Your moment has arrived if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a pair of Audeze headphones without spending a small fortune. Audeze, the well-known audio company famous for its high-end planar magnetic headphones, has revealed its most affordable option yet in the LCD series—the new LCD-S20.
This release marks a turning point for the brand, as the LCD-S20 brings the company’s top-tier technology to a much more accessible price. Despite the more modest cost, it includes features usually found only in Audeze’s flagship models, including the impressive SLAM technology.
New SLAM tech at a lower price
The LCD-S20’s biggest highlight is its inclusion of Audeze’s SLAM tech, short for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator. This advanced feature debuted in the premium CRBN2 headphones, which are currently priced at around S$7,000. With the LCD-S20, you’re getting this same cutting-edge technology at a fraction of the cost.
So, what does SLAM do? It improves the performance of the low frequencies. The headphones can relieve pressure on the speaker’s diaphragm by drilling acoustic channels into the ring that connects the earpads to the drivers. This setup doesn’t affect the important seal provided by the earpads, which is key to delivering that deep, rich bass. At the same time, it helps create a more accurate soundstage—something that’s not easy to achieve with closed-back headphones.
It’s a big deal that Audeze has brought SLAM to a midrange product. It signals a potential shift in how the company will design its future products, bringing high-end audio quality to more people.
Designed for serious sound work
The LCD-S20 stands out in another way—it’s one of only four closed-back headphones in Audeze’s current range. Closed-back headphones are great for professional use, especially in studio settings where sound isolation matters. The LCD-S20 is aimed at studio professionals who need accurate sound for tracking and recording.
If the LCD-S20’s look reminds you of something, you’re not imagining things. It shares the same design as the Audeze Maxwell, which was built for gamers. While the Maxwell is tuned for gaming environments, the LCD-S20 is all about delivering studio-level sound.
Under the hood, you’ll find more impressive features. It includes Audeze’s Fluxor magnetic array and Uniforce diaphragm, which help provide clear, balanced sound. The headphones have an impedance of 18 ohms and a sensitivity of 93 dB/1mW. They’re built to last, too, though you’ll notice their solid weight—they come in at 550 grams.
The earpads attach magnetically for convenience, making them easy to remove or replace. Both ear cups have 3.5mm jacks to choose the best cable setup for your space.
Release details and pricing
The Audeze LCD-S20 is expected to be available in mid-May for S$779 (about US$575). It will be available through AV One’s online store and shops on Lazada and Shopee.
Whether you’re an audio professional or enjoy top-notch sound, the LCD-S20 allows you to experience Audeze’s premium tech without breaking the bank. It’s a promising step towards more affordable high-end audio.
