LCD-2C - The best Planar under $1000?

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#DMS #REVIEW #LCD2C

[@kesm66]

My experience doesn’t align with your review which demonstrates how subjective this hobby is. Just wanted to share my subjective opinion with others contemplating purchase. These are the business! They live up to the hype in terms of sound quality. Albeit this is day two of sorts for me...maybe ‘brand new’ euphoria? Comfort: I don’t find the build to be heavy-chief complaint (vs the days of the old Audeze). The weight is a good thing....in this case...the fit/finish is durable with an industrial look yet comfy on the head. Fitment: I wear a 7/8 hat size & have relatively large ears; no issues with the headband system or the cups (wore them overnight while sleeping). The cup cushions didn’t compress & my ears didn’t get sweaty or touch the inner speaker housing. My only gripe is the clamp force; imagine it’ll loosen up overtime (or I’ll continue to flex the head band for fit adjustment). Sound Quality: The LCD2Cs are source dependent. Meaning...if your source doesn’t pull detail then these cans will not pull detail. These seem to shadow whatever you feed it. In my case...it’s a Naim Atom, Woo Audio WA8 (being fed by an iPhone) and a LTA MZ3 (being fed by a PC). I hear a notable distinction between each source; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing; for example I found my WA8 to be warm compared to the output-transform-less LTA MZ3 tube amp...which is neutral in comparison...while the Naim Atom straddled somewhere between the two sources. Transparency seems to be more at play here along with the LCD2Cs expansive, growling (dark?) nature. It’s early...but I can’t imagine these getting worse in terms of my initial impressions. Time will tell for good measure. In the meantime...well done Audeze! All hail...the new King in my stable (for now) has arrived...& under 800 bucks at that!🤘🏽 In no certain order my ‘stable’ consists of: HD 6XX Kennerton Magister Pro (Massdrop issue) Sendy Aiva ZMF Aeolus Meze 99 Classics (Massdrop Edition) Fostex TR-X00 *Sennheiser HD1 *listed but the HD1s are my daily portable carry (w/ bluetooth)

[@JoshuaValour]

Good review.

[@ether2434]

Thx for the periapt recommendation man xD

[@JoshuaValour]

Ether NP.

[@ArgonautasMPB]

Do you guys know the Brazilian channel? Mind the Headphone.

[@amritjanardhanan]

Huh you said this was a great vocal-forward headphone with an ok soundstage but he said this headphone wasn't vocally intimate but with a great soundstage. Is there that much variance between pairs?

[@riseuplight]

Hi Josh, how are you?

[@Wof_master364]

Great review, can tell you spent a lot of time with them. As somebody with decent high frequency hearing loss this helped me realize they may not be the best for me. Looking now more to the LCD-x or dt 1990, or both one day😁

[@Nephilim-81]

That cable build looks awesome. What brand is it or who makes that cable? Thank you.

[@RaiseYourFamily]

Hey DMS! Thanks for the nice review!Do you use any EQ with these headphones?Thanks!

[@garyluciani370]

This is the best description of these headphones I've ever heard. I own them and DMS description is spot on. Most reviewers I've heard spend a lot of their frequency comments remarking on the bass. DMS is the first reviewer who points out that the most notable aspect of the frequency response is that they're more midrange focussed.than bass or treble. The bass is of high quality, clean, undistorted and linear, but it is not the most noticeable aspect. They could actually have more bass for my test.

[@kacperuminski1547]

Great video! Is a review of the Maggies coming?

[@beezlebub3955]

Watching this again with my pair of LCD 2C’s, I bought a pair used and swapped out the pads for the Dekoni Elite velours, this is my first above 300$ headphone and I am just enamored with them even a month later. They are better than any Hifiman I’ve heard, and one thing they do well that almost every headphone doesn’t, is rock. They do just about everything well. Like DMS is saying, not bright, but not quiet either, and they do well with “bass boosts” compared with other cans, where other ones will bloat, these will eat it up

[@NiSHAN256]

best critical reviewer 👍 keep the good stuff

[@robertfan332]

I had heard LCD-2 years ago and liked it. Then, for years kept hearing how horrendously heavy they are and I somehow began to remember them That way. Tried them again last month, and felt the weight isn't so bad and realized that is the most compete low end I've ever heard. I'd like to get them. I dont need them to be all rounders. I'll have my he400i for detail and an Audeze for lower register detail and texture. Are the LCD-2c a lot like the original LCD-2 in the astonishing refined sounding low end?

