Audeze LCD-4 Review: Unveiling Audiophile Excellence With A Surprising Catch

Build

The Audeze LCD-4 showcased a level of craftsmanship that reflected its premium status in the world of high-end gear.

These over-ear headphones were built with meticulous attention to detail, featuring real wood earcups that not only contribute to their visual elegance but also add to the overall durability.

The use of high-quality leather for the headband and ear cushions added a luxurious touch to the design.

The LCD-4’s build quality was undeniably robust, and the materials used are of the highest caliber, ensuring that these headphones were built to last like Duralast.

You felt quality in every component, from the sturdy metal frame to the precisely crafted connectors.

Weight and Comfort

LCD-4 pictured left.

While the build quality was impressive, it’s important to note that the LCD-4 was on the heavier side compared to many other headphones in its class.

This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the substantial build contributed to its durability and premium feel.

On the other hand, the weight was a concern for some users, especially during long listening sessions.

If you want to know what it feels like to have a jet engine strapped to your melon, try an Audeze!

It’s 735 grams heavy. That’s like, a LOT of weed.

And believe you me, you’ll need some to relax those neck muscles after this gargantuan super mutant behemoth headphone finally comes off.

Even so, the headband is well-padded, and the ear cushions are plush, which helps distribute the weight more evenly across your head and ears.

Audeze has made efforts to mitigate the discomfort that can arise from the headphones’ weight, but it’s essential to acknowledge that these headphones aren’t the best choice for those who prioritize feather-light comfort, as extended use typically leads to fatigue – especially if your spinal column was about to shatter already.

Users with a preference for lightweight headphones might find the LCD-4 somewhat cumbersome, and it’s worth considering this factor when deciding if any Audeze headphones fit your specific needs and comfort preferences.

Sound Quality

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter – the sound quality of the LCD-4.

The LCD-4 delivers an immersive and rich sonic experience with its planar magnetic drivers.

It boasts an expansive Soundstage that engulfs you in a world of audio bliss.

Before we get into the mids and treble, let’s discuss the bass.

Bass

Kenneth Rockwell (NOT Kenneth Kaniff from Connecticut) once called Audeze bass bottomless, and that’s probably one of, if not the best, description of it that I’ve ever heard.

The Audeze LCD-4 was renowned for its exceptional bass response, and it’s often considered one of the standout features of these headphones.

The bass produced by the LCD-4 is characterized by its depth, impact, and overall quality over quantity.

Imagine hearing every single bass note in its fullest detail, as if it were under a microscope.

That’s what it’s like to listen to Audeze bass. It’s truly delightful like Grandma’s soft baked cookies.

Sub-Bass Extension

The LCD-4’s sub-bass extension is particularly noteworthy.

It delves into the lower frequencies with precision and authority, reproducing the deepest notes in music with incredible clarity and power.

This extended sub-bass capability can make genres like electronic, hip-hop and orchestral music come alive, allowing you to feel the rumble and resonance of low-frequency instruments without the fuzz and distortion that accompanies most consumer-grade dog shit.

• Recommended: The 16 BEST Headphones For Hip-Hop & Bass [Definitive Guide]

That said, please remember that you can’t actually hear anything below 40Hz, but many people still enjoy deep sub-bass extension for the feeling.

Mid-Bass

Another aspect of Audeze bass that you’ll enjoy is the lack of mud/bloat in the mid-bass frequencies.

The majority of entry-level, consumer-grade headphones fall into the trap of, “Let’s boost the mid-bass as much as possible for absolutely no reason” not realizing that these areas (roughly 200-300Hz) should be cut.

• Required Reading: How To EQ Bass

The LCD-4 understands this concept well, as the bass is essentially a flat line running into the mid-range. It’s elevated somewhat, but there aren’t any strange peaks, rises, bumps, etc. that would otherwise destroy the sound signature. It’s an even distribution all around.

Instead of lots and lots of pain, we have a smooth, detailed response that prevents bass notes from sounding like someone’s taking a drum stick to a balloon.

