Audeze LCD-2 Classic - Review - Enjoyment or Disappointment?

A BIG thank you to Farsil t he Wizard for lending the Audeze LCD-2 Classic for review, greatly appreciated. The highly regarded Audeze LCD2C are an experience like no other; are they an enjoyment or dissapoitment for me?
/ @farsilthewizard
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[@Evil3eard]

David you've restored my faith in audiophile headphones reviewers. Finnaly an honest take on the LCD-2C's!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words. Honesty is the best policy.

[@Evil3eard]

@Blue Are you insinuating that companies who financially support youtubers to review headphone don't aspect them in return to overhipe there product? Or MOST youtubers waste there time researching sound tools and editing videos for JUST making new friends? Are you playing naive with me? let me guess you've never seen and advertisement in your life done by a third party specialise in promoting product of a different and separate economical entity to understand how marketing works in a capitalistic society. In that case the answer to your question is YES, absolutely.

[@shadouxg7150]

@@Evil3eard its an honest review when its negative?

[@Nonesuch6588]

This was a great review & you describe this headphone in a way non-audiophiles can understand

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words, greatly appreciated, ❤️

[@mrolinad]

Don't feel bad. I was also expecting much more from these. It's way behind my HE500. When people say it's dark, I didn't think it was so lifeless.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't mind a dark sounding headphone but these just have no life to them. They need eq to sound good imo.

[@davidmason8212]

@@TheHonestAudiophile did you tried to eq it ? And with eq can it beat the ananda ? Is there a big difference in sound between 400i and ananda ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@davidmason8212 @David Mason at the 15 minute mark I discuss using the Bellari sonic exciter which helped bring out the LCD2C a bit. I dont normally eq or use tone controls but the LCD2C is a good option for it. Haven't heard a 400i in a very long time. I have no comparison to offer. In my opinion the Ananda is better in every way vs the LCD2C except bass slam.

[@davidmason8212]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for your response. I would like to ask you which one can play songs as loud as possible without increasing in thd or clipping ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@davidmason8212 Well I dont recommend that you play music loud but I think the Ananda would be the better.

[@69Muscle]

I just bought a new pair of Audeze LCD 2’s with Rosewood rings. After 10 hours of total listening time, I’m blown away by them. I think I might like them more than my Focal Clears. I need to do a side-by-side comparison. I run them thru a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200 to my MacBook.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness ❤️ I'm glad you enjoy the LCD 2. Thanks for the impressions.

[@audioprom2662]

The comfort you described is spot on. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't get past that to care for the sound. Job well done, David.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Yeah these just don't have it for me.

[@TubeMan2oo7]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Hi, what would you suggest in this price range?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@TubeMan2oo7 Hifiman Ananda

[@TubeMan2oo7]

David Sylvia yes I was looking at those. I am just a bit scared becouse there is a lot of bad reviews regarding build quality. How they stack agains sen hd600 I have those at the moment. Thanks for the replay

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't had any build issues with the Ananda. The HD600 seems cheaply made in comparison. The mostly metal build seems premium in comparison. The only thing that is lackluster is the cable.

[@roverrich]

Thanks for the honest review, you saved me a bunch of money! I was really interested in these but I do not want a set of cans that I need to EQ to make them enjoyable. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

You're welcome, my pleasure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Vishmaw]

Great review, appreciate the comments on the pairing with your amps and dacs as well. That is a nice touch many reviewers dont do.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind, supportive words.

[@FarsilTheWizard]

If I didn't lower the head strap like I did, you would've needed less extension on the yokes. I got tired of the metal digging into my noggin so I lowered the strap. They do sell extended yokes and they're like.. 30usd? If you look you can actually see where I bent it enough to break the paint a little on the underside. The cable I got was made in Poland and I bought it on Amazon for a STELLAR price. It's nothing fancy and just a solidly built and frankly cheap cable. (paid 35 or 38 w/10 shipping or so) I won't lie, I don't always agree with you on some findings on some devices. But this one? Yeah, tit for tat agree with you on basically everything. Except I didn't like the cable. I always struggled with it tangling up on me somehow. I sent them to you before reviewing them myself as a thanks and also because I plan to give these the Farsil touch and mod the pewp out of em.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I look forward to what kind of "Farsil touch" you give them, they can use a little kiss of love.

