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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If sound quality and an audiophile listening experience are top priorities, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic would be the better choice, as they are known for excellent sound fidelity and build quality, suitable for critical listening. However, along with the higher price, they are bulkier and less portable than the Beats EP. On the other hand, Beats EP are more affordable, come with an in-line microphone for calls, and offer a bass-heavy sound that's popular for casual listening. They're also more convenient for on-the-go use due to their lighter weight and smaller size. If portability, cost, and a mic for calls are more important to you than the ultimate sound experience, the Beats EP might be the way to go. 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 Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.1
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Beats EP is very good.
Gaming
7.3
6.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.8
4.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
6.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
7.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats EP and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
Cost
$799
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
10.0
8.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | November 1, 2018 | |
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 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 226.7 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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Beats EP
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 Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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