Audeze LCD 2 Closed - Not your typical closed back planar! Honest Audiophile impressions

The Audeze LCD 2 Closed is not your typical closed back planar but is it worth the $900 price tag?
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Music recommendations:
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging and separation
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
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[@TBMartin]

Bit random but at 0:08 with closed caption turned on and set to auto generate English, YT translates Audeze to "autism" and as someone who is on the autism spectrum I find this highly amusing. I now have Audeze and i'm on the Audeze spectrum lol Thank you and carry on lol

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome ♥️

[@erichieger7386]

Dave, great review, as a fellow reviewer, I totally agree. I just got them recently and they are, as you said, exceptional - especially for a closed back, they are just amazing!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness! I am glad you enjoy the LCD-2 Closed.

[@jiyahbj]

Good morning Dave I recently purchased the Aeon 2 noire but returned them back due to lack of bass punch and slam in my opinion and I’m planning on ordering the lcd 2 closed not the xc but the one’s your reviewing I hope to get that bass punch and slam!!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions of the LCD-2 Closed.

[@Anomalyn1]

Dave, you are my favourite audio reviewer. Metal is good but he doesnt review stuff anymore.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind words, greatly appreciated ♥️

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Check out the links in the description, don't forget to give a thumbs up or thumbs down, subscribe and check off that notification bell. Remember to Enjoy the Music and Honesty is the Best Policy! Cable recommendations: Fog City Audio: fogcityaudio.com/products/audeze-custom-built-balanced-cable-ships-next-business-day-made-in-usa Corpse Cable: corpsecable.com/collections/audeze-lcd-series/products/6ft-corpse-cable-for-audeze-lcd-2-3-4-x-xc-mx4-4-pin-xlr Gear mentioned in review: MrSpeakers Ether C: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goO7d6p-f7-Yf5o Drop THX One Linear: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWabgKCQpN-Xprs HeadAmp GS-X Mini: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3iTf3hmateAe9U Mytek Liberty DAC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaTSqH93fJmMpZo Tor Audio Roger: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH-XhoJ8fNqLf68 Matrix x-Sabre 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHLVc4CCadBjpJI Tried using a different view angle to eliminate as much glare as possible, wasn't too successful LOL. Also, the different aspect ratio didn't allow for end screens to be included. If you like this angle and viewpoint better or worse, please comment below.

[@herseyberry4655]

You know me a little Dave Mr Dave I love warm ,wide bassy but I love solid mids and great treble too.

[@VintageLuxmanStereoCollector]

Thanks Dave for your review of the LCD-2. I have a pair of Audeze LCD-X (2021), but looking to add a closed back and will probably het the LCD-2 soon. I use a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ and recently discovered Audeze EQ presets in Roon 2.0. I subscribed to your channel. Happy New Year🎉🎉

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. Myteks pairs so well with Audeze in my opinion. I look forward to your impressions of the LCD-2 Closed. Thank you for subscribing. I am glad you found the channel. Thanks for the comment.

[@herseyberry4655]

This review is way more positive than a few of the others ,too much audio fool than audiofile. Sounds like my dream closed back I like the looks especially with the purple cable . I hope they have the shade of Purple the Vikings use.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Most reviews are of the older version not this revised.

[@herseyberry4655]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Oh, the knock on the old one was supposedly too dark and not enough resolution.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

These aren't dark but a tad warm in my opinion and they've got plenty of resolution.

[@joshswanedits]

One of the few positive reviews on this headphone out of the lot of youtubers, and the only thing keeping my interest in these...I really don't know what to do.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Everyone hears differently. Honesty is the best policy!

[@joshswanedits]

@@TheHonestAudiophile If you don't mind, could you help me here. I have Arya's for open back but I need closed back for day use as its just too noisy. I can get a second hand pair of LCD Closed back for about $660 - I listen to metal a lot but classical as well. Is it worth it? I do use APO so I can tweak..but amazon has the focal elegia for $464 - that's tripping me up.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the Elegia. I like the LCD 2 Closed on all genres.

