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Audeze LCD 3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£2,040
Avg. price in US: ~$1,950
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audeze LCD 3 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Poor

3.9

Poor

6.6

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
3.8
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
8.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-3 is an open-back, circumaural planar magnetic headphone featuring a massive 106mm transducer with Neodymium N50 magnets and an ultra-thin diaphragm. Key technical specifications include a broad frequency response of 10Hz to 50kHz, an impedance of 110 ohms, and a sensitivity of 101dB/1mW, allowing it to handle up to 5W RMS of power with a maximum SPL exceeding 130dB. Its main characteristics are a lush, warm sound signature, natural instrument timbre, and hand-selected zebrawood (Zebrano) earcups paired with premium leather or leather-free pads. Pros include its exceptional resolution, low distortion (THD <0.1% @ 100dB), and spacious soundstage that excels with vocals and string instruments. However, main cons involve its significant weight of 635g, which can lead to listener fatigue or 'hot spots' over time, and its high power requirement necessitating a high-quality dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.

Technical Specifications of Audeze LCD 3

Overall score

4.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.2

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

3.4

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

4.0

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audeze

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Audeze LCD 3 vs the average headphone

Why is Audeze LCD 3 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audeze LCD 3 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Audeze LCD 3 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Audeze LCD 3 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audeze LCD 3 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.106 mm vs 40 mm
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audeze LCD 3 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Audeze LCD 3 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
8 Hz lower bass extension
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
0.2 % lower distortion
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Open-back design
Audeze LCD 3 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audeze LCD 3 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.3 m more useful cable length
Audeze LCD 3 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Audeze LCD 3 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2.5 m vs 1.2 m
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Audeze LCD 3 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audeze LCD 3 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.65 mm vs 60 mm
Open-back design
Audeze LCD 3 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
1.3 m more useful cable length
Audeze LCD 3 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Audeze LCD 3 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Audeze LCD 3 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Audeze LCD 3 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audeze LCD 3 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
50x higher input power handling
Audeze LCD 3 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
20 dB higher max SPL
Audeze LCD 3 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.

Why is Audeze LCD 3 worse than the average headphone?

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2.91x higher weight
Audeze LCD 3 is heavier than the average headphone (635 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Audeze LCD 3 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Audeze LCD 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 years older release date
Audeze LCD 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2011
No passive noise reduction
Audeze LCD 3 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Audeze LCD 3 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.91x higher weight
Audeze LCD 3 is heavier than the average headphone (635 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Audeze LCD 3 is heavier than the average headphone (635 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.635 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Audeze LCD 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Audeze LCD 3 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
22.67x more expensive
Audeze LCD 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,040 vs £90).
Audeze LCD 3 is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,040 vs £90).£2,040 vs £90
96.9% worse value for money
Audeze LCD 3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.42 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Audeze LCD 3 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.42 vs 6.736).3.42 vs 6.74
21.3% lower user score
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.59 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Audeze LCD 3 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.59 vs 8.000).6.59 vs 8
6 years older release date
Audeze LCD 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
December 2011
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Audeze LCD 3 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
2.49x less popular
Audeze LCD 3 is less popular than the average headphone (1.87 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Audeze LCD 3 is less popular than the average headphone (1.87 vs 4.646).1.87 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Audeze LCD 3 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Audeze LCD 3?

World-class bass performance, frequently described as powerful, deep, and highly articulate.
Exceptional mid-range resolution and vocal clarity.
Rich, 'creamy', and non-fatiguing sound signature that makes even poor recordings listenable.
Superb build quality featuring premium materials like Zebrano wood and lambskin leather.
Expansive soundstage with precise imaging and a 'realism' that many users find immersive.
Comes with a very durable, professional-grade travel case.

What customers dislike about Audeze LCD 3?

