hifiblueprint

Audeze LCD-5s vs Meze Audio Empyrean II

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

The Empyrean II is 26 g lighter, at 449 g against 475 g.

They need about the same power to reach a loud 110 dB peak, so an amplifier that suits one suits the other.

The Empyrean II lists for $1,501 less.

AudezeLCD-5s

$4,500

$2,999

Side by side

LCD-5sEmpyrean II
Driver
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic
Diaphragm
Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm (thickness unpublished)
Rinaro Isoplanar MZ3 film, 0.16 g
Driver size
90 mm
102 x 73 mm ovoid, 4,650 mm² active area
Enclosure
Open-back
Open-back
Weight
475 g
449 g
Empyrean II is 26 g lighter
Impedance
35 ohms
32 ohms
Sensitivity
90 dB/1 mW (at Drum Reference Point)
90 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
Power for 110 dB
100 mW, 1.87 V
100 mW, 1.79 V
About the same
Drive
Moderate drive
Moderate drive
Frequency response
5 Hz – 50 kHz
8 Hz – 110 kHz
Made in
USA (California)
Romania
Released
2026
2023
List price
$4,500
$2,999
Empyrean II is $1,501 less
Materials
Carbon fibreMagnesiumLeatherEngineered films
Carbon fibreAluminiumLeather
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.

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 LCD-5s →Build a setup with the Empyrean II →

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

Where to buy the Empyrean II

List $2,999

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

More head to head