The LCD-i4 is Audeze's flagship planar magnetic IEM, replacing the iSine. What makes it different from your typical IEM is the larger and unique earpiece shape and the partially open back design. But the REAL difference lies in the sound, which is so open, airy, and wide that you pretty much forget you're wearing an IEM.
Some have called the LCD-i4 a miniature version of the full-size LCD-4 open-back headphone, featuring the same proprietary Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm and powerful Fluxor magnet array. The LCD-4 has a full and immersive sound with amazing bass extension and some smoothness and warmth. I've not listened to the LCD-4, but I love every other Audeze headphone I've listened to (the LCD-X is a favorite!), so I had very high hopes for the LCD-i4. Spoiler alert: I wasn't disappointed.
PROS:
- Amazing soundstage
- Comfort, great fit
- Reference sound in a portable, lightweight design
- Balanced tonality with some warmth and great bass
- CIPHER Bluetooth Module
- 3.5mm cable included
CONS:
- Expensive
- Some users may not like ear hooks
- Open-back design may limit public use
Unsurpassed Sound
Materials, Quality & Comfort
The earpieces on the LCD-i4 are crafted from magnesium and have a hexagonal shape. Inside are 30mm drivers. That's pretty big, considering that IEM drivers are usually 8mm-15mm. But don't let that deter you -- at 23g (that's .8 ounces), these IEMs feel so light. The front of the ear pieces features a gold embossed Audeze logo and a series of horizontal grooves behind which you can see gold gauze that protects the drivers.
The nozzles on the LCD-i4 are long -- the longest I've seen in an IEM. They're also rather wide, which means you may have to use some finesse getting the ear tips on. At the base of the nozzle is a ring onto which you attach your ear hooks. The LCD-i4 comes with a variety, so you can choose the one that fits your ears. Note: Use care putting the ear hooks on and off, and it's easy to snap the plastic. And if you don't like using the ear hooks, the LCD-i4 also comes with a pair of rubberized ear fins that you can use. I was fine with the hooks, and so I didn't use the ear fins.
The LCD-i4 uses a 0.78mm 2-pin connection for its cables. The IEM comes with a braided cable made of silver-plated OCC copper with Kevlar threads for additional strength. But that's not all. You also get a CIPHER Lightning Cable, allowing you to connect the LCD-i4 to your iPhone or any other iOS device, as well as a CIPHER Bluetooth Module for wireless use.
Featuring a Bluetooth 5.0 chipset with integrated support for AptX and AptX HD, the CIPHER Bluetooth Module delivers low-latency 24-bit wireless audio that has been optimized for even the most discerning audiophile. All CIPHER devices come preloaded with Audeze's proprietary DSP to provide an optimized listening experience with both wired and wireless connections.
Features
- Bass is not boomy, but it's plenty rumbly. It's full and slightly warm and has lots of shape to it. Bass guitar lines sound defined. A drum hit has almost an elastic quality to it. In other words, this is not a bass that shakes and rattles you, but it adds nice weight and texture to your music.
What’s in the box?
- LCD-i4
- 1.2m OCC, premium braided cable
- CIPHER Bluetooth Module
- Nylon travel case
- Selection of ear hooks and tips for a customized fit
- User guide and warranty card
- Certificate of authenticity card
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Technical Specifications | |
| Magnetic Structure | Fluxor magnet array |
| Phase Management | Fazor |
| Diaphragm | Nano-scale Uniforce |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| Maximum SPL | >130dB |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100dB |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW (at Drum Reference Point) |
| Maximum Power Handling | 500mW RMS |
