Audeze’s newest headphones, the LCD-S20, are making waves—and not just because they look sharp. Priced at $499 at Crutchfield, these closed-back planar magnetic headphones introduce the company’s SLAM technology (short for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) to a more budget-conscious crowd. Until now, SLAM was reserved for Audeze’s flagship $6,000 CRBN2 electrostatic headphones. Now, it's making its way into a pair that’s actually within reach for a lot more people.

If you’ve been eyeing Audeze’s higher-end LCD lineup—like the LCD-X or LCD-5—but couldn’t justify the price tag, the LCD-S20 might finally be your entry point.

SLAM is Audeze’s take on improving bass response and clarity in headphones, especially tricky in closed-back designs where airflow is limited. In simple terms, SLAM helps the drivers move more smoothly and evenly by managing air pressure inside the earcups. The result? Tighter, more natural-sounding bass and better overall detail.

This matters because closed-back headphones often struggle to get the low-end right. They can sound a bit muddy or congested compared to their open-back cousins. With SLAM, Audeze is trying to bring the kind of clean, spacious sound you’d expect from open-back headphones—but in a closed-back format that’s better for travel, recording sessions, or just blocking out the world.

At first glance, the LCD-S20 might remind you of Audeze’s Maxwell gaming headset. And you’d be right—they share the same frame and general styling. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a repackaged gaming headset.

The LCD-S20 is a different beast under the surface. It’s wired, analog, and aimed at studio professionals or serious music lovers. The drivers, ear pads, and acoustic design are all new. There’s no built-in battery or wireless tech—just pure sound.

One handy update: the ear pads now attach magnetically. That means you can swap them out quickly without tools, which is a nice touch for anyone who wears headphones for hours at a time.

The LCD-S20 uses 90mm planar magnetic drivers, along with some of Audeze’s core tech like Fluxor magnets, Fazor waveguides, and Uniforce voice coils. Together, this tech aims to deliver precise, low-distortion sound—something the company has built its reputation on.

With an 18-ohm impedance and 93dB sensitivity, these headphones are pretty easy to drive. Whether you’re plugged into a laptop, audio interface, or even a smartphone with a headphone jack, you should be good to go. That’s not something you can say for a lot of planar magnetic models, which often need dedicated amps to sound their best.

Other specs include:

• Frequency response: 10Hz–40kHz
• Max SPL: Over 120dB
• Weight: ~550 grams
• Cable: 2.5m detachable with 3.5mm plug + 6.3mm adapter
• Ear pads: Gel-filled, synthetic leather
• Headband: Spring-steel with suspended leather strap for comfort

Yes, they’re a bit on the heavier side, but they’re built for long listening sessions—and the padding and suspension should help reduce fatigue.

The Audeze LCD-S20 is up for pre-order now at Crutchfield, with shipments expected to start in May 2025. At $499, it’s currently the most affordable model in the active LCD lineup. For folks who’ve been curious about Audeze’s sound but never made the leap because of the price, this could be the moment.

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