The Spectacularly Yummy Audeze LCD-2 LCD-3 Headphones Reviewed

[@elevenforty]

I've this set up (LCD-2 Rev. 2 + Violectric HPA V200) nearly two years and I'm extremely happy. Bought it with the USB 24/96 to have excellent sound from my notebook.

[@niten]

That was an informative video. I came to just hear a little about the LCD2, but I learned a little more about the inner workings of the planar magnetic headphones.

[@mystuff223]

I bought the Audeze LCD 3 when I last saw your review on them. They are wonderful. Thanks man

[@Muerta06]

This video convinced me to purchase the LCD-2. I'm very glad I did. I returned my Sennheiser HD 800s after comparing the two for a while and I'm very glad to have them. I want to hear the LCD-3's but I hate the price.

[@kevinrei7502]

The best sounding headphone i've yet heard for the price range, LCD2! I borrow it from my friend to record my Classical Piano, amazingly good

[@baxtermaxtor]

I heard the LCD3 with a tube amp playing some Stevie Ray Vaughan and I can't even describe the experience.

[@robinson5526]

I actually found the LCD-2s to be one of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. The leather is incredibly plush as well as the headband. Some people complain of heat issues on their ears, but I never found that (listening up to 2.5 hours) and I have a huge head so weight was less of an issue to me. The LCD-2/3 cable input design is also fantastic.

[@kskwerl68]

You're the man Tyll, been watching and following you for a while now. Cheers!

[@pdcragin33]

Very helpful to me. The Grado SR-80 convinced me, together with household member issues, that headphone listening could become my preferred mode over speakers. The Grado RS-1 convinced me that spending more on headphones results in differences I can hear and appreciate. So I'm looking at upscale 'phones very differently now and your thorough and "un hyper" review is of great help. Thanks!

[@Jinrikishaa]

Beautiful review Tyll! I wish there were places in the world where you could just sample headphones like these.

[@BennyOcean]

A common recommendation is the Schiit Lyr amp with Bifrost Amp. Both can be found on Amazon. I don't own these headphones but when I get them, that will be my amp setup.

[@Cereal421]

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis do all their stuff on the LCD-3s.

[@OfficialMikeSanders]

***** Why are you so angry? He was simply stating that an artist uses these headphones for their music.

[@dragondriver69]

You have a point, because what you said is logical, but you'll be suprised if you know that many mainstream songs are mixed (and mastered) using Beats or a boombox/cellphone 60% of the time, because 95% of the people that will listen that song will do it in lackluster equipment. Actually, is very rare to see a reference audio transducer like Audeze/Stax in a major studio.

[@JasonGriffin]

I'm not sure why you got so many down votes. It's not like you were saying it's a bad thing. You were just stating your own observation. I, for one, am very interested to hear they leak sound even more than Grados. It will impact my listening location options.

[@zethca]

Finally! Been waiting for this one forever

[@LLorfa]

The three kings of headphones, the LCD-3, HD800, and Stax 009.

[@inko123]

I'm actually looking at buying a pair of LCD-2's. I currently own the HE-400, and while I think its a great headphone in its own right, I'm not sure if I would be satisfied with it for years to come(2-5). I see purchasing the Audeze-2 as a long term investment.

[@robinson5526]

Thanks Jason. Actually, I've come to find out that open-backed orthos in general tend to leak significantly more than dynamics. I thought it was specific to the LCD-2 being that I had the Hifiman HE-400 for a while and didn't find it to leak as much from memory, but after getting the HE-500 I noticed that they were about as leaky as the LCD-2. I guess the HE-400s overwhelming lows just make the leakage less obvious than on other cans.

[@zive808]

Tyll, great review, and thank you for taking the time to spell out some of the differences in detail for perspective buyers. I'm leaning toward the LCD2 and was wondering if you have heard both the bamboo and rosewood constructions, and if so if you have observed any tonal differences between the types of wood. Cheers!

[@dsan45]

I was waiting for this review!

[@3yearshardcore1]

Loving Infected Mushroom and Daft Punk on LCD-2.

[@goodgg]

Great review, this may cost me thousands of dollars with a good amp and DAC, but i will end up with the very best that the world can offer. Spend $3000 now, last for 20 years or more, great value. Many thanks for the very helpfull info and opinion in the review.

[@upupandaway90]

Must be that good!!! Tyll I can see that your kind of giggly when your reviewing them

[@alexkozarmedia]

Fair enough then, although do take my point on board. lossless isn't required to have great sound, it's quite minor infact.

