Audeze LCD-1 Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best open-back headphones for professional mixing and critical audiophile listening.
Immerse yourself in unparalleled audio fidelity with the Audeze LCD-1 headphones. Engineered for audiophiles and professionals, these open-back, over-ear headphones deliver a vast soundstage and intricate detail, revealing every nuance of your music. The ergonomic design ensures maximum comfort for extended listening sessions, making them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Experience a refined and detailed sound profile that brings you closer to the authentic sound of your favorite tracks.
$399.00
More LCD Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
437
/ 5518
#437 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-32%
Below average
Type
Over-Ear Headphones
/ Over-Ear Headphones
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity clarity and precise transient response
- Commuters and travelers needing lightweight, portable studio-grade gear
- Mobile listeners using smartphones without dedicated external amplifiers
Who should skip it
- Office workers or commuters requiring privacy and noise isolation
- Users prioritizing premium metal or wood construction materials
- Bass enthusiasts craving deep sub-bass impact and visceral rumble
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Open-back architecture creates an expansive, airy sense of spatial imaging.
Transient Response
Planar magnetic drivers deliver lightning-fast, precise audio transients.
Long-term Comfort
Lightweight build and plush earcups minimize fatigue during marathon sessions.
Analytical Accuracy
Reveals subtle mix nuances essential for professional monitoring and mastering.
Build Ergonomics
Foldable design offers surprising portability for a studio-grade headphone.
Passive Isolation
Open-back design allows significant sound leakage in both directions.
Key Specs
Type
Over-Ear Headphones
Design
Open-Back
Connectivity
3.5mm Jack
Intended Use
Studio Monitoring, Everyday Listening
Noise Cancellation
Passive Noise Isolation
Headphone Style
Over-Ear
Features
- Exceptional detail and vast soundstage
- Comfortable earcups for long listening sessions
- Immersive and accurate sound reproduction
- Refined and detailed sound profile
- High-fidelity audio performance
- Open-back design for natural sound
- Over-ear comfort for extended wear
- Audiophile-grade listening experience
What customers say
Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional sound quality and surprising comfort of these headphones. The audio is remarkably detailed, delivering tight bass alongside clear, natural mids and highs for a truly immersive experience. Users also value the lightweight build and plush ear pads, enabling extended listening without fatigue. This blend of premium audio fidelity and superior comfort establishes the LCD-1 as a highly regarded choice for serious listeners seeking top tier performance.
Know before you buy
The open-back design allows air to pass through the earcups, which prevents pressure buildup and creates a more natural, spacious soundstage. Because of this, sound will leak out, so they are best suited for quiet environments rather than noisy commutes or offices.
Yes, the LCD-1 is specifically engineered for critical listening. Its planar magnetic drivers provide the accuracy, low distortion, and detailed frequency response required for professional studio tasks.
While the LCD-1 is designed to be efficient enough to run directly from most mobile devices and laptops, using a dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC can further improve clarity and dynamic range, especially if you are working in a professional studio setting.
The LCD-1 features a lightweight, ergonomic construction with plush, memory foam earcups designed for extended wear. They are significantly lighter than many other planar magnetic models, making them well-suited for hours of continuous use.
No, these headphones rely on a passive open-back design and do not feature active noise cancellation. They are intended to provide an authentic, uncolored sound profile rather than blocking out external ambient noise.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.