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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional sound quality and have a high-end budget, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is worth considering, especially for music listening, thanks to its planar driver technology and open enclosure, yet it requires a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance. Conversely, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, portable option for casual listening or TV and video with decent noise isolation, Sony's MDREX15AP might suit you, but it will not match the Audeze's sound quality and is less comfortable for long sessions. Neither is suitable for exercise, and while the Audeze lacks built-in controls and a microphone, making it unsuitable for calls, the Sony includes these features but with poor mic quality. 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
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Sony MDREX15AP is very good.
Gaming
7.3
6.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Sony MDREX15AP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.8
3.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
5.4
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
8.6
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Cost
$799
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
10.0
8.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Sony MDREX15AP has very good build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.6/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 3.1 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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Sony MDREX15AP
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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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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