[@ashneel99]

When Hertsens does a review all smiles, you know those phones are serious shit.. Dayum I do want to audition the LCD3s

[@robinson5526]

For the LCD-2s if your walls and door are moderately thick you should be fine just shutting your door. If you're looking to use these in the same room as somebody else you need to realize that they will hear absolutely everything that you are listening to. With dynamics, like my grados, people in the same room can still obviously hear my music, but it isn't entirely audible. With the LCD-2, however, prepare to have them hear everything audibly. You might as well have a small set of speakers.

[@Jossienheimer]

are these the fazor or non fazor

[@SergeySedlovsky]

@InnerFidelity - You seem to really like Audeze, yet sometimes you doubt their good. Based on this review with your very big smile and lack of words sometimes to describe it means that they really make you happy and I don't know if you listened to the Stax yet at that time, but I'm guessing that this is a game changer for you (Audeze LCD-3)

[@derbigpr500]

Do you plan on doing some comparison reviews between headphones in future maybe? Like HD650 vs DT880 vs Q701 or HD800 vs LCD-2 vs T1 vs HE-500.

[@Satfgk]

Finally! Agree about the HD part aswell ;)

[@Croozer]

I am just thinking about another option, I love my Denon D7K but I am always open to new adventures in sound.

[@EiF0hn]

Your reviews are really great! Did you already hear the pretty new Beyerdynamic T 90? Could you make a review of them sometimes? I heard they're pretty close to the T1s and the HD 800s.

[@melvinvermeeren]

They're used in studios, DJ's and all other things don't require the best because you just need to hear the music to make sure everything is working properly, but you don't need to hear every detail since the music is already 'made'.

[@GL1TCH3D]

Listening to this review from my HD800 while waiting to get my LCD 2 This video just makes the wait harder >.<

[@SergeySedlovsky]

Not necessarily... I've had a chat with an Audeze distributor (official) in israel. We talked about how the consumer is not looking for proper sound, but rather for the "musicality" and having an awesome bass that kicks you and makes you feel the music + the fashion factor. The ones that still use the apple earbuds are people who will clearly not crap their pants unless they listen to the right music that is properly mixed in their respective favorite genre.

[@TaeFace93]

Ahhh yes, a new video. Thank you!

[@mauriceorris8374]

I just ordered the LCD-2s to replace the (currently on my head) Sennheiser HD201s - To date, the best headphone I have ever owned. I'm alternating between mild buyers remorse from having spent car money on headphones, and SUPER excitement at the level of niceness. Currently chuckling at the idea of A-Bing the 201s vs the LCD-2s :D

[@danielrevollo]

+Maurice Orris How did it go? I also bought them.

[@mauriceorris8374]

They're very good. Most headphones fatigue my ears after a couple of hours to the point i need to sit in a quiet dark room. The LCD-2s i can wear all day, at higher volumes than before from waking to going to bed. They're heavy but so comfortable you don't notice it. Running them off the HP-OUT of an old 5.1 amp was a bit disappointing but properly amped by my Aune X1S dac/hp amp they sound damn good. They ruined my mp3 collection though, now i have to rerip everything as lossless because the differences between a mediochre recording and an exceptional one are massive. Tell the difference between FLAC and MP3? because some recording studios are better than others i can tell the difference now between CD and CD.

[@Oakeshott-ko8ig]

What's your opinion of Audeze's quality control, with quality consistency from unit to unit being reportedly unreliable, according to some Head-Fiers, that is? Have you had any similar experiences?

[@InnerFidelity]

They're very good. I've got a HeadAmp Blue Hawaii sitting here ready to do some listening to the 009 and 007 ... just gotta get me some to listen to.

[@dleblanc343]

A well amped HE-6 trumps the LCD-3. It even beats the Stax Sr-009 on certain aspects. One of the underdogs on the market

[@maydangerous]

These seem very good. There is a 2nd revision now of the LCD2s. I'm looking to get these after some years to complement my Q701. I hear the LCDs got more LIFE to them which I would very much prefer. One question though: Are these supposed to be closed headphones? Like do the cushions form a seal against your head? I got glasses and wouldn't want seals...

[@maydangerous]

I mean I know they're open, but the earpads look like they should form a seal...

[@linglingjr]

maydangerous I can tell you they aren't uncomfortable with glasses.

[@LaMereACaniche]

maydangerous You probably got your answer by now but they're completely open, even if the pads are made like this, the sides are life a .. fence. the noise comes in and comes out.

[@antlp89]

Thanks for the review Tyll!

[@francoisdesmeules4532]

Change the 4 400V caps in the Stax 006 or 007 for Jantsen or better and it blow all this over-expensive stuff in nice boxes. ( This being said, as a physician i would recommend you check in for a spirography test and ecg too. Fast. ) Best regards.

