the negative review may have considered themselves an "audiophile" who prefers rich bass or a warm tube sound from their headphones and listening setup (DAC, tube headphone amplifier, etc.). This raises a philosophical question: Who is an audiophile? The answer varies from person to person. Some enjoy bass and call themselves audiophiles. Others love picking out transients. Some care about vocals and the mid-frequency range. Some consider themselves audiophiles simply because they use a setup that allows them to listen to their favorite tracks without coloration (in studio monitor headphones). The blame largely lies with marketplaces since they indicate in the product card titles & descriptions that this headphone model is for professionals and audiophiles. While we understand that the Audeze LCD-S20 is a versatile tool for a wide range of tasks, we still return to the original question: Who is an audiophile? We hope you have drawn the right conclusion from this paragraph. Our SoundGale editorial team has no complaints about the Audeze LCD-S20's sound quality for professional use. We give it a solid 10/10 and hope it serves us well in our studio for a long time, becoming a workhorse like the iconic Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO.
It's difficult for us to understand how you can compare these headphones with any of their competitors in the closed-back segment. The Audeze LCD-S20 are primarily marketed as monitor headphones, but their price suggests that buyers will likely use them personally and not want to share them. Unless, of course, your clients are very generous and wealthy! Studios usually need inexpensive monitoring tools, so you would buy headphones like these for yourself. In this price range, the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO MKII comes to mind, but apart from the price, the two models have almost nothing in common. The DT 1770 PRO MKII is a great tool for recording, monitoring, and composing, but the low frequencies are overemphasized. There is also a significant, characteristic "Beyerdynamic" dip in the 200–300 Hz range and characteristic high frequencies. As a monitoring and listening tool, it's great! However, the DT 1770s are not ideal for mixing or mastering.
Considering the Adam Audio H200, which we have already mentioned, the Audeze headphones with planar drivers clearly have the advantage. The Audeze LCD-S20 has faster drivers and more natural tones. However, the H200 is also a very capable model. We believe that, for its price, the H200 is simply incredible. If you need to stick to a budget, you can always upgrade to a more expensive model later and start with something easier on your wallet. However, there's no doubt that these headphones are in different leagues. Both can produce great mixes and recordings.
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Best Price on Adam Audio H200
The ADAM Audio H200 are a well-rounded, accessible entry into professional closed-back headphones that bring the brand’s loudspeaker engineering heritage into a compact, flexible package. |
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In conclusion, the Adam Audio H200 headphones are excellent, but they are in a completely different league than the Audeze LCD-S20 headphones. The H200s cost around $150, while the LCD-S20s cost $500. For studio professionals, content creators, and discerning listeners seeking reference-quality headphones at a moderate price, the H200s offer an appealing combination of performance, comfort, and durability. After using the H200s for six months, we found them to be excellent with no complaints. We recommend purchasing them if you are on a limited budget.
We hope you will forgive us and understand the following comparison. We would like to draw your attention to the model that preceded the Audeze LCD-S20: the Audeze MM-100. Yes, these are open-back headphones. We once wrote that Audeze hit the mark with an open-back model in the budget segment relative to their other products. It should be noted that everything the MM-100 can do, the new LCD-S20 can do too, and more. The open-back model has signal leakage (or bleed) from the headphones to the microphone during recording. Therefore, it is not desirable to record vocals and acoustic instruments with them. The monitoring signal will rustle when compression is applied, and the metronome "click" will be audible. However, it's important to note that closed headphones are only necessary when recording yourself or someone else, or when you need to isolate yourself from external noise or your surroundings from the sounds in your headphones. If you need a model exclusively for listening or working, you can safely choose the significantly cheaper Audeze MM-100. The Audeze LCD-S20 is the solution when you want EVERYTHING in one device. We have yet to find a better option for work and leisure. These models are interchangeable for most purposes, though they don't sound identical. They both have similar characteristics and drivers. They also have almost identical ear cups and ear pad materials. They fit similarly, too.
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Best Price on Audeze MM-100
The Audeze MM-100 represent a professional-grade open-back planar magnetic headphone offering accurate and detailed sound with a neutral tonal balance. |
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We highly recommend considering both options because they are two sides of the same coin. This is exactly the situation when we say, "It's better to have both." To avoid the impression that we came up with the idea of associating these two models ourselves, we would like to add a statement from one of the Audeze representatives. Within the company, these two models are perceived as similar. The closed model is more expensive because it includes the cost of developing, implementing, and manufacturing the SLAM system. This allows the LCD-S20 to compete with open-back headphones while retaining the advantages of closed-back headphones.
Finally, we've reached the end of our Audeze LCD-S20 review, it's time to summarize the results. The Audeze LCD-S20 makes working with compression, equalization, frequency conflicts, spatial instrument placement, spatial effects, and volume balance incredibly easy. Audeze's development of a universal tool that ordinary users will enjoy is a generous gift to everyone. Content creators – check. Sound engineers – check. Performers and musicians – check. Enthusiasts, producers, and video production professionals – check. Audiophiles – check. This model is suitable for any task.
Of course, when you read articles like this one that praise the product to the skies, you might think, "Come on, it can't be that perfect!" We do praise the product a lot, but we're not saying that everything here is perfect. The weight of 550 grams is no joke, and over time, you start to feel the need to take breaks and stretch your neck. And no one has canceled out the differences in taste between us all. There is no such thing as right or wrong hearing – only trained and untrained. In these headphones, though, everything related to build quality, materials, and sound is clearly that of a successful premium product. Sometimes, certain companies slip in cheap knockoffs under the radar, especially in audio, where there is a weak correlation between price and product quality. This new product, however, is worth the money and will definitely become one of your favorites! The SoundGale editorial team recommends purchasing the Audeze LCD-S20 without hesitation, even without listening to them first.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own an Audeze LCD-S20 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about this studio planar beast.
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