Here’s the latest update from Audeze (after asking about timelines and the new headband),
Hey Adam
We’re currently working on a new run of LCD-5s, and don’t currently have any in stock, but we’ll be shipping those out as soon as more become available. We’re looking at probably the second week of January on that new run.
With regards to the clamping force of the headband, with our latest production run we’re officially switching over to the lower clamping force version you may have read about, so your new unit will come with that alteration. I hope you find this change a little more comfortable.
So, for now, we wait. I’ll just have slum it with the CRBNs.
And, no complaints with their support. It’s mostly on par with what I’d expect for a high end product. The only recommendation I’d have for them to make this a better experience would be to keep a stock of warranty units on hand to immediately overnight ship when failures happen.
They also asked if I added excess pressure taking them on / off, or setting them down on their pads. I keep them off their pads 100% of the time (and hung when not in use), and I’ve never thought I was putting them on with excessive force. I’ll pay more attention to the new set, but I VERY MUCH doubt there was anything I did that lead to these failing. I’m pretty careful with my equipment, and seldom have issues. So I’m chalking this up to a defect. And, regardless, Audeze is taking care of me, so we’re good here.