Audeze LCD-S20 Closed-Back Headphones: Full Review
▼ Summary
– The Audeze LCD-S20 is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone offering excellent sound isolation, making it ideal for immersive gaming and focused listening.
– It features SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology, which enhances bass response by minimizing pressure build-up for more accurate and powerful low frequencies.
– Weighing 550 grams, the headphone has a floating band design for comfort during extended use but requires a dedicated amplifier to perform optimally due to its lower sensitivity.
– Priced at $499, it is marketed toward professionals and audiophiles but faces competition from Audeze’s own Maxwell model, which is wireless and more affordable.
– While excellent for blocking external noise and providing detailed audio, its closed-back design results in a darker tone and smaller soundstage compared to open-back alternatives.
For gamers and audio professionals seeking exceptional sound isolation without sacrificing audio fidelity, the Audeze LCD-S20 closed-back planar magnetic headphones deliver a truly immersive experience. These are not your typical gaming headsets, they lack a microphone and prioritize pure acoustic performance, making them ideal for focused listening sessions whether you’re deep in a game or analyzing a new album.
At first glance, the LCD-S20 appears substantial, even bulky, with a weight of 550 grams. Yet the floating headband design distributes that weight effectively, allowing for extended wear without discomfort. Built with professional use in mind, these headphones feature planar magnetic drivers enhanced with SLAM technology, which significantly improves bass response by managing internal pressure. This isn’t just marketing jargon, you can actually see the physical SLAM vents near the earcups, a design trickle-down from Audeze’s far more expensive models.
The closed-back construction plays a crucial role in the headphone’s performance. Unlike open-back designs, the sealed earcups prevent sound leakage and block external noise passively. This makes the LCD-S20 exceptionally effective at isolating you from your environment, whether you’re in a noisy studio or a busy home. In games like Cyberpunk 2077 or competitive titles like The Finals, this isolation enhances immersion and helps with positional audio clarity, though you’ll need an external microphone for communication.
Driving the LCD-S20 to their full potential requires more power than typical gaming headsets. With a sensitivity of 93 dB/1mW, they benefit greatly from a dedicated amplifier. When properly powered, the bass is articulate and controlled, though it leans more toward precision than overwhelming force. The overall sound signature is darker and more intimate compared to reference-oriented open-backs, which may appeal to gamers and casual listeners more than critical mixing engineers.
Priced at $499, the LCD-S20 sits in a competitive space. They outperform many wireless gaming headsets in pure sound quality and isolation, but they face stiff competition from Audeze’s own Maxwell, which offers wireless convenience at a lower cost. However, for those who value wired performance and superior passive noise isolation, the LCD-S20 represents a compelling choice.
These headphones excel in environments where external noise is an issue, and where high-fidelity sound is a priority. They’re built for dedicated listening, whether you’re gaming, producing music, or simply getting lost in a favorite track. While not the most travel-friendly or easy-to-drive option, their combination of comfort, isolation, and detailed sound makes them a standout for serious users.
(Source: PC Gamer)