[@erichieger7386]

@@joshswanedits I have both - these are far superior to the Elegia.

[@herseyberry4655]

At around 160 Sigva 022 has a closed that might be right up my alley. It's a V shape fun tuning.

[@chungang7037]

SIVGA SV021? The comfort is off the scale with mine. Try it!

[@herseyberry4655]

@@chungang7037 I saw reviews on other channels. Passed on all. Glad its comfy. It looks like a high end headphone with the stylish headband and pretty.wooden cups.Nice Tan and Chrome look. Thanks. Chung.

[@herseyberry4655]

@@chungang7037 yeah 021 my friend.

[@erichieger7386]

They are great for what they are and a great value (I have them also). That said, this video is for the LCD2 Classic Closed. They are in another universe compared to the SV021 and a completely different species.

[@fei19317]

Very in-time video. I'm looking for a closed back hp, and also boring noon

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Happy hunting, hope you find a good one. I highly recommend the LCD 2 Closed if it's in your budget

[@Aznaur_Vainakh-Nikhlo]

Thnx for video. I became interested in not LCD 2 but LCD-XC. My Sennheiser HD600 and SONY 7506 both lives for two decades every day and night working and they're not going to die for another decades. but I am interested in the question of the reliability of magneplanars. How long do they work? Two months, two years? Don't want to spend 1000 bucks for a trash can.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

In all the time that I have been using planar drivers, 5 plus years, I have only had 2 pair get damaged (both were Hifiman). If you take care of them like they are precious then you will get a long life. Abuse them and push them too hard and they will fail rather quickly. I tend to pamper all my gear so I've had very few failures over the years. Good question and completely understand the hesitation.

[@Aznaur_Vainakh-Nikhlo]

@@TheHonestAudiophile My HD600s look in such good condition that they will outperform any new ones available for purchase now. I don't watch movies or listen to music on speakers (taking care of my neighbors) and despite their age and time of use they look like new. Almost the same can be said about my SONY. Except stickers. There were those... Now they are gone... Any way. I'm that guy who keeps keys away from the phone in the pocket. Thank you so for very clear and honest answer. Really appreciate.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@Aznaur_Vainakh-Nikhlo Awesomeness! Keys do not belong in the same pocket as a phone, totally agree. You're welcome, my pleasure.

[@timsdeskontask3958]

Hello Dave - as someone who absolutely loves the sound signature of my Meze Rai Pentas (I purchased from your recommendation - thank you) - would I be equally excited about the Audeze Closed Backs? Are there similarities? As always, you're the reviewer I trust - thanks so much for your time!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

A different presentation but it is somewhat similar. If you want the Meze closed back experience, the Liric would get you a little closer.

[@timsdeskontask3958]

Thanks so much for the quick reply! Your response is pretty much what I was thinking - just trying to way the $900 price tag of the Audeze versus the $2000 price tag of the Liric! Thanks Dave!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I totally understand. I really do enjoy the LCD-2 Closed and it is a nice complement to the Rai Penta.

[@albertguev]

Thanks for your review. It seems like this newer version is an upgrade over the previous version. Would you say the sound signature is comparable to the mid tier Fostex headphones (TH600, TH610, X00, Denon, Emu)?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard any of the Fostex/Denon mentioned except the TH-Xoo and TH610 variants. That was about 3 years ago or more. I honestly don't recall enough to offer a comparison. Sorry.

[@Bootrosgali]

Can get used for 350euros . For portable use , do not have portable amp. Think i have found a great deal if in good conditiom

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@Bootrosgali]

Wrong ones. They were the old black ones with the white A on the cups.. Also.. these aren't the same as the XC "Carbon" .. whats the difference its very annoying?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@Bootrosgali the one I own and reviewed are the newest version. Yes they are different model from the XC. I have only heard the XC once at an audio show several years ago.

