I've had the pleasure of extensively testing the Audeze headphones lineup. From the classic LCD-2 family to the flagship LCD-5, Audeze headphones consistently impress with their sound quality and innovative technology. To my ears, the Audeze house sound is synonymous with a balanced signature emphasizing lows, and clear analytical staging. In this guide, I'll share my experiences with various Audeze headphones models, helping you navigate this exceptional range of audio gear.

The Best Bang-For-Buck Gaming Headset: Maxwell

Maxwell

Audeze headphones have long been synonymous with high-quality audio, and their entry into the gaming market with the Maxwell model is no exception. As the most affordable offering in the Audeze product line, the Maxwell starts at $299, with an Xbox-specific version available for $329. The Xbox variant comes with the added benefit of Dolby Atmos support, enhancing its console compatibility.

What sets the Maxwell apart in the crowded gaming headset market is its use of planar magnetic drivers, a technology rarely seen in gaming peripherals. This unique design allows the Maxwell to deliver exceptional detail and soundstage, making it one of the best gaming headsets available. As an Audeze headphone, the Maxwell doesn't compromise on music playback either, making it an excellent choice for gamers who also value high-quality music listening.

Unlike many gaming headsets that overemphasize bass, the Maxwell maintains a more balanced sound signature. This approach prevents the muddy audio often experienced in bass-heavy gaming scenarios, allowing for clearer perception of in-game audio cues. While the Maxwell isn't designed for professional mixing or monitoring like other Audeze headphones, it strikes an impressive balance between gaming performance and music enjoyment.

Professional Headphones at Entry-Level Prices: MM-100

MM-100

Moving up the Audeze headphones lineup, we encounter the MM-100, a professional-grade open-back headphone retailing at $399. Designed in collaboration with Grammy-winning engineer/producer Manny Marroquin, the MM-100 represents Audeze's foray into the world of budget mixing and mastering headphones.

The MM-100 Audeze headphones feature high-efficiency drivers that work well with a wide range of devices. Despite its relatively accessible price point, Audeze hasn't compromised on build quality, utilizing premium materials like magnesium and steel in the MM-100's construction.

Sound-wise, the MM-100 Audeze headphones offer an extremely flat response, reminiscent of the renowned Sennheiser HD600, but with a much lower impedance for easier driving. There's a slight boost in the upper-mid range, which allows producers and engineers to accurately recreate sounds while maintaining natural clarity, particularly beneficial for vocal reproduction.

These Audeze headphones are designed to potentially replace studio monitors or work alongside them, offering a versatile tool for audio professionals. The MM-100's flat response and clarity make it an excellent choice for those seeking accurate sound reproduction in their work.

For those requiring even more resolution while maintaining the flat characteristics of the MM-100, Audeze offers the MM-500 further up in their lineup. This progression demonstrates Audeze's commitment to catering to a wide range of audio needs, from gaming enthusiasts to professional audio engineers, all while maintaining the high standards of sound quality that Audeze headphones are known for.

The Classic Audeze Headphones: LCD-2 Family

The LCD-2 family, including the LCD-2 ($995), LCD-2C ($799), and LCD-2 Closed Back ($899), embodies what many consider the quintessential Audeze headphones sound. After spending considerable time with these models, I can confirm their reputation for flat response and excellent soundstage.

LCD-2 Rosewood

LCD-2C

In my experience, the differences between the LCD-2 and LCD-2C Audeze headphones are subtle, primarily revolving around the Fazor magnet array, which affects phase management. The main perceptible differences I noticed were in the high frequencies and imaging, though these are often subtle when listening to well-mixed music.

LCD-2 Closed Back

I find the LCD-2 Closed Back to be one of the standout Audeze headphones for monitoring. Its flat tuning and closed-back isolation make it versatile for both studio and home use. What I appreciate about all LCD-2 Audeze headphones is their easy drivability and comprehensive accessories, including a flight case and adapters, which add significant value to an already impressive package.