[@OrcaBrigade]

Sorry for the necro comment. But I recently got my hands on these and I can say that I have fixed the pressure point issue. Stretch out the head band to make it clamp less. It will take some effort as it is still spring steel so take yer time and do it little by little. but in the end, I ended up with almost zero pressure point problems. That and pressing up at the top of the cans to make them press against my head differently helps a good bit also. I found that it kind of evens out the way it lays against the head.

[@paikiah77]

Audio is out of sync like 10ms!

[@Robstrap]

@@bardenhick2121 ye lol, much more than 10ms. Prolly closer to like 100

[@sniperpronerfmods9811]

Totally agree with the imaging

[@dopydude]

Super review! true to DMS Quick question - how do these compare with the Hifiman Sundara? More specifically- what does one lose out chosing them over the Sundara? Thnx!

[@smithashammas5304]

Sundara sucks

[@TheArminin]

Love your videos and everything. I have an idea for your next video, How about a video that you show us What headphone is good to buy for what kinda need. For example, If someone needs more base and sub base you can buy Aragon MK3 or Fostex, If you need to hear Clear Vocal The Sennheiser HDs or Focal clear is for you This can be a useful video for every beginner.

[@aa39545n]

I want to upgrade from the momentum 2. I listen to electronic music so I like fast heavy bass, and clear melody. I don't like forward highs. Should I get these and the El stack?

[@kyokonom9393]

Just got these and whenever i listen to some ambience, it sounds like im actually outside, or some wind is blowing from my open window. I get tricked a lot and take off my headphones sometimes only to find silence

[@megazine]

These were originally supposed to be the Massdrop collaboration with Audeze.

[@ganyimiklos]

This headphones shows if the mix/master not so decent, immediately. The most honest ones I ever had/listened. Btw I use it for studio applications.

[@Damien_N]

Hey DMS, did you get a chance to listen to the Oppo PM-2?

[@ErfanElahi]

Hi thanks for your honest review, specially mentioning the part little harshness on 1k. I am sensitive to shouty mids. I have currently Focal Elex, and I do feel it harsh sometimes on bright masters. Yet it's not fast enough for metal and rock music. So could you suggest me any LCD 2 alternative, which is gentle from mids to high mids, yet fast paced tuning, and fast hard bass ?

[@soulfulfool]

I got many headphones but 2C handle rock/metal the best, lot of energy (depend on amp of course)

[@marcusbryant2007]

hi! comparison please with the 1060c in terms of detail retrieval and mid range quality. thanks in advance

[@xeniavader]

Great review!!!!!!!

[@jonberg469]

I'm looking for a good headphone pairing for music like lindsey stirling. Do you have a good suggestion? Price isn't an issue. I already own hd800S/hd700/hd650/fostex th-x00. Thanks!

[@xalentcash]

So what do you use when you want to listen to detail

[@fishcake588]

someone please tell me who makes that orange cable I love it so much, I've been looking forever lol.

[@wesleyleigh4063]

I'm definitely hyper aware of frequency response but it is just so bizarre just how little people seem to care about the exceptional chasm in the treble that is typical throughout Audeze's headphones. I mean it's more than 10db's at around 4k in these.

[@gctdonyre]

Can you compare this to ZMF's Ori Blackwood with cowhide pads?

[@ras_al_ghul_x2055]

Would you say the hd660s is better? Overall not looking to the bass...

[@hazi5961]

I have a pair of 2016 LCD-2 aluminum with the new headband and Audeze's new protein leather pads. A night and day difference. Fazor's definitely make a gigantic difference. My particular pair of cans measure way differently from other LCD-2 and definitely does have a peak at 1 khz, 4 khz and a treble peak from 8 to 9 khz. They are the furthest thing from sounding dark. Funny how varied the Audeze line was before their QC process was improved.

