ARTICLE – Planar magnetic headphones have long chased the same goal: reproduce sound with the kind of clarity and speed that makes listeners forget they are wearing headphones at all. Audeze, the Santa Ana-based company that has become synonymous with high-end planar technology, is making its latest bid for that ideal with the LCD-5s, a flagship model that introduces the company’s new SLAM acoustic system. The headphones make their public debut this week at the 2026 NAMM Show in Anaheim.
SLAM stands for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator, and the technology delivers enhanced bass performance and spatial detail without compromising accuracy or transparency. The LCD-5s builds on the foundation of its predecessor while adding refinements across the driver, comfort, and industrial design. For mastering engineers, musicians, and audiophiles who demand reference-grade sound, the company positions this as the most accurate planar headphone it has ever produced. The combination of acoustic innovation and material upgrades signals a clear intent to push the boundaries of what planar magnetic drivers can achieve.
Price: $4,500
Where to buy: Audeze.com
Driver Technology and Specifications
The driver system represents the technical heart of the LCD-5s. Audeze has equipped the headphones with a nano-scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm, Fluxor magnet arrays, and Fazor phase management. These proprietary technologies work together to deliver what the company describes as exceptional clarity, ultra-low distortion, and precise imaging across the entire frequency spectrum.
The specifications tell part of the story: a frequency response spanning 5Hz to 50kHz with total harmonic distortion below 0.1 percent. That range extends well beyond human hearing thresholds on both ends, which Audeze argues contributes to overall transient response and natural decay. For reference, most dynamic driver headphones top out around 40kHz, and few planar designs push the low end below 10Hz with meaningful output.
Comfort and Construction
Comfort received significant attention in this revision. The company has designed newly sculpted earpad geometry that improves fit and reduces pressure during extended listening sessions. These contoured earpads sit within a lightweight chassis constructed from carbon fiber and magnesium. Despite the premium materials and full-size planar drivers, weight reduction was a priority, addressing a common concern among planar headphone users who often deal with heavier designs compared to dynamic driver alternatives.
The industrial design balances technical performance with luxury aesthetics. Deep-gloss tortoiseshell acetate rings frame the earcups, while subtle copper accents provide visual contrast against the carbon fiber and magnesium construction. The overall appearance signals flagship status while the material choices serve functional purposes. Carbon fiber provides rigidity and light weight, magnesium adds structural support, and the sculpted earpads distribute pressure during long sessions. Each material decision reflects both engineering and design considerations.
“At Audeze, our mission has always been to bring listeners closer to the truth of the recording,” said Sankar Thiagasaudram, Audeze CEO. “With LCD-5s, we’ve refined every aspect of the listening experience, from driver performance to comfort and industrial design, to deliver the most lifelike and emotionally engaging planar magnetic headphone we’ve ever created.”
Who This Is For
The target audience for the LCD-5s spans professional and consumer segments. Mastering engineers and musicians represent key users, professionals who require accurate monitoring to make critical decisions about recordings. The company also positions the headphones for audiophiles, creators, and gamers who prioritize sound quality over convenience features like wireless connectivity or active noise cancellation.
This open-back, wired design prioritizes sonic performance above all else. Users who need isolation or portability will want to look elsewhere, but those building a dedicated listening station or mixing environment will find the LCD-5s positioned squarely in their wheelhouse.
NAMM 2026 and Availability
Audeze representatives will demonstrate the LCD-5s at the 2026 NAMM Show, where attendees can experience the headphones alongside the company’s full lineup of professional and audiophile products. The company’s booth is located in the Anaheim Convention Center North Hall at stand 15304, running through January 24.
Interested listeners can schedule demonstrations or simply stop by during show hours. Outside of NAMM, the LCD-5s will be available beginning January 2026 at ww.audeze.com and through authorized dealers worldwide.
Price: $4,500
Where to buy: Audeze.com
The Audeze LCD-5s is available beginning January 2026 at audeze.com and through authorized dealers, priced at $4,500.
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