This ensures that not only the deepest bass notes are well-represented but also that instruments like bass guitars and kick drums have a palpable presence on the Soundstage.

The mid-bass provides a sense of weight and impact to the music without overwhelming the overall balance.

Control and Detail

Audeze’s planar magnetic technology plays a significant role in the bass performance of the LCD-4.

• Related: What is a Planar Magnetic Driver?

The planar magnetic drivers are known for their ability to provide precise control over diaphragm movement, resulting in tight, well-defined bass.

The bass notes are articulate, allowing you to discern individual bass guitar plucks or the nuances of a double bass performance.

Balance and Integration

Notably, the LCD-4 manages to maintain a balanced presentation even with its robust bass capabilities.

The bass doesn’t overpower the mids or treble, ensuring that the overall sound remains cohesive and harmonious.

This balance is crucial for enjoying a wide range of genres, and in fact, the LCD-4 works incredibly well for pretty much any type of music you can think of: Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Classical, Ambient, Techno, Blues, Country, Folk, Acoustic, you name it. 

Amplification

It’s worth noting that while the LCD-4 can deliver impressive bass response, it benefits from a high-quality headphone amplifier to reach its full potential.

These headphones have a relatively high impedance (200 ohms), and a powerful amplifier can ensure that you’re getting the best bass performance possible.

We’ll touch on that more in a bit.

• Read: What Is a Headphone Amp? Demystifying the Sound Experience

In summary, the Audeze LCD-4 headphones offer a bass experience that is characterized by impact, control, and balance.

The bass is powerful and precise, making these headphones an excellent choice for bass enthusiasts and snooty audiophiles who appreciate a high level of detail and impact in the low-frequency regions of their music.

Mid-Range

The mid-range is a crucial aspect of any headphone’s sound signature, as it encompasses the frequencies where most of the musical content, including vocals and instruments like guitars and pianos reside.

In the case of the Audeze LCD-4, there’s an intriguing and somewhat unconventional aspect to their mid-range: a slow decline in response starting around 1kHz and moving into 4.

Unconventional Decline

Typically, in most headphones, a decline in the mid-range frequencies, especially around these areas, can result in a less-than-desirable sound profile.

This is because these regions are responsible for the presence and clarity of many instruments and vocals.

A significant dip or drop off in this area can make music sound muffled or distant, often leading to a lack of detail and an unsatisfactory listening experience.

Resolution and the Audeze Advantage

What sets the Audeze LCD-4 apart and allows it to get away with this unconventional mid-range characteristic is the exceptional resolution and detail retrieval capabilities of its planar magnetic drivers.

Audeze’s planar magnetic technology excels at reproducing even the finest nuances in the music, capturing subtle harmonics and textures that might be lost on lesser headphones.

As a result, despite the gradual decline in the mid-range frequencies, the LCD-4 can maintain remarkable clarity and precision in the reproduction of vocals and instruments.

The headphone’s ability to resolve intricate details compensates for the unique mid-range response, allowing listeners to still hear and appreciate the subtleties in the music.

In essence, the Audeze LCD-4’s exceptional resolution and detail retrieval make it an outlier among headphones when it comes to handling a gradual mid-range decline.

While this characteristic might be problematic for many other headphones, the LCD-4 leverages its technical prowess to deliver a listening experience that remains engaging and captivating, showcasing the benefits of Audeze’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of headphone technology.

Treble

The treble performance of the Audeze LCD-4 headphones is a distinctive aspect of their sound signature, with some unique characteristics that set them apart from other headphones.

Firstly, it’s known for its darker and smoother presentation – even more so than any other Audeze I’ve tried.

• Recommended: 8 Audeze Headphones Ranked Worst To First

Unlike many headphones that emphasize high-frequency sparkle, the LCD-4 takes a different approach.

It offers a more relaxed and laid-back vibe, which can be described as warm and velvety.

Smooth and Non-Fatiguing

The LCD-4’s treble is characterized by its smoothness, which prevents any harshness or piercing highs that can cause listening fatigue, especially during extended listening sessions.

This treble tuning can be appreciated by those who prefer a more relaxed and fatigue-free treble presentation.