Substantial weight (approx. 548g-600g+) can cause neck fatigue during long listening sessions.
High retail price (approx. £1,500 - $2,000) makes them a significant financial investment.
Requires a high-quality, powerful headphone amplifier to reach its full sonic potential.
Dark or 'laid-back' sound signature with recessed upper mids/treble that may lack the 'air' or brightness preferred by some.
Open-back design results in significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for shared environments.
Historical concerns regarding planar driver reliability and failures in earlier revisions.

Expert reviews

earmass.wordpress.com

18/08/2013

Audeze LCD3 – The King?

The Audeze LCD3 is an ultra-premium planar magnetic headphone priced at $1,945 that blends a vintage and modern look. It features a breathtaking design with eye-catching wood textures and incredibly soft, cushy leather earpads. In terms of performance, the headphones deliver a romantic, "dark" sound signature with top-notch clarity and excellent bass that is tight, punchy, and...Read more

headfonia.com

15/10/2013

The LCD-3: Planar Technology That Needs To Be Trickled Down

The Audeze LCD-3 is highlighted as a technical milestone in planar magnetic headphone development, offering an exceptionally engaging "swing factor," a more spacious soundstage, and superior resolution compared to the LCD-2. Its primary strengths lie in delivering an emotionally immersive, palpable listening experience, making it ideal for high-end recordings. However, the LCD-3 is...Read more

forbes.com

17/07/2013

Audeze LCD3 Review: The Ultimate Headphone? - Forbes

In a 2013 Forbes review, the Audeze LCD3 is hailed as a high-end audio triumph for its deep, precise bass, exceptional midrange clarity, and lifelike, detailed soundstage that mimics premium home speakers. While praising its performance, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a heavy 548-gram build that can look awkward and a high-frequency response in the...Read more

headmania.org

17/05/2013

The King of Musicality: Audeze LCD3 - HeadMania

In his HeadMania review, Dan Gheorghe crowns the Audeze LCD3 as the "King of Musicality," noting that it offers a massive performance leap over its predecessor, the LCD2. Tested using a Burson Conductor and a Toxic Silver Widow cable, the LCD3 stands out for its incredible neutral tonality, improved comfort, softer pads, and a distinct aesthetic highlighted by its zebra wood finish....Read more

homestudiobasics.com

10/06/2024

Audeze LCD-3 Review: A Visceral Odyssey Into The Unknown

The Audeze LCD-3 review by Stuart Charles Black outlines an eye-opening, highly philosophical listening encounter centered around a "super mutant Behemoth" pair of planar magnetic headphones. The reviewer characterizes the open-back, circumaural headphones as exceptionally durable, built with wood and lambskin to withstand extreme wear. Tonally, the LCD-3 delivers a unique, vivid...Read more

majorhifi.com

03/07/2016

Audeze LCD-3 Review - Major HiFi

The Audeze LCD-3 is a premium open circumaural planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional audio fidelity but demands high-quality amplification due to its 110 ohms impedance and high optimal power requirement (1–4W). In terms of performance pros, the reviewer highlights an incredible midrange with crisp, clean fidelity that makes vocals sound exceptional. It also boasts an...Read more

thesoundapprentice.com

04/08/2014

First Listen: Audeze LCD-3 Planar Magnetic Headphone Review

In the provided review from The Sound Apprentice, guest writer Charles Bonn shares his three-week experience testing the Audeze LCD-3 planar magnetic headphones. The reviewer compares them directly to his own Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro headphones and finds a massive upgrade in audio performance. On the positive side, the pros include incredibly deep, hitting bass and an open soundstage...Read more

kenrockwell.com

01/09/2014

Audeze LCD-3 Review

The Audeze LCD-3 headphones are characterized by Ken Rockwell as offering an exceptionally smooth, natural, and revealing audio performance with a wide, open-back soundstage that replicates a live concert hall. Hand-built in the USA with West African Zebrano wood rings and lambskin leather, the planar magnetic design provides high-fidelity sound with excellent detail, rapid...Read more

whathifi.com

06/02/2014

Audeze LCD-3 review - What Hi-Fi?

