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Audeze Unleashes LCD-S20: Closed-Back Planar Headphones with Game-Changing SLAM Tech

At $499, the Audeze LCD-S20 are the first planar magnetic headphones to feature the company’s proprietary SLAM technology.

Audeze LCD-S20 Closed-back Headphones

Audeze today announced one of its most affordable headphones which feature game-changing SLAM technology, first introduced in the company’s flagship $6,000 CRBN2 Electrostatic headphones. Arriving at only $499, Audeze’s new LCD-S20 closed-back wired headphones offer studio-grade sound for professionals and audiophiles.

Upon first glance the LCD-S20 share a lot in common with Audeze’s award-wining Maxwell Gaming Headset. Although they are built on the same chassis — similar size, styling, and headband — the similarities end there.

audeze-lcd-s20-hero-right
Audeze LCD-S20

Peter James, Audeze Head of Marketing explains, “The drivers, earpads, ear cups are new, and being that it’s an analog product, the internal structure is extremely different. LCD-S20 has greater acoustic isolation than Maxwell due to internal acoustic damping and the cloth-covered earcups. The lack of internal electronics and battery compared to Maxwell gives greater leeway for acoustic tuning. And of course, LCD-S20 adds SLAM, which Maxwell does not have, giving a boost in both bass performance and overall detail and soundstaging/imaging performance.”

So although LCD-S20 resemble Maxwell, I wouldn’t classify them as gaming headphones. They’re actually studio headphones, but could certainly appeal to audiophiles.

audeze-lcd-s20-top

I got a quick first listen at Audeze’s launch event last week, and thought they leaned towards a “professional” sound signature — neutral and balanced with plenty of detail. However, the pre-production unit was connected to about a $10K Holo Audio May/Bliss DAC/Amp stack, that almost certainly contributed to their clarity. Final thoughts will be reserved until we test out a production unit with a variety of gear.

What is SLAM?

SLAM, short for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator, is a breakthrough technology Audeze first introduced in 2024 with their flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphone. By using precisely engineered acoustic channels, SLAM enhances low-frequency performance while promoting more linear and controlled diaphragm movement.

audeze-lcd-s20-details-slam

Now making its debut in a planar magnetic headphone, SLAM gives the LCD-S20 a significant edge—delivering deeper, more natural bass and improved clarity across the soundstage. The result is a more lifelike, immersive listening experience that sets a new standard for closed-back headphones in its class.

Marriage of SLAM and Maxwell?

The Audeze LCD-S20 is engineered for long-term comfort and everyday usability, featuring plush, supportive synthetic leather earpads and a matching head strap—both user-replaceable. It’s also the first Audeze headphone to incorporate a new magnetic earpad attachment system, allowing for fast, tool-free pad replacements or swaps.

To further enhance convenience, the LCD-S20 includes a detachable single-sided cable that can connect to either earcup, offering flexible cable routing to suit a wide range of setups and preferences.

audeze-lcd-s20-details-earcup

Built on the same robust chassis that debuted with the highly acclaimed Maxwell headset in 2022, the LCD-S20 combines a spring-steel headband, forged aluminum yokes, and durable, glass-infused nylon components for long-lasting performance. The earcups are finished in an elegant woven cloth, giving the headphone a refined, premium look. Inside, Audeze’s 90mm planar magnetic drivers—handcrafted in Southern California—employ signature technologies like Fluxor magnets, Fazor waveguides, and Uniforce voice coils to deliver the brand’s hallmark low-distortion, high-resolution sound.

Comparison

MaxwellLCD-S20LCD-XC
Released202220252013
Product TypeOver-ear, Wireless Gaming Headset (Closed-back)Over-ear, Closed-Back HeadphonesOver-ear, Closed-Back Headphones
Price$299/$329$499$1,299
Connection TypeWired, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Ultra-Low LatencyWiredWired
Transducer TypePlanar magneticPlanar magneticPlanar magnetic
Magnetic StructureFluxor™ magnet arrayFluxor™ magnet arrayFluxor™ magnet array
Magnet typeNeodymium N50Neodymium N50Neodymium N50
Phase ManagementFazor™Fazor™Fazor™
Acoustic ManagementSLAM™
Diaphragm TypeUltra-Thin Uniforce™Ultra-Thin Uniforce™Ultra-Thin Uniforce™
Transducer Size90 mm90 mm106 mm
Maximum SPL>120dB>120dB>130dB
Frequency Response10Hz – 50kHz10Hz – 40kHz10Hz – 50kHz
THD<0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW)<0.1% @ 100dB SPL, 1kHz<0.1% @ 100dB SPL, 1kHz
ImpedanceN/A18 ohms20 ohms
SensitivityN/A93 dB/1mW (@ Drum Reference Point)100 dB/1mW (@ Drum Reference Point)
Maximum Power HandlingN/A5W RMS5W RMS
Minimum Power RequirementN/A>100mW>100mW
Recommended Power LevelN/A>250mW>250mW
Weight490g550g677g
audeze-lcd-s20-headphones-on-stand-angle

The Bottom Line

The Audeze LCD-S20 represents a bold new direction for the acclaimed headphone brand, bringing its signature planar magnetic sound to a broader audience with its most accessible LCD model to date. Priced at $499, the LCD-S20 combines high-end engineering and thoughtful design with groundbreaking innovations, making it ideal for budding music producers, gamers, and audiophiles who require closed-back isolation without compromising on sound quality.

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Innovative usability features—such as a new magnetic earpad attachment system, user-swappable single-sided cable, and a rugged yet comfortable chassis inspired by the Maxwell gaming headset—round out the LCD-S20’s forward-thinking approach — our review sample is forthcoming.

audeze-lcd-s20-gallery-front

Price & Availability

The LCD-S20 is available for $499 at Audeze.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Anton “Tariffs? What tariffs” Xi

    April 11, 2025 at 1:31 am

    Audeze was a rather solid acquisition by Sony. They will give the Japanese giant a huge advantage in the coming years. Other high-end headphone brands are in big trouble.

    • Ian White

      April 11, 2025 at 1:58 am

      Not only was it smart but it gave Sony access to technology that they would never otherwise have. Sony has already integrated it into the headphones we just reviewed and you will see a lot more of that.

      Audeze has access now to marketing resources that other high-end headphones brand could only dream of. Not to mention capital.

      IW

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