Audeze
LCD-3 Headphones
$1,945.00 USDFeatures
110-ohm impedance pairs well with tube and solid-state amplifiers
Beautiful zebrawood rings handcrafted in U.S.A.
Premium earpads and ventilated suspension headband
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The Audeze LCD-3 open-back hi-fi headphones blend cutting-edge planar magnetic technology with continuous design feedback from sound engineers and audiophiles. This collaboration results in headphones that deliver unparalleled audio accuracy and exceptional sound quality. Audeze’s meticulous manufacturing process, utilizing advanced materials and state-of-the-art technology, ensures that each pair of LCD-3 headphones provides an immersive listening experience. The LCD-3 also features the latest steel and leather suspension headband, offering enhanced durability and comfort for extended listening sessions. With a focus on precision and high-fidelity sound, the LCD-3 headphones are perfect for both professional and personal use.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Audeze LCD-3 Headphones with the Silver Dragon Premium Cable for Audeze Headphones. The Silver Dragon will give a big boost in instrument separation and detail. You'll get added clarity with some top-end sizzle. It's a wonderful match for the warmer and bottom-heavy LCD-2 and LCD-3. If you really enjoy critical listening, or your audio system leans warm or dark, then the Silver Dragon will be a good choice. It's a great cable for classical, jazz, and other genres with nuanced instrumentation.
Unsurpassed Sound
The Audeze LCD-3 headphones deliver the pinnacle of audio excellence, featuring unmatched bass extension, outstanding treble clarity, and the finest mid-range performance available in headphones. Thanks to the relentless dedication of our research and development team, we have built upon the success of our flagship LCD-2 model to create the LCD-3. By refining our planar magnetic technology, we have made the diaphragm even thinner and enhanced its control with a more efficient magnetic structure. This results in superior sound accuracy, dynamic range, and an immersive listening experience that captivates audiophiles and professionals alike.
Design and Construction
The Audeze LCD-3 headphones represent the zenith of audio engineering, offering unparalleled sound quality with deep bass extension, exceptional treble clarity, and the finest mid-range performance available. The ear cups are crafted from precision-selected Zebrano wood, known for its striking light-to-dark color variation and natural warmth. This hand-selected wood, combined with the luxurious premium lambskin leather ear pads, adds a touch of elegance and ensures superior comfort. The ear pads are designed with specially crafted foam to provide the perfect balance of firmness and acoustic integrity.
Praised as the greatest headphone in the world, the LCD-3 was Audeze's highest-resolution model at the time it was released, featuring the longest voice coil and the strongest driving force on its diaphragm. Positioned at the pinnacle of the LCD Collection, the LCD-3 delivers dynamic sound and a wide, immersive soundstage, creating a deep emotional connection with the music. To achieve the best performance, it is recommended to drive the LCD-3 with a high-quality external headphone amplifier or integrated amp, as its impedance is 110 ohms.
The LCD-3 offers the highest-resolution music experience of all Audeze headphones. Its sound is consistently musical, spacious, and ultra-realistic, with powerful bass, a rich and engaging midrange, and a captivating top end that draws listeners into the music. Pairing the LCD-3 with an external headphone amplifier will yield the best results, ensuring a truly immersive listening experience.
When Audeze set out to design the LCD-3 professional reference headphones, the goal was to create the best headphones with no compromise in sound quality. The LCD-3 embodies this vision with innovations and new approaches that push the boundaries of audio technology. It features a proprietary thin-film diaphragm housed between a unique, super-efficient push-pull magnetic structure. This advanced design, combined with the precision-crafted Zebrano wood (Zebra wood) ear cups and premium lambskin leather ear pads, results in a headphone that is not only visually stunning but also delivers the highest level of audio fidelity. The LCD-3 is a testament to Audeze's commitment to delivering extraordinary products through continuous research and innovation.
"I tried a Moon [Audio] Silver Dragon on my LCD3s (formerly using Black Dragons, which I liked a lot also). Findings:
-Major improvement in the bass, which is clearer with more detail and more transparent and well-integrated with the rest of the spectrum.
-More detail in the mids without any harshness or abrasion.
-Highs nice and extended but not piercing; also fuller highs.
A superb cable for the LCD3s, now making them a top phone for me."