Studio Workhorses: LCD-X and XC Audeze Headphones

LCD-X

The LCD-X (open-back) and XC (closed-back) Audeze headphones take the strengths of the LCD-2 series and refine them further. I often think of the LCD-X as the studio adaptation of the LCD-2, offering a more intimate and detailed soundstage.

In my testing, I found the LCD-X Audeze headphones to be more resolving and generally flatter than the LCD-2, with a touch of added warmth. Their versatility impresses me most - they excel in professional applications like monitoring and mixing, but are also engaging for critical listening sessions.

LCD-XC

The 106mm drivers in these Audeze headphones are comparable to 4-inch bookshelf speakers, making them an excellent alternative for those who can't accommodate large studio monitors. While some users find these Audeze headphones heavy, I've found that their suspended headband design and plush ear cups ensure comfort even during extended listening sessions. Although you can use both the X and XC interchangeably, I'd normally chose the closed back for monitoring live or in small recording rooms, and the X for mixing.

LCD-GX

For gamers seeking exceptional imaging accuracy, I often recommend the LCD-GX Audeze headphones. However, for those who don't need a built-in microphone, I still suggest the standard LCD-X for its superior all-around performance.

The Mixing Master: MM-500 Audeze Headphones

MM-500

Priced at $1699, the MM-500 represents Audeze's dedication to the professional audio market. As the big sibling to the MM-100, these Audeze headphones take the concept of a flat, accurate sound to new heights.

What sets the MM-500 Audeze headphones apart is their incredibly neutral sound signature. While they share similarities with the LCD-X in mimicking studio monitors, the MM-500 goes further in presenting an uncolored sound, with only a tiny boost in the upper mids.

I find the soundstage of these Audeze headphones to be intimate and supremely accurate, ideal for critical mixing and mastering work. However, for pure enjoyment listening, audiophiles might find these Audeze headphones less exciting than some other offerings in the lineup. If you want a flat sound with a little more excitement, I'd definitely look at the LCD-X over the MM-500.

A Unique Approach: LCD-MX4 Audeze Headphones

LCD-MX4

The LCD-MX4, retailing at $2,995, presents a unique approach in the Audeze headphones lineup. Unlike the flatter responses of the MM series, the MX4 offers a warmer, more colored sound that I find enjoyable for long listening sessions.

What stands out about these Audeze headphones is their midrange character. They have a natural peak around 800Hz-1kHz, giving vocals, drums, and guitars a full, lush body. The highs are slightly recessed, providing enough detail without becoming fatiguing.

While some purists might argue that this coloration makes the MX4 less suitable for mixing, I find that the unique character of these Audeze headphones can be beneficial once you've learned their quirks. They're also one of the easiest Audeze headphones to drive, making them versatile for various setups.

The Refined Flagship: LCD-4z Audeze Headphones

LCD-4Z

The LCD-4z Audeze headphones take the warm characteristics of the LCD-4 and MX4 but address some issues with recessed highs. In my listening sessions, I've found the LCD-4z to strike an excellent balance between warmth and clarity.

Unlike the MX4, these Audeze headphones incorporate Fazor phase management technology. They also feature a peak around 5kHz instead of the MX4's 1kHz peak, which I find adds clarity to the sound signature while maintaining overall warmth.

While I wouldn't choose the LCD-4z Audeze headphones as my first choice for mixing, I find them fantastic for critical listening and enjoyment. They're an often-overlooked gem in the Audeze lineup, offering a unique sound that sets them apart from both their siblings and competitors.

The Pinnacle of Audeze Headphones: LCD-5

LCD-5

At $4,500, the LCD-5 represents the pinnacle of Audeze's planar magnetic technology. In my extensive time with these Audeze headphones, I've come to regard them as a near-perfect balance of accuracy and musicality. And if you want my biased opinion, I'd almost always choose these over a Susvara Unveiled.

What impresses me most about the LCD-5 is its versatility. These Audeze headphones are flat enough for mixing work, detailed enough for mastering, and musical enough for pure enjoyment listening. I've found that they scale incredibly well with high-end gear and respond beautifully to EQ adjustments.

