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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more immersive listening experience with deeper bass and larger soundstage, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic would be a great choice, but keep in mind they are large, open-back headphones that are best suited for quiet environments and not ideal for on-the-go use. On the other hand, the Etymotic ER4XR are in-ear monitors that offer exceptional noise isolation, making them better for use in noisy environments and for travel. They also provide very accurate sound reproduction, but might lack the bass impact and spaciousness the Audezes offer. Also consider that the in-ear fit of the ER4XR can be very snug and may not be comfortable for all, while the Audeze headphones have a more traditional over-ear fit but are much heavier. So if portability and noise isolation are priorities, go for the Etymotics, but if you prefer a more expansive listening experience and don't need to block out external noise, the Audeze may be worth the investment. 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 ER4XR
- The Etymotic ER4XR has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Etymotic ER4XR is very good.
Gaming
7.3
6.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
7.4
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$234
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.8
4.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
7.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
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 | 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 ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Etymotic ER4XR
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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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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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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