Time for another Headphone review! I purchased these a few weeks ago (early 2026). I usually like to wait a while to avoid that early excitement. But, similar to the LCD-5 headphones, I’m seeing mixed online reviews and wanted to provide my experience.
The LCD-S20 is aimed at the pro-audio world. I do a lot of recording in my home studio, so I am the intended demographic. However, I can’t help myself and also use these for personal listening sessions, as they really fit my needs.
Due to my overwhelming satisfaction with the LCD-5s, I wanted a daily driver that I could travel with or even beat around a little in my home studio. But, the LCD-5s really spoiled me. Through my Pimaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp, they just sound perfect to me. Addictive sub-bass, so much clarity and separation. They basically made me dislike every headphone in my collection. I’m hooked on the Planar technology. So, I have been looking for something similar, but cheaper, for a little over a year. I considered the Dan Clark Noire X Closed, but when Audeze released these, I figured I would take a chance. Worst case scenario, I would only use them when tracking in my home studio. Replacing my AT-M50 headphones. Also, fantastic for their price, but falling apart after many years of use. Those fake leathers don’t last forever.
SOUND
I would group these Audeze headphones in the same family. LCD-S20, MM-500, and LCD-5s all sound fairly similar to me. Pretty sure these are the same or similar planar driver that are in the MM-500. If you like one of these, you will probably like the others. The LCD-S20s have a powerful bass and sub-bass. They are little rolled off in the top end, which makes sense, when you think about have cranked up headphones while tracking in a recording studio. Less piercing treble. The real magic here for me is the low distortion clarity and midrange. Particularly the lower mid range. It really reveals if a vocal or electric guitar was recorded accurately. It reveals when something is too muddy, for certain.
I’m happy to argue if break-in is real or some psychologically perceived change, but these headphones absolutely needed break-in. They sounded very midrangy and boring at first. After a day of use they started to sound correct. Unfortunately, they do not sound great using my Universal Audio Apollo X6 headphones out. They do need a proper power (watts) amp. Especially if you expect them to pump. Which they are very capable of.
At first when saw some bad reviews, I thought maybe they weren’t using decent amps, but some reviewers had great amps and still didn’t like the LCD-S20s. Perhaps it’s all about expectations. I was expecting them to be closer to a studio monitor and reveal lots of important midrange information, which they do. If you were expecting lots of treble, then I can see how these would be disappointing. There is a difference between hearing accurate sound for mixing and hearing a pleasing EQ when listening for pleasure. I do look forward to recording and mixing more with these to see how it translates to the real world. there is a change, I might make things too trebly or too light in the bass to compensate. I’ll have to experiment more to tell. But, my overprint is, these are super pleasurable to listen to for enjoyment. I like them as much as my LCD-5s. Considering the cost difference, that’s a very impressive product!
CONCLUSION
These headphones have become my daily drivers. I’m become addicted to the detail and beautiful presentation. I really feel like I’m hearing the truth in recordings. Good or bad, these seem very honest. The biggest flaw to highlight, could be the are a bit rolled off on the higher frequencies. I personally do not have a problem with that. Like I said before, it allows the listening to use louder volumes and nothing is ever harsh sounding. Smooth, is a great adjective for these headphones. Smooth and Honest. I love them! I can’t tell if they are for you. If you like the MM-500s and need a closed-back version. The LCD-S20 should satisfy.
TL;DR
If these headphones are broken in, they sound friggen awesome! If they don’t sound right, the fault might be your source, poorly mixed music, or your bias towards a different sound signature. I consider the LCD-S20 a mind blowing deal. My current favorite headphone!
rePtile like Me 