[@livedeliciously]

I'd have to change out the majority of my music collection if I ever wanted these. I take it the source is pretty important when you're looking at 1K cans.

[@valgehiir]

To Joshua277456, who commented that Audezes are, I quote, 'incredibly ugly', please consider, It is difficult to agree on the way objects look. It is always subjective. But there are constances in school of industrial design. Wright houses - Modernism classics. Charles Eames 'Aluminium Group' furniture, anything by Eames for that matter - design classics. Architecture by Corbusier - design clasdics. These are just some examples of things, designs, that YOU may find ugly, but that is just you showing you are lacking. The 3 examples I listed for you, are unquestinable design classics, it makes no difference if you find them ugly. Same goes for industrial design of Audeze headphones. They are future design classics, they allready are! End of lesson\

[@hthemaster]

valgehiir Do you have no idea how to reply on youtube or something?

[@valgehiir]

xXBloodHoundXx you can not post a reply to 2 years old comment. But thanks for your question!

[@TheEchelon]

+valgehiir While that is a valid point, the chances of him seeing your comment is practically zero since he doesn't get notified. But as an industrial design student I (and perhaps others) do appreciate you taking time to put in your thoughts about the design of these headpones.

[@charliedavidson3878]

I saw your LCD-4 review and it seems you are no longer in your honeymoon stage with both the LCD-2 and the LCD-3. I highly respect your opinion and 9.9 times out of ten I agree with you. In your latest LCD-4 video review and on the Innerfidelity site they are no longer an the wall of fame . Maybe just maybe you might revisit some of the past wall of famers and let people know where you stand . I too loved mine but now I can't remember the last time I listened to them. As I have told everyone that would listen there's no such thing as a perfect pair of headphones . That said would I recommend these costing 1900.00 and 999.99 NO WAY . There's a huge chunk of the high end which has been reduced or muffled, I didn't t notice until I started doing side comparisons with other headphones . I find them enjoyable just not 1900.00 and 1000.00 dollars enjoyable.

[@charliedavidson3878]

David I actually love my HD 800 best over all and here's why . I hear every detail where as my LCD-3 or LCD-2 I don't . Example on Phil Collins in the air tonight I hear back up voices not heard on either LCD Models . Both model LCD's are muffled in the high end ever so slightly. I found both LCD's at the beginning the best I have ever heard but then started missing some details. I noticed I started using them less and less until not at all. I will not sell them right away because when I demo something they seem to do very good and most people I know love them also. I'm starting to use an EQ sometimes it helps take out the brightness. when I hear every detail in a song it makes the song when I don't I start losing interest My HD600's are the same in my lower series. I find myself now using my HD-700's which I hated at first. Here it is in a nutshell the 800's are the most comfortable headphones for extended periods the LCD's not so much in fact they are always slipping off. On innerfidelity review on the LCD-4 Tyle finally hit the nail on the head once the headphones were cleaned up he know exactly what his issue was on the earlier models. I wish he would have discovered that earlier. This is the way I look at things, the more I enjoy my equipment the more it pays for itself. My HD-800's have paid for themselves my LCD's are still at what I paid for them . I hope this doesn't ruin it for you There's no such thing as a perfect set of headphones and not until you compare one with the other can you hear the difference. I have several amps and it was when I was modifying one is when it hit me the hardest just how great the HD-800's are.

[@charliedavidson3878]

I noticed another thing with all the LCD models LCD-2 LCD-3 LCD-X LCD-4 resale value is dropping . the current rate on ebay of the LCD-2 Is about 550.00 The LCD-3 1000.00 with fazor LCD-X about 1000.00. here's the problem as newer brands and models come out they have learned from what's out there and improved upon the design or they have made them a lot cheaper. Here's the issue I discovered . Audeze is a new company and even if they are smart talented people they have an issue they don't have years of engineering learning how to fix some of the problems they have. Yes they use expensive materials and woods but the sound although good well be bested . So now other companies are learning from them and making a better product. Sennheiser has years of experience and when they learned they had an issue they quickly fixed it , Maybe not to the satisfaction of older HD800 owners like me . One thing I have learned from over 30 years of audio is there are fixes you can do to make them sound the best I use an old school EQ I also have a C2300 I just tweak down the high end . I have true accuracy and pleasurable sound. Two channel audiophiles know how to tweak a system or room to fit. something that has been forgotten in the Headphone market. Now if it doesn't work it's dupont mods . which is fine for some songs but not others. Music wasn't created using the same methods so music will vary from artist to album . Now the opposite isn't true on my LCD headphones, no tweaking I have done has brought out what is missing. I'm guessing it wasn't there to begin with and that still doesn't fix the over sized ear cups. sadly for me I will lose money on my audeze's or resale value if I sell them .

