Audeze LCD-2 Classic Review - Revisiting a classic Audeze Planar in 2020

[@keeferdog5617]

I JUST PICKED UP THE LCD2 CLASSIC WITH A BRAND NEW “AUDEZE” LABELED HARD CASE FOR $499 ON THEIR HOLIDAY SALE- I’M HAPPY WITH THEM!

[@Brawlio13]

Bruhhhhh lucky. I'm keeping my eye on one going for around $600 on Amazon but where did you get yours?

[@acopesut]

Audeze had them on sale twice back in November 2022. First time at the beginning of the month and second time for Black Friday. Price was $449 and they included upgraded case they were selling for $175 for free. ​They are still on backorder because of high demand so I don't think they'll ever be deeply discounted considering demand and inflation.

[@YamyHaw]

I found that paired with a Schiit Bifrost 2 and a Topping A90, the LCD2 classics sound better without eq. It's a very natural sound without any harshness. I tried multiple popular eq profiles and they all made the headphones sound generic and a bit lifeless.

[@StillAlive666]

I've tried several EQ's for my LCD2C's and I like yours the best I think. Really well done review btw!

[@256alexdt]

Take a laid back headphone that is made to be laid back and ... EQ it to make it non laid back. There's no headphones that can do everything and it's coming from someone who has the LCD-2C, HD800S, DT-1990, DT 770 Pro, Hifiman Sundara, Focal Elex ... They all have their own pros and they all have their cons. The Sundara and LCD-2C are the only one in my round up that I can listen to from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep ... The other ones create some fatigue (Worst one being the HD800S) because of how sharp they're, then some people will say that you can EQ the HD800S but then you lose the world leading sound stage which is the whole point of having this headphone... I did try the regular LCD-2 and the LCD-X but the regular 2 wasn't as musical and the LCD-X was too analytical for what I wanted, if I wanted analytical I would go with Hifiman Arya not the LCD series.

[@superash82]

Great comment. This is what’s confusing. Reviewers come at these headphones from a neutral standpoint. If all headphones were neutral, it would be boring. I have different headphones for different music / moods. I have the focal Elegia for when I need a close back and I want a brighter presentation I have the HD 650 for when I want an intimate smooth presentation and I’ve been looking into the LCD 2c for something with a stronger bass presence and bigger soundstage. Problem is, everybody just criticise’s it for being warm/dark. I’ve looked at the X, but that looks as through it will sound similar to my Elegia’s. Would you recommend the 2c’s for electronic / house music? Thanks

[@256alexdt]

@@superash82 Definitely would recommend it for electronic/ house music. Yeah the X would not be exactly like the Elegia but similar enough that I wouldn't own both. I'd say order the LCD-2C from amazon and try them, I like them a lot for Alternative, Electronic, Pop ... Everything sound like butter with lots of bass (And if you want more you can add as much as you want because these guys can produce bass)

[@RayanAbedin]

Hey thanks for the write up! How would you compare the LCD-2C and the Sundara for people with "soft" music taste. I don't have lots of hard hitting music but I do mostly listen to old R&B/Soul and hiphop (modern and old). I was locked in on getting the Sundara but now I'm down this rabbit hole again lol. Thanks!

[@256alexdt]

@@RayanAbedin lol Sundara for the price is really really hard to beat ... to be honest. I do prefer the LCD-2C but those are really forward and the sound fuller (Hard to explain). The sundara have less punch but they're more what audiophile would consider "Balanced". I'd say for the money order the Sundara on Amazon and if you don't like them return them. The LCD-2C are better in my opinion for the type of music you like but they do break the bank... on the other hand the LCD-2c are a bit easier to drive then the Sundara. I have both but I'd say I pick the LCD-2C 2 out of 3 times compared to the Sundara and usually I pick the Sundara just because I know it's going to be a long day and they're more comfortable then the LCD-2C.

