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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high fidelity sound and have the budget, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic offers a premium open-back experience that's great for critical listening, but it's very expensive and might need a dedicated amplifier for the best experience. In contrast, the Audio Technica M50x, while much more affordable, provides good sound quality with a closed-back design suitable for everyday use and recording sessions without requiring additional equipment. The LCD 2 Classic is better for sheer audio quality in a quiet space, but the M50x offers versatility and better isolation, making it suitable for use in noisier environments. 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
Advantages of the Audio Technica M50x
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Audio Technica M50x is very good.
Gaming
7.3
6.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
7.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.6
7.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$799
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Audio Technica M50x costs $149.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.8
4.4
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Audio Technica M50x compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Audio Technica M50x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Audio Technica | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | January 1, 2007 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
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 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 294.8 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 M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Audio Technica M50x
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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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.
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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.
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.
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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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