[@Miskatonic-University]

That huge variability among models and even among units from the same version is what makes these Audeze so problematic to talk about. As you say, the sound signature has changed A LOT between the rev 1&2 and the later fazored ones. This guy nailed the comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2aZgqWJfJmefZY. Also, look at this thread and the wildly different measurements from 2 different units: superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/are-audeze-really-that-bad-quality-wise.576/page-5

[@stevek5748]

Most clearly articulated review yet! However I have these and I think they are very good at what they do. Don’t believe me? Check out some brand new Hifiman Anandas that I was shocked at the lack of quality of plastic and sound quality for $1000. And the aeon flows are same price well built and comfortable but very boring

[@olimphus26]

modded m1060 vs these? what can you say?

[@bluematrix5001]

I guess are very different from my LCD-X as your description sounds very different from how I would describe my LCD-X

[@lurr1740]

Hmm... I think I'll keep saving a little more and just get X's for a little more detail out of them. It'll be my first time over the $500 tier, and I feel like the 2C's are going to be a bit too much of an 'add to your collection' than a 'my best pair' thing if that makes any sense.

[@MacellaioNero]

Excellent review. As an LCD2C owner, yep, this is spot on with everything. The suspension headband definitely has too much give (especially if you have a smaller or thinner head), there are 100% dead zones in the imaging - exactly as you describe, they definitely put pressure on the jaw during long listening sessions, and they definitely change sounds when there's objects close to the cups (I sometimes listen to mine laid on a pillow and the difference is obvious). Not sure if you've tried them with EQ, but that's the one thing this review is missing. The LCD2C respond remarkably well to EQ - better than every other headphone that I've tried (M1060, DT1990, HD650, HD800, all the usual suspects, etc.). I've no idea why either; the exceptionally low distortion? Who knows. I've messed around with a bunch of profiles and no matter what I ask of them they make it seem all so effortless. The treble and detail is in there if you want it. All EQed, I'd take them over the DT1990 pro or the HD800 any day.

[@Miskatonic-University]

Well, you can EQ them all day long, you´ll never get the same level of detail, transparency and soundstage as the HD800 (which btw, responds EXTREMELY well to EQ). Having myself an LCD-2 and a HD800, I highly doubt the LCD-2C responds to EQ as well as you state. Not the case with the LCD-2 at all, specially compared to the Sennheiser. They are completely different headphones, and very complementary imo. Just my 2 cents.

[@MacellaioNero]

The HD800 is a great headphone on a technical level, but when I tried EQing a set closer to neutral the distortion in the bass region really started to bother me. Just couldn't find a satisfying sound in them. The exceptional transparency was also more of a problem; it meant only the most well recorded tracks were really 'acceptable'. Poor recording quality became so much more apparent, and that reduced the number of songs I actually wanted to hear with them. Same with the soundstage, I was really impressed when I first heard them, but after the novelty wore off, I just found them feeling a bit thinner and more distant than I would've liked. As you say, I can't adjust that with EQ - unfortunately. They're technically fantastic headphones, I admire that - but I really don't find them enjoyable for most of the music I listen to on a daily basis. They'd be nice as a 4th or 5th headphone, to whip out for the occasional symphony. Also, the 2C and LCD2 aren't the same headphone. Biggest difference (other than the fazors and FR) is that 2C has notably lower THD measurements - which matters a lot when trying to equalise. You can doubt what I'm saying if you like, but without trying yourself, you don't really have a way to understand where I'm coming from.

[@Miskatonic-University]

Yeah, I get what your saying, there are SO many versions of the LCD2 with different sound signatures it's not even possible to generalize about them. I would like to grab a pair of 2.2s without the fazor to compare them with mine, I bet they are pretty different. Regarding the HD800, I've found many comments similar to yours, which I honestly could never understood because it was never the case with my unit. Maybe I got lucky with the amp pairing (have a Burson Conductor and Cardas cable) but mine never (and I mean NEVER) sounded thin, bright or trebly. I later did the SDR mod out of curiosity, and they got a bit bassier, but to me the treble was never a problem in the first place. On the contrary, I find them to be the best hp in the market for the music I like most (movie soundstracks) and I inmediately fell in love with the detail and soundstage. I use my LCD2s from time to time for bassier music (rock, pop) but to me they are a fun headphone, but less versatile than my HD800. It's pretty bizarre how polarizing are other people experiences, audio is definitely a very personal and subjective thing. Cheers! :)

