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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 6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
SteelSeries

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

90
/ 100
From $349
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) at 90. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 6 points — a decisive 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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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 90).

Noise cancelling

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

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

Value for money

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) more score per dollar ($349 vs $4,500).

Audeze LCD-5 96
vs
90 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)
90
anc 70
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 86
features 90

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-5 versus SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-5 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)
Type
Planar magnetic
Gaming headset
Variant
—
Black
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

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)

Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) worth the price? +

At $349, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze LCD-5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) 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 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze LCD-5 or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black)? +

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.