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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic offers an open-back design which allows for a more spacious soundstage, making them great for an immersive music-listening experience at home. However, because they're open-back, they also leak sound and don't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for noisy environments or those where sound leakage is an issue. Additionally, Audeze recommends using a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance. On the other hand, the Audio Technica ATH M40X, being closed-back, provides better sound isolation and no sound leakage, which is preferable if you’ll be using them in public places or don’t want to disturb others. The ATH M40X is also more portable due to its lower weight and the fact that they fold up. If you're on a tighter budget and need a versatile headphone good for various environments, the Audio Technica might be the more practical choice. If you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest more for an audiophile experience—especially in quiet settings—then the Audeze LCD 2 Classic could be the better fit. 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 podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.1
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good.
Phone Calls
4.8
3.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
5.1
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Cost
$799
$99
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Audio Technica ATH M40X costs $99.
Build Quality
10.0
8.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.3
7.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both good for gaming.
TV and Video
8.6
8.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both very good for TV and video.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Audio Technica ATH M40X compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Audio Technica ATH M40X |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $99 | ||
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 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 3.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 245 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 M40X
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Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Audio Technica ATH M40X
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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