Audeze LCD-5s vs Meze Audio ARTA

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The LCD-5s is 20 g lighter, at 475 g against 495 g.

The LCD-5s needs 8 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The LCD-5s lists for $1,500 less.

$4,500

$6,000

Side by side

LCD-5sARTADifference

LCD-5sARTA

Driver: Planar magnetic; Planar magnetic
Diaphragm: Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm (thickness unpublished); Rinaro Parus ARTA [MZ5 HΩ] film, 0.10 g
Driver size: 90 mm; 102 x 73 mm ovoid, 4,650 mm² active area
Enclosure: Open-back; Open-back
Weight: 475 g; 495 g; LCD-5s is 20 g lighter
Impedance: 35 ohms; 225 ohms
Sensitivity: 90 dB/1 mW (at Drum Reference Point); 98 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Power for 110 dB: 100 mW, 1.87 V; 15.8 mW, 1.89 V; LCD-5s needs 8 dB more
Drive: Moderate drive; Easy to drive
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz; 3 Hz – 115 kHz
Made in: USA (California); Romania
Released: 2026; 2026
List price: $4,500; $6,000; LCD-5s is $1,500 less
Materials: Carbon fibre Magnesium Leather Engineered films; Carbon fibre Leather; Both use carbon fibre, 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.

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

List $4,500

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

List $6,000

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