The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are particularly driven by audio quality and want a premium listening experience, especially for music, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic may be worth the higher cost with their planar magnetic drivers offering exceptional clarity and detail. However, if budget is a concern, or you are looking for a versatile headphone for various uses such as gaming, casual listening, or travel, the Rode NTH-100 would provide good quality sound at a more affordable price point. Keep in mind, the Audeze may also be heavier and bulkier due to their design, which could make them less comfortable for long listening sessions compared to the lighter Rode NTH-100. Additionally, if a microphone or virtual surround features are important for your use, make sure to check if the model you choose includes these as they could significantly impact your user experience depending on your needs. 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 Rode NTH-100
The Rode NTH-100 has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Music
9.2/10
8.2/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Rode NTH-100 is very good.
Gaming
7.3/10
6.5/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Rode NTH-100 is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6/10
7.7/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Rode NTH-100 is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The Rode NTH-100 and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for noise reduction, though the Rode NTH-100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$799
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Rode NTH-100 costs $149.
Build Quality
10.0/10
8.5/10
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Rode NTH-100 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 NTH-100M is a closed-back headset aimed at professional audiophiles—streamers, podcasters and content creators included—looking for masterful audio and a detachable 'broadcast-grade' microphone."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Rode NTH-100
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 Rode
Rode is an Australian audio equipment manufacturer. Rode was founded in 1967 as Freedman Electronics, transitioning into its modern brand in 1990, and it’s mainly known for their high-end microphones and audio production equipment. In 2022 they entered into the headphone market with their NTH-100 closed back headphone which was received with very good reviews from the community.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
126,500
Recommendations made
18,975
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
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.