Verdict: Audeze LCD-5 wins on technical performance with 0.1% THD versus 0.5% on HD 800 S (per Audio Science Review) and superior bass control, but Sennheiser HD 800 S is lighter by 90 g and easier to drive. LCD-5 beats competitors like Focal Clear MG on detail retrieval by 15% in blind tests (per Head-Fi forums).
Winner: Audeze LCD-5
Audeze LCD-5: 8.5/10
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 8/10
| Audeze LCD-5 | Sennheiser HD 800 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic 90mm | Dynamic 56mm |
| Impedance | 14 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Weight | 420 g | 330 g |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 50 kHz | 4 Hz - 51 kHz |
Our pick: Audeze LCD-5.
Focal Utopia uses 40mm beryllium-magnesium drivers at 80 ohms while Sennheiser HD 800 S uses 56mm dynamic drivers at 300 ohms. The Utopia typically sells for roughly double the HD 800 S price and earns higher marks for resolution in head-to-head tests.
The Audeze LCD-5 uses 90 mm planar drivers at 14 ohms while the Focal Utopia uses 40 mm beryllium dynamic drivers at 80 ohms. The LCD-5 delivers tighter bass and a darker treble than the Utopia's brighter, more open sound.
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