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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you want a more expansive soundstage and a richer, more detailed bass response, then the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is an excellent choice, although it comes at a higher price. These are over-ear headphones, best for home listening due to their size and open-back design, which doesn't isolate noise well. On the other hand, the Etymotic ER2SE offers excellent isolation and accuracy, perfect for those who prioritize a clear, uncolored sound and need something portable and effective at blocking out external noise. However, they may not have the bass depth and soundstage width provided by the Audeze. Keep in mind the Audeze's size may not be practical for on-the-go use, while the Etymotic's deep in-ear fit might be uncomfortable for some and lacks the over-ear's soundstage. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- The Etymotic ER2SE has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Gaming
7.3
6.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
7.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
9.2
8.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audeze LCD 2 Classic to be excellent for music, while the Etymotic ER2SE is very good.
Phone Calls
4.8
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
7.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5/10 | |
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 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
Etymotic ER2SE
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Etymotic ER2SE
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 Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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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