Audeze LCD 2 Classic
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
MUSIC: Excellent—9.2/10
CALLS: Poor—4.8/10
GAMING: Good—7.3/10
TV: Very Good—8.6/10
PODCASTS & AUDIOBOOKS: Good—7.7/10
EXERCISE: Poor—4.4/10
AIR TRAVEL: Poor—4.1/10
NOISE REDUCTION: Poor—2.5/10
BUILD QUALITY: Best in Class—10.0/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic are high-end, over-ear headphones with an open enclosure, which means they offer a wide soundstage and immersive audio experience, particularly suitable for dedicated music listening. However, they are not wireless and don't have a built-in microphone, which makes them less versatile for calls or meetings, and they aren't optimized for exercise due to lack of sweatproof certification. Their open-back design results in poor noise isolation, not ideal for loud environments or air travel. They are heavy and not foldable, which compromises portability. Notably, they are recommended to pair with a dedicated amplifier for optimal sound quality. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Evaluation
Pros
- Very good overall sound quality
- Best soundstage / imaging
- Very comfortable
- Excellent build quality
- Optimal for music and TV/video
Cons
- Poor mic quality
- No wireless capability
- Heavy at 635 grams
- Poor noise isolation
Ratings by Category
Music:4.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music due to its open-back design that fosters a more expansive soundstage, providing an immersive listening experience. Additionally, its top-of-the-line sound quality is further enriched by planar magnetic drivers which offer superior clarity and detail in audio reproduction over traditional drivers.
TV & Video:4.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic headphones are wired, ensuring they have low latency which is ideal for syncing audio with video when watching TV or videos. They also boast very good overall sound quality and excellent soundstage and imaging, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Podcasts & Audiobooks:4.3
This score evaluates the product when used solely to listen to podcasts or audiobooks. It takes into account sound quality and sound signature, to be able to keep voices clear and intelligible. It also considers battery life, when available, and comfort.
Gaming:4.1
This score evaluates the product when used to play videogames. It takes into account wireless latency - the perceived delay between the action on screen and the sounds playing in your ears. The score also considers soundstage quality, whether they have a virtual surround feature, and overall comfort. Finally, the gaming score takes into account microphone quality for in-game voice chat.
It’s important to note that the device paired with the earbuds heavily influences their performance in regards to latency or delay.
Full Specs
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Price | $799 | ||
Brand | Audeze | ||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | ||
Form Factor | Headphones | ||
Connectivity | Wired | ||
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score  | 9.3/10 | ||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | ||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | ||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | ||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | ||
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | No | ||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | ||
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | 10/10 | ||
Comfort score | 8/10 | ||
Weight | 635 Grams | ||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | ||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | ||
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
See more
Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Comparison charts
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you may be interested in
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic to similarly priced alternatives
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. Focal Elex
VS
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. Focal Bathys
VS
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro
VS
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. HifiMan Arya Stealth
VS
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
VS
Compare Audeze LCD 2 Classic vs. Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H95
VS
FAQs
Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
106,700
Recommendations made
16,005
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
Featured in
