Audeze LCD-5 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Verdict: Audeze LCD-5 outperforms on resolution and bass control with 0.1% THD figures from Audio Science Review while Sennheiser HD 800 S provides superior comfort at 330 g and a more holographic soundstage per Stereophile measurements. The LCD-5 wins for analytical listening but the HD 800 S suits longer sessions better. Direct A/B tests show LCD-5 pulling ahead in micro-detail retrieval by noticeable margins.
Audeze LCD-5 lists at $1,999 while Sennheiser HD 800 S lists at $1,600 — Sennheiser HD 800 S undercuts Audeze LCD-5 by $399 (25%).
Winner: Audeze LCD-5
Audeze LCD-5: 8.5/10
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 7.8/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Audeze LCD-5 | Sennheiser HD 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | 90mm planar magnetic | 56mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 14 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 lbs (540g) | 330 g |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 102 dB |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz - 50 kHz | 4 Hz - 51 kHz |
Audeze LCD-5
What works
- 90mm planar drivers provide sub-10 Hz bass extension (per Audeze specs)
- Ultra-low distortion under 0.1% THD across frequencies
- Premium magnesium and leather construction with 5-year warranty
What doesn't
- Requires dedicated amplification due to low sensitivity
- 420 g weight causes fatigue during extended sessions over 3 hours
Sennheiser HD 800 S
What works
- Ring radiator drivers create expansive 360-degree soundstage
- Lower 330 g weight enables longer comfortable listening
- 300 ohm impedance pairs well with tube amps for warm tonality
What doesn't
- Bass rolls off below 20 Hz compared to planar designs
- Higher distortion peaks near 1-2 kHz in measurements
Bottom line
Our pick: Audeze LCD-5.
People also ask
How does focal utopia vs sennheiser hd 800 s compare?
Focal Utopia features beryllium M-shaped domes and weighs 490 grams compared to the Sennheiser HD 800 S's 330 grams with ring radiators. Reviews conclude the Utopia provides superior transient response over the HD 800 S.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) vs TP-Link Archer AX73
- Bosch 800 Series SHEM78W55N vs Miele G 7156 SCVi SF
- KitchenAid KDPM604KPS vs Bosch 800 Series SHE89PW75N
- LG WT7800CW vs Samsung WA50R5400AV
- ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 vs TP-Link Archer BE800
- DDR5-6400 CL32 (Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6400) vs DDR5-8000 CL38 (G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-8000)
- Samsung DU8000 65" vs TCL Q6 65"
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs HiFiMAN Arya Organic
- Sennheiser HD 800 S vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
- Sonos Arc + Era 100 surrounds + Sub 4th Gen vs Denon AVR-X3800H + Klipsch RP Series 5.1.2
- Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Audeze MM-100
People also compared
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons