Audeze LCD-5s vs ZMF Caldera

Both are planar magnetic open-back headphones.

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

The Caldera lists for $1,000 less.

$4,500

$3,499.99

Side by side

LCD-5sCalderaDifference

LCD-5sCaldera

Driver: Planar magnetic; Planar magnetic
Diaphragm: Nano-Scale Parallel Uniforce diaphragm (thickness unpublished); Four-trace, eight-pathway planar diaphragm
Driver size: 90 mm; 80 mm
Enclosure: Open-back; Open-back
Weight: 475 g; Not published
Impedance: 35 ohms; 60 ohms
Sensitivity: 90 dB/1 mW (at Drum Reference Point); ~95 dB/mW
Power for 110 dB: 100 mW, 1.87 V; 31.6 mW, 1.38 V; LCD-5s needs 5 dB more
Drive: Moderate drive; Easy to drive
Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz; Not published
Made in: USA (California); United States
Released: 2026; 2022
List price: $4,500; $3,499.99; Caldera is $1,000 less
Materials: Carbon fibre Magnesium Leather Engineered films; Aluminium Wood Leather; 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.

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 $3,499.99

None of the boutiques we track list this model right now. Manufacturer page: shop.zmfheadphones.com.

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