In the rarefied air of flagship headphones, Audeze has once again flexed its audio muscle. The new open‑back LCD‑5s arrive as the successor to the much‑lauded LCD‑5, introducing the company’s proprietary SLAM acoustic technology. SLAM (short for Super Low Amplitude Modulation) improves transient response and bass dynamics without altering the brand’s signature neutral tuning. The result? A headphone that hits harder yet sounds more natural than ever.

Audeze hasn’t stopped at one innovation. The LCD‑5s adopts improved planar magnetic drivers, refined voice coils and a redesigned magnet structure to reduce distortion. All this hardware adds up to a 104dB/mW sensitivity and a frequency response that drops effortlessly into the sub‑bass while extending well into the ultrasonic.

Despite the technical prowess, the headphone remains reassuringly analog as it pairs best with a high‑quality amplifier and won’t play nicely with cheap dongles. Priced at around $4,500, it’s a premium investment – but for listeners seeking uncompromising fidelity, it may be worth the hit to the bank account.

Design‑wise, the LCD‑5s leans on carbon fiber and magnesium to keep weight in check, but they’re still not exactly featherweight. A plush leather headband and deep earpads help distribute the heft. If you’re hesitant to drop used sports‑car money on headphones, check out our coverage of Sennheiser’s latest wired solutions shows there are more accessible ways to upgrade your gear. Still, the LCD‑5s demonstrate that planar‑magnetic technology continues to evolve.

For audio obsessives and mastering engineers chasing the last percentage point of performance, these cans represent the latest summit on the climb toward sonic perfection.