Publication Reviews

"Based on subjective expectations at this price point. there’s really just one caveat to the high performance of these headphones: While they may have “decent” sensitivity for planars, compared to dynamic headphones they require a lot of power. This becomes an issue if you try and run the LCD-1s directly from a phone or tablet, the result sounds anemic. But the moment you hook up an amp (even a USB dongle) and provide some juice to get ‘em going, they transform into one of the most satisfying-sounding sub-$500 headphones out there"

The Audeze Mobius is the kind of headset you buy when you have deep pockets and an even deeper wish list. Compatible with PC, Mac, and consoles, the Mobius is a wallet-crushing $400 7.1 surround sound headset of nearly unparalleled quality. From how it feels on your head to how you perceive game audio across multiple genres, the Mobius earns its top-dollar price with equally premium performance.

"The reason the Mobius is such a pricey headset is that it uses high-end planar magnetic drivers instead of dynamic drivers; the sort you'll find in most gaming headsets. Even at $400, the Mobius is actually on the affordable end of the planar headset price spectrum, with some costing upwards of $1,800. And if you're spending that much on a headset, you're probably working in music production or just a hardcore audiophile. So if you were wondering why you don't see more gaming headsets with planar magnetic drivers, the cost is likely it. "

In some ways, it’s amazing all the different ways you can improve the sound. There are amplifiers, DACs, better audio players, technology like Waves Nx, and, of course, improved headphones. Over the years I’ve listened to a lot of different headphones at a wide variety of levels, with the latest being Audeze LCDi3 open-back planar magnetic IEM, which boasts some impressive details. After rather an extensive testing across a wide range of devices and situations, are these another hit for Audeze or do they offer a marginal increase in quality for a substantial increase in price?

The Audeze Mobius is an incredibly interesting (and incredibly expensive) gaming headset that seemingly offers it all. A premium high-quality design, fantastic audio, brilliant comfort and more. All in one package. It also one of the most interesting gaming headsets on our list thanks to Waves Nx head tracking technology that delivers "immersive 3D audio" by changing the sound to account for the tilt or turn of your head as you play. Combine this with 7.1 virtual surround sound and hi-res audio options and you have some seriously impressive positional audio.

The LCD-2 Classic ($799), which I will be referring to as “LCD-2C,” is the current introductory model of Audeze’s full-size LCD family of headphones. The LCD-2C is essentially a simplified version of the iconic LCD-2, as they share various design aspects and driver technologies. The LCD-2C retains the LCD-2’s Neodymium N50 magnets, as well as the same magnetic structure; albeit without the inclusion of Audeze’s Fazor waveguide technology.

Good audio is one of the best things you can do to make your gaming experience better, and what better than this pair of cans from HyperX. Created in partnership with Audeze and Waves NX, the $280 Cloud Orbit S features Audeze’s superb planar magnetic drivers for bass that will move you, Waves NX head tracking that keeps sounds fixed in 3D space while you move your head, and a detachable noise-canceling mic with a pop filter to remove those ‘plosives. It’s not cheap, but then nothing good ever is.

For those who like simplicity and top-tier sound, look no further than the Audeze LCD-1. While they aren’t wireless and don’t have ANC, the LCD-1 headphones pack planar magnetic technology in a portable package. Sound from this pair of cans is highly detailed and accurate for critical reference listening and audio engineers. Check out the video below for more. At $399, the LCD-1 is the entry point into Audeze’s reference line. With a frequency response from 10-50,000hz and an emphasis on clarity, the headphones are a dream come true for critical listeners. Listening to the Alabama Shakes’ “Sounds & Color” renders all of the beautiful little details like the pedals squeaking and gives a soft touch to the hi-hat without any harshness.

Audeze has a new gaming headset called the Penrose, which will cost $299.99 when it is released in September, but the company is knocking $50 off if you preorder it before then.

"The Audeze LCD-GX is quite simply the best-sounding gaming headset we’ve ever tested. It outclasses other high-end headsets like the Sennheiser GSP 670, the Astro Gaming A50, and even the Audeze Mobius in audio depth and clarity, which should be expected for $900. It’s wildly expensive and doesn’t have any unique processing tricks like other high-end gaming models, but for the pure listening experience, you won’t find a better headset. The LCD-GX isn’t for everyone, but if you have a very discerning ear and very deep pockets, this is the headset to get, and an Editors' Choice."

"Planar-magnetic headphones are usually quite expensive but Audeze is a Californian company, based in Santa Ana, and is a pioneer in this field and now it has launched a stripped-down pair of planar-magnetic headphones at a price that’s about as low as it's possible to go with this advanced headphone technology. All the headphones that Audeze makes are designed and assembled at its factory in California."

"The LCD-GX($899) is probably one of the more interesting headphones I have come across recently. They are Audeze’s high-end “gaming” headset; complete with a red color scheme, and a boom-mic. I definitely did not know what to expect from it going into that first listen, but all I can say for now is that what I got was much, much more than just a gaming headset."

They Are Not What They Appear - Great for Producing!

Planar magnetic drivers are known to produce close to zero distortion and very detailed sound. Mobius are amazing when it comes to listening to music and playing games, giving you incredible details throughout the frequency range.