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Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 4
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — Studio reference · Open · 250Ω
beyerdynamic

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Studio reference · Open · 250Ω

92
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 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 beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII if…

  • ✓Reference-class detail retrieval
  • ✓Made in Germany build
  • ✓Includes both balanced + analytical pads
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

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

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more score per dollar ($599 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
92 beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
build 0
value 0
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
92
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 0
features 0
build 96
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back dynamic
Driver
—
45 mm Tesla
Impedance
—
250Ω
Frequency response
—
5 Hz – 40 kHz
Cable
—
Detachable XLR / 6.35mm
Weight
—
370 g

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

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Pros
  • +Reference-class detail retrieval
  • +Made in Germany build
  • +Includes both balanced + analytical pads
Cons
  • −Open-back leaks sound
  • −Needs amplification (250Ω)
  • −No wireless variant

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +

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 beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII worth the price? +

At $599, beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII 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 the better value, Audeze LCD-5 or beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII? +

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII — more score per dollar ($599 vs $4,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.