The Audeze LCD-3 is an open-backed, planar magnetic headphone praised for its authoritative and rich presentation, delivering a scale of sound that rivals expensive speaker setups. The review highlights its astounding detail resolution and rhythmic ability, noting that it provides a "believable feeling of physical presence" when listening to complex pieces like Beethoven’s Moonlight...Read more

theabsolutesound.com

05/05/2013

Audeze LCD3 Headphone (Hi-Fi+)

The Absolute Sound review hails the $1,945 Audeze LCD3 open-back planar magnetic headphones as a significant advancement over the LCD2, delivering exceptional musical agility, fast transients, and a remarkably balanced, open, and revealing midrange. These headphones are praised for their class-leading bass performance, offering deep extension, high-speed, and excellent tactile...Read more

positive-feedback.com

01/05/2013

audeze lcd3 - Positive Feedback Would you like to find more English-language reviews or perhaps professional measurements for this specific model?

The Audeze LCD3 is a transformative open-back planar magnetic headphone that rivals the emotional connection, three-dimensional soundstaging, and transparency of high-end loudspeaker systems. Retailing at $1,945, these headphones stand out for their ability to project a lifelike image around the listener's head rather than firing sound directly into the skull. Reviewer Michael...Read more

head-fi.org

06/02/2012

Mini-Review: Audeze LCD-3 (vs LCD-2 r2, SR-007, et al) Would you like a similar breakdown of technical specifications or amplifier recommendations for...

This Head-Fi review compares the Audeze LCD-3 against the LCD-2 r2 and Stax SR-007, highlighting a thicker, more full-bodied mid-range and increased bass quantity as key improvements that offer a visceral, engaging sound for electronic and metal genres. The LCD-3 also introduces softer brown leather earpads, which significantly improve comfort by reducing the clamping force found on...Read more

headfonics.com

22/02/2014

Audeze LCD-3 Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review of the Audeze LCD-3 highlights these open-back planar magnetic headphones for their magnificent, smooth midrange and highly satisfying, balanced low end. Key pros include excellent vocal/instrumental weight, profound stereo imaging depth, and strong responsiveness to EQ adjustments. Conversely, the review identifies the treble as the weakest link, citing a lack...Read more

audiophilia.com

18/01/2018

Audeze LCD-3 Headphones - Audiophilia

The Audeze LCD-3 is an open-back, circumaural headphone utilizing planar magnetic technology with large 106 mm thin-film diaphragms. Priced at $1,945, these handmade American headphones deliver an exceptionally balanced, spacious, and transparent soundstage across all frequencies without becoming overly clinical. They provide highly accurate vocal and instrumental timbre, deep bass...Read more

superbestaudiofriends.org

12/07/2019

Audeze LCD-3 2019 Measurements and Review

The SuperBestAudioFriends review of the 2019 Audeze LCD-3 highlights superior subjective resolution and engaging, detailed audio compared to the LCD-2C, while maintaining quick planar magnetic performance. However, the 2019 unit shows significant drawbacks, including higher third-order distortion below 200Hz and a muddied frequency response up to 300Hz, leading to a "C" grade for...Read more

headphone.guru

24/03/2015

Audeze LCD-3f - Headphone Guru

The Audeze LCD-3f is a beautifully crafted planar magnetic headphone featuring an unmistakably retro design constructed with real leather, steel, and premium East Indian Rosewood cups. Equipped with patented Fazor technology, the headphone operates efficiently at an impedance of 110 Ohms, making it significantly easier to drive with various amplifiers than previous iterations....Read more