- Rick | 11/14/12
Features
- Fazor Technology: Utilizes Audeze's Fazor elements to enhance clarity and imaging, providing an immersive and precise audio experience.
- Ultra-Thin Diaphragm: Features a proprietary ultra-thin diaphragm, delivering superior transient response and reduced distortion for a highly detailed and accurate sound.
- Planar Magnetic Drivers: Incorporates advanced planar magnetic drivers for exceptional sound quality, characterized by deep bass, rich mids, and extended high frequencies.
- Luxurious Build: Crafted with premium materials, including hand-selected zebra wood rings and soft lambskin leather ear pads, ensuring both durability and luxurious comfort.
- Open-Back Design: Offers an expansive and natural soundstage, making the LCD-3 ideal for critical listening and professional audio applications.
What’s in the box?
- LCD-3 planar magnetic headphone
- 4-pin XLR Cable
- 4-pin XLR to 1/4" TRS adapter cable
- 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter
- Standard LCD Travel Case
- User guide, warranty card and certificate of authenticity
FAQ
What distinguishes the Audeze LCD-3 headphones from other models?
The Audeze LCD-3 headphones are known for their exceptional sound quality, characterized by deep bass, rich midrange, and smooth treble. They feature planar magnetic drivers that deliver detailed and immersive audio, making them a favorite among audiophiles.
Are the Audeze LCD-3 headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, the LCD-3 headphones are designed for comfort, featuring plush ear pads made from premium lambskin leather or a vegan option. The headphones also have an ergonomic headband that evenly distributes weight, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort.
What type of sound signature do the Audeze LCD-3 headphones have?
The LCD-3 headphones offer a warm and balanced sound signature with deep, controlled bass, lush midrange, and smooth, detailed highs. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music genres and particularly enjoyable for critical listening.
Do the Audeze LCD-3 headphones require an external amplifier?
While the LCD-3 headphones can be driven by portable devices, they benefit significantly from being used with a high-quality external amplifier. An amplifier enhances their performance, delivering greater detail and dynamic range.
What is the impedance of the Audeze LCD-3 headphones?
The impedance of the LCD-3 headphones is 110 ohms, which means they require a powerful source or amplifier to achieve their full potential.
Are the ear pads on the Audeze LCD-3 headphones replaceable?
Yes, the ear pads on the LCD-3 headphones are replaceable. This allows users to maintain the headphones over time and ensure continued comfort and optimal sound quality.
What materials are used in the construction of the Audeze LCD-3 headphones?
The LCD-3 headphones feature premium materials, including real wood ear cups and a robust metal frame. The ear pads are made from either luxurious lambskin leather or a high-quality vegan alternative.
Do the Audeze LCD-3 headphones come with a carrying case?
Yes, the LCD-3 headphones come with a sturdy carrying case, providing protection and convenience for storage and transport.
What types of music genres are best suited for the Audeze LCD-3 headphones?
The LCD-3 headphones are versatile and perform well across a variety of music genres. They are particularly well-suited for genres that benefit from a rich midrange and detailed high frequencies, such as classical, jazz, and acoustic music.
How do the Audeze LCD-3 headphones compare to the LCD-X and LCD-2 models?
The LCD-3 headphones are often praised for their warm and musical sound signature, while the LCD-X is known for its neutrality and accurate sound reproduction, making it ideal for professional use. The LCD-2 offers a more budget-friendly option with a slightly different sound profile that emphasizes bass and midrange warmth. Each model caters to different listening preferences and needs.
Technical Features
- Style
- Open circumaural
- Transducer type
- Planar magnetic
- Magnetic structure
- Proprietary push-pull design
- Magnet type
- Neodymium
- Transducer active diaphragm area
- 39.8 cm2 (6.17 in2)
- Maximum power handling
- 15W (for 200ms)
- Sound pressure level
- >130dB with 15W
- Frequency response
- 5Hz – 20kHz extended out to 50kHz
- Total harmonic distortion
- <1% through entire frequency range
- Impedance
- 110 ohms
- Efficiency
- 102dB / 1mW
- Optimal power requirement
- 1 – 4W
*Warranty is 1 year for parts, 3 years for drivers from date of purchase. Warranty is ONLY valid if product is purchased from an authorized dealer such as Moon Audio.