[@FarsilTheWizard]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Already working out ideas. :3 I'm glad to have sent them to you first though. now there's a group point of origin.

[@michaelblack1968]

To each his own but this review doesn't line up with my personal experience with these headphones over the past four years. However, I do not listen to genres like jazz or classical. If you like rock, pop or any sort of electronica, I don't think this headphone will disappoint. Mine sound extremely smooth and liquid on a Pathos Aurium hybrid tube amp. Bass is clean and extends super low.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Totally understandable, we all hear different and have different gear. I would love to hear the Pathos Aurium someday, that would be a dream come true. I kinda like the LCD 2 Classic but it just wasn't for me; I do enjoy and own the LCD 2 Closed. Thanks for the comment, greatly appreciated.

[@yordanaleksandrov8443]

I really enjoyed your comments on the genres: as someone who listens predominantly to metal, I've found that headphones with lots of treble simply sound harsh and unpleasant to me - the airy sound isn't my thing. So my preferred sound signature would be warm, as it adds an enjoyable thickness and grunt to the guitars and drums. I think it's very important that one finds their preferred sound, since it's very subjective.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎 Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comment.

[@HonkeyKongLive]

Speaking as a metal guy, these are damn near endgame for anyone who isn't looking to spend in the 4 digits. I've tried a ton in this price range and it really is amazing.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome 👍 Glad you enjoy them.

[@alexandrosbagkas]

That is excellent news, because I wanted a pair to listen mostly exclusively to metal, rock, synthwave and I was really considering these. I'll get them!@@HonkeyKongLive

[@evensung]

As a previous owner of these i find your remarks very accurate for what I myself experienced. They can get a lot of help with some tuning, but stock didn't really "do it" for me either. Gotta love that bass though. :) Thanks for a great and honest review Dave!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind words. You are welcome for the honest review, my pleasure.

[@Andyhandle]

Great review, saying it as it is. I got the Audeze LCD2c many years ago. I was disappointed in the upper mids after using some superb quad driver IEMs from shure. I listened to the LCD2c from time to time and it felt like there was something missing in terms of excitement. However, I recently got a new much more powerful DAP with a 4.4mm balanced socket and more oomph than my last DAP - there's a definite improvement compared to previously. A bit of EQ'ing in the right place and it's like something totally different. It's still not as exciting, as clear or as intimate as my IEMs but it's much improved (and lighter with the 4.4mm cable). I'm really enjoying it, especially for some tracks/albums (listening to the Planet Suite, some Carpenters...). And they are very comfortable, for me!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. I am glad you were able to find a solution to help with enjoyment.

[@scottpolston6137]

I got these about 3 weeks ago they are extremely comfortable I can wear them all day despite there weight I’m 5,5 135 lbs I’m in crazy good shape and have always worked very physical jobs so the head phones being heavy is not a problem especially being the guy who moves 400-500 lb vacuums half the day from place to place by hand if your in the fence with these hp just get them if you’ve never heard a planar this is honestly the best place to start or a m1060 closed best bass on earth it’s subbass not mid bass bloat deep down and rumbling it’s crazy

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy them.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

I like your reviews. I do like the lcd 2c, I'm running them through my rme adi dac, and it sounds fun through an analytical german dac, especially with modern tracks. I got a small question, in your mdrz7 m2 review you changed the pads how do you change the pads of that headphone, are they glued in or something, or a beyerdynamic style ear pad system.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind words. I didn't do the Sony pad mod, the loaner did. From what I understand, you have to remove a small screw under the pad and the ring pops off and then you can replace the pads.

[@ut00bington]

Thanks for the review, i am seriously considering these as a complimentary headphone to my Clears. Some thing darker/laid back yet fun. I love my clears but they are a bit too analytical for really long listening sessions. Any thoughts of any alternatives?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Actually the LCD2C would be a nice compliment to the Focal Clear if you can withstand the heavy build. Another option worth considering is the Meze 99 Classic if you don't mind a closed back.