6moons.com

01/12/2011

6moons audio reviews: Audeze LCD3

The reviewer evaluated the Audeze LCD3 planar magnetic headphones, discovering that their true potential is heavily dependent on pairing them with a high-end, balanced amplifier like the AURALiC Taurus. Initially, when paired with less optimal setups, the headphones delivered a dark sound signature that lacked open, airy treble, distinct details, and optimal bass definition. They...Read more

headfonia.com

15/10/2013

The LCD-3: Planar Technology That Needs To Be Trickled Down

The Headfonia review highlights the Audeze LCD-3 for advancing planar magnetic technology, offering a highly realistic, "alive" sound, and improved treble extension and staging compared to its predecessor. While lauded for its exceptional resolution and transparency, this uncompromising nature is also a con; it mercilessly exposes poor recordings and mastering flaws. Consequently,...Read more

head-fi.org

06/02/2012

Audeze LCD-3 Planar Magnetic Headphone - Reviews

The Audeze LCD-3 planar magnetic headphones are highly praised for their smooth, warm, and lifelike sound, featuring exceptional, textured bass and a lush, non-fatiguing midrange. These open-back headphones, designed with premium materials, offer superior instrument separation and imaging. However, the headphones are heavy at roughly 635 grams and possess a high clamping force,...Read more

stereo.de

01/05/2013

Audeze LCD-3 - Test Results - stereo.de

The Audeze LCD-3, reviewed by STEREO, is recognized as a masterfully crafted, high-end planar magnetic headphone that elevates the manufacturer into the world-class tier. It features flawless construction and delivers a refined sound signature, with surprising long-term comfort despite its substantial size. Pros include excellent manufacturing quality, an ambitious design, and...Read more

hifitest.de

28/11/2013

Resonessence Labs Concero HP and Audeze LCD-3: Comparison with LCD-X and LCD-4

This review highlights an exceptional, high-end desktop audio setup combining the Resonessence Labs Concero HP DAC/headphone amplifier and the Audeze LCD-3 planar magnetic headphones. The Concero HP (priced around 800 Euro) is a compact, USB-powered device crafted from solid aluminum. It delivers an incredibly advanced digital signal process by utilizing a premium ESS Sabre DAC chip...Read more

fairaudio.de

01/01/1970

Sound Characterization of Audeze LCD-3 and Auralic Vega", "Sonic Classification of Audeze LCD-3 and Auralic Vega

The Audeze LCD-3 headphone and Auralic Vega DAC deliver an outstanding, high-end audio performance, though both reveal distinct engineering traits and sonic compromises. Comparing the headphones, the LCD-3 provides excellent speed and an expansive soundstage that stretches noticeably above the listener's head. It features a highly dynamic, springy bass and quick attack in the upper...Read more

hifistatement.net

14/11/2012

Audeze LCD-3 - Hifistatement.net

In his review of the Audeze LCD-3 planar magnetic headphones for HIFISTATEMENT, Danny Kaey highlights how the brand rapidly climbed to the top of the personal audio industry within just three years of its founding. He praises the manufacturer's ingenious decision to implement premium magnetostatic driver technology rather than traditional dynamic drivers to target audiophiles...Read more

hifigeek.de

17/04/2025

Audeze LCD-3 Review: Testing the Warm Planar Flagship

The Audeze LCD-3 is a high-end, open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a distinctive Zebrano wood ring design, a 106mm transducer with Fazor technology, and an impedance of 110 Ohms. In terms of pros, the review praises its exceptional build quality, outstanding resolution, and robust travel case. It delivers a controlled, tight bass response with a tangible punch, and its...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

