# Audeze LCD-5 - Official Thread
**URL:** https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588
**Category:** Official Headphone Model Discussion
**Tags:** audeze, planar, flagship
**Created:** [September 20, 2021, 4:14pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588 "2021-09-20T16:14:08Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 8
### Author:  [@bigshel99](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bigshel99)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:01am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/142 "2021-10-16T00:01:23Z")
I’ve also been told the LCD-5 is more in line with a better LCD-24 than a LCD-4 from some of the folks at Audeze… I haven’t heard the 24 but if you’ve heard it that could also be a data point 🙂
I’m looking forward to hearing them.
---
### Author:  [@perogie](https://forum.headphones.com/u/perogie)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:12am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/143 "2021-10-16T00:12:13Z")
> [@Nuance](#):
>
> I’m quite the fan of PEQ - people just need to take the time to learn how to properly implement it, but many refuse or choose to use tubes or components to do so instead. When done correctly, though, it’s awesome.
EQ has benefits. I’m not a user of it as I tend to find myself EQing more than listening and not everything I listen to can be EQ’d - certain streaming services and actual physical media. Since I cant globally use it I just dont. Ive considered something like a Loki/Lokius but I dont think they have the precision I may want and I doubt very much they’re absolutely silent within the chain - sensitive to that I am.
LCD5 being amenable to EQ, if you want, is a selling point. Or could it be a backhanded compliment in that it needs EQ - jokes.
> [@elliot](#):
>
> Perhaps the LCD-X is 90% the 5
A good friend of mine states that 10% performance difference (however you gauge it) may = 25% more enjoyment. To extend that a little - the difference between perfect and almost perfect can be profound. Not assuming the 5 is perfect.
---
### Author:  [@deafenears](https://forum.headphones.com/u/deafenears)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:15am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/144 "2021-10-16T00:15:18Z")
Measurements between the LCD-24 and LCD-4:
vs. @Resolve’s measurements of the LCD-5 earlier:
Seems more in-line with the LCD-4 with ear gain, to me. But that’s just measurements, I haven’t heard any of the three, though would love to some day (and also the LCD-4z).
EDIT: Went to look for more info on the [LCD-24](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-24-over-ear-planar-magnetic-headphones/3754) and found this video from Audeze with a little section on the LCD-24:
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_o25clTVSU)
---
### Author:  [@elliot](https://forum.headphones.com/u/elliot)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:31am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/145 "2021-10-16T00:31:45Z")
And beyond that, there’s absolutely placebo to consider. There may be some (or many) that are so clear-minded and analytical in their listening, even when in a more casual setting, that they could pick what is superior (to their preferences ofc). However, for many, I imagine, knowing one is newer and costs 3x or 4x can push that subjective “enjoyment” in a specific direction.
Now, to take the mental masturbation one step further. . . In that construct. . . Would it even matter which is empirically better, if such a thing even exists?
---
### Author:  [@chrisnyc75](https://forum.headphones.com/u/chrisnyc75)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/146 "2021-10-16T00:44:45Z")
> [@elliot](#):
>
> for many, I imagine, knowing one is newer and costs 3x or 4x can push that subjective “enjoyment” in a specific direction.
>
> Now, to take the mental masturbation one step further. . . In that construct. . . Would it even matter which is empirically better, if such a thing even exists?
Our experience of audio is entirely subjective and inextricably linked to psychology. If believing that a more expensive cable makes my headphones sound better increases my subjective enjoyment of them, what do I care whether it’s empirically true? Can empirical truth even be applied to a subjective aesthetic experience? You can argue all day long about the science of sound, but psychology is a much trickier beast, and for better or for worse the two are indelibly intertwined.
---
### Author:  [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:56am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/147 "2021-10-16T00:56:26Z")
> [@chrisnyc75](#):
>
> entirely subjective
Your point about psychoacoustics is a very interesting one, and important to consider. But I wouldn’t say it’s _entirely_ subjective, mainly because we all generally have ears and there are certain facts about human hearing that need to be taken into consideration (ear gain of some sort is essential for example). But with that said, the fact that most people prefer a certain type of sound says very little about how _individual people_ want their music to sound. That’s where there’s absolutely room for the subjective aspects of the hobby.
