T3 - UK (2020-10)

76 T3 OCTOBER 2020

Te s te d

AUDEZE LCD-1

£399, audeze.com

Planar magnetic headphones like the Audeze LCD-1 are far less

prone to distortion and offer very responsive sound. While these

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S325e or Focal Stellia, they’re still seriously expressive. Where they

really shine, however, is in how well-rounded their sound is. Their

bass and mids are warm and resonant without being remotely turgid,

while trebles are clear without being excessively bright or grating.

Finally, they feel and look every bit as smooth as they sound.

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headphones, the audio quality of the Focal Stellia is pretty stunning.

There’s a closeness to the bass and mid-range but powerful drums and

synths are smooth rather than booming, while, in the high end, little

breaths and croaks in a singer’s voice feel natural. These are the best-

sounding closed-back cans here, and probably in the world. But the

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yet the price is, which is why they’ve just been edged out by them.

STUNNINGLY RESPONSIVE SOUND

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wired cans to suit any budget or sonic preference

Wired headphones

FOCAL STELLIA

£2,799, focal.com

BREATHTAKING SOUNDSTAGE

Words: Duncan Bell, Matt Bolton, Josh Russell Photography: Olly Curtis