I've been happily blocking out the world while playing games with the Audeze LCD-S20--though they have tough competition.

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 13:24 GMT by PC Gamer

Audeze LCD S20 Closed‑Back Headphones – A High‑End Gaming Companion Worth the Price Tag

When it comes to headphones that promise studio‑grade sound for gaming, Audeze has long been the go‑to brand for audiophiles and professional audio engineers. Their latest addition to the lineup, the LCD S20 closed‑back, is a bold statement: a planar‑magnetic pair that puts the “closed” part of the name at the centre of a fresh, gaming‑ready design. PC Gamer’s in‑depth review shows that the S20 is more than a pretty face‑covering; it offers a sonic experience that feels both expansive and tightly controlled, a rare combination for a consumer‑grade gaming headset.

Design & Build

The LCD S20 keeps Audeze’s signature aesthetic—sleek, matte black metal chassis with a minimalist “S” logo—but the designers have added a few crucial tweaks. The headphones feel solid in hand: the aluminum frame is sturdy yet lightweight, and the headband is padded with a high‑density foam that distributes weight evenly. The ear cups are a darker grey than the usual silver, giving the set a more understated look that still looks premium.

The closed‑back construction is a deliberate move away from Audeze’s classic open‑back, planar‑magnetic soundstage. The ear cups are sealed with a silicone gasket that provides excellent isolation from ambient noise—an essential feature for those late‑night gaming sessions. The ear pads themselves are made from a plush, breathable fabric that feels comfortable after hours of use; the reviewers noted that even after a full gaming marathon, there was no noticeable heat build‑up.

A key feature for gamers is the detachable cable system. The S20 comes with a 3.5 mm TRS cable for direct connection to a PC or console, and an optional USB‑C cable for a higher‑bandwidth link. The USB‑C cable is not just a power line; it acts as an audio interface, allowing the headphones to deliver the full dynamic range of Audeze’s planar drivers with minimal distortion. The cable itself is reinforced and comes with a locking connector to prevent accidental unplugging—a small but appreciated detail.

Audio Performance

Audeze’s planar‑magnetic drivers are notoriously difficult to hit for a headphone that still has to be practical for gaming. The LCD S20 does it well. Each ear cup houses a 35 mm planar driver that produces a wide, detailed soundstage, with bass that is both deep and tight. The low‑end feels anchored; you hear the rumble of a tank in Warzone or the pitter‑pat of gunfire in Fortnite without it sounding boomy or muddy.

The mid‑range is where the S20 truly shines. Audeze has tuned the driver so that the voices of in‑game characters sit prominently in the mix, making it easier to identify allies and enemies in a chaotic battlefield. Attack sounds are crisp and clear, and the headphone’s frequency response is smooth, with no harsh peaks that can strain the ears.

High frequencies are handled with care. The reviewers appreciated the presence of a separate tweeter that complements the planar drivers, giving the S20 a sparkling high‑end that still feels natural and not overly bright. This design choice helps prevent the usual “planar fatigue” that can come from listening to the same headphone for extended periods.

Overall, the S20 offers a very balanced, immersive listening experience. While its closed‑back design inevitably sacrifices some of the spaciousness that Audeze’s open‑back models are known for, it more than compensates by providing isolation and a focused sound that is ideal for gaming.

Mic, Battery & Connectivity

Unlike many gaming headsets that combine headphones and a mic into a single unit, the LCD S20 separates the two. The detachable mic is a detachable TRRS cable that plugs directly into the headphone’s cable, giving you the flexibility to swap out mics or even use the headphones as a stand‑alone audio device. The mic’s quality is solid; it captures voice with clarity and has a decent low‑noise floor, making it suitable for streaming, voice‑chat, or even professional audio work.

Since the headphones are wired, there is no battery to worry about. The USB‑C cable can supply power, but it’s not intended for a battery‑driven mode. This means the S20 will stay powered as long as your PC or console is on, which is a plus for those who like uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Connectivity is straightforward. The 3.5 mm TRS cable plugs into any standard headphone jack, and the USB‑C cable is a step up for users who want to leverage Audeze’s high‑fidelity audio interface. The review recommends using the USB‑C connection if you have an audio interface that supports 24‑bit/192 kHz audio; this will bring out the full potential of the planar drivers.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

The Audeze LCD S20 closed‑back is a clear‑cut winner for players who want premium audio without compromising the immersive isolation that a closed‑back headset offers. Its planar‑magnetic drivers bring studio‑grade sound quality to the gaming world, while the detachable cable system and optional USB‑C connectivity make it a versatile choice for both casual gamers and audio professionals.

At $399, the S20 is a luxury purchase, but PC Gamer’s review shows that every penny is justified if you’re willing to invest in a headset that will serve you for years—whether you’re battling through the next multiplayer season or recording a podcast. For those on a budget, Audeze’s older open‑back models may still be the way to go, but if you’re looking to bridge the gap between high‑end audio and gaming performance, the LCD S20 is a compelling, if pricey, option.