[@MacellaioNero]

For movie soundtracks I can imagine they're absolutely fantastic - I regret it's not something I listen to often, and I didn't think to try when I had a set with me. I kind of want to now. I never really had a problem with the treble; 'thin' was definitely a poorly chosen word, given what it usually refers to in audio descriptions. My problem was more with the soundstage presenting different elements in ways that I found... kind of unnatural, I guess, -especially when attempting to play more intimate/ vocal-oriented recordings. It just never really felt the sound was coming from a real place... the separation of aspects in tracks seemed to have a sense of artifice to it... which wasn't really helped by the colder sound signature. I have read similar comments before, and people have said that it's something you get used to pretty quickly, so perhaps I just needed more time with them to acclimatise. I'd love to try them again one day after I've ticked a few more headphones off my bucket list.

[@yeahthatsright33]

What do you use to EQ the sound? I'm thinking of getting a schiit loki cuz I love the idea of an analogue EQ.

[@tacanacy]

Are you going to make a review of Sviga SV007? I saw that you have/had them in one of your podcasts.

[@DMS3TV]

nah I thought about it but they just arent good. not enough redeeming features to be worth it

[@MehradPiano]

Thanks for the video. Giving that the biggest downfall of it is the dip and level in frequencies, what if I correct it with an EQ like (Sonarworks Sound ID)? Then would it be a trusting headphone for mix and mastering?

[@DMS3TV]

Audeze actually makes a free plugin that corrects them for mixing and mastering. It's called Audeze reveal and its pretty great.

[@MehradPiano]

Oh nice, I didn’t know that. Thanks mate 🙏

[@chunkylover5367]

Btw, what cable are you using in the video?

[@CosmicPotato]

I think he usually gets cables made by Periapt.

[@serban2139]

something like this, but bright instead of dark?

[@PandasHaveNoFear]

I made a custom head strap for this headphone, shorter so that it doesn't touch the metal.

[@Borednlonely]

hi dms, in your opinion, whats the best headphone under 1k that u have heard?

[@DMS3TV]

Massdrop EleX

[@ArmandD]

what's the music you play at 2:20?

[@kentxx12]

I good cheap amp for LCD-2C is the old Audio-GD - NFB 11.28 TCXO :)

[@donunus]

The dead zone sounds like it needs some crossfeed.

[@khgamer55]

What cable are those?

[@TWiiZA]

I tried the HiFi Guides tool and turned out that what I'm looking for does not exist! Closed back, neutral or dark, any impedance, $500-$1000. I ended up getting LCD 2 closed back in spite of the lack of reviews. Initial impression, I'm in love with a occasional hate. I love the sound, I hate the weight, and I'm irritated that they don't come with a carrying box (wtf Audeze?) I can't returned them because I can't find any alternatives, and my 6 other sub $300 headphones suddenly sound like crap. My slightly modded m1060, which used to sound full of life, now sound plain and distant compared to the LCD2 closed back.

[@DMS3TV]

The site isn't 100% complete yet. Still working on the final list

[@joenorris3087]

Have you had a chance to try the audeze lcd 2 closed version yet?

[@DMS3TV]

not yet

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

I think what your trying to say for the price these are not as good as they should be... compared the byerdynamic dt770 ? Which are only $170 (Pro Edition, all black, 80 ohm) which one would you go for?

[@MacellaioNero]

The LCD2C and the DT770 are completely different categories of headphone. One is open-back, planar, the other is closed-back, dynamic. The 2C is laid back and dark with a mid-range emphasis, the 770 is peaky and bright, with a treble emphasis. The 770 aren't terrible headphones, but there are probably better headphones at their price point. Even though there is diminishing returns after you go past $300-$400, the LCD2C are in another world.

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

Odd ..reviews are saying the bass is incredible on the dt770 and soundsatge super wide for a closed back.. (80ohm) and that the trebles are slightly recessed... o.O thats why i asked about the comparison. Since both tend to share the same characteristics.