[@mobbaddictchannel]

Hi Dave, nice review, just subscribed to your channel. I'm in the market for a new closed-back planar and I remember you sang praise for the 7hz timeless, which I also love. I notice a lot of similarities between the two reviews (the full/natural tonality in particular). Would you say the LCD-2 closed-back is a good full-size equivalent of the timeless?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Very difficult to compare IEM to headphones. I guess in a larger and more refined way the LCD-2 Closed is similar to the Timeless.

[@davdidit6]

Are the LCD-XC 2021 worth the extra money over these? I guess that is the next big question. The LCD-XC 2021 have been getting a lot of high praise.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If you need isolation then the LCD 2 Closed but the LCD X 21 is slightly better with technicalities. They would complement each other very well.

[@heltunikt]

That's exactly the question I'm asking myself right now. Did you end up getting either of them @MrDaHawk ?

[@davdidit6]

@@heltunikt no I didn’t. Money been a little tight. When I do upgrade to a better closed back, I have decided it will be the Drop Dan Clark Aeon Closed. More affordable, great reviews.

[@dragosb.5059]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Sir, can you be kind and tell me if these LCD2 closed are good also for gaming - FPS competitive level?

[@miker718]

Hi Dave, thanks for the review, as I'm looking into closed back headphones. How does the LCD 2 closed compare to the Dan Clark aeon 2 closed, and would it be an upgrade for me to replace my aeon 2 closed with the LCD 2 closed?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The LCD 2 Closed is slightly better with tone, timbre, detail retrieval, resolution, stage width, depth and layering. But the Aeon 2 is more comfortable.

[@Xbaronlol]

lovely video - liked and sub'd

[@rainydaygirlz]

How do these compare to the Argons in your opinion?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Argons are more on the fun side of the spectrum then the LCD 2 Closed. The Closed is more technical in all aspects. Better detail retrieval and resolution, better tone and timbre and more accurate stage width, depth and layering. The Closed is more neutral and analytical.

[@TheRunner2k]

How do these compare to Hifiman Ananda?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Completely different presentations, the Ananda has a massive, wide open stage, is more forward in the mids, has more extension in the treble, is more forthright in detail presentation. The Audeze is was better bass impact, slam, punch, sub bass rumble and bass texture, the mids aren't as forward and are warmer, the treble isn't as sparkly and energetic,. Detail retrieval and resolution are similar and tone and timbre is more accurate on the LCD-2 Closed.

[@TheRunner2k]

@@TheHonestAudiophile This is awesome Dave! Thank you for the explanation. I am actually looking for a more bass, slam, punch as you described so I may consider the Audeze LDC 2 Close. I currently have a LittleDot mk1 amp + Focal Spirit Profesional headphone and I find it lacks bass... I watched your TOR AUDIO Roger review and I am considering it. Have you tested the Audeze LCD-2 Closed + TOR AUDIO? Also, what are the final tubes you had installed on that video? Psvane - model? Any other tube amp you would recommend?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The LCD-2 Closed is demanding in power. The Tor Audio isn't powerful enough to drive the LCD-2 Closed. The tubes I used are RCA rectifier and Psvane, sorry the tube models slip me at the moment. I've not heard the Focal Spirit headphone.

[@chungang7037]

Damn, even in the video they look heavy

[@JTB--]

I had the LCD-XC for about 6 months and they were great. Probably the best closed back in their price range. But I sold them because their weight/comfort became unbearable and I barely reached for them anymore. The Audeze Weight can be a deal breaker for many. Ok for short burst listening sessions... but probably not the best choice if you want an all day driver/HP. Another nit pick I have with the XC and LCD 2 Closed is the "Audeze" stamped on the cups like a billboard. These closed back Audeze HP's would look way better without Audeze written across the cups imo. Or at least use a cooler/stylish looking Audeze logo

[@chungang7037]

What did you end up using for closed backs then? I find a lot of the closed backs on the market are not so comfortable other than some consumer ANC devices. Some have good isolation, but again, comfort has been an issue. Only thing I found that was comfortable and could be a daily driver was the SIVGA SV021, but they don't isolate well enough. The AKG 371 isolated well but had crazy microphonics no matter what cable I used.