---
### Author:  [@elliot](https://forum.headphones.com/u/elliot)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 1:03am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/148 "2021-10-16T01:03:08Z")
Oh, you’re preaching to the choir. There may be some science that can be translated… and that likely holds a percentage of the overall “score,” the psychology is prob 90%+.
---
### Author:  [@chrisnyc75](https://forum.headphones.com/u/chrisnyc75)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 1:15am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/149 "2021-10-16T01:15:11Z")
Yes, we do all have ears and there are indeed certain facts about human hearing that we know, but the experience of hearing (the actual infinitive “to hear”) is psychological and therefore entirely subjective. Does my eardrum physically react the same as your eardrum to a particular frequency? Let’s say it does. That still doesn’t mean we necessarily hear the same thing. Stimuli is objective and lives in the physical world; sensation is subjective and lives in the mind. Sort of like asking if you see as “green” as the same shade I see as “green.” We can never know.
All of which is just to say that believing that a more expensive cable or headphone sounds better actually makes it sound better.
---
### Author:  [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 1:17am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/150 "2021-10-16T01:17:22Z")
This is the problem of qualia, and that will always be a an issue when considering any perceptual phenomenon.
---
### Author:  [@Swoquix](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Swoquix)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/151 "2021-10-16T01:45:51Z")
It might be better to say that is the fact of qualia, or even the reality of qualia, not the problem of qualia.
---
### Author:  [@Roark](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Roark)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 2:16am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/152 "2021-10-16T02:16:09Z")
> [@Resolve](#):
>
> So while I still prefer the default tonal balance of the LCD-X 2021 in the lower and mid treble, the LCD-5 has a decent tonal balance overall that shouldn’t be difficult to EQ. I was worried it would be a bit shouty, and the upper mids are definitely quite present, but so far it seems to be on the right side of that for me, and personally, on first listen, I find it to be more enjoyable than the CRBN. With that said, I’m still in the process of dialing in my EQ, which is still something I absolutely recommend doing for those getting into Audeze headphones - even if only because these can take it so well.
I never expected the use of quailia to be thrown in an audio discussion, I am no philosopher nor psychologist, yet it does seem to be used incorrectly here. Thought I would point that out, so if we are throwing around a philosophical discussion let’s have at it;
Psychological, physiological, and other external stimuli have an effect on how we hear, see, taste, feel, etc in the same manner that our self perception of those same sense can vary from day to day, hour to hour, and so on.
What does this have to do with the LCD-5? I have no F’ckn clue, you can’t measure that stuff as we are not robots. Last night I stayed up until 2 am enjoying a wonderful pair of headphones, tonight I am butt ass tired as I had to get working at 7am. So my perception and senses are all messed up, and mind is weary. If I was listening to the LCD-5 I am sure this would be the same result, there I made it about the actual thread.
---
### Author:  [@JTAustin](https://forum.headphones.com/u/JTAustin)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 5:17am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/153 "2021-10-16T05:17:08Z")
I have had the LCD 5 for almost 2 weeks and I am a big fan of the LCD-X and Resolve but I don’t think this is close. The LCD 5 IMHO is a much better headphone. Better details better balance better just about everything. In certain areas mentioned by Resolve I would say to my not so great ears it is a toss up and probably just a personal preference issue. I was reluctant to buy these having just bought the Carbon but I definitely have a new favorite Audeze and that includes the Carbon, my LCD4 and my LCD-X. But as always various opinions make for interesting horse races.
---
### Author:  [@deafenears](https://forum.headphones.com/u/deafenears)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 9:55am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/154 "2021-10-16T09:55:46Z")
> [@Resolve](#):
>
> - I think I saw somewhere that they’re working on a headband for us bigheads? Maybe someone can confirm this if true - but if I were buying the LCD-5, I’d need that.
