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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music and an open soundstage for an immersive listening experience, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic would be a superior choice, but keep in mind they are open-back, making them less suitable for noisy environments due to poor noise isolation. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5, while still offering good sound quality, comes with active noise cancelling which is excellent for air travel and noisy settings, and a long battery life ideal for extended use without frequent charging. Additionally, the Sony pair is significantly lighter and has a built-in microphone for calls, app-based equalization, and controls customization, making it more versatile for everyday use across various activities. However, the Audeze is constructed with a more premium build quality and has a wider soundstage, which could enhance your listening experience particularly for music and TV but is less portable and not as feature-rich as the Sony. 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 Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
9.2
8.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good.
Gaming
7.3
5.6
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for gaming, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.8
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
6.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
5.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.
Battery
N/A
40.3 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$799
$398
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
Build Quality
10.0
8.8
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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