Audeze LCD-S20
Best closed-back headphones for professional studio monitoring and critical listening.
Experience superior audio with the Audeze LCD-S20 headphones, engineered for audio professionals and discerning listeners. These closed-back, wired planar magnetic headphones deliver exceptional accuracy and detail. Featuring a rugged chassis with a spring-steel headband and cast aluminum yokes, they ensure durability. The advanced planar magnetic drivers provide low distortion and textured sound, while the SLAM™ air system enhances low-frequency punch. Designed for focused listening and studio monitoring, they offer a snug, secure fit for extended use and require less amplification than many planar models.
$424.15
More LCD Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
760
/ 5520
#760 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Fit Style
Over-the-ear
/ Over-the-ear
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking deep, distortion-free low-end performance
- Critical listeners prioritizing intricate musical detail and resolution
- Design-conscious users valuing premium materials and long-term durability
Who should skip it
- Listeners prone to neck strain during extended listening sessions
- Budget-focused buyers lacking a dedicated high-power amplifier
- Commuters or office workers needing privacy and noise isolation
Performance breakdown
Sonic Accuracy
Planar magnetic drivers deliver clinical precision for critical studio monitoring tasks.
Bass Impact
The SLAM air system provides a tactile, punchy low-end response.
Driveability
Low impedance allows for high-fidelity sound without needing heavy external amplification.
Noise Isolation
Closed-back architecture effectively blocks external distractions for focused, immersive listening.
Build Durability
Cast aluminum and spring-steel construction ensure long-term reliability in professional environments.
Ergonomic Comfort
Sturdy materials add weight, though the secure fit suits extended sessions.
Key Specs
Fit Style
Over-the-ear
Earcup Type
Closed
Driver Type
90mm Planar Magnetic
Frequency Response
10-40,000 Hz
Impedance
18 Ohms
Sensitivity
93 dB
Weight
20.6 ounces
Connectivity
Wired (3.5mm and 1/4" connections)
Features
- Closed-back design for excellent noise isolation
- High-performance planar magnetic drivers
- Rugged construction for durability
- SLAM™ air system for enhanced bass
- Tuned for linear sound and tactile bass
- Requires less power for amplification
- Assembled and tested in Southern California
- Secure fit for long listening sessions
What customers say
The Audeze LCD S20 offers world class sonic performance characterized by exceptional clarity, speed, and deep controlled bass from its planar magnetic drivers. Listeners praise the expansive soundstage and precise instrument separation, making complex music highly engaging. The premium wood and metal build quality conveys luxury and durability, justifying the investment for critical listening. A significant factor, however, is physical comfort. The substantial weight often limits extended listening sessions for many users, despite the overall top tier audio experience.
Know before you buy
While these headphones use planar magnetic technology, they are designed to be more efficient than many traditional models. You can achieve excellent performance with standard audio interfaces or high-quality portable devices, though a dedicated amplifier may still offer incremental improvements in headroom.
The closed-back design provides a significant physical barrier against ambient noise. While it does not feature electronic active noise cancellation, the secure fit and solid earcup construction are highly effective at blocking out office or studio distractions.
The LCD-S20 features a spring-steel headband and a secure, over-ear fit designed for extended use. At 584 grams, they have a substantial feel, but the weight is well-distributed to minimize pressure during long monitoring sessions.
The SLAM™ air system is specifically engineered to improve the movement of air within the earcups. This results in a more tactile, punchy low-frequency response that provides the visceral bass impact often missing in other planar magnetic designs.
Yes, they are tuned for a linear, accurate sound signature that reveals fine details in your audio. This makes them a reliable choice for studio monitoring where transparency and precision are required.
Yes, the LCD-S20 comes with standard 3.5mm connectivity, making them compatible with most laptops and mobile devices. If your device lacks a headphone jack, you will simply need a standard 3.5mm adapter or a high-quality DAC dongle.
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