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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
Focal Bathys · Rose Gold — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and Focal Bathys · Rose Gold 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 Focal Bathys · Rose Gold if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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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

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

ANC strength for commute and travel

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold leads on anc (90 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold leads on comfort (91 vs 88).

Value for money

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold more score per dollar ($799 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
92 Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Bathys · Rose Gold
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus Focal Bathys · Rose Gold — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 Focal Bathys · Rose Gold
Type
Planar magnetic
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

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

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs Focal Bathys · Rose Gold

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or Focal Bathys · Rose Gold? +

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 Focal Bathys · Rose Gold worth the price? +

At $799, Focal Bathys · Rose Gold delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or Focal Bathys · Rose Gold 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 Focal Bathys · Rose Gold? +

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

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-5 or Focal Bathys · Rose Gold? +

Focal Bathys · Rose Gold — leads on anc (90 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.