[@MacellaioNero]

I guess from a certain perspective that's sort of understandable. The bass is incredible on both, but in very different ways. The DT770 pro has an elevated bass compared to the rest of frequency response - it hits with a hard thump - which is really fun, if that's what you enjoy. The LCD2C doesn't have an elevated bass, it has well extended bass - it can can play lower and hit notes in the sub-bass with authority, all while keeping more or less neutral and distortion-free. The 770 soundstage is really good - for a closed back. Closed backs rarely compete with open backs, and the 2C is one of the wider open backs. There aren't really any similarities in the way they present sound. Completely different technologies (dynamic vs. planar) and implementations (closed vs. open) create a very different feeling. One isn't necessarily better in that respect, they're just very different, and so, quite hard to compare meaningfully. As for the treble recession, I'm not so convinced about that. The 770 pro I heard was really bright, like most Beyerdynamics are - completely the opposite of the 2C. Not sure if I heard the 80ohm version though - I've heard that makes a slight difference, but I doubt it brings the treble down anywhere close to 2C levels. If you're looking specifically for a cheap(er), closed-back, lightweight, durable, bassy/fun sound headphone the DT770 is probably one of the better choices you can make at that price point. The 2C is the opposite in most ways, it's a relatively expensive, open-back, heavy, fragile, relaxing/lounge headphone - and at it's price point, there are few other headphones that beat it. As an all-rounder the 2C is hands down the better headphone - and it should be, seen as it costs 4 times the price. But, if the DT770 has the qualities you're looking for then that shouldn't matter, just get the 770 and be happy.

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

@@MacellaioNero thanks, grest explanation!

[@kvltwalter]

This really helped! I've been looking at saving for a pair of LCD's and these may not be the ones for me. A darker and less detailed sound isn't exactly for me, like you I'm a big DT 1990 fan, but I'd at least like to hear these for the experience. Honestly, for anything at this price range or above I'd better hear before I buy.

[@vonStalhein2]

Try the new LCD-X

[@Shahzad-Khan]

You should listen and review the edition x/v2 so good, one of my fav cans.

[@Gofspar]

send em then

[@NiSHAN256]

or the new ananda

[@asmundgimre]

Ananda best headphone ive tried

[@davidmason8212]

@@asmundgimre Have you ever compared it with the lcd2 ?

[@asmundgimre]

@@davidmason8212 I have tried both yes but not enough to discriminate properly. But now later on I must say that my all time favorites are the Arya..

[@yjfuykyil]

What is the best headphone under 1k then, in your opinion? Now I'm curious.

[@TimBraithwaite]

Elsewhere he says Massdrop EleX.

[@ahhalla]

What is the best sounding headphones sub 1000$? U gotta tell us man

[@JireSoftware]

Pretty sure he'd say 1990 :)

[@commenter9703]

Used HD800, Edition X, TH900, or HE1K V1 if you can find them.

[@Catkat2907]

@@commenter9703 LOL Hek v1 sub 1000$ my ass.

[@davidryan5482]

Beats have no equal. ( red or blue )

[@geoemm]

please review HD 58x jubilee

[@kentxx12]

You must first have a good amp and then EQ theme precisely,and then they sound much better,its so simple ;)

[@shaunpearson7905]

When you talk about EQ do you mean hooking up an equalizer?

[@kentxx12]

@@shaunpearson7905 No i mean a EQ softwear program.

[@shaunpearson7905]

@@kentxx12 Oh, sorry for bothering you, but to understand: when people talk about EQ'ing for headphones they are mostly talking about playing music via streaming and EQing using software? So in my case using a CD-player and vinyl rig I'm out of luck? haha thank you and happy new year!

[@kentxx12]

@@shaunpearson7905 Happy new year to you to,but you can buy a good headphone amp whit EQ software in the device that you can put your signal out of your amp in to it,but it have is cost ;)

[@kentxx12]

Like this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnzMiaOqbpyqnJo or this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGSxdnagjMyHrNk

[@kandacq28]

i loved the video

[@Jamie-666]

5'11" guy, reasonable build. They don't get heavy at all.

[@DMS3TV]

I mean I’m 6ft 152lb and these weigh 595g. Basically double the weight of most headphones. Even my other high end planar only weight 330g. Weight is a common complaint in the community.

[@finbenton]

My oppinion on these was about the same, very big soundstage, decent extension on bass but lack of detail, lack of treble with the weight of the headphones makes me wanna sell them at some point. Really enjoying my Sundaras so much more right now, so much more detail and speed.