[@ut00bington]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks i was thinking about that one too, nowhere to audition it here unfortunatelly. Would you say the LCD2C has a wider soundstage than the Clear?

[@Dan.M821]

Hi David, I feel that you like LCD 2 C Closed more than LCD 2 Classic but have you had the chance to compare CClosed them with LCD 2 (not classic) ? Thanks.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I heard the original LCD-2 at an audio show several years ago but not enough to recall for a comparison. Yes, I prefer the LCD-2 Closed over the LCD-2 Classic.

[@bigjt37]

Sounds like these are...okay. But, is it too harsh to say, it's maybe overpriced? I know Audeze actually released these, as their more affordable set, some years ago. Yet, ironically, it may be, overpriced.. Hmm. 🤔 Good honesty, again David. For 800 bucks, or even 600 ish, used; I'd rather go in a different direction. Still considering the Elex, which I know you sold yours already, which you did offer me early on an opportunity, and thanks for that. But timing, I guess, didn't quite line up exactly, that's my fault. But, also been looking at your new baby, and debating the Ananda, myself 😆. I want a great all arounder. Thought I used to like dark treble (but, I guess I'm evolving), maybe can listen to one, occasionally. But, regularly eh, probably not. Great stuff David. Sure it's solid, just not maybe for me, right now.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I wouldn't call these an "all-arounder" headphone. They are excellent for some genre of music and then not so stellar for others. I consider the Hifiman Ananda an "all-arounder" for me.

[@bigjt37]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Yes. From what I'm hearing, I'd very much agree. Sounds like a specific taste, that'll like these that way. Otherwise, it's a bit of an expensive, compliment headphone. 💯

[@Kevitivity]

I'm a soundstage person. What headphones in this price range would you recommend? I listen to a lot of dynamic classical and acoustic recordings from audiophile labels. Thank you for your review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hifiman Ananda is my recommendation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGlZpWDjdacmsk

[@NotCharAznable]

Hifiman quality control is sketchy.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@NotCharAznable I have owened and still own lots of Hifiman products thru the years. The only one I had major issues with is the HE-350 which was one of the cheapest built piles of crap ever. Everything has lasted the test of time with mostly no issues. I did have a warranty issue with my HD-560 and Hifiman warranty handled that like a champ and I am very pleased with the outcome. I respectfully disagree that Hifiman quality control is sketchy, I have had very good experiences with Hifiman products.

[@70sroomreviews14]

Looking at the wall behind you, I'm not noticing any Auduze headphones. Do you own a pair of Auduze headphones (just curious)? Thanks and I do appreciate your honesty in the review. Listening is subjective. Everyone hears things different.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I do own the Audeze LCD 2 Closed and the Audeze Deckard. I used to own the Audeze iSine10. Would love the opportunity to review more Audeze products and possibly own as well. I've reviewed a couple other Audeze products on the channel. Thanks for the comment.

[@Taladin1234]

Great video

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@southeastgasservices]

thinking of buying a pair of these. I have a schiit stack which consists of a lokius/Modius/Asgard, the Lokius EQ works really well. what are people's opinions on this. good review

[@rdtstudios]

Just got them and feel the same as you describe,will return them.. What is you favorite headphone under $1000

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Hifiman Ananda is my favorite headphone under $1000. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rdtstudios]

David Sylvia funny i was going get those before the lcd2c and change my mind,thx bud👍

[@saurabhsarangi8339]

@@TheHonestAudiophile HD 660s or Hifiman Ananda .....Which one will you pick? And Should I purchase both LCD X 2021 and Ananda? BTW I already have HD 660s. What about Sennheiser HD 800s? Should I buy them? Thanks man!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@saurabhsarangi8339 Ananda has larger stage, depth and layering. More extension in bass and treble and is more elevated in the upper mids. 660s has more accurate tone and timbre.

[@aprasert]

Ananda or LCD2 for listening primarily rock music? Looking to use a dongle DAC like a dragonfly to listen in different areas in my house. Thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'd choose the LCD 2 Closed for rock sessions. Full review coming soon.

