American headphone manufacturer Audeze, now a subsidiary of Japan’s Sony, has introduced the LCD-S20, an over-ear closed headphone. This model marks Audeze’s first foray into magnetostatic headphones, featuring its proprietary SLAM technology for enhanced bass performance and improved spatial imaging, as well as a new magnetic system for attaching ear pads.
According to Audeze, the LCD-S20 will be the most budget-friendly option in its LCD lineup, aimed at attracting a fresh audience of content creators, musicians, and music enthusiasts who have long admired the brand’s planar magnetic offerings.
The launch of the LCD-S20 reflects Audeze’s growth since becoming part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, the division responsible for the PlayStation products, which has allowed the company to significantly boost its production capabilities at its Santa Ana facility in Orange County. With the ability to manufacture consistent magnetostatic drivers in larger quantities and at reduced costs, Audeze can now utilize its refined designs and industrial resources to develop appealing solutions for its core audience: musicians, producers, and audiophiles. Indeed, scaling production can be a critical factor.
SLAM is an abbreviation of Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator and is a technology introduced by Audeze in 2024 on its flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphones . The technology uses precisely tuned acoustic channels to selectively amplify low frequencies and enable more linear, precise diaphragm movement. SLAM is the first time it has been applied to a magnetostatic headphone design. According to the manufacturer, this allows the LCD-S20 to produce richer, more lifelike bass and more accurate fine detail for a more precise soundstage presentation compared to comparable closed-back headphones.
“With the LCD-S20, we’re bringing Audeze’s renowned studio-quality sound to a wider audience without sacrificing innovation or performance. The integration of our SLAM technology is a leap forward in both audio quality and user experience,” said Sankar Thiagasamudram, CEO of Audeze. “The LCD-S20 isn’t just another entry-level model into the Audeze family; it’s a testament to our commitment to making world-class audio accessible to everyone, from aspiring musicians to seasoned audiophiles,” he added.
The new LCD-S20 headphones are also designed for long-lasting comfort and convenience, with supple, supportive, user-replaceable synthetic leather ear cushions and a headband. These are the first Audeze headphones to feature a new magnetic ear cushion attachment system, allowing users to quickly and easily swap out or replace the ear cushions. Additionally, the LCD-S20 features a detachable, single-sided cable that users can connect to either the left or right ear cup to optimize cable routing for their individual use.
Audeze LCD-S20: Construction and magnetically attachable ear cushions
The LCD-S20 is built on a proven Audeze chassis that debuted in 2022 with the popular Maxwell headset , a gaming design that the company produces in the highest production numbers while offering the highest reliability and economies of scale. The design features a spring-steel headband, aluminum yokes, and premium fiberglass-reinforced nylon parts. In this particular model, the earcups are wrapped in a finely woven cloth for a premium finish.
The drivers are 90 millimeters in diameter and are all built in Audeze’s highly automated factory in California. Audeze has incorporated a number of innovations into the LCD-S20, including Fluxor magnets, Fazor waveguides and Uniforce voice coils. These ensure that the LCD-S20 delivers precise sound quality with ultra-low distortion. The frequency response ranges from 10 Hz to 40 kHz.
The LCD-S20 headphones are a large over-ear headphone that will be too big and heavy for some, at 550 grams, but will undoubtedly please anyone who appreciates build quality and Audeze’s unique magnetostatic technology.
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