[@TheSwiftnick]

Great review. Will the LCD2 cans work with the A&K Kann?

[@DonLee480]

Those are some nice headphones! LCD-3 is my next purchase...would love the Stax SR-009 but over 4k is a bit steep for a pair of cans imo. But hey who knows one day might change my mind. If money was no object (or I was rich) then Stax for sure ;)

[@InnerFidelity]

It's not the camera, it's the crappy upload speeds in Bozeman Montana. On the other hand, I never sit in rush hour traffic, so there's that.

[@lrmcatspaw1]

Dear Tyll, I have been trying to identify from your site which of the LCD-2 are what version (LCD-2 rev 1, rev 2 or fazor) and I am a bit confused. (in the measurement index, www.innerfidelity.com/headphone-measurements). Any way to figure that out? I see the serial numbers but audeze just says if they are genuine :D.

[@Chgm2010]

which amp you use with them,the schiit lyr is good with them?

[@sackboy1055]

What exactly do you do for a living? I am getting into hi-fi and audiophilia and actually want to engineer headphones and sound systems etc. And I want to know how to get started, get me? As in, do I study electrical engineering etc.? Hope you, or anyone, replies and helps.

[@shinyhunterlens]

He's addressed this before; it's a matter of his internet being bad and HD videos taking too long to upload.

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

Its interesting how different different regions of the world portrays music. American headphones seem to very often be darker sounding in my experience, and the Audeze's are no exceptions. On the other hand you have fx. Germany with sennheiser and Beyerdynamic which are both aiming more for resolution and neutrality, than musicality and "yummy" sound so to speak. I discovered that im definitely more of a HD800, T1 or HE6 guy than the other, as I was quite disappointed with the LCD-3...

[@slytown]

You don't need to spend over $300 for an engineering or production environment. Keep in mind studio headphones favor utility and flat-EQ over accents and characteristics that headphones like the LCD2 and LCD3 have. Tyll has many recommendations for engineer use.

[@drez13]

I miss my lcd-2. I now use HE-6 which is much more transparent but the lcd-2 is something special and has bass response like nothing else. LCD-2 does not convey as much nuance in the music as HD800 or HE-6 though so they are not as good for classical music IMO. I still want another pair though.

[@Kevs_onfragrances]

I bought the BlueAnt Embrace stereo headphone they really sound great would like for you to review them to see your opinon on them.

[@husnainanwaar1992]

what amp / dac do you reccomend for these headphones ? i would mostly use this with my pc

[@miceblue425]

Ah I see. I'm not a fan of the Senn HD650 nor HD600...a bit too warm for me, not enough treble. I only know of Bottlehead Corporation who uses the K1000 for audio testing. There aren't a lot of those out there nowadays since it's discontinued. I've been fortunate to hear both the "bassy" and "less bassy" models. >.>

[@JasonGriffin]

He was expecting less leakage. His mention of Grado's clearly indicates he was expecting some. He's just saying it's far more than he anticipated; a valid comment and not something worthy of a snarky reply.

[@upy0ur5]

What's the difference between the Bamboo and Rosewood LCD2? Just curious.

[@InnerFidelity]

A) It's not easy, to do it well would take quite a bit of time. B) I got my hands full taking them apart.

[@studynerd]

Thank you for making this video. If i would like to listen to some Jazz violin tracks would you say the HD800s or the Audeze LCD-3 are better for this type of music. I appreciate the responses.

[@asuww1995]

Phu Huynh if u want to find every single detail and mega precisely image where the instrument is, hd800 it is, but if u want to enjoy the music, it definitely is the lcd 3 all day and daily.

[@robinson5526]

My point is that I've had several open backs both in the past and now including both orthos and non orthos and these leak significantly worse than any of them. Obviously they're going to leak since they're open

[@vichiennet]

InnerFidelity, your thought about the new LCD-X and LCD-XC? How they fare against the flagship LCD-3?

[@Chgm2010]

which amp you use with lcd 2 ?the schiit lyr is good for the lcd 2?can you give me advice about the amp for under 800 dollars.thanks

[@spencer5961]

which amp do you recommend for the lcd-2 2 ? v200, burson soloist, or schiit mjolnir, or other if you have a better recommendation (1k range please)

[@theFLRN]

i love the sound of the sennheiser hd 800 and have to try one of those

[@theFLRN]

theFLRN yup lcd-3 best headphone ever

[@akshat3516]

HAL420 Not even close.