[@harackmw]

Reviews are all over the place for these cans. Actually, all over the place for the whole LCD lineup it seems. I hope they are more consistent down the road, otherwise it seems like a lottery.

[@TheHypeCom]

Part of the reason for that could be that there seems to be quite a bit of unit variation in audeze headphones (especially the lcd c apparently)

[@harackmw]

@@TheHypeCom Yeah that is what I was referring to; I even have a place where I can demo these headphones, but how do I know that the unit I get will sound the same as the demo unit? It is incredible that reviews are as positive as they are considering this, a lot of other brands don't get that kind of forgiveness.

[@garyluciani370]

@@TheHypeCom I don't think it's so much unit to unit variation as reviewer to reviewer variation. Everybody hears and percieves things differently. If you can get a good long listen to a pair, make your decision based on that. I don't think unit variation is going to be that big.

[@AKelly-wd4lj]

Nice video man! Could you power these using a Dragonfly Red with a MacBook? Cheers

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I highly doubt it. I think a decently powered amplifier would be better. Something budget like a Schiit Audio Heresy or iFi Audio Zen DAC or something similar would be more adequate.

[@RX-rd4sc]

Hey, what will you recommend for sound quality(gaming and music) Audeze mobius or sundara or 660s Price is not an issue 1st? 2nd? 3rd?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

1. 660s 2. Sundara Sorry I haven't heard Audeze Mobius

[@shelteredwaffle4665]

They have longer rods you can buy them with fyi :) I really enjoy my lcd2 (2020) and am curious about how different the LCD2c is. The LCD2s sound a lot less bassy. My LCD2s are definitely not dark like my Hd650s. I haven't heard any graininess there either. They recess the treble but come back up above 10k quite a lot which has some nice air. The 2c are probably a lot less heavy on the bright side. I'm surprised to hear that the 2c are intimate because the LCD2s are about as wide as my DT 1990s with a lot more depth. If anyone is looking for a cheap but high quality balanced cable I can't reccomend Lindsay at Impact audio enough. Pretty unique and customizable cables if you like things to be color matched.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the information. I am glad you are enjoying them. I would love the opportunity to review more Audeze gear. Thanks for watching and commenting, greatly appreciated.

[@martinsoo6332]

Sadly this 2C need mod to sound fantastic. Out of the box just couldn't do it at all. But they have excellent potential.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yeah they are receptive to EQ. I can see why some would want to mod them.

[@martinsoo6332]

@@TheHonestAudiophile i personally owned 1 and modded. Added fazor and have to replace the pads as it muffled the sound badly.

[@shadouxg7150]

@@martinsoo6332the detail or the dynamics got better?

[@martinsoo6332]

@@shadouxg7150 basically everything sounds better. dynamics as usual, the technicality of the 2C is really good actually. Nothing to complaint about, only the spectrum is on the Dark side. If you like Dark headphones, theres no reason to mod actually.

[@shadouxg7150]

@@martinsoo6332 the Fazor brought up the Treble detail?

[@TylerDanielWinn]

13:51 -- meow.

[@ArianTashakkor]

Would you personally pick the LCD-2C over the Hifiman Ananda? If you didn't want to buy any of these, what would be your third option in same price range?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I would pick the Ananda over the LCD+2 Classic. I love my Ananda very much.

[@ArianTashakkor]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you very much! Much love for all the great reviews and fast responses to the comments! You're surely one of my favorite youtubers ❤️

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind and supportive words, greatly appreciated ❤️

[@jerrygoodson4016]

This is going a ways back for you, but can you give me your take on these compared to the Monoprice M1060. Some bash it. I happen to like it. Do you think the LCD2/Classic a good upgrade(soundwise only)? Or is it my M1060 "close enough" that I should I save my money? Thank you!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The LCD2C has slightly better detail retrieval and resolution. I would stick with your M1060. BUT I haven't heard the M1060 in a long time, nor have I had the two side by side to compare.LCD2C way better build quality and comfort.

