Overview

The Audeze LCD-S20 is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone that brings Audeze's studio-trusted sound to an affordable, everyday design. A 90mm Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm sits inside a Fluxor magnet array with SLAM acoustic tuning, delivering extended, punchy bass that stays clean even at higher volumes. Acoustically dampened, cloth-covered earcups block outside noise and prevent microphone bleed, while an 18-ohm design makes it easy to drive from a phone, laptop, or audio interface.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The LCD-S20 is Audeze's first affordable closed-back model, built for anyone who wants studio-grade detail without needing a dedicated amplifier or a treated room.

• Closed-back design blocks outside noise and keeps sound from leaking into a microphone
• Low 18-ohm impedance drives easily from phones, laptops, and interfaces
• Magnetically attached earpads make swapping or replacing them simple

Best for the Audeze LCD-S20: use it for vocal or instrument tracking sessions where you need strong isolation from the mix playing in your headphones — its closed-back design is built specifically to prevent that bleed from reaching a nearby microphone.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Closed-Back Planar Design: Combines Audeze's planar magnetic sound with sealed earcups for noise isolation most open-back headphones can't offer.
• SLAM Acoustic Technology: Delivers dynamic, extended bass that stays controlled even at higher volumes.
• 18-Ohm, High-Output Drivers: Perform well with phones, laptops, mixers, and interfaces without needing a separate amplifier.

What Makes It Different

Most closed-back headphones trade sound quality for isolation. The LCD-S20 uses the same planar magnetic driver approach found in Audeze's higher-end studio headphones, so it keeps a natural, detailed sound while still sealing out the room around you.

Technical Highlights

• 90mm Planar Magnetic Driver: Delivers a 10Hz-40kHz frequency response with less than 0.1% THD at 100dB SPL.
• Magnesium, Aluminum, and Steel Build: A durable chassis with magnetically attached, gel-filled earpads for comfort.
• Dual-Entry Cable Connection: The included cable connects to either earcup, whichever side is more convenient for your setup.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Home Studio Owner: Anyone tracking vocals or instruments who needs strong isolation from a live mix.
• The Everyday Listener: Music fans who want Audeze's sound without needing a dedicated headphone amp.
• The First-Time Planar Buyer: A more accessible entry point into Audeze's planar magnetic lineup.

Ideal Use Case

• Vocal and Instrument Tracking: Where mic bleed from open-back headphones would be a problem.
• Everyday Listening: Driven easily from a phone, laptop, or portable DAC.
• Shared Spaces: Where isolation matters more than an open soundstage.

What To Pair It With

• An Audio Interface or Mixer: For tracking sessions where isolation is the priority.
• A Phone or Laptop: Its low impedance means no separate amp is required for everyday listening.
• A Portable DAC/Amp: For a cleaner signal path when listening on the go.

Alternative Options

The LCD-S20 trades some soundstage width for isolation, which is the nature of any closed-back design. If an open, spacious soundstage matters more to you than isolation, the LCD-3 or LCD-X are worth a look instead.