In other words, the area around 9-10kHz, instead of being boosted, is subdued. Audeze then opts for some air after 10kHz which can help with sparkle, detail, and an overall sense of openness and clarity without the sibiliance or bite that can accompany other cheaper products.

This general strategy is seen in most of their LCD line and does work very well.

Details and Resolution

Despite the somewhat subdued treble, the LCD-4 maintains impressive levels of detail and resolution in the high-frequency range.

Audeze’s planar magnetic technology excels at rendering the subtle nuances, harmonics, and textures present in treble-heavy instruments like cymbals, strings, and percussion.

This level of detail allows for a nuanced and textured representation of music.

Not for everyone

It’s important to understand that this may not be compatible with all listeners’ tastes.

While some appreciate its non-fatiguing and gentle treble presentation, others may prefer a more pronounced or lively treble.

This subjective aspect of audio can significantly influence one’s enjoyment, and it’s essential to consider personal preferences and the genres of music you enjoy when evaluating the LCD-4’s treble performance.

Comparison to Utopia (w/NAIM DAC V-1):

Some noteworthy distinctions come to light when comparing the LCD-4 to the Focal Utopia, especially when driven by a NAIM DAC V-1.

• Recommended: NAIM DAC V-1 Review: Timeless Audio Excellence And Superior Craftsmanship

The LCD-4 is undoubtedly harder to drive, demanding more power from your amplifier.

On the other hand, the Utopia tends to sound livelier and sparklier, with a more pronounced sense of energy in the mid and treble regions.

This liveliness can be particularly appealing for genres that benefit from the extra sparkle, such as Classical music and Jazz.

Where the Utopia truly shines is in its treble and mid-range performance.

The treble is brilliant and articulated, delivering an airiness and shimmer that can make instruments like cymbals and violins come to life with exceptional realism.

The mid-range is rich and engaging, ensuring that vocals and instruments are rendered with lifelike dynamics.

Choosing Between the Two

The choice between the Audeze LCD-4 and the Focal Utopia largely hinges on your personal preferences and the genres of music you enjoy.

If you favor a darker overall sound and a robust low-end, the LCD-4 may be your preferred option, especially for genres like EDM and cinematic music. That’s not to say that the Utopia’s bass is worse.

They’re very close in terms of sonic superiority. 

The Utopia rolls off ever so slightly more, but it’s almost a wash.

Though not radically different in the treble, you will find the Utopia is certainly brighter, and much of this has to do with the presence boost around 6kHz. In addition, the mid-range is livelier, and overall, the Utopia has more energy than the LCD-4; a headphone that sounds much darker by contrast.

Admittedly, the LCD-4 isn’t my favorite out of the lineup, so I’m partial to a Utopia with the NAIM DAC V-1 as demoed.

Pitting these 2 side by side makes you realize just how much darker an Audeze is, and unfortunately, I don’t think the LCD-4 is nearly as good as say, an LCD-2; one of my favorite high-end, OG headphones.

• Required Reading: Audeze LCD-2 Review: A Deep Dive Into Audiophile Excellence

Ultimately, both headphones offer exceptional qualities and fantastic resolution.

Your decision should align with your specific listening preferences and the type of music you most frequently enjoy.

As for me personally? I feel my money is better spent on a Utopia, but I did enjoy the LCD-4. I just think it’s tuned a bit too dark for my tastes.

Closing Thoughts

The Audeze LCD-4 is a high-end headphone that excels in build quality, comfort, and offers a unique, darker treble response.

Its sound signature may not suit everyone’s preferences, especially those who crave a brighter presentation.

That said, it’s a solid headphone for the most part but certainly overpriced in my mind.

When compared to the Utopia with a NAIM DAC V-1, it becomes evident that the LCD-4 requires more power to drive and leans towards a more laid-back sound, while the Utopia delivers a livelier and more energetic listening experience overall.

Important Note: The Audeze LCD-4 is no longer available on the market.

If after this review you’re leaning toward Audeze, I’d look into the LCD-2.

If the Utopia,

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