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Audeze LCD-S20 specifications and in-depth review

Audeze LCD-S20

Manufacturer: Audeze

The Audeze LCD-S20 is an over-ear headphone that combines a closed-back design with wireless and wired connectivity, giving listeners flexibility in how they connect to their audio sources. Weighing 550 g, it is built around a large 90 mm driver unit and comes equipped with a detachable, tangle-free cable measuring 2.5 m in length.

On the technical side, the LCD-S20 covers a frequency range of 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz and delivers a sound pressure level of 120 dB/mW, while its low impedance of 18 Ohms makes it relatively easy to drive. The headphone includes passive noise reduction and features a neodymium magnet. It carries an IP68 ingress protection rating and does not rely on a rechargeable battery, operating without onboard power management features such as active noise cancellation or ambient sound mode.

Pros
  • The detachable and tangle-free cable simplifies storage and replacement
  • A wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz covers deep lows and extended highs
  • The low impedance of 18 Ohms makes the headphones straightforward to drive from most sources
  • Passive noise reduction helps block out ambient sound without requiring power
  • The 90 mm driver unit is notably large for the category
  • Supports both wireless and wired connectivity for flexible use
Cons
  • At 550 g, the headphones are relatively heavy and may cause discomfort during extended wear
  • No active noise cancellation is available
  • No in-line control panel means track and volume adjustments must be handled on the source device
  • No travel bag is included, making transport less convenient
  • No warranty period is provided
  • The headphones cannot be folded, which limits portability
Who is this for?

These headphones suit listeners who prioritize a wide frequency response and high-output driver performance in a stationary or desktop-focused setup. The low 18 Ohm impedance means they can be driven adequately from a range of sources without dedicated amplification, while the passive noise reduction makes them a reasonable choice for moderately noisy environments. Users who prefer the flexibility of both wired and wireless connectivity will also find the dual-connection support a practical advantage.

Who is this NOT for?

At 550 g, these headphones are not well suited to extended wear or commuting, where weight and portability matter. The absence of folding capability and a travel bag makes them impractical for users who need to carry their headphones frequently. Those who rely on active noise cancellation for focused listening in loud environments, or who want features such as in-line controls, in-ear detection, or a mute function, will find this product lacking in that regard.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 550 g
has a detachable cable ✓
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP68
water resistance None
can be folded ✕
is designed for kids ✕
has a tangle free cable ✓
travel bag is included ✕
has an open-back design ✕
cable length 2.5 m
has stereo speakers ✓

The Audeze LCD-S20 uses an over-ear fit and weighs 550 g, featuring a closed-back design with stereo speakers. It comes with a detachable, tangle-free cable measuring 2.5 m in length, though no travel bag is included. The headphones carry an IP68 ingress protection rating, yet the listed water resistance is noted as none. They cannot be folded and are not designed for children. No travel bag is bundled in the package.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC) ✕
lowest frequency 10 Hz
highest frequency 40000 Hz
driver unit size 90 mm
impedance 18 Ohms
supports spatial audio ✕
sound pressure level 120 dB/mW
has a neodymium magnet ✓
has passive noise reduction ✓

The LCD-S20 uses a 90 mm driver unit backed by a neodymium magnet and covers a wide frequency range from 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz. Its impedance sits at 18 Ohms, and it achieves a sound pressure level of 120 dB/mW. The headphone provides passive noise reduction but does not include active noise cancellation or spatial audio support.

Power:

Has USB Type-C ✕
has a rechargeable battery ✕
has a removable battery ✕

The LCD-S20 includes no battery of any kind — it has neither a rechargeable nor a removable battery — and does not feature a USB Type-C port.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless & wired

The LCD-S20 supports both wireless and wired connectivity, giving users the option to connect in whichever way suits their setup.

Features:

has ambient sound mode ✕
has in/on-ear detection ✕
has a mute function ✕
Has an in-line control panel ✕
warranty period 0 years

The LCD-S20 does not include an ambient sound mode, in/on-ear detection, a mute function, or an in-line control panel. Additionally, no warranty period is provided with this product.

Final Verdict

The Audeze LCD-S20 is a specification-driven over-ear headphone built around a large 90 mm neodymium driver with a 10 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency range, making it a technically capable option for listeners who value broad acoustic coverage and flexible connectivity. Its low impedance and passive noise reduction add practical value in the right setting, though its considerable weight, lack of folding, and absence of features like active noise cancellation and in-line controls place it firmly in the category of a stationary, source-connected listening tool rather than an all-purpose daily driver. For users whose needs align with that profile, the LCD-S20 presents a focused set of capabilities worth considering.

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