UPDATE:
After dropping the headphones from my desk (I blame my chair for catching the cord as I was getting up, and pulling the cord), one side of the headphone broke. After a bit of digging, and I’m sure this would be apparent to anyone who has used Magnetic Planar Headphones before, this can cause a little pressure change.
Turns out, the sudden jolt tore the diaphragm in the left earphone. Whoops. But regardless, just wanted to update the review to say that durability is an issue. As it would be with all headphones of this technology. So user be warned if you are not gentle with headphones. And seeing how these would be the entry point into multiple $1000 headphones, this may be the first time you have heard this.
I am currently waiting to see if I could purchase just a replacement headphone from the company, but will update further.
Original Review:
Recently on the show, you may have noticed we switched up our headphone game. Well, the jury is in, and we are ready to announce the verdict. The LCD-1 Headphones by Audeze are a masterpiece for productivity.
Gorgeous, I know, Relax.
LCD-1 Headphones, the most defining feature is the fact that they are open-back. The difference between an open-back and a closed-back headphone is going to be the amount of sound coming from your surroundings. Some headphones want to completely immerse you in the sound. To lock you away from the world and surround you in the audio. But open-back allows you to keep an ear to your environment, as well as have supreme audio quality.
Why I Wanted Open-Back
In the studio, I can rely on a degree of isolation while we do the show. But I personally don’t like the isolation effect closed-back headphones had. If there is a source of audio that I didn’t control for, I need to know about it fast. Whether it be a door left open, a device beeping in the background, and so on. I can’t afford to block that out. Because the microphone definitely won’t. But, the audio from my system is just as important. Which is why the LCD-1’s were the perfect solution. The depth and range of sound that comes from the LCD-1’s while mixing audio, without compromising my awareness of my studio.
The Headphone Quality
I tried to show in the photos the quality, but I think just photographing it doesn’t do it justice. The unboxing was like a gift, the travel case is sturdy, and all the parts, even the cable, earn their keep. The photo of the leather is subtle, but it is very high grade, and soft while letting your ears not overheat.
Safe to say, one could wear these for many hours (and I have), without suffering like other headphones on the market. The cable is braided and very sturdy, though it does have a habit of kinking on me. And there’s never a fear of being too rough, as they bend in all the right places.
These Are An Investment
Many people will wrinkle their nose at the idea of investing in headphones. Sure, there are earbuds that can get you from A to B, and headphones that you can pull from the garage that have been there for 20 years. But to feel and tell the difference the magnetic planar technology makes in sound is surreal. I don’t listen to much music, but I can safely say, after the LCD-1 and Amazon Music HD, I get it. I get it.
The Verdict
Amazing. Unique. Quality. Expensive. I know I haven’t mentioned the price yet, but these do come with a premium price tag of $399. Now this same company has headphones in the thousands. So this would be considered mid-range for them, or even entry level for high end headphones. But it will seem a steep step for those who this may be their first time with a headset like this. But if you need a travel pair of headphones, and you truly value that balance of sound, functionality, and utility. I’d highly recommend these.
