Audeze continues to dominate the planar magnetic headphone scene, offering premium craftsmanship and reference-grade audio across its entire lineup. Two of their latest studio-oriented models, the LCD-S20 and the MM-100, represent different approaches to the company’s professional sound philosophy. The LCD-S20 is a closed-back planar designed for reference work and critical listening, while the MM-100 brings an open-back layout and a more affordable entry point for creators and music lovers alike. Both deliver unmistakably Audeze performance, but they serve slightly different needs. Let’s see how they compare.
What You Get
| LCD-S20 | MM-100 |
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Look & Feel
The Audeze LCD-S20 blends elements of the brand’s LCD and MM series, presenting a closed-back design built for professional monitoring. Its chassis combines magnesium, aluminum, and steel components, making it exceptionally durable without feeling overly heavy. The Audeze MM-100, on the other hand, emphasizes comfort and accessibility. Its lightweight magnesium frame and spring-steel headband make it easier to wear for long sessions than many traditional planar designs. Though less premium in its external finish compared to higher-tier Audeze models, the MM-100 still feels robust and ready for daily studio use. Both headphones balance professional build quality with a user-friendly design.
Design
The Audeze LCD‑S20 and the Audeze MM‑100 each feature 90 mm planar-magnetic drivers, employing Audeze’s signature Fluxor magnet array, Fazor phase-management waveguides, and ultra-thin Uniforce diaphragms, yet they diverge in tuning and drivability. The MM-100 is specified with 90 mm drivers, 20 Hz–25 kHz frequency response, 18 Ω impedance, 98 dB/1 mW sensitivity, and >120 dB max SPL, making it relatively easy to drive even from modest headphone amps or interfaces. In contrast, the LCD-S20 also employs 90 mm drivers but extends the frequency range to 10 Hz–40 kHz, maintains 18 Ω impedance yet drops sensitivity to 93 dB/1 mW, still with >120 dB max SPL and THD <0.1% at 100 dB SPL. That lower sensitivity means the LCD-S20 demands a bit more drive current (though the low impedance helps) and benefits more from a solid headphone amplifier to unlock full dynamics, particularly given its closed-back architecture and the SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) system, which enhances bass extension and diaphragm control.
Soundstage
The MM-100 creates a wide, natural soundstage that feels open and dimensional, offering an almost speaker-like presentation. Instrument separation is excellent, with each element occupying clear space in the mix. This makes it an especially engaging choice for music enjoyment or immersive mixing. By contrast, the LCD-S20 provides a more intimate, tightly focused stage. While not as expansive as the MM-100, its imaging is extremely precise, positioning sounds with pinpoint accuracy. This linear spatial quality makes it better suited for professional tasks like editing and monitoring, where isolation and detail are more important than openness. In short, the MM-100 delivers width and realism, while the LCD-S20 prioritizes clarity and control.
Low End
Bass response marks one of the biggest distinctions between these two headphones. The MM-100 has a neutral, textured low end with smooth extension into the sub-bass region. It doesn’t exaggerate low frequencies but maintains excellent definition, allowing kick drums and bass guitars to sound clean and balanced. The LCD-S20, however, offers an even leaner bass presentation. It’s clear and articulate, with very little bloom or resonance, making it ideal for users who value accuracy over warmth. While some may find it lacking in physical impact for genres like EDM or hip-hop, the LCD-S20’s disciplined low end translates beautifully in critical studio contexts. If you want a touch more musicality and body, the MM-100 may be the better fit; if you want forensic precision, the LCD-S20 wins.
Mids
The MM-100 brings a lively and forward midrange, especially in the upper-mid frequencies. Vocals, guitars, and snares sit upfront in the mix, giving recordings a sense of immediacy and energy. This makes the MM-100 a fun and engaging listen, though it can verge on brightness depending on the recording. The LCD-S20 presents a more neutral and even-tempered midrange. It’s smooth and balanced, with excellent detail retrieval that makes complex mixes easy to parse. Vocals are natural and lifelike, sitting comfortably within the soundstage rather than on top of it. Overall, the MM-100 has a more expressive and musical midrange, while the LCD-S20 opts for tonal accuracy and neutrality.
Highs
In the high frequencies, the MM-100 maintains a refined, easy-going character. Its treble is neither overly sharp nor rolled off, striking a middle ground that prevents fatigue during long sessions. Cymbals and hi-hats retain their shimmer without sounding exaggerated. The LCD-S20 offers slightly more air and brightness in its treble presentation. This additional sparkle enhances micro-details and helps vocals and strings stand out with clarity. Despite this added emphasis, the highs remain well-controlled, ensuring no harshness or sibilance. For those seeking more analytical insight into a mix, the LCD-S20’s treble performance makes it a clear asset.
Summary
Both of these Audeze models represent outstanding value within their respective niches. The LCD-S20 stands out as a closed-back planar with exceptional linearity, durability, and focus, a headphone designed for professionals who demand accuracy above all else. The MM-100, on the other hand, delivers an open and immersive sound with impressive comfort and a more forgiving tonal balance, making it a perfect entry point into Audeze’s planar world. If you prioritize neutrality, isolation, and mix accuracy, go for the Audeze LCD-S20. If you’re after comfort, spacious sound, and musical engagement at a more accessible price, the Audeze MM-100 is the smarter choice. Both offer a glimpse into Audeze’s high-end planar design philosophy, one focused on absolute precision, the other on pure listening enjoyment.
The Audeze LCD-S20 and the MM-100 are available at Audio46.
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