New Audeze LCD-4z are easy-to-drive high-end headphones

Audeze’s flagship LCD headphone series (which in our experience is the highlight of the US brand’s catalogue) has come a long way since the LCD-4 planar magnetic headphones first launched in 2015. The company has now introduced a ‘collectable’ version, and several LCD models to sit beneath it.

Today, Audeze has announced its latest spin on the LCD-4: a lighter, easier-to-drive variant called LCD-4z.

MORE: Audeze LCD-3 review

Audeze says the LCD-4zs share the same technology as the originals (which continue in the line-up) – including the 106mm planar magnetic driver - but are 25% lighter, thanks to a magnesium ring design.

They also have a 15ohm impedance (compared to the LCD4’s 200ohm design), which should make them much easier for portable music players and smartphones to drive.

The LCD-4z are equipped with 4-pin mini-XLR jacks and come with a 1/4in-to-dual 4-pin mini-XLR premium LCD headphone cable, as well as a travel case.

Priced at £3599 (matching the LCD-4s), the new model will be available later this month.

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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.