Audeze LCD 4z Review

Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and reference-grade sound, Audeze’s flagship models have always commanded attention, and the LCD-4z is no exception. With gold-accented styling, powerful neodymium drivers, and a design meant to extract every last detail from your music, these open-back headphones offer a listening experience that’s as luxurious as it is technically masterful. From its immersive soundstage and refined treble to its warm mids and detailed low end, we’ll explore why the LCD-4z continues to stand out in the ultra-high-end headphone space.

What You Get

• LCD4z planar magnetic headphones
• 1.9m 4-pin XLR balance cable with 1/4″ TRS adapter
• Standard travel case

Look & Feel

If you’re familiar with Audeze’s usual design, the 4z won’t look like a huge departure in terms of construction. The 4z has a more premium style to it with the inclusion of gold accents on the yokes and underneath the grilles. Otherwise, the 4z possesses the same large ear speakers that some might find cumbersome to wear for long periods. I’ve never minded the weight of Audeze headphones, and I particularly like the way the 4z pinches your head. The earpads make the fit very snug and secure, making them comfortable to wear overall.

Design

The Audeze LCD-4z uses a 106mm planar magnetic driver with a Double Fluxor magnet array, Neodymium N50 magnets, and a Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm. Audeze headphones generally need amplifiers to drive them, and the one you use can determine how well the output synergizes. I used an iFi Valykire with the 4z, which gave it enough gain options to play around with and achieve optimal sound.

Soundstage

I tend to have high expectations when it comes to Audeze’s ultra-high-end open-back headphones. Thankfully, the 4z soothes those notions with its expansive wingspan and accurate imaging. Everything feels elevated with the 4z, as the spaciousness of sound elements hovers around your head. There’s a wrap-around that encapsulates your head in sound, showcasing depth and dimension through layers of instruments and effects. It’s not a particularly cavernous soundstage, but the stereo field is still holographic, sticking the sounds out in front of you. The 4z makes it easy to localize sounds in the mix, especially vocals, which always sit just above you.

Low End

While the 4z is considered a dark headphone sound signature, you might feel the bass is missing some significant impact. However, the 4z more than makes up for that with incredible depth and clarity. This is what gives the 4z its weight and body, as even though the frequencies don’t punch very hard, they feature a substantial scale. Notes have great articulation with just enough force behind them to make a difference.

Mids

This is where the 4z makes its biggest impression. The midrange is very lush throughout, combining a soft, warm texture with lively instrumental presence. It’s a smooth timbre that still puts emphasis on notes and makes certain elements cut through the mix with authority. While some of the frequency response can be a bit veiled in the upper-midrange, the 4z balances everything out efficiently. Vocals still come through with authority, no matter if its from a male of female singer.

Highs

The 4z has the kind of treble that I really like, which others might be put off by. While nothing that comes through the 4z is ever piercing, the frequencies can be quite raw. This leads to a very defiant ringing in some areas, which I think adds character to the sound signature. It’s a crisp, high-end resonance that offers a lot of energy, raising the height of the sound while accentuating tails.

Summary

The Audeze LCD-4z isn’t just a high-end headphone—it’s a statement piece for serious audiophiles. While its design might be familiar to long-time fans of the brand, the sonic upgrades and premium build quality set it apart as one of Audeze’s most impressive offerings. With a spacious soundstage, expressive mids, and articulate lows, the LCD-4z brings every genre of music to life with nuance and precision. Though not everyone will gravitate toward its darker tonality or hefty frame, those who appreciate high-fidelity audio and luxurious design will find the LCD-4z to be a deeply rewarding investment. If you’re after reference-grade planar magnetic headphones that don’t just play music but unveil it, the Audeze LCD-4z delivers in every way that matters.

The Audeze LCD-4z is available at Audio46.