Audeze, the American manufacturer of patented planar magnetic headphones, has announced the launch of the LCD-5s at NAMM 2026. These premium headphones are the next step in the evolution of one of the company’s best-regarded pairs of headphones. Incorporating Audeze’s Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator — or SLAM acoustic technology — the LCD-5s have a powerful bass with a lifelike response coupled with accurate midrange tuning.
Alongside the SLAM technology, the LCD-5s headphones feature a refreshed design and they will be unveiled at the NAMM 2026 trade show, which is taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center, California. Over the next few days. Audeze will also be showcasing its full lineup of headphones, designed for audio professionals, creators, gamers and music lovers.
Engineered for absolute audio fidelity and hand finished, the new LCD-5s headphones are, according to Audeze, “the pinnacle of planar magnetic engineering and luxury build.” The headphones have newly designed contoured earpads for maximum comfort and a precision fit.
Lightweight Materials
Framed by a light-weight carbon fiber and a magnesium chassis, the headphones have glossy, tortoiseshell, acetate earcup rings and are adorned with subtle copper accents. Audeze says the LCD-5s are “as much a statement of long-term comfort as sophistication.”
“At Audeze, our mission has always been to bring listeners closer to the truth of the recording,” says Sankar Thiagasaudram, Audeze CEO. “With LCD-5s, we’ve refined every aspect of the listening experience—from driver performance to comfort and industrial design—to deliver the most lifelike and emotionally engaging planar magnetic headphone we’ve ever created.”
The LCD-5s are made with a suite of patented technologies, including Audeze’s nano-scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm, Fluxor magnet arrays and Fazor phase management, all of which are designed to deliver exceptional clarity, ultra-low distortion and precise imaging across the entire frequency spectrum.
Wide Frequency Response
With a frequency response that goes all the way from a gut-rumbling 5Hz, to a bat-squeaking 50kHz, the LCD-5s have a total harmonic distortion figure of less than 0.1% and are engineered to meet the standards of mastering engineers, musicians and audiophiles.
SLAM Acoustic Technology enhances the headphones’ bass performance and spatial detail without sacrificing accuracy or transparency. Advanced Nano-Scale Planar Driver features Audeze’s nano-scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm, Fluxor magnet array and Fazor phase management for precise imaging and dynamics.
Built For Comfort
One of the most important features in headphone design is comfort. Audeze says it has developed sculpted earpad geometry for an improved fit that reduces pressure on the wearer’s head and making the LCD-5s suitable for extended listening sessions. A combination of luxury craftsmanship and the use of carbon fiber and magnesium gives the headphones a reduced weight.
If you’re going to be attending NAMM 2026, you can pop along to stand #15304 at the Anaheim Convention Center and experience the LCD-5s yourself, alongside the full lineup of Audeze professional and audiophile headphones. Audeze will have people on hand to discuss the technology behind its flagship model.
Pricing and Availability:
The new Audeze LCD-5s planar magnetic headphones will be available from January 2026 at www.audeze.com and authorized Audeze dealers. The price will be $4,500 including cables and connectors.