[@JTB--]

@@chungang7037 Yeah Comfort really should be almost as important as a headphones sound when you think about it. Especially if you will be wearing the HP most of the day. For me the longest times I'm wearing a HP are for gaming and movies and at times some marathon Music listening sessions. I use the HD 800s for gaming and movies. Arya Stealth Magnet for most music, along with a HD 600 and 6XX on a LYR 3 Tube amp. Right now I don't have a closed back and I'm waiting for a ZMF Camphor Burl Verite Closed to be made that I ordered in late November with a lambskin Co-Pilot Pad that attaches to the headband for added comfort and they say it makes the HP feel weightless and floating. We'll see if it's true. So the Verite Closed will be my end game closed back HP.... but probably not for a few more weeks as they are still being built

[@glacialimpala]

What's the lowest priced+smallest amp I could get in order for these to do their best? I forgot that you do need additional equipment right before ordering these...

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Drop THX One Linear, if available.

[@vivekchaturvedi5720]

Hi, I am thinking to buy either LCD 2 closed or the LCD XC 2021. I prefer the closed back due to less sound leakage. Could you suggest which one would be better for technical listening and instrument separation? Thanks !

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the XC 21.

[@wanteddoa7929]

I recently returned the LCD-XC after a week and got the LCD-2 Closed. My comparison of the two: - LCD-XC is a very bright and lean-sounding headphone. There’s a steep drop-off in the bass region starting at around 100Hz and extending all the way into the sub-bass region. There is a noticeable shelf of + 2-3 db from 1 - 3 kHz, and several spikes in the upper treble. All of this combined make this headphone a harsh listen IMHO, and I would not recommend it for casual listening without lots of EQ. I also would struggle to recommend this for mixing and music production (which is Audeze’s target market for these) because the non-existent low-end can and probably will throw off your mixes and cause you to overcompensate (at least till you learn them). I spent the week I had them struggling to EQ a pleasing sound and finally gave up. - LCD-2 Closed fix all the things I disliked about the XC. Bass is there but not in over-abundance (you will hear the exact bass that was mixed into the song and nothing more/less), mids are lovely (vocals of any gender are rendered very well), and the treble never comes off as harsh. Overall I’d call this a neutral-leaning yet fun sound signature in that everything is properly represented and nothing is exaggerated. I can see extended sessions on these cans being possible with zero fatigue, and I actually feel more confident in my ability to render a good mix using these because I can properly hear what each frequency range is doing. I will say that either headphone will provide an amazing soundstage/width/depth.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@wanteddoa7929 awesome 👍 Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the LCD-2 Closed.

[@jimis3167]

I've heard the older version of these at a store once and wasn't quite impressed. I also have owned EL8 closed Titanium for a couple of days. While I liked their sound signature, they were making clicking sounds inside the drivers with the slightest head movement and that was very annoying. That's called driver-flex issue. So I returned them. Overall, I don't know If that's the case with most planars, but they really lack dynamics in sound. I can't say for sure as I have experience with only the two I mentioned.. I find myself liking dynamic headphones more, cause in most cases they have better dynamics in sound and in my opinion, the speed of planars as they're known for isn't a big deal. There are dynamic headphones that are just as fast sounding and can take the busy mix, reproduce It without feeling overbloated..

[@elderchildren]

could you give examples of preferences?

[@jimis3167]

@@elderchildren I love my hi-x55s.

[@elderchildren]

@@jimis3167 interesting! what do you typically use them for? they're noise cancelling too, right?

