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21 May 2026
FutureShop is an authorised dealer for Audeze, an American headphone manufacturer founded in 2008 and based in Santa Ana, California. This guide draws on direct in-store listening experience with the Audeze LCD range.
Our Verdict
Audeze planar magnetic headphones deliver a level of low distortion, transient speed, and bass control that dynamic driver designs at the same price cannot match. The LCD-X is the most versatile entry point into the range, the LCD-XC offers the same technology in a closed-back design for private or studio use, and the LCD-5 represents the pinnacle of the LCD line for critical listening at reference level.
Quick Take
- Dynamic drivers use a voice coil and cone, which creates uneven force distribution across the diaphragm and limits transient speed at complex signal peaks. Planar magnetic drivers apply force across the entire diaphragm surface uniformly, eliminating this distortion mechanism.
- Audeze's Fazor phase management guides sound waves to reduce phase cancellation and improve imaging accuracy. Their Uniforce diaphragm design applies equal magnetic force at every point on the membrane, tightening transient response and bass control.
- The LCD-2 (from £799) is the most accessible entry point with warm, musical character. The LCD-X (from £1,149) provides a more neutral, studio-grade presentation. The LCD-3 (from £1,789) adds warmth and refinement at the mid-tier. The LCD-XC (from £1,259) brings the same open-back resolution in a sealed, isolating design. The LCD-5 (from £3,999) is the reference-level flagship.
- Audeze headphones have a higher impedance and lower sensitivity than most dynamic driver headphones, which means they benefit significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier rather than a phone or laptop output.
When choosing high-end headphones, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of driver technology. The two main options are planar magnetic and dynamic drivers, and Audeze has built its reputation by mastering the planar magnetic approach. In this article, we'll explore the differences, explain why Audeze's technology stands out, and highlight real-world benefits for discerning audiophiles.
What Are Dynamic Drivers?
Dynamic drivers are the most common type found in consumer headphones. They use a voice coil attached to a diaphragm that moves within a magnetic field to produce sound. Advantages include:
- Cost-effectiveness: simpler to manufacture
- Good efficiency: easier to drive from portable devices
However, dynamic drivers can suffer from distortion at high volumes, less consistent diaphragm movement, and limited transient response.
What Are Planar Magnetic Drivers?
Planar magnetic drivers use an ultra-thin diaphragm embedded with conductive traces, suspended between powerful magnetic arrays. When an electrical signal passes through, the entire diaphragm moves in unison, producing sound with exceptional accuracy.
Advantages of planar magnetic technology:
- Ultra-low distortion for cleaner sound
- Fast transient response: perfect for complex musical passages
- Even diaphragm control for accurate frequency reproduction
- Extended bass performance without bloom
Why Audeze's Planar Magnetic Technology Stands Out
Audeze's engineering goes beyond standard planar magnetic designs. Key innovations include:
- Fazor Phase Management: guides sound waves to improve clarity and imaging
- Ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragms: achieve lightning-fast response
- Custom magnetic arrays: deliver consistent force across the entire diaphragm
These refinements translate to a sound that is incredibly detailed, with wide soundstage and precise imaging, qualities that audiophiles value most.
Real-World Listening Benefits
Audeze LCD-X and LCD-5: Reference for Audiophiles and Studios
- LCD-X: Balanced, transparent, and accurate: ideal for mixing and mastering.
- LCD-5: Lighter, even more resolving, and spacious: for the most critical listening.
Both models excel in reproducing subtle details and handling complex orchestration without congestion, making them a favourite among mastering engineers and passionate music lovers.
Dynamic vs Planar Magnetic: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Dynamic Drivers | Planar Magnetic (Audeze) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Accuracy | Good | Exceptional, with low distortion |
| Bass Response | Variable, sometimes bloated | Deep, controlled, and extended |
| Detail Retrieval | Moderate | Outstanding |
| Driver Consistency | Varies with coil and cone design | Entire diaphragm moves uniformly |
| Build Quality | Varies widely | Premium materials, built to last |
Which Audeze Headphone Is Right for You?
FutureShop stocks five models across the Audeze LCD range, each suited to a different listener profile and budget. Understanding the distinctions helps narrow the choice before you listen.
The LCD-2 Closed-Back is the most affordable and most musical of the range. Its closed-back design provides passive isolation, making it well suited to home listening in shared spaces or late-night sessions. The sound character is warm and engaging, with the characteristic Audeze bass extension and control, but with a more relaxed, rounded presentation than the open-back models. It pairs well with a wide range of amplifiers, including portable units, due to its comparatively accessible impedance.
The LCD-X is the workhorse of the line, used professionally in studios and by home audiophiles who want a neutral, accurate reference without the price of the flagship. The open-back design produces a wider, more natural soundstage than the LCD-2, and the tuning prioritises transparency over warmth. It is the strongest all-round recommendation for critical listening at the entry-to-mid tier of the range.
The LCD-3 sits between the LCD-X and LCD-5 in the open-back line. Its zebrano wood earcups are distinctive visually, and sonically it delivers a fuller, more lush character than the LCD-X while retaining the resolution expected at this price. It suits listeners who find the LCD-X slightly lean or who listen primarily to acoustic music, jazz, and classical material where timbre and body matter as much as microscopic detail.
The LCD-XC brings the same planar magnetic driver and neutral tuning of the LCD-X into a closed-back housing. If the LCD-X is the studio reference, the LCD-XC is the studio reference you can use in a recording session or in a shared environment. Sound leakage is minimal and external noise is attenuated, with only a modest trade-off in soundstage width compared to the open-back version.
The LCD-5 is Audeze's current reference flagship and the lightest headphone in the LCD range despite its status. It uses a refined version of the Uniforce diaphragm and Fluxor magnet array, producing the most accurate and extended frequency response in the line. At £3,999, it requires a capable dedicated amplifier to perform at its best and is the right choice for listeners with a resolving headphone system who want the best that planar magnetic technology currently offers.
| Model | Design | Sound Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCD-2 | Closed-back | Warm, musical, engaging | Home listening, shared spaces, portable amp use |
| LCD-X | Open-back | Neutral, transparent, accurate | Studio reference, critical home listening |
| LCD-3 | Open-back | Full, lush, refined | Acoustic music, jazz, classical |
| LCD-XC | Closed-back | Neutral, accurate, isolating | Studio sessions, shared environments |
| LCD-5 | Open-back | Reference-class, highly resolving | Dedicated headphone systems, reference-level listening |
If you are also considering open-back versus closed-back designs more broadly, our guide to open-back vs closed-back headphones covers the acoustic trade-offs in practical terms and helps you match the design type to your listening environment.
While dynamic drivers remain common for general listening, Audeze's planar magnetic headphones set the benchmark for clarity, accuracy, and immersive sound reproduction. From the studio-grade precision of the LCD-X to the breathtaking resolution of the LCD-5, Audeze proves that planar technology offers a superior listening experience.
Explore the full Audeze range at FutureShop and hear your music with the depth, realism, and emotion it deserves.
Browse the full Audeze LCD range at FutureShop, from the LCD-2 to the LCD-5. Not sure which model suits your amplifier and listening habits? Get in touch with our team and we will help you find the right Audeze headphone for your system.
