Audeze LCD-4z - The Legend of Z(orro) | Reviews Testes > Artigos

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The LCD-4z planar-magnetic headphones have proven to be a timeless option and remain one of Audeze's most appealing models even today. With its eye-catching black design accented in gold and the unique "z" that differentiates it from the LCD-4, the LCD-4z continues to capture the interest of audiophiles six years after its launch.

Audeze (pronounced as "Audissey") symbolizes uncompromising quality in the realm of planar-magnetic headphones, where an ultra-thin membrane produces sound. The high price of the LCD-4z (€4,900) reflects the combination of advanced technology and the artisanal care involved in their manufacturing process, which takes place in California, the 'La La land' of modern American music.

The LCD-4z features unmistakable Audeze aesthetics, characterized by its luxurious design, robust construction, and a blend of passion and thoughtful engineering. Weighing 560 grams, the 'z' version is lighter than the original LCD-4, making it the lightest flagship model until the launch of the LCD-5, which weighs just 420 grams.

The headband features a carbon fibre suspension and a ventilated leather strap expertly designed to distribute the weight of the capsules across the head, ensuring comfort during extended use. The deep leather cushions are soft, allowing for hours of comfortable wear. The gold-tone adjustment rods and metal grille also enhance its luxurious appeal.

Inside the capsules, concealed from sight but perceived by the ear, is a double Fluxor magnetic assembly featuring high-powered neodymium magnets that control an ultra-thin, nanometre-thick diaphragm (106 mm Uniforce).

The Audeze LCD-4z brings the concert venue to you.

Impedance Optimization

The 'z' in the LCD-4z model stands for 'impedance optimization,' indicating that this version features a very low impedance of just 15 ohms, in contrast to the LCD-4 model, which has an impedance of 200 ohms. This low impedance, combined with a high sensitivity of 98 dB/1mW, allows the LCD-4z to connect easily to a variety of portable music sources, including mobile phones, rather than requiring heavy-duty amplifiers.

Audeze's introduction of the 'z' version aimed to 'democratize' the exceptional sound quality of the LCD-4s, making them more versatile and easier to drive. Although the headphones weigh nearly 600 grams, which may not be suitable for jogging, this increased flexibility is a significant advantage for many young audiophiles who use digital audio players (DAPs), such as the excellent Astell&Kern SE300.

The devil is in the detail

In my experience, the Kensei GO Bar dongle, equipped with a Jack adapter, has been an excellent intermediary for connecting my Galaxy S23 to the LCD-4z headphones. However, when compared to the Diablo 2, also from iFi Audio, the musical experience is distinctly different for the better. I have also had great success with the Chord Hugo 2, but I find that Diablo 2 pairs better with the LCD-4z. The devil is in the details!

*Note: Sarte Audio kindly provided the LCD-4z, but sadly it came with only a 6.5 mm jack-terminated cable, missing the XLR and Pentacon balanced versions.

The Audeze LCD4-z are studio quality open headphones.

Audeze's new acoustic signature

Headphone voicing is a significant point of debate in the audio community. The relationship between a person's ear and the earpad is as variable as that between a room and speakers. Just as a pair of speakers can sound completely different in various rooms, the same headphones can sound different to different listeners. Audeze’s Harman curve variant should help to normalize the audio response. Still critics and listeners might have differing opinions on the sound of the LC-4z headphones.

Until the launch of the LCD-4, Audeze's acoustic signature was well-known for its strong, pronounced bass. However, the introduction of the LCD-4 marked a significant change towards a bass that, while still authoritative, was drier and did not compromise the mid-bass registers. This new acoustic signature evolved to a more 'studio-like' quality, particularly noted in Manny Marroquin's MM500. Despite this shift, the sub-bass remains present when necessary, such as when listening to music by Hans Zimmer. Transparency, clarity, and fine-detail retrieval from the mix remain at an electrostatic level.

Some listeners prefer a more pronounced mid-range to emphasize vocals and the attack of guitars. However, this preference can become tiring over time. Dee Dee Bridgewater's voice in 'One Fine Thing' sounds excellent. Although there is a slight dip in the frequency range between 2 and 5 kHz, the overall sense of presence remains strong.

Audeze supplies a rigid plastic safe travel case (extra).

Transparency, clarity, and fine-detail retrieval from the mix remain at an electrostatic level.

A little twinkle in the ‘highs’

The perception of treble can vary significantly depending on the listener's age. Despite my advancing age, I am still sensitive to the quality and nuances of the treble, as they are essential for creating a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience.

Finding the right balance between a smooth, “skin-like” quality and a crisp sparkle is challenging. I’m referring specifically to Sérgio Godinho's 'Com um brilhozinho nos olhos' and how the LCD-4z headphones reproduce the natural sibilance in his voice. While planar magnetic headphones often peak around 8 kHz, I accepted the LCD4-z sound characteristics as they are and chose not to use equalization software. But you may try following my suggestion below, or not, whichever you prefer.

The soundstage may not be the most expansive I've ever experienced. Still, there is a precision in the placement of instruments and voices that makes one actually 'see' them in front of you rather than just 'sensing' their presence in and around your head.

Like the legend of Zorro, this is a unique blend of magic and timeless sophistication. If you want to take its cinematic soundstage with you everywhere, as if it were the portable set of an American film, the Audeze LCD-4z is your VIP ticket.