[@Farpun]

Can you suggest any headphones that are detailed in the bass?

[@MacellaioNero]

If you want more treble and detail from them, they respond really well to EQ. I probably would have sold mine before learning that, but now I'm pretty sure they're the best headphones in their price bracket.

[@ironinthesoul9680]

Here you are! Do the Sundara still have comparable bass extension and soundstage?

[@neil9658]

Sounds like the LC2C's kinda suck.

[@simonshurville612]

Nice !!!

[@arefinkhandaker4370]

waiting for lcd gx and lcd x review

[@alimatook8962]

You said its good for headphone under 1000 but not the best .. so which is best in ur opinion ??

[@MacellaioNero]

Given his past reviews and videos, I think he'd probably say the DT-1990, and if he did, he'd probably be right - they are really good headphones. Personally I'd take the 2C over the 1990, if you're willing to equalise them.

[@alimatook8962]

MyNameIsSasha actually im intending to buy them both coz they sounds deferent

[@MacellaioNero]

@Ali Almatook That's not a bad plan. They're a good complimentary pair, for sure, but if I was spending more than $1000 I'd look into the LCD-X or one of the higher end ZMF headphones like the Eikon. Usually one hi-fi headphone outperforms two mid-fi headphones, if that makes any sense.

[@alimatook8962]

MyNameIsSasha i agree with you bro but i prefer tow separate deferent source rather than one

[@kbeau937]

lcd-x or dt1990?!!? next buy

[@rhodey2952]

Kbeau lcdx

[@Eric-wd7kx]

agreed on everything but the soundstage. absolutely claustrophobic in terms of width.

[@Doctafuzzsnapolis]

How many times did DMS say DT1990

[@cooleycollege01]

All the times!

[@kacperuminski1547]

Over 9000!

[@chunkylover5367]

Not powering off a phone? Powering off a v30... Sounds pretty damn good.

[@TheNitpicker]

Tried them on a G7, not nearly enough power

[@chunkylover5367]

The Nitpicker definitely less pain in the ass than carrying another dap around, but yeah, probably best if just for an iem. However, if you can find a better sounding and/or more powerful phone to replace my v30, I’d genuinely like to know.

[@TheNitpicker]

@@chunkylover5367 but who would really expect a phone to power such a headphone, the LGs already are more capable than anything else, that's definitely something

[@chunkylover5367]

The Nitpicker Well, I guess that's the same thing as asking what DAP can be expected to power headphones like that. I have a fiio x5iii and I can say it definitely doesn't do as good as a job as the v30 w/ the LCD-2C, which is pretty damn impressive for a phone. It's definitely comparable, but you definitely want something like Audeze's amps to reach its full potential.

[@asmundgimre]

Hifiman Ananda is the best you get under 1000

[@yjfuykyil]

I'd say it's a tie with Ananda and LCD2C w/ dekoni elite velour pads.

[@Pandametal_]

but definitely not the ugly

[@DMS3TV]

exactly

[@kentxx12]

And DMS they are not a perfect headphone ;)

[@yeahthatsright33]

would you put vegans on these guys?

[@DMS3TV]

Yes. Changes the sound in a great way.

[@yeahthatsright33]

I realized that vegans are super hard to find apparently. The ZMF suede pads should be a good alternative yeah? Seems they offer them in different shapes too. Any clue which ones would fit? I know this is out of left field so I don't expect anyone but Zack to know haha. Thanks for answering. @@DMS3TV

[@DMS3TV]

Audeze will usually sell you vegan pads if you email them and show them that you own LCD's. I havent tested the ZMF pads on LCD2C yet.

[@yeahthatsright33]

Oh thank you I had no idea! @@DMS3TV

[@kristoffer8740]

I really like my Audeze LCD2C with Dekoni velour pads.

[@Miskatonic-University]

To me the biggest problem of this headphones is the current price. 800$ is completely absurd given that you can have an LCD-2 for 500$ on Ebay with the pelican case. You can even find a pair of LCD-2 rev.2 with some patience at a much cheaper price than the Classic, everyone knows that´s the best version of this headphone. If they wanted to compete with the cheaper Monoprice and Massdrop models out there they should have retained the original 599$ price. At the current price this headphone has a horrible performance/value ratio.