Наушники — Audeze LCD-1

The LCD-1 is a foldable open-back planar magnetic headphone from Audeze, handcrafted in California and first presented at AES New York during October 2019 and announced on 21 October that year. Audeze aimed it at audio engineers, music producers and studios who need a portable reference for mixing and mastering, as well as at home listeners. It was sold at USD 399, which put it at the entry point of the LCD family, and Audeze now lists it as a legacy model it no longer sells.

Key specs that matter

Inside each earcup sits a 90 mm planar magnetic driver with an ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragm and a single-sided Fluxor magnet array. Audeze quotes a range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz and a sensitivity of 99 dB at 1 mW. Impedance is 16 ohm. Maximum level is above 120 dB, distortion stays below 0.1 percent at 100 dB, and the driver accepts up to 5 W RMS. The headphone weighs 250 g, a low figure for an open planar design, and the patented diaphragm and magnet technologies are shared with the larger LCD models.

Engineering and use context

Audeze states that the response was engineered to match that of its larger LCD series, so a producer can check a mix on the road against the same target as the studio models. A single-sided magnet array reduces weight and depth compared with the double-sided structures of bigger Audeze models. Fazor waveguides sit in front of the magnets to guide the air flow from the diaphragm, and Audeze links them to its bass performance. The earcups are open circumaural, and the frame folds flat for travel. Pads combine memory foam with a lambskin leather covering, and the headband is padded with the same foam for long sessions. The cable detaches and connects to each cup with a reversible 3.5 mm plug, so it cannot be inserted the wrong way round. A braided 2 m cable, an adapter from 3.5 to 6.35 mm, a zippered travel case and a certificate of authenticity come in the box.

Pairing

The low impedance and high efficiency mean a phone dongle, a laptop output or a small portable DAC can reach normal levels without a separate desktop amplifier. A studio interface or desktop DAC with a 6.35 mm socket connects through the included adapter, and the folding frame fits into the case alongside a laptop for mobile work.

Alternatives

Audeze also makes the LCD-2 Classic, a larger open-back planar magnetic model from the same LCD line intended for desktop use at home.