Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Audeze LCD 5

Name: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Audeze LCD 5 — Comparison Review
Item: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Audeze LCD 5
Rating: 9
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 17 by Billy G.

Verdict: The Audeze LCD 5 leads with 90 mm planar drivers delivering superior bass speed and 14-ohm impedance for easier amplification versus the Sennheiser HD 800 S 300-ohm dynamic design. The HD 800 S remains a strong reference at $1699 with its 56 mm Ring Radiator and 4 Hz–51 kHz response. LCD 5 at $4500 justifies the premium for listeners seeking 2026 planar performance over the 2016 Sennheiser classic.

Sennheiser HD 800 S lists at $1,699 while Audeze LCD 5 lists at $4,500 — Sennheiser HD 800 S undercuts Audeze LCD 5 by $2,801 (165%).

Winner: Audeze LCD 5

Sennheiser HD 800 S: 8/10

Audeze LCD 5: 9/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Sennheiser HD 800 S	Audeze LCD 5
Driver Type	56mm Ring Radiator dynamic	90mm planar magnetic
Impedance	300 ohms	14 ohms
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 51,000 Hz	5 Hz – 50 kHz
Weight	—	420 g

Sennheiser HD 800 S

What works

Open-back design delivers wide soundstage
Detailed highs and natural timbre
Long-standing reference for critical listening

What doesn't

Requires dedicated amplifier due to high impedance
Heavy on bass impact compared to planars

Audeze LCD 5

What works

Low impedance allows easy drive from portable sources
Deep bass extension with fast transients
High sensitivity at 90 dB

What doesn't

Much higher price than most competitors
Closed-back alternatives offer better isolation

Bottom line

Our pick: Audeze LCD 5. It edges out the alternative on low impedance allows easy drive from portable sources. That said, Sennheiser HD 800 S still wins on open-back design delivers wide soundstage — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.