[@jimis3167]

@@elderchildren They're passive noise isolating, not noise canceling. I use them mainly for mixing and recording. Many people say they have an unbalanced sound signature but I don't hear that, I think they're quite balanced for the most part. They probably have better detail retrieval and dynamics than many headphones, even more expensive ones. I also have a k550 mk2 and hi x55 are far better. k550 mk2 is definitely muddier overall. Hi x55 are very clean, clear sounding and very lightweight. I think that's how planar headphones should feel and sound like. Honestly, I don't understand why they're known to perform better than dynamic headphones. They really don't and they lack dynamics big time!

[@elderchildren]

@@jimis3167 thanks :) im trying to get reliable mixes without using speakers and keep ending up with woofy bass and cluttered mids, despite sounding very clear on my 770's. so its good to know there are more honest options :)

[@dragosb.5059]

Sir, can you be kind and tell me if these LCD2 closed are good also for gaming - FPS competitive level?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sure but they're very heavy.

[@dragosb.5059]

What are the best headphones for this type of game, in your opinion (audiophile grade/high-end)?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Keep in mind, I rarely play FPS games, I mostly play sports and racing games. I either use the Rode NTH-100 headphone or my CTM Da Vinci X. . I may try a different headphone or IEM for gaming when testing for a review but my go to are the Rode and the CTM Da Vinci X.

[@dragosb.5059]

Really appreciate your answer. DaVinciX looks sick and high quality. But, I am reluctant to this kind of headphones - in ear. Can you tell me what do you think about burson plamate2; do you think it would make a good pair with LCD-2 closed? although they are heavy, i’ll go with them.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@dragosb.5059 here's a link to my Playmate 2 review. I see no reason why it wouldn't be a good pairing. I haven't heard the LCD-2 Closed with it. I've not heard the Playmate 2 since I reviewed it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnKcipx3eN6hoLMsi=BNQQ-zRYS-LrERc1

[@abrahamfranciscogalvao3474]

And between LCD 2 Closed and the Denon AH-D7200?? Which one is better?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the Denon D7200

[@abrahamfranciscogalvao3474]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for the quick replay. After watching your review I decided to finally buy these headphones, with the Fiio K7 dac/amp to move them. Since I'm a complete newbie in this world I hope I made a good choice. 😅 Good videos btw, ease to understand even for people that English is not his mother language., like me 😄

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesome. Hope you enjoy them. I haven't heard the Fiio K7. Look forward to hearing your impressions. Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

hey listen i know i left a pretty aggressive comment on your qkz vk4 video but i actually have a question, so i really like bass when it comes to headphones and i like it when its punchy and strong, to the point where you actually get physical feedback with each hit (hope you know what i mean) i like when its fast but strong so that its not rumbly , and not to the point of them being overbearing and headache inducing. know any good cheap pairs that have this characteristic? i am talking like under 80 dollars type of budget.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

@@soulfulfool the t50rp are virtually useless, stupidly impossibly hard to drive and have pretty much the worst stock pads you can get in any headphone, and i am here saying i need pairs under $80, why did you reply to this comment?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I haven't found a bass like that in under $100. But if you can up the budget a bit the AKG K371 might fit your style.

[@chungang7037]

Anker Q30, can be used wirelessly and wired apparently, and can be equed to your taste, but won't be a detail king.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

@@TheHonestAudiophile tysm, second person i hear recommend them so i am gonna check them out.

[@GalaxiusPilgrim]

@@TheHonestAudiophile i looked into the shure srh-440s and placed an order them just to try them out, they dont have the strong bass i am looking for but according to many its fast and clean, willing to try that out.

[@kentbergstrom3020]

I think the white text on the cups destroys the look of the headphones, how can anyone come up with such a bad design idea?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I like the revision with the name on the cup better then the odd white outline of the original. To each their own.

[@Jordonater]

I feel as if the bowling ball look is way better than the old one but it would look perfect without Audeze written on it. Its just like a brand advertisement. Cant they just accept the A on the adjuster why does it have to be written as well.