[@RayanAbedin]

@@256alexdt thanks again, this was really helpful. You're right I should probably just audition the headphones if I can and see for myself, it's just tough making that initial decision haha. Hopefully I like the Sundaras more LMAO

[@exact3]

I've used the 2C with an RME-ADI 2 DAC for more than a year and I agree that the stock-stuff sounds off. You either have to EQ or change the pads/or both. But once you fund your settings they sound amazing. Compared to the Focal Clear they're not as detailed or as neutral but they kick butt in the bass-midrange.

[@Admajors]

Part of the problem there is that you need a really good amp and then you need to spend time going through to find your preferred EQ profile. A lesser amp will not have enough power after you have to reduce the preamp by 8+ dB to prevent clipping.

[@RY-gg2dm]

Supplied cable with the lcd2c is garbage, replacing cable with any silverplated cable will lift the sound quality a lot.

[@elburrona]

my lcd2c pads are due for a change, what do you use?

[@exact3]

@@elburrona dekoni elite velours

[@P.7005]

@@Admajors you shouldn't be eqing by 8db anyway

[@SeanSisco]

I rotate between the 2C and a pair of HD600 depending on music genre, The 2C is comfortable to wear for several hours for me and does well with any quality of music. While the Focal Clear's are obviously superior, I ended up selling my after a few months because I just kept reaching for the 2C'c. Like any set of cans, they are not perfect, but depending on your use case they can be a great choice for casual listening.

[@andrewfarina3109]

Sean Sisco This is precisely what i was looking for, i need something to compliment my beloved Clears. I’m thinking something darker, with a good amount of bass, wider etc. I was also considering the Aeon 2 closed/open but they are way too expensive for what they are.

[@snowmean1]

Cannot agree more with that recently I've listen through ~10 different headphones in the store from $500 to $4500 including Focal Clear/MG and Ananda, but every time I just got back to LCD2C as they gave me most enjoyment of the music I was listening to. Ananda notwithstanding on overwhelmingly positive reviews over the internet just didn't touch me at all with its clinical and lifeless sound, so I put them aside after couple songs and never get back. Only LCD2C was the headsets I really wanted to test again and again and again... But they are very DAC/AMP dependant and their sound reflects DAC/AMP signatures perfectly, which makes them perfect for experimenting with gears.

[@user-mh6ie9wm6m]

Quick note about the nylon rings. Glass fiber reinforced nylon is ridiculously strong. This is the same stuff used in power tools such as impact wrenches, and cordless drills. While the wood can be more aesthetically pleasing, it isn't even in the same ball park of durability.

[@omaior20]

LCD-2C is a headphone for these who are not seeking amazingly mastred instrumental songs in IDSD with fuck ton of details, its not for audiphile sitting and analizing 10s of a song for 30 min and looking for a Zing sound they heard on 5th second and then lost it in a track, I think its for these who just want to Jam to their music. I have HD600 and they sound great, but If I decide to listen to some low fi hip hop, older music like Eurodance, electronic or some shit like that, its not a headphone for that. But LCD-2c is just for that, any song will sound good and nice no matter the quality or mastering ,comfort/ build quality on these is godlike and they dont need 500€ amp/dac. I've spent 650 euros on LCD-2C and I think it was totally worth it. If someone is not a detail whore and just wants a dark sounding headphone just to listen to his music (not classical) LCD-2C is still a great headphone in 2020. EDIT: And comparing LCD2C to headphones with much more brighter sound signatures is not fair.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

I actually bought a lcd2c because of this. I don't enjoy most my tracks on super revealing and neutral headphones. It hasn't arrived yet, so don't know if it was a good decision. But I'll see.

[@omaior20]

BitterBuffalo cool, soon you will know for yourself if u like the headphone or not. Forget about the reviews and review the headphones by ur self soon. If u like them it was worth it, if not u can always return.

[@elburrona]

Exactly, from my all my hp the 2c is the dullest all, not bright at all, but compared to others is the most natural sounding of them. I can use them for hours without getting fatigued, I just find they can be a bit shouty sometimes with female vocals and the bass not so much on pair with the mids. Sometimes I just want to sit and relax to music without all the microdetails distracting me from the whole composition of the music.