[@0-9880]

HI David what do you compare The Sennheiser 660s2 ve Audeze MM100 or the LCD1 OR LCD2 I don't know which one to buy ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the MM-100. I heard the LCD-1 once at an audio show several years ago, don't remember them. The LCD-2 Classic is more bassy, darker treble, mids are slightly recessed and tone and timbre isn't as natural. Keep in mind I've not heard LCD-2 Classic since I reviewed it a few years ago.

[@0-9880]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thanks David I am looking for a headphone for. mixing real music real musicians

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

In that price the HD660s2 and Ollo S5X are great options.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

So LCD2 or Edition XX? What? You're not an EQ guy...lol....now it's Bellari--bravo!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I am not an eq guy. But sometimes a little help is needed to get satisfied from a headphone. I would take the Edition XX over the LCD2C.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Bravo. I would too. Not impressed by LCD2

[@jimis3167]

Will you review LCD 2 closed??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If someone one sends in a LCD 2 Closed I will gladly review it.

[@garyluciani370]

If you want to hear an open back with big full bodied bass, try the Philps Fidelio x2. They have a lot more bass than the lcd2c. I own both and I would prefer more quantity of bass with the lcd2c. Although I love the quality of the bass better then the fidelio x2.

[@MrGrosMamouth]

I think of theese as a situationnal headphones, that’s why I want them since I heard them in store. They do some things that my other can’t

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's a good usage for them. I am glad you enjoy them.

[@Taladin1234]

You should try hugo 2

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I would love to get a Chord Hugo 2 in for review sometime.

[@albertguev]

What about the LCD2 Fazor?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard a LCD 2F, sorry.

[@shelteredwaffle4665]

The LCD2s (2018 and forward) are a lot less dark in my experience. I haven't heard the LCD2c but the LCD2s are my favorite between my Hd 650, Ether cx, and DT1990s. They are the most relaxed but the HD650 are darker. The treble extension is great on the LCD2 imho. I'm driving off a geshelli archel 2.5 with a enog2.

[@davidmason8212]

@@shelteredwaffle4665 do you compare it with the ananda ?

[@karayursa]

go for the psb m4u4 my end game！

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've actually been looking at them recently. I shy pick up a pair. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@apoorvasharma7]

Is it worth getting as a first planar magnetic for 300 usd used ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

$300 for LCD 2 Classic is a good price. That would be a solid starter if you're interested in a warmer sound signature.

[@apoorvasharma7]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I was so patiently waiting for your review of Edition XS, but it’s just not coming! Anyway, I’m getting a new XS for $350. Torn between getting a new XS or a used LCD 2C. I’ve been using HD 660s and I love what it offers. Did not like the Hd 650 much. Just want to try my first planar without breaking the bank. What would you have done in my place?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@apoorvasharma7 I think the Sundara is a good starting point for planar at $350. Sorry but I can't get a XS in for review at the moment.

[@TheCorstenn]

Hi how the fiio m11 plus run lcd2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the LCD-2 since I reviewed. I own the LCD-2 Closed and it doesn't play well on the M11 Plus, too power hungry.

[@likeris2]

you all speaking diferent about same product. before you buy, you must to test end of story.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I agree, if possible it is wise to listen to a headphone before purchasing. If not available, it is wise to watch and read various reviews to help you decide to purchase or not.

[@jasonjulian6436]

Im weird. I like the sony z7m2 all day over the lcd2 closed back

[@frederf69]

So basically they are overpriced crap 😅😅👍👍

[@hannysaxon88]

Pretty bad reviews

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Why do you say pretty bad reviews? Your feedback is appreciated so that I can improve.

[@user-cf2bu6if2k]

no thx, too expensive,

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching and hearing my opinion the LCD-2 Classic. Hopefully you'll get an opportunity to hear them, maybe that'll change your mind.

[@user-cf2bu6if2k]

@@TheHonestAudiophile GOT HIFIMAN HD1000 V2, THERE ARE MUCH BETTER!!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Cool. Glad you enjoy the HE1000 V2, an excellent headphone for sure.The LCD-2 Classic can't compete but it isn't competition for the HE1K which is significantly pricier and better performer, not a fair comparison.

[@user-cf2bu6if2k]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I paid 1750 AUD, BRAND NEW,