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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional overall sound quality, soundstage, and build quality in a high-end headphone ideal for home use, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic would be an excellent choice, but note that they are open-back and offer poor noise isolation and aren’t suitable for exercise or travel. They also require an amplifier for optimal performance. In contrast, the KZ ZSN Pro X are much more affordable, offer good sound quality, and are more portable and versatile for outdoor use or travel, but they have inferior build and sound quality compared to the Audeze and don't have active noise cancelling. The Audeze is better for critical listening, while the KZ is more practical for casual, on-the-go listening. 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 KZ ZSN Pro X
Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.2/10
7.0/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Gaming
7.3/10
5.9/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8/10
3.1/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7/10
4.7/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
TV and Video
8.6/10
7.3/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$24
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.5/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the KZ ZSN Pro X has very good build quality.
"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."
"The KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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.
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