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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1318513
The Audeze name carries an expectation of three things—open-back design, planar magnetic drivers, and high-quality audio experience. True to form, all three are found on the LCDi3’s. The LCDi3s improve upon Audeze’s iSine 20 monitors without hitting the $2,500 price of the flagship LCDi4 monitors. While the LCDi3’s $899 is not a price tag to scoff at, you are getting the value of a custom DAC plus really great in-ear-monitor hardware that would probably cost more than the LCDi3’s on their own. That stamp of quality is not just in the monitors themselves, either, the whole LCDi3 package is top notch. Opening this thing is like the twelve days of Christmas. Every LCDi3 box includes 6 pairs of ear tips, 4 sets of ear hooks, 3 cord connectors, 2 in-ear-monitors, and a high-end wallet carry case! There is also a cord clip, a pair of ear wings for improved fit, Audeze branded cord ties, and a cleaning tool, but those didn’t fit into my song. The last piece that you’ll find in the box is the signed and numbered certificate of authenticity, which you can easily tell has actually been signed by someone at Audeze. It’s a great touch and true testament to quality to have such a personalized inspection process before each pair of monitors leaves the factory. The monitors themselves feature 30mm transducers driven by planar magnetics. This is a really large size to cram into something without a headband, and they are essential to the openness and clarity of sound that come from the LCDi3’s. For most people, the LCDi3’s will sound better than any other in-ear-monitor you’ve heard, as long as you’re listening in a quiet place like your own office or home. The bass is clear and precise, without getting muddy at all. The detail retrieval and speed of these headphones is unlike anything I’ve heard in an in-ear-monitor. And the soundstage; oh man, the soundstage is so good. As a technical accomplishment, the LCDi3’s are truly incredible.