These audiophile headphones promise incredible sound - but they'll cost you

Olivia Tambini/Techradar

A great pair of reference headphones for analytical listening rarely come cheap, but the latest cans from Audeze will really put a dent in your bank balance.

 

The Audeze LCD-5, which continues the brand's lauded LCD series of over-ear headphones, are available to order now for $4,500 / AU$6799 (about £3,290).

The best over-ear headphones you can buy today

Read our Audeze LCD-1 review

Or, read our Sony WH-1000XM4 review

So, what are you getting for your money? Well, according to Audeze, the LCD-5 will set "a new standard for accuracy", thanks to a new design that should minimize reflections, improve the frequency response, and provide a more open soundstage. 

At 420g, the new headphones are one third lighter than their predecessors, the LCD-4, and come with leather earpads, a carbon fiber suspension headband, tortoiseshell acetate rings, magnesium housings, a high-purity copper cable, and an aluminum travel case. 

They look suitably luxurious for their price - but if you're after something a little cheaper, check out the Audeze LCD-1, which brings the company's planar magnetic headphones down to a more reasonable $399 / £399 / AU$649. Their direct, detailed sound and comfortable fit prove that you don't have to go into four-figure sums if you want to buy a pair of excellent reference headphones.

Most headphones that are designed for careful, analytical listening come with open-back designs, which allows air to pass through the earcups. 

This prevents pressure from building up inside and distorting the sound of your music, making them ideal for listening to hi-res audio files, and when you want to get the clearest sound possible. 

Open-back headphones tend to sound more natural and expansive than closed-back headphones. However, they do come with some drawbacks.