Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 4
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and Audeze MM-500 at 92. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Audeze MM-500

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze MM-500 more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus Audeze MM-500 — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 Audeze MM-500
Type
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic

Audeze LCD-5

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze MM-500

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs Audeze MM-500

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze MM-500 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze MM-500 — more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $4,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.