[@Voidward]

I used to have HD650, which I gave away after getting the 2c. I don't think the 650s were any more revealing in the highs after EQ. The LCD2cs are just Clean throughout and if you eq property I find then extremely revealing, but maybe that's just me. Seems the reviewers didn't come to the same conclusion.

[@giladkingsley]

@@Voidward I can get them for 350$ used today and it comes with a fiio e12, should I get it? Do you have the sundara?

[@musicxxa6678]

Yep the problem is the price with Audeze headphones. Only LCD X with it's creator package seems worthy. 2, 2C and GX imo expensive.

[@rippinfreestyle]

GX is probably the best LCD headphone out of the box without EQ for FR. If Audeze sold it without the gaming cable for $100 less it would easily be Audeze's best selling headphone in the LCD range.

[@malygos9301]

@@rippinfreestyle I actually use the mic a lot and it sounds a lot better than gaming headset ones I'm in a clan for a game and play fortnite etc with my wife and her friends and we use discord and they all say the mic is clear and doesn't have background noise. Maybe not $100 but I actually have come to appreciate it

[@mitchhifi9192]

@@rippinfreestyle I actually agree, I also think the GX is pretty well priced, whilst not as detailed as the X it does come close and it's certainly more resolving than a LCD2C. I think the LCD2f has slightly better separation/imaging but it's not worth the extra weight nor price. The GX is my favourite Audeze over ear headphone, I also have a second hand pair of LCDi4's I got for $800, Obviously they have much better detail but the GX in comparison is just as enjoyable if not more. I wish they didn't market the GX just for gaming but instead a headphone with weight savings making it viable for gaming and the option for a mic. seems like they won't release it without the Mic as it's marketed as a gaming headphone. (who knows they could market it the same but have an option for like (No Mic I game with an external mic) whilst most wouldn't have an external mic this would allow them to keep their marketing and offer it without a mic cable.

[@MrKrampyHands]

Yeah I got mine for 640$ a couple days ago brand new with the economy case and it’s nice than audeze’s higher end case really

[@Zisch2]

They are a very special flavour! Actually pretty brave from Audeze to throw something like that on the market. For the muscians: Don´t try to mix on these, they are way to unusual and react really bad to sonarworks correction. Sadly they are to expensive to only use them for that special listenng sessions. I would go with minimal EQ. Slight raise of the sub bass, a slight dip at around 1.1k and a slight high shelf boost starting pretty low, maybe at 1.8 or so.

[@olimphus26]

So the regular 2 with fazor would be a good upgrade from the 2C?

[@olimphus26]

@@Maver1ck911 I got you

[@elburrona]

I think online you can get the fazors and try them for yourself if you want to try them. I find them highly resolving the way they are. and the warm signature is comfortable for hours of use.

[@Uebelkraehe]

There are many headphones which are preferable to this, its early popularity mostly shows how much the market has changed (for the better) since its release. Although even then part of the hype was probably because of the feeling that Audeze's monster planars had become somewhat affordable for the first time.

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

Yeah, I think you're probably right about this.

[@ashbydav]

what do you prefer?

[@Voidward]

Personally, I think they're beefy planars, the build is very robust, and if you know what you like and how to EQ, their low distortion will let you tune them extremely well to your taste. You get a lot for your money, and I'm not sure I will ever want a headphone upgrade unless I happen upon money to burn. It's easily an endgame candidate IMO.

[@ZenzDeluxe]

Yeah uh, no, the hype was and still is legit, and i say this while owning multiple other higher end headphones (2k -3k budget from other brands). You people urgently need to learn that this is a pair of headphones that fills a certain need and it is built for that need. You people claim 2C's are "too laid back" and criticize the "muted mids" while comparing them to analytical pairs that have the goal of drilling sound literally into your skull for studio monitoring. The fact that one headphone doesn't do the same as the other doesn't always equate to better or worse. The 2C's are "reviewed" and EQ'ed way out of context here.

