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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Maxwell | LCD-S20 | LCD-XC | |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 | 2013 |
| Product Type | Over-ear, Wireless Gaming Headset (Closed-back) | Over-ear, Closed-Back Headphones | Over-ear, Closed-Back Headphones |
| Price | $299/$329 | $499 | $1,299 |
| Connection Type | Wired, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Ultra-Low Latency | Wired | Wired |
| Transducer Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Magnetic Structure | Fluxor™ magnet array | Fluxor™ magnet array | Fluxor™ magnet array |
| Magnet type | Neodymium N50 | Neodymium N50 | Neodymium N50 |
| Phase Management | Fazor™ | Fazor™ | Fazor™ |
| Acoustic Management | – | SLAM™ | – |
| Diaphragm Type | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ |
| Transducer Size | 90 mm | 90 mm | 106 mm |
| Maximum SPL | >120dB | >120dB | >130dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 50kHz | 10Hz – 40kHz | 10Hz – 50kHz |
| THD | <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW) | <0.1% @ 100dB SPL, 1kHz | <0.1% @ 100dB SPL, 1kHz |
| Impedance | N/A | 18 ohms | 20 ohms |
| Sensitivity | N/A | 93 dB/1mW (@ Drum Reference Point) | 100 dB/1mW (@ Drum Reference Point) |
| Maximum Power Handling | N/A | 5W RMS | 5W RMS |
| Minimum Power Requirement | N/A | >100mW | >100mW |
| Recommended Power Level | N/A | >250mW | >250mW |
| Weight | 490g | 550g | 677g |
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.
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.
Price & Availability
The LCD-S20 is available for $499 at Amazon or Crutchfield.
Related Reading
- Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset: Editor’s Choice
- FiiO’s Flagship FT7 Planar Magnetic Headphones Feature 106mm Driver
- HiFiMAN’s ISVARNA Planar Closed-Back Headphones Are For Bass Loving Audiophiles
- Edifier STAX Spirit S5 Planar Magnetic Headphones Review: Wireless and Audiophile?
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