Audeze LCD-5s vs Meze Audio Elite

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Elite is 42 g lighter, at 433 g against 475 g.

The LCD-5s needs 11 dB more power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so it asks more of the amplifier.

The Elite lists for $500 less.

$4,500

$4,000

Side by side

LCD-5sEliteDifference

LCD-5sElite

Driver: Planar magnetic; Planar magnetic
Diaphragm: Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm (thickness unpublished); Rinaro Parus MZ3SE ultra-thin polymer film, 0.11 g
Driver size: 90 mm; 102 x 73 mm ovoid, 4,650 mm² active area
Enclosure: Open-back; Open-back
Weight: 475 g; 433 g; Elite is 42 g lighter
Impedance: 35 ohms; 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 90 dB/1 mW (at Drum Reference Point); 101 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Power for 110 dB: 100 mW, 1.87 V; 7.94 mW, 0.50 V; LCD-5s needs 11 dB more
Drive: Moderate drive; Easy to drive
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz; 3 Hz – 112 kHz
Made in: USA (California); Romania
Released: 2026; 2021
List price: $4,500; $4,000; Elite is $500 less
Materials: Carbon fibre Magnesium Leather Engineered films; Carbon fibre Aluminium 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 $4,000

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