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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is designed for high-fidelity audio and critical listening, providing a premium sound quality that is often preferred by audiophiles. They're significantly more expensive and are considered an investment for those who prioritize the best audio reproduction, often sacrificing portability due to their size and weight. The Moondrop Chu is much more budget-friendly and a better choice for casual listeners who need more portable earbuds. However, sound quality and build will not match the Audeze. When considering which to buy, balance your budget with your need for audio quality and the importance of portability. 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
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Moondrop Chu
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
9.2
7.9
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Moondrop Chu is good.
Gaming
7.3
8.0
The Moondrop Chu is very good for gaming, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
Phone Calls
4.8
8.8
The Moondrop Chu is very good for phone calls, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
TV and Video
8.6
7.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Moondrop Chu is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Moondrop Chu is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$21
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Moondrop Chu costs $21.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Moondrop Chu has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
7.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Moondrop Chu are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Moondrop Chu compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Moondrop Chu |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $21 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Moondrop | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | April 1, 2022 | |
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 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | In-Line | |
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."
Moondrop Chu
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2022
"These budget buds put the pressure on those premium priced in-ear monitors to really justify the cost disparity. Offering excellent sound quality at any price, the Moondrop Chu is both a perfect entry into the audio enthusiast hobby, and an all around good pick for music fans."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Moondrop Chu
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 Moondrop
Moondrop is a Chinese brand of smart audio equipment, portable audio players, earbuds and headphones started in 2015. During the last few years they have become one of the major players in what is lovingly referred to as the Chi-fi market, the bulk of Chinese companies that have managed to actually compete with the western manufacturers in both prices and superior quality. Products such as the Blessing II, Chu and Kato are among the most popular offerings of the brand, more popular among those users that wish for good quality audio that won't break the bank. Besides audio, the brand also works in what they call the ACGN field (Animation, Comics, Games and Short Novels).
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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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