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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classics offer a highly immersive audio experience with a superior soundstage, making them ideal for serious music listening in a quiet environment. They are not wireless and have an open design that doesn't isolate noise well, so they're not suitable for commuting or noisy environments. Alternatively, the Audio Technica ATH M20X are budget-friendly, closed-back headphones that provide better noise isolation and are more versatile for everyday use. Despite being less comfortable and offering less impressive sound quality when compared to the Audeze, they are lighter and may be a better option for longer, varied use, including taking calls and gaming. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Music
9.2
7.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Gaming
7.3
6.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.8
4.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
6.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
7.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$49
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Audio Technica ATH M20X costs $49.
Build Quality
10.0
6.9
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Audio Technica ATH M20X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Audio Technica ATH M20X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $49 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | January 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.1/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 190 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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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."
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Audio Technica ATH M20X
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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