Compared to the LCD-X, which they share some sonic similarities with, the LCD-5 Audeze headphones offer faster transients, a wider soundstage, and higher resolution. They also tend to pair better with top-tier equipment and are more responsive to EQ tweaks.

At 420g, the LCD-5 is one of the lighter offerings in the Audeze headphones catalog, which I appreciate for long listening sessions. While I admit to some bias as a fan of Audeze's products, I genuinely believe the LCD-5 to be one of the best headphones available on the market today.

A Different Flavor: CRBN Electrostatic Audeze Headphones

CRBN

While being phased out for the upcoming CRBN 2, the original CRBN deserves mention. As Audeze's venture into electrostatic technology, these headphones offer a unique listening experience within the Audeze lineup.

Unlike many electrostatic headphones that tend towards brightness, I've found the CRBN Audeze headphones to offer surprisingly impactful bass. At 300g, they're also notably lighter than most of Audeze's planar magnetic offerings, though still robust compared to many other electrostatic headphones. If you are a fan of Audeze but want a "V-shaped" sound, take a look at the CRBN. That being said, you will need a 580-Volt Pro Bias Energizer to power these, your conventional headphone amp will not have enough power to drive them.

Choosing the Right Audeze Headphones for You

As we conclude this guide to Audeze headphones, you might wonder which model is right for you. The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here's how I would break it down:

For Gamers: The Maxwell Audeze headphones are an excellent entry point, offering superior sound quality compared to most gaming headsets. For those with a higher budget who don't need a built-in mic, the LCD-X headphones could provide an even more immersive experience. If a mic is needed, opt for the LCD-GX gaming headset version.

For Music Producers and Mixers: The MM-100 Audeze headphones offer professional-grade performance at an accessible price point. As you move up the line, the MM-500 provides even greater accuracy, while the LCD-X and LCD-5 Audeze headphones offer a balance of accuracy and musicality ideal for both work and pleasure. Depending on what you're comfortable with or what you're looking for, all of these options would be a great addition to your studio set-up.

For Audiophiles: The LCD-2 family provides the classic Audeze headphones sound at a relatively accessible price point. For under $1,000, very few companies will offer something with as immersive of a soundstage. Moving up, the LCD-4z and LCD-MX4 offer a unique, warm sound signature, while the LCD-5 represents the pinnacle of Audeze's planar magnetic technology.

For Bass Lovers: While Audeze headphones generally offer excellent bass response due to their finely tuned planar magnetic drivers, the LCD-MX4 and CRBN stand out for their emphasized low end. If you're looking for a slightly more subtle but still warm, look to the LCD-2 and LCD-5.

For Comfort: The Maxwell and MM-100 are lighter options in the Audeze headphones lineup. Among the high-end models, the LCD-5 offers flagship performance in a relatively lightweight package. That being said, none of the Audeze headphones are particularly portable. And that's ok considering they're typically designed for audiophiles and professionals to be used with a desktop amp.

Final Thoughts on Audeze Headphones

As I reflect on the Audeze headphones lineup, I'm continually impressed by the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of headphone technology. From the accessible Maxwell to the flagship LCD-5, each model offers a unique listening experience that caters to different needs and preferences.

What sets Audeze headphones apart is their consistent delivery of high-quality sound across the entire range. Whether you're a gamer, a music producer, or an audiophile, there's an Audeze headphone that can elevate your listening experience.

As with any high-end audio equipment, I always recommend trying these Audeze headphones for yourself if possible. While reviews and specifications can provide guidance, your own ears are the ultimate judge. Each Audeze model has its own character, and personal preference plays a significant role in determining which one will suit you best.

In closing this guide to Audeze headphones, I can confidently say that whichever model you choose, you're investing in headphones that represent some of the best that personal audio has to offer. Audeze's commitment to innovation and sound quality is evident in every product they release, and I'm excited to see how they continue to evolve and refine their offerings in the future.