08/04/2018

Audeze LCD-3 Review – Pushing a Successful Concept Forward

In his review for Miniklangwunder, Klangfreund"M" evaluates the Audeze LCD-3 open-back planar magnetic headphones (priced around €2,450) as a highly authentic, masterfully crafted upgrade over the LCD-2. Sonically, he highlights its incredibly linear bass extension that reaches flat down to 25Hz without rolling off, making it excellent for electronic tracks. The review emphasizes...Read more

avguide.ch

31/08/2014

Audeze LCD-3 High-End Headphone Review - The Holy Grail

The AVGuide review of the Audeze LCD-3 hails it as "the holy grail" of high-end headphones, delivering an exceptionally natural and immersive musical experience. Tested alongside a Burson Audio Soloist SL amplifier, the reviewer notes that the planar magnetic headphones feature a slightly warm and dark tonality driven by a subtle mid-bass boost. This specific tuning lends a cozy,...Read more

qobuz.com

12/06/2014

Audeze LCD-3 Headphones: Orthodynamic Technology at Its Peak

The Qobuz review highlights the Audeze LCD-3 as a top-tier open-back headphone, praising its orthodynamic transducer technology for delivering a highly musical, transparent sound with exceptional detail and realistic timbre. Key strengths include a liquid, detailed mid-range and authoritative bass extension that creates an immersive listening experience suitable for complex music....Read more

homecinesolutions.fr

09/05/2022

Audeze LCD-3 Zebrano: An exceptional Hi-Fi headphone

The Audeze LCD-3 (Zebrano) is a premium, open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring handcrafted wood rings, praised for a rich, musical, and emotionally engaging sound with authoritative bass and detailed, natural mids. It offers a wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging, alongside a robust carrying case for protection. YouTube · Conversely, the LCD-3 is heavy at roughly...Read more

auriculares-hifi.com

22/01/2014

Audeze LCD-X vs LCD-2 Rev2 vs LCD-3 Fazor Review Analysis

This review analyzes the high-end Audeze LCD-X planar magnetic headphones, comparing them extensively to the warmer LCD-2 Rev2 and the luxury LCD-3 Fazor (2014) models using an Audio-Gd NFB-28 amplifier. The standout feature of the LCD-X is its remarkably low impedance of 22 ohms and a high sensitivity of 96 dB/1 mW, making it incredibly easy to drive compared to its siblings. In...Read more

hdphonic.com

12/01/2014

Audeze LCD-3 Review by HDPhonic

The Audeze LCD-3 is a high-end open-back planar magnetic headphone praised for its exceptional musicality, natural sound signature, and lifelike audio reproduction. Utilizing an advanced planar magnetic driver setup with an array of magnets surrounding a micro-thin film diaphragm, it delivers a highly realistic representation of vocals and acoustic instruments. Reviewers highlight...Read more

audiogamma.it

Not explicitly dated (Audio Review n. 404)

Lehmann Audio Linear - Listening test with Audeze LCD-3

The Lehmann Audio Linear is a high-end Class A headphone amplifier praised for its exceptional build quality and robust power delivery, capable of driving demanding headphones like the HiFiMan Susvara with rich harmonics and a fatigue-free sound. Its internal construction is highly professional, featuring discrete components, an Alps Blue potentiometer, Wima capacitors, and a...Read more

audiogamma.it

Not explicitly dated (Audio Review n. 400)

Pro-Ject Head Box DS2 B - Listening test with Audeze LCD-3

The Pro-Ject Head Box DS2 B is evaluated as a highly accurate, versatile, and compact dual-mono headphone amplifier that reflects the brand's core mission of delivering an exceptionally high quality-to-price ratio. Constructed with a premium aluminum chassis and an analog Alps volume potentiometer, the device utilizes a pair of Texas Instruments TPA6120A microchips to push out a...Read more

alpha-audio.net

21/02/2019

Multitest headphones - Headphone Heaven Fieldtrip - Level 3", "Review: Audeze LCD-3 planar magnetic headphones", "Audeze LCD-3: the new king?", "Audez...

Alpha Audio's level 3, high-end headphone shootout highlights premium planar magnetic models, including the Meze Empyrean, Hifiman HE1000SE, and Final D8000, with focus on superior build and innovative drivers. The Meze Empyrean excels with a unique dual-voice-coil, carbon-titanium build, while the Final D8000 utilizes a proprietary Air Film Damping System (AFDS) for improved bass....Read more

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