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Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC vs Audeze LCD-5s

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The LCD-5s is 165 g lighter, at 475 g against 640 g.

The AB-1266 Phi TC needs 2 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The LCD-5s lists for $1,495 less.

$5,995

AudezeLCD-5s

$4,500

Side by side

AB-1266 Phi TCLCD-5s
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
Very thin, low-mass planar diaphragm; matched pairs (thickness unpublished)
Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm (thickness unpublished)
Driver size
66 mm
90 mm
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
640 g
475 g
LCD-5s is 165 g lighter
Impedance
50 ohms
35 ohms
Sensitivity
88 dB/mW
90 dB/1 mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Power for 110 dB
158 mW, 2.82 V
100 mW, 1.87 V
AB-1266 Phi TC needs 2 dB more
Drive
Moderate drive
Moderate drive
Frequency response
5 Hz – 45 kHz
5 Hz – 50 kHz
Made in
USA (Buffalo, New York)
USA (California)
Released
2019
2026
List price
$5,995
$4,500
LCD-5s is $1,495 less
Materials
AluminiumStainless steelLeather
Carbon fibreMagnesiumLeatherEngineered films
Both use leather

From each maker’s published figures; sources are on each headphone’s page. Power for 110 dB is worked out from sensitivity and impedance.

Amplifiers that drive both

How the matching works

Each of these has 10 dB or more in reserve above a loud 110 dB peak on both headphones, so one amplifier serves either.

Build a setup with the AB-1266 Phi TC →Build a setup with the LCD-5s →

Where to buy the AB-1266 Phi TC

List $5,995

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

Where to buy the LCD-5s

List $4,500

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

More head to head