[@io_metre]

I have LCD2C, Arya, Clear, L300, others and I do agree with you the today's price of LCD2C is a bit exaggerated. My other remark is that LCD2C is very dependent on the DAC it's connected to. It may sound so low end sometimes that you really have to search the right set up for these headphones to get them at their best

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

I am interested to buy lcd-2c over ananda because of hifimans cooler sound. Is lcd-2c that bad for the price compared to arya and Ananda he described ??

[@io_metre]

@@towsifshahriarshovo lcd2c is still Ok. You just need to match it with the right DAC & Amp. Comfort is average. Arya is fantastic. Worth every penny or even more. Great sound signature together with a great comfort for hours of listening. I highly recommend it - you won't be disappointed. Ananda I have never tried...

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@io_metre thanks for reply

[@anmic3590]

Hi! I would like to make an upgrade to my Meze 99 Classics and I was wondering if to go with these. I will try to listen to them at the audio store, but I was wondering what is your opinion. Right now I run the 99 mostly from my iphone’s Tidal Master with the 4.4 Pentacon and the fiio btr7k. Should these be ok with the LCD2C? Thank you!

[@MrKrampyHands]

Man the cable to me looks like a tool for bdsm sessions with my local dominatric’s and the weight of this headphones isn’t all that bad really and I’m only a 135 lbs male I’m very fit though I’m just shocked that people get hurt wearing these I can wear them all day long without a hitch

[@MrKrampyHands]

So I suppose acing a buddy 3d print the fazor portion would essentially be a solution to the treble issue but I kinda like this headphones laid back quality and warmth

[@LewisHolford]

What headphones stand is that?

[@tivolimeister]

AudioQuest Perch?

[@cisco150]

How do these compare to the Hifiman Ananda i currently have. I want new cans

[@JebsonofJeb]

No a fan of the " EQ to make is sound better".If that was the case I would've kept my 4XX and not bought anything else. Im just here trying to find the best sounding headphone out of the box that works for me. But it seems to me that lots of other reviews say they sound different, but good, without EQ. So idk if they are all shills or you guys just have different ears/preferences.

[@reiszrie]

you do you but its your loss :3

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

But most people don't like lcd gx sound because gx have less bass and dynamics.

[@ZenzDeluxe]

You're right. This guy is ultimate proof that for something like a high end headphone you're better off listening to the product yourself, instead of blatantly believing reviews. For example, and im not alone in this (and i own much higher end headhpones, so its not about budget), to my ears, the 2C is the best Audeze headphone under 2000 dollars, bar none. That includes everything that is fazored or not fazored.

[@speedymaus1711]

Whats the difference to the old LCD2-C

[@cowboyflipflopped]

If you're going to EQ, pretty much any comfortable planar will do. Get some HiFiMan 400i for $150, put in a low shelf at 100Hz, a little hump around 30Hz, take down the 8kHz a few dB, and you're done. Maybe boost 220Hz if you like a little warmth. Fast, energetic, precise...just about perfect. If I spend more than a couple hundred dollars on some headphones, they had better be perfect out of the box.

[@Admajors]

Exactly

[@TJTheisen]

Agreed. Set up a Khadas Tone Board , SMSL SP200 and the 400i 2020 version a couple weeks ago. EQ'd with APO to Oratory 1990. Sounds way better than the cost of the kit would suggest. Entire setup with cables and shipping was under $600. Cans $1k and above need to blow me away.

[@LazYevgen]

Audeze is not THAT TYPE. of cans. They were designed with eq in mind. You can check owners interview. That’s why they have reveal plug in and there was specific amp from audeze. So if you are not eq guy then just skip it.

[@Brandon-qs3jq]

Disagree. There's more to achieving good sound than just the tonality. There's also build quality and QC to consider.

