Audeze LCD-3 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Audeze LCD-3 is one of those rare HiFi products that has remained relevant for well over a decade.

Originally introduced in 2011, the LCD-3 helped establish Audeze as one of the defining names in high-end planar magnetic headphones. It has continued to evolve over the years, but its purpose hasn't really changed: deliver serious resolution without taking the music out of the experience.

The LCD-3 is rich, spacious and powerful, with deep bass, a natural midrange and the kind of scale that makes you want to keep listening.

106mm Planar Magnetic Driver

At the heart of the LCD-3 is a massive 106mm planar magnetic transducer.

Rather than using the voice coil and cone found in a conventional dynamic headphone, Audeze distributes the conductive elements across an ultra-thin diaphragm suspended within a powerful magnetic field.

The large surface area and extremely low moving mass allow the diaphragm to respond quickly and evenly to the musical signal.

That translates into excellent transient response, low distortion and exceptional low-frequency control.

Powerful, Authoritative Bass

Bass has always been one of the defining characteristics of Audeze's planar magnetic headphones, and the LCD-3 is no exception.

The large planar driver can reach deep without relying on exaggerated midbass to create the impression of weight.

Bass instruments have texture and definition, but they also have the physical scale and authority that makes music involving.

It's one of the reasons the LCD-3 remains such an enjoyable headphone for everything from jazz and acoustic recordings to rock, electronic and orchestral music.

Natural Midrange

The LCD-3 isn't designed around clinical analysis.

Its strength is combining resolution with a rich, natural presentation.

Vocals have body. Acoustic instruments retain their tonal character. Small details are easy to hear without constantly calling attention to themselves.

That balance is a big part of why the LCD-3 has remained a favorite even as newer Audeze models have pushed technical performance further.

Fazor Phase Management

Audeze's Fazor technology helps manage the sound waves traveling through the headphone's magnetic structure.

The Fazor elements guide acoustic energy as it leaves the diaphragm, helping reduce interference and improve phase behavior.

The result is better imaging, greater clarity and a more convincing sense of space.

Open-Back Soundstage

The LCD-3 uses a fully open-back design, allowing the planar drivers to interact freely with the surrounding air.

That creates a larger, more natural presentation than you typically hear from a closed-back headphone.

The LCD-3 is especially good at presenting music with a sense of real-world scale rather than forcing everything into the space immediately around your head.

110-Ohm Impedance

The LCD-3 has a nominal impedance of:

110 ohms

Sensitivity is rated at:

101dB / 1mW

Audeze specifies a minimum amplifier power of greater than 100mW and recommends more than 250mW.

But the numbers don't tell the whole story.

The LCD-3 responds extremely well to better amplification, and its 110-ohm impedance makes it an interesting match for both high-quality solid-state and vacuum-tube headphone amplifiers.

This is one of those headphones where amplifier matching can become part of the fun.

10Hz–50kHz Frequency Response

The LCD-3 has a specified frequency response of:

10Hz–50kHz

Maximum output exceeds:

130dB SPL

Total harmonic distortion is rated at:

Less than 0.1% at 100dB SPL

Maximum power handling is:

5 watts RMS

Those numbers are impressive, but they're not really why you buy an LCD-3.

You buy it because of what that engineering does for the music.

Handcrafted Zebrawood Rings

The LCD-3's zebrawood rings are one of its defining visual features.

Each set is handcrafted in the USA, with the wood selected and matched for grain and color.

Subtle gold accents complement the natural zebrawood and give the LCD-3 a warmer, more traditional luxury appearance than some of Audeze's newer designs.

Because real wood is used, every pair has its own natural variation.

Built for Serious Listening

Large premium ear pads surround the ears, while Audeze's ventilated suspension headband distributes the headphone's weight across the head.

At:

635 grams

the LCD-3 is a substantial headphone.

This isn't something designed primarily around portability. It's a full-size reference headphone intended for a dedicated listening setup where sound quality comes first.

Key Specifications

• Type: Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Style: Over-Ear / Circumaural
• Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic
• Transducer Size: 106mm
• Diaphragm: Ultra-Thin
• Magnetic Structure: Proprietary Magnet Array
• Magnet Type: Neodymium N50
• Phase Management: Fazor
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–50kHz
• Impedance: 110 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 101dB / 1mW
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 100dB
• Minimum Amplifier Power: >100mW
• Recommended Amplifier Power: >250mW
• Maximum Power Handling: 5W RMS
• Ear Cup Rings: Zebrawood
• Weight: 635g
• Cable: 4-Pin XLR
• 6.3mm Adapter: Included
• 3.5mm Adapter: Included
• Travel Case: Included

Where the LCD-3 Fits

The LCD-3 occupies an interesting place in the current Audeze lineup.

The newer LCD-5s pushes further toward ultimate resolution, speed and reference-level accuracy.

The LCD-3 takes a slightly different approach.

It's still extremely resolving, but its personality is built around musicality, body, scale and long-term listening.

That makes it an excellent choice for someone who wants a truly high-end planar magnetic headphone but doesn't necessarily want every listening session to feel like they're evaluating a recording.

Sometimes you just want to put on an album and disappear into it.

That's where the LCD-3 makes a lot of sense.

Experience the Audeze LCD-3 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Audeze and high-performance personal audio expert in Houston, Texas.

The LCD-3 is also a perfect example of why we don't believe high-end headphones should be chosen from specifications alone.

Amplifier matching matters.

A quality solid-state amplifier can emphasize control, dynamics and transparency, while the right tube amplifier can make the LCD-3's rich midrange and spacious presentation even more compelling.

The DAC and source feeding that amplifier matter too.

The Grid can help you compare the LCD-3 with other Audeze models and reference headphones, then match it with the right DAC and headphone amplifier for the way you actually listen.

Come listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Audeze LCD-3 and let us help build the right headphone system around it.