Yes from [Audeze LCD-5 Review, Measurements, Interview | Page 104 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org](https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audeze-lcd-5-review-measurements-interview.959808/page-104#post-16612377)
> Right now they ship with the standard yolk-rod and headband only, but longer yolk-rod and carbon fiber headband with less clamping will become available
> …
> Once they become available, you will be allowed to swap the headband with less clamping for the standard headband. They are exactly the same size, drop in replacement, but have less clamping force. The details are not fully worked out yet. You will not have to pay for the headband swap.
---
### Author:  [@Ooidal](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Ooidal)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 10:45am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/155 "2021-10-16T10:45:25Z")
Thanks, that’s what I would hope. I think the comparison is more to do with the added ear gain (2021) than anything else, although I am particularly interested in any potential differences in bass, imaging and soundstage if you care to comment.
---
### Author:  [@chargedcap](https://forum.headphones.com/u/chargedcap)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 10:47am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/156 "2021-10-16T10:47:22Z")
If you’re interested in an LCD-X vs LCD-5 comparison, you might find my MX4 vs 5 bass and dynamics comparison on head-fi useful. I didn’t compare any other part of the sound spectrum, but if you are interested I can add to it.
Personally, I found the LCD-5 to be much more resolving than the MX4, with better vocals and better midrange clarity.
---
### Author:  [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/157 "2021-10-16T12:32:06Z")
> [@Ooidal](#):
>
> I think the comparison is more to do with the added ear gain (2021) than anything else
I agree with this.
Of course the LCD-5 is going to be better than the X. 4 times better, though? Maybe not.
---
### Author:  [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 12:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/158 "2021-10-16T12:34:05Z")
I think any comparisons like that are welcome here on this forum. 🙂
Please do share (including which revisions of the 4 and X you have). Thanks!
---
### Author:  [@Swoquix](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Swoquix)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/159 "2021-10-16T13:17:02Z")
> Your point about psychoacoustics is a very interesting one, and important to consider. But I wouldn’t say it’s _entirely_ subjective, mainly because we all generally have ears and there are certain facts about human hearing that need to be taken into consideration (ear gain of some sort is essential for example). But with that said, the fact that most people prefer a certain type of sound says very little about how _individual people_ want their music to sound. That’s where there’s absolutely room for the subjective aspects of the hobby.
A long time ago I came up with The Law of Individuals And Aggregates as a result of my frustration with psychological and sociological research which later applies equally well I think to quantum mechanics (Schroedinger’s equaition and the collapsing of the waveform). The law states that you can make informed statements about aggregate behaviour but you can never predict individual behaviour with certainty. This especially applies to the Harmon Curve and the research of Sean Olive. I’m somewhat more skeptical of that research than you and had a smug laugh to myself when Olive answered your question about how to apply his research to a newcomer to headphone listening in your recent interview. To paraphrase his answer he said to use the curve as a starting point to narrow down a list of potential headphones and then go out and listen to them to see which they preferred which to my mind and the limits of listening opportunities in any geographical area equates to go to the dealers in your area, pick a price point and see what you like.
_Edited to add original quote and clarity_
---
### Author:  [@dixter](https://forum.headphones.com/u/dixter)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/160 "2021-10-16T15:06:10Z")
Whats interesting is the source in front of the Chord DAVE being the Smyth Research A16 Realiser he is using with the LCD-5 and CRBN … I’m sure both the LCD-5 and CRBN headphones are very good on their own but with the A16 feeding the DAVE it has to be a game changer… it doesn’t get any better than that… you get to emulate a perfect listening room with 24 channels into those Audeze Phones…
---
### Author:  [@Grover](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Grover)
#### Post date: [October 16, 2021, 3:58pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588/161 "2021-10-16T15:58:31Z")
My comment regarding the X and 5 being similar was regarding the ear gain region and broadly flat mid/low end. The 5 to my ears is significantly more resolving and dynamic. Hope that helps clarify.
[Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588.md?page=7)
[Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/audeze-lcd-5-official-thread/14588.md?page=9)