The Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones are a closed-back, planar magnetic headset positioned as an exciting mid-range option for listeners who want studio-quality sound with real isolation. Audeze’s LCD-S20 planar headphones are priced at $499 at B&HPhoto, sitting $99 above the company’s Audeze MM-100 and delivering a distinctly different sonic character in exchange.
Key Takeaways
- Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones use closed-back design for superior isolation versus open-back models.
- Punchy bass and dynamic mids distinguish the LCD-S20 from the flatter, more neutral MM-100.
- At $499, the LCD-S20 costs $99 more than the MM-100 but offers more exciting sound.
- SLAM technology brings Audeze’s creative engineering to a more affordable planar option.
- Closed-back isolation makes the LCD-S20 better for focused listening than casual setups.
Why Audeze LCD-S20 Planar Headphones Stand Out
The Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones succeed because they refuse to sound boring. Where many mid-range headphones chase flatness in the name of accuracy, the LCD-S20 embraces a fun and dynamic tuning that makes music feel alive. The closed-back design delivers vastly superior isolation compared to open-back rivals, letting you hear what you want without leakage bothering others in the room.
Audeze engineered these headphones with high-quality materials and a beautiful design that justifies the $499 price tag. The construction feels premium without the five-figure cost of Audeze’s flagship models. The closed-back architecture also means the LCD-S20 works across a wide variety of devices and setups, from studio mixing to casual home listening.
Audeze LCD-S20 Planar Headphones vs. the MM-100: Which Should You Buy?
The comparison that matters is against Audeze’s own MM-100, which undercuts the LCD-S20 by $99 at $400. The MM-100 is genuinely the better value overall and suits casual listeners who want solid Audeze sound without paying extra for sonic character. But if you actually care about how music sounds, the LCD-S20 wins decisively.
The LCD-S20 delivers a fuller and punchier low-end with beautifully rounded mids, creating an engaging listening experience. The MM-100, by contrast, leans toward neutral and flat tuning designed for studio work, with a large soundstage that prioritizes spatial accuracy over punch. The LCD-S20’s closed-back design also provides better isolation, making it the smarter choice if you need to focus or don’t want to disturb people nearby.
This is the core trade-off: the MM-100 is safer and cheaper, but the LCD-S20 is more interesting. For $99 more, you get a headphone that actually sounds like someone cared about the listening experience, not just the measurement sheet.
SLAM Technology Comes to Mid-Range Audio
Audeze’s SLAM technology represents the real story here. The company is bringing its creative engineering to more affordable headphones with the LCD-S20, expanding access to what Audeze considers some of its best work in recent years. SLAM is designed to relieve pressure in the ear cup, improve driver stability, and reduce distortion—benefits that typically appeared only in Audeze’s premium models.
The presence of SLAM in a $499 headphone signals that Audeze is serious about competing in the mid-range, not just selling expensive flagships. This technology directly contributes to the LCD-S20’s fun and punchy bass character, making the headphones feel more energetic than competitors at similar price points.
Is the Audeze LCD-S20 Worth $499?
Yes, if you value sound character and isolation. The Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones justify their $499 price by delivering genuinely exciting sound and closed-back isolation in a package with premium materials and thoughtful design. They are not the best value headphones Audeze makes—that title belongs to the MM-100—but they are the best sounding option at this price if you want dynamic, engaging audio rather than clinical accuracy.
The LCD-S20 makes sense for home listeners, casual studio work, and anyone tired of boring headphones that measure well but sound flat. If you are choosing between the LCD-S20 and the MM-100, pick the LCD-S20 unless you specifically need the MM-100’s neutral tuning or want to save $99.
Can I use the Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones for professional studio work?
The LCD-S20 works for studio use, but its fun, punchy tuning is less ideal than the MM-100’s neutral character if you need to make mixing decisions that translate to other playback systems. The closed-back design also affects soundstage width compared to open-back models. For professional mixing, the MM-100 is the safer choice.
How does closed-back design affect the Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones’ sound?
Closed-back design traps sound inside the ear cup, which contributes to the LCD-S20’s punchier bass and reduced soundstage width. This also provides vastly superior isolation, meaning you hear less ambient noise and others hear less sound leakage from your headphones. For home listening and focused work, this is an advantage; for studio mixing, it is a trade-off.
Do the Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones work with all audio devices?
Yes. The LCD-S20 works with a wide variety of devices and setups, from computers and smartphones to audio interfaces and portable players. There are no compatibility restrictions—if your device has a headphone jack or accepts a 3.5mm adapter, the LCD-S20 will work.
The Audeze LCD-S20 planar headphones are the upgrade you should consider if you are tired of neutral, flat headphones that measure well but sound uninspiring. At $499, they cost more than the MM-100, but the jump in sonic character and isolation justifies the premium for anyone who actually listens to music rather than just measuring it. They prove that Audeze can make headphones that excite you without charging flagship prices.
Where to Buy
LCD-S20 comes in at $499 | $499 at Amazon
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Android Central
