On this article we have a look at the high-end Audeze LCD-4z reference headphone. It’s promoting for $3,995 USD.
Disclaimer: The Audeze LCD-4z was despatched to me by Audeze instantly, in change for our sincere evaluate. Audeze will not be associated to Headfonia in any manner.
Audeze
For those who’ve been following the non-public audio world for the final 10+ years, then Audeze will ring many bells. The California, USA primarily based firm fully modified and upped the headphone recreation to new ranges. Bio from the Audeze web site:
Audeze’s origins return to 2008 when founders Sankar Thiagasamudram and Alexander Rosson met engineer Pete Uka who developed specialised versatile circuit supplies for NASA. They shortly realized the fabric could be good for headphones. And the remaining is historical past.
Since then, Audeze has launched many profitable audiophile headphones and IEMs and currently they had been focusing so much on their gaming headphones. We’ve reviewed virtually all of the Audeze products right here on Headfonia, the newest ones being the Maxwell and MM-100. For those who’re not aware of Audeze’s LCD and different headphones, then I strongly counsel to learn up on them first.
On this evaluate we’re trying out the Audeze LCD-4z, let’s get began.
Planar Magnetic Know-how
Because the LCD-4z is a planar magnetic expertise headphone, we’re giving a really quick abstract of the tech for these not aware of it.
Audeze function proprietary planar magnetic designs with extraordinarily thin-film driver supplies and highly effective customized magnets. Planars overcome many limitations inherent in typical cone drivers; our light-weight diaphragms are, for instance, sooner and extra responsive than heavier moving-coil or dome drivers. Planar magnetic diaphragm even have a voice-coil circuit unfold throughout the diaphragm floor. The diaphragm’s voice-coil circuit interacts with the magnetic subject to provide an electromagnetic power that strikes the diaphragm backwards and forwards creating the sound you hear when energized by an audio sign.
If you wish to learn extra concerning the expertise, you are able to do this right here:
https://www.audeze.com/blogs/technology-and-innovation
https://www.audeze.com/blogs/technology-and-innovation/planar-magnetic-technology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headphones#Planar_Magnetic
Audeze LCD-4z
Let’s be clear that the LCD-4z isn’t a brand new headphone, it nonetheless has been up to date in comparison with the unique model. The LCD-4z’s devoted web site will be discovered here.
On the coronary heart of each open-back LCD-4z is Audeze’s strongest double-Fluxor magnetic array, which controls a specialised diaphragm comprised of their nano-scale movie (superior 106mm nano-scale driver). These technical improvements – in line with Audeze – imply that the LCD-4z is able to extremely exact sound copy whereas not requiring a devoted headphone amplifier. At solely 15ohms impedance and 98dB sensitivity, the LCD-4z in principle is suitable with nearly any machine with a headphone jack. However extra on that later.
Superior 106mm nano-scale driver for unbelievable decision and musicality
The LCD-4z cable is specifically tuned with directional OCC high-purity copper strands that present a low capacitance and low resistance path for the sign to journey out of your amp to the drivers, sustaining unsurpassed readability and precision. It comes commonplace with an XLR terminated cable for a balanced system or use it with the only ended adapter.
Value, Field & Equipment
The LCD-4z is knowledgeable, reference headphone and it has a powerful price-tag of $3,995 USD, placing it within the high-end tier.
The LCD-4z in principle comes delivered with a very nice journey case and a premium 2.5m 4-pin balanced XLR cable with each a 4-Pin XLR to 1/4″ in addition to a 1/4″ to three.5mm single-ended adapter. You additionally get a Certificates of Authenticity and the standard Guarantee Card (See User Guides). Our evaluate model got here with the cable, one adapter to 1/4″, each playing cards and a set of keys for the exhausting case.
It’s a full package deal which you in fact anticipate at this worth level.
Design, Construct High quality
The Audeze LCD-4z appears to be like like a typical old-school Audeze headphone however when taking a better look you’ll uncover it really is sort of particular.
The LCD-4z incorporates a cast-magnesium chassis and yokes, a carbon fiber headband, in addition to real leather-based earcups and head strap. I actually just like the particular gold-accented panels and particulars, logos, and rods. This most likely is essentially the most luxurious trying Audeze within the line-up.