[@Admajors]

@@Brandon-qs3jq Yes, but this is an excellent start for under $1000

[@lilofrfr]

I disagree with some of your points here, I find the mids especially on the 2Cs to be incredible but I do agree that the highs are a little lacking

[@wichiewichie]

How Jorge Drexler’s music does on this headphones?

[@Hansimullerboy]

Hi…;-). Anyone knows how to eq Audeze lcd-2 classic with Chord Mojo 2?

[@Whyamibzsdmh]

I don't get how or why anyone can say that the bass on the LCD-2Cs is "good." It's so loud and bloated that there are a lot of parts of my test tracks you can't even hear. The detail all around is also really bad. I genuinely don't understand why people recommend this headphone when it there is absolutely nothing it excels at. Even if you EQ it, why would you buy a practically broken headphone in the first place.

[@elburrona]

I find that's true when using a low powered amp or a phone. this is a no go. when used with more power it is ok, not the best in the world but it is reasonably

[@davidmason8212]

What would you recommend for the same price range ?

[@Whyamibzsdmh]

@@davidmason8212 I don't own any mid-priced headphones but I've seen people praise the Hifiman Sundaras or a used HD800, that might be worth looking into

[@malygos9301]

They came in a cardboard box oh hell no they're $800 I got gx's and they came in the military box😂

[@user-zo9vm1dm4k]

One thing to mention that few reviewers will tell u, is that the lcd2c s earpads seal creating heavy ear pressure.Also if u try to unseal them somehow the bass becomes uncontrollable.So if u have sensitive eardrums i highly recommend u to stay away or try them if u have the option to return them.Great sounding cans nonetheless.

[@elburrona]

I do own the lcd2c and I don't understand this ear pressure?. they are open backs, I don't understand how pressure can build up inside an open container

[@user-zo9vm1dm4k]

@@elburrona Well mine certainly do.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

It's so weird, but some reviews don't mention this / don't experience. I'm curious what it might have to do with, head size? Shape of head?

[@user-zo9vm1dm4k]

@@bitterbuffalo8997 My best guess would be sensitive eardrums

[@smolzillamakes]

after having some quality control issues with my Hifiman XS (resonating buzzing in the left ear cup) I've been looking for alternatives and this one's been on my radar. I'm okay to spend a little bit more money to get better build quality and quality control.

[@lapralapso4664]

I'm in the same boat as you. Exact same buzzing in the left ear when high-pitched treble is playing. It's been 4 months now, did you end up getting these?

[@InternetUser-d7s]

What is it with this trend of "x headphone, is it still worth it in 2020?" I've noticed it's a trending habit amongst the current generation of KZbin reviewers. It's not only a bit clickbaity, but also odd. Must be something to do with the compression of time due to social media. People still venerate the HD600 as an exemplary headphone, let alone mythical headphones like the Sony R10. When did they come out, 1997 and 1989 or so? A good headphone is a good headphone. What exactly has changed since it came out all of 3 years ago? Digital devices like dacs and daps change, and often improve. Analogue tools such as headphones and amp tend to weather time a little better. Maybe a better title for this type of headphone would simply be: "Revisiting x headphone."

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

The difference is context of what else is available (like the GX and Ananda). But I like the title idea of "Revisiting X in 2020". Thanks for the idea!

[@InternetUser-d7s]

@@TheHEADPHONEShow no prob. I would definitely welcome the idea of retrospectively reviewing headphones that came out over the last twenty years or so.

[@InternetUser-d7s]

@@metal571 yes but actual progress is a different matter.

[@jonjon-xb1kg]

No focal clear for me Oof

[@wolver1n]

the Audeze LCD-2C a nice sounding boring headphone. I don't like it at all its flat and slow the dt 1990 out performance it in any way.

[@LordZeromus]

I agree. The only thing that stood out to me about the LCD2C is the disgustingly boosted 1k region and suction pressure inside my ears. No energy in the bass or treble. Very disappointing.

[@allgunsblazed9106]

That's hilarious and incorrect.