[@knightvisionvideo9614]

I'm considering upgrading from my Sennheiser HD-650s to a pair of LCD-2s. Would it be worth the expense?

[@xGrandArcher]

No !

[@intelgigabyte]

I want one for my Schiit Lyr!

[@DGriffy0400]

will there ever be a magnetic closed headphone?

[@chandradenny]

Are these good for Classical Music?

[@Neojhun]

Let do this one for you Tyll. @shadowtsunami Tyll already is recording on HD camera so that is not the problem. His problem is the location where he lives has really really crap internet infrastructure that is soo slow uploading HD files is unfeasible. So unless you have the people connections, power and finance to improves the whole areas infrastructure Tyll's only option is Satellite UpLink (stupid expensive).

[@Thomas99840]

Have you ever tried the Sony MDR-ZX100. I would like to know your thoughts on them

[@TMRaven]

He said that his internet is slow, and that it already takes a long time just to upload the videos in a lower resolution/bitrate.

[@shinyhunterlens]

Stage performers use custom pairs of in ear monitors that are typically over $1,000.

[@ashneel99]

Get a cheapo O2 amp..will do the job nicely

[@LegalizeTheft]

You should take a try at making some headphones not a full on company but just a little experimentation

[@SergeySedlovsky]

320kbps and 800/1000kbps is a really rather huge difference in quality. Lossy is still lossy, no matter how much you look at it. Also, you might not hear the difference if you've got equipment that colors the sound + doesn't reproduce the sound correctly. Of course if you don't mind knowing that it's lossy, then go ahead listen to it, the sound quality is not that bad, at least not at the 320kbps mark. I'd rather use OGG/FLAC.

[@Croozer]

How does the LCD-2 compare to the Denon D7000?

[@ducati0000]

I take the LCD2 over the HD 800,LCD 2 so silky compare to HD 800 which tend to tilt towards the highs and ignore the base...

[@2010fumi]

Thank you for a very informative review. I really enjoyed it, Regards

[@theclinickg]

what about the stax innerfidelity. ??

[@miceblue425]

Yes I know about custom IEM's...they usually go well above $1000. I asked about headphones though. I just can't imagine any engineer or professional audio person ever using a headphone over $500. I would like to imagine that I'm using "professional-grade" headphones when wearing the LCD-3's, but I highly doubt any professional would actually use it.

[@taurbloodmane9322]

What kind of speaker is that in the background?

[@antlp89]

He already reviewed the upper end denon series, check his vids.

[@awzaal]

are you ever gonna review the parrot zik

[@robinson5526]

Oh god, I just got these today. Nothing can prepare you for the amount of leakage these have, not even Grados. I can turn the volume to a slightly above normal, walk across the room, and use them as speakers. lol

[@kkfarmedkk]

Which AMP/DAC is good for these phones?

[@Tennisplayer21Kim]

I am still waiting Tyle to review EL-8 open/close headphones!!

[@yissssss]

+Tennisplayer21Kim The EL-8 don't sound nearly as good as the LCD-2. At that price point there is way too much competition.

[@Mr2pint]

Disagree, in fact I would say the EL8 open back has a much more details upper section - the updated version of the EL8 open back at least. I'm done with both these headphones though having sold both after terrible customer service - has to be the worst in the industry lol it seems Audeze just decided to do away with after market support all together.

[@ScareDe2]

just to be clear, if both lcd2 and 3 were selling for the same price, the lcd2 would cease to exist, because the lcd3 just do as good and better?

[@jerrege]

Tyll, interested in reviewing the HE400s (with velour pads) any time soon?

[@yalcinbaran6363]

Can you use the Audeze LCD-3 in a ipad ?

[@m3lv1nzzz]

Hey.. may I ask you to make a review about Audeze EL-8?? thanks

[@Chgm2010]

did you put the pads of lcd 3 on the lcd 2 ?

[@ColdProductAisle9]

Man someone would crap their pants if they went from apple ear buds to these lol

[@Nplags]

Ultrasone Pro 900's?

[@Frutoses]

I'm looking for reviews in the middle price range.

[@Satfgk]

Very different sound signatures but the LCD-2 is definitely better. The HD 700 is infinitely more comfortable though.

[@Chgm2010]

the lcd3 ear pads are for sale?

[@robinson5526]

I already established that it wasn't a matter of whether or not they leak but a matter of them leaking more than I expected them to given my experience with dynamic headphones as opposed to orthodynamic headphones. Stop trolling please.