Every LCD-4z is rigorously assembled and examined by the Audeze consultants of their California workshop. I can’t discover any flaws concerning construct high quality, however that isn’t actually a shock as I noticed how the manufacturing unit operates once I visited it final yr.
The LCD-4z will get high marks once more right here.
Match, Consolation and Isolation
This model of the legendary LCD-4 incorporates a new magnesium chassis design which is over 20% lighter for larger consolation. That mentioned the LCD-4z nonetheless weighs a hefty 560g,making it one of many heaviest high-end headphones in the marketplace. The carbon fiber suspension headband and ventilated leather-based head strap do a wonderful job distributing the load over your head, however you may’t make all the load disappear. That is particularly noticeable with longer listening periods.
The broad, deep ear cushions cradle your head and ears in gentle premium leather-based, however I really discover them a tad too gentle, and my left ear usually touches the internal facet which annoys me. I clearly choose the more durable old-school pads like the ones from Dekoni. This in fact is private so you possibly can love these gentle cushions the LCD-4z comes with. When taking part in with the headphone in your head, you can too hear the drivers flex, one thing I haven’t skilled in a very long time.
From a facet strain perspective, I really feel Audeze hits the candy spot with this one. It’s a snug type of strain and simply sufficient to maintain the headphone in your head when shifting round or bending over to modify cables on the again of your gear
Isolation smart, as that is an open-back headphone, your entire music will leak out and all outdoors noise will leak in. It is strongly recommended for use in silent environments.
Sound – Intro
That is the part during which we verify how the businesses describe the sound of their very own items. For The Audeze LCD-4z we discover the next:
The LCD-4z instantly envelops you in your favourite music, with voicing that’s tuneful however detailed, exact but entertaining. The delicate midrange heat attracts you in to the music, whereas the highly effective low finish gives foundational groove and vitality. The broad, nuanced soundstage immerses you in a reside sound expertise each time you hit play.
Let’s discover out if we will comply with that!
Sound – Normal
I in fact listened to the LCD-4z in a large number of setups as you will notice later on this article. DACs used had been the Musician Aquarius and the Violectric V850, streaming music from my native library and Tidal, utilizing ROON.
Initially I need to point out that the 4z is quite clear, it would present you the impression of adjusting elements. It’s additionally not forgiving with regards to unhealthy high quality recordsdata or recordings, the precept of “Crap in, crap out” applies right here.
The Audeze LCD-4z is a reference performer and it doesn’t matter what you throw at it, it does every part in an easy and ear pleasing, pure manner. Its tuning is impartial to barely heat, and this works very effectively. Decision and musicality mixed, what’s to not like? So sure, the LCD-4z sounds extra easy however refined. It’s the type of high-end sound you by no means can get sufficient of, and it makes you need to take heed to increasingly more of your favourite tracks.
The LCD-4z has a pleasant soundstage in each instructions, aided by the spacious and ethereal character in each of the bass and mids part. There may be positively good depth and layering, however there are reference headphones with a greater efficiency on this regard.
The LCD-4z does have barely lifted bass, however you gained’t hear me complain about that in any respect. The 4z’s bass goes deep and it has some subs presence, but it surely’s not the most important or the one with essentially the most rumble. Bass and mids are introduced in a hotter manner, delivering the smoothness which most of us like. You get an excellent quantity of physique and weight, however by no means an excessive amount of. The LCD-4z (bass) isn’t the last word performer regarding PraT and punch, but it surely isn’t a slouch both. What I am keen on within the mids are the easygoingness, effortlessness and the vocal placement. The vocals sound pure and so they mix in completely on the stage in a really reasonable manner.
The 4z’s higher phase is on the softer facet. It’s ethereal and spacious however very safely tuned. It’s actually gentle on the ears and simple to take heed to. There may be little high finish vitality although and the treble part has restricted extension.
The 4z is a really protected guess tuning smart. For those who just like the LCD-5’s dynamics and vocal presentation, the LCD-4z gained’t fulfill your urge for food.
The half on sound continues on the second web page. Click here or use the jumps beneath.
Web page 2: Synergy, Comparisons, Conclusion, Summary, Specifications
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