Audeze packs planar magnetic tech into compact, affordable LCD-1 headphones

Audeze brings planar magnetic tech to compact, affordable headphones
(Image credit: Audeze)

Audeze's high-end LCD line of planar magnetic over-ear headphones – renowned for its premium prices and, from what we've heard, premium performance to boot – has become more and more accessible in recent years with the introduction of the LCD2 Classics (£600/$800) and a closed-back version (£700/$900). And that trend continues with the all-new £399/$399 LCD-1s, which package planar magnetic technology into a lightweight, foldable design.  

While not wireless or even of a closed-back design, the LCD-1s come into the line-up as the most portable pair in the US brand's arsenal, weighing 250g and with the ability to fold down to a compact size that's practical enough to sling in a bag.

You can be pretty confident of an Audeze signature sound here, too, with the company's patented technologies – Ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragms, Fluxor Magnets and Fazor Wave Guides – correct and present, working to get the most from the LCD-1's 90mm Planar Magnetic drivers.

The Audeze LCDs come with a 3.5mm tangle-free braided cable and 6.3mm adapter, and are available now.

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Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.