[@Cloudy_Canadian]

This is a 12 minute video and at no point did we get to see these massive headphones on his dome. Oh well, still a high quality video!

[@カカロット-y6r]

Perfect profile picture! 😌

[@ZeBubba]

LCD's look dorky af when worn. Avoid mirrors with them.

[@Cloudy_Canadian]

@@ZeBubba Sounds dumb to say but that was a big reason why I didn't want to consider them when picking what HiFi headphones I want to buy.

[@WingxFrank]

not for me cuz i dont eq

[@omni6409]

The 2C is really well built. The Ananda feels like cheap crap. Change the 2C pads into Dekoni Velour and compare it again.

[@Hari-kx2er]

Build seems to be the only thing 2C has over Ananda. Ananda is not as well built but certainly not 'cheap crap' as you say. I feel you are just angry that many prefer Ananda sound to that of 2C.

[@omni6409]

@@Hari-kx2er Actually Ananda feels much better built than the Arya. What I'm saying is that the LCD-2C's build quality is just in a whole different league. Gotta hold it in the hands and feel it. Regarding sound, it really depends on your preference, as these two have completely different tonality. The 2C has more solid and overall better bass, but overall tend to be warmer and darker than Hifimans. Female vocals sound muted to me. But male vocals shines where the Ananda sounds thinner and more unnatural imo.

[@Hari-kx2er]

@@omni6409 I have read a lot of comparisons between 2C and Ananda. Many consider 2C as a genre specialist headphone for bass heavy music whereas Ananda is considered by many as an all rounder headphone slightly lacking in bass rumble but better in all other areas and most importantly in soundstage.

[@towsifshahriarshovo]

@@omni6409 I like warm, fun sound what should I get Ananda or lcd-2c. I think lcd-2c is a better choice for me.

[@omni6409]

@@towsifshahriarshovo Hi Towsif, I suggest you give both a try. Really depends on your priorities. For me, I just cant stand Ananda's build and lack of dynamic. I got rid of it pretty fast. I just got the Sundara; the same thing again. I'm getting rid of it. The 2C is heavier but built amazingly well and beautiful. I think Audeze also put a new revision to it, which should sound better but retains the warm signature.

[@Biffinnbridge]

Chrono 😂😆😂

[@adeadcrab]

cope

[@turbomustang84]

But for the same price you can buy a Sundara and a HD-6XX along with a iFi HipDac . These just are not all that good and Audeze is notorious at not supporting their products..... So. Nope 🤣

[@ResolveReviews]

While those are both excellent alternatives for less money, I completely disagree with the notion that Audeze doesn't support their products. They are the only manufacturer I'm aware of who supplies DSP presets for each of their headphones, along with room adjustment with additional software for creators looking to simulate environments. Moreover, they have really good warranties. If this isn't 'support' I don't know what is.

[@Admajors]

@@ResolveReviews I've read a lot of complaints about Audeze's warranty service, particularly during Covid. I would also argue that if Audeze tuned their headphones better than the DSP wouldn't be such a neccessity... *tuned

[@ResolveReviews]

@@Admajors While I generally agree that they should aim for a more balanced tuning, what you've said is true for literally every headphone barring maybe a few Focal and HiFiMAN headphones. I get the resistance to DSP but it kind of blows my mind that people don't appreciate it when it's done for them by the manufacturer. Sorry I didn't mean for this to come off antagonistic. I do agree with you about tuning and expectations, but for Audeze's supplied DSPs, I think it's more just a difference in the approach to tuning.

[@Voidward]

Plot twist: I got the LCD2cs for free as an upgrade from discontinued EL-8s after they started showing some cracking around the top of the headband. My ass they don't have good support. I also gave away my HD650s because I felt then to be obsolete in every way after tuning my EQ profile to my taste with the LCDs. I think you're smoking crack mate.

[@malygos9301]

@@Admajors it took them a month to get me new headphones cause they had to make them so yeah covid is heavily affecting them but that's not remotely normal circumstances