Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open System
In-depth technical assessment of Audeze’s LCD-2 Classic headphones
Audeze
- Headphones
- Accessories & matching items
- 28Customer ratings
- Compare options
- Smart Navigator
Spec Sheet
- Open design
- Circumaural
- Driver: 106 mm
- Neodymium magnets (N50)
- Impedance: 70 Ohm
- Frequency range: 10 – 50,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 101 dB / 1 mw
- Leather-free headband with spring steel suspension
- Artificial leather ear pads
- Includes standard travel case, balanced 1.9 m 4-pin XLR cable, adapter 4-pin XLR to 6.3 mm stereo jack (unbalanced) and adapter 6.3 mm stereo jack to 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
Studio Log
| Available since | February 2018 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 433063 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 70 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 10 Hz – 50000 Hz |
| Marrone/Argento | Black |
| Max. SPL | 101 dB |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack |
| Colour | Black |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open System, launched in February 2018, offers an over-ear, open-back design paired with planar magnetic technology. With 106 mm drivers and neodymium magnets, these headphones aim to deliver detailed sound reproduction across a frequency range from 10 Hz to 50,000 Hz. Priced at £711, they sit in the high-end segment, targeting audiophiles seeking rich audio fidelity and robust build quality.
Design and Build Quality
The LCD-2 Classic’s construction stands out for its solid build, predominantly metal components, and an absence of cheap plastics common in many headphones. The circumaural ear cups are finished in black with artificial leather pads, supported by a leather-free headband featuring spring steel suspension. This design distributes weight well, despite the substantial overall load of the headphone, which is notably heavier than many rivals.
Included accessories comprise a sturdy travel case, a balanced 1.9-metre 4-pin XLR cable, and adapters to connect to standard 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm jacks. Users consistently praise the sturdiness and premium feel, contrasting sharply with lighter but less robust models such as the AKG K712 Pro.
Sound Performance
The LCD-2 Classic delivers a sound signature that leans toward a warm yet detailed representation. Bass response extends deeply and remains controlled without excessive bloom or droning. While not the most thunderous bass among planar magnetic headphones, it is precise and maintains good texture and dryness. Midrange frequencies receive slight emphasis, contributing to a natural and pleasant tonality, though some describe lower midrange textures as subtly blurred.
High frequencies are noticeably recessed compared with other high-end headphones, providing a smooth but darker treble profile. This results in less fatigue over extended listening sessions but might render vocals, especially female voices, somewhat distant. The overall tonal balance is forgiving to lower-quality recordings yet capable of revealing nuances in high-resolution audio formats like FLAC.
Instrument separation is exceptional, with each instrument maintaining clarity within a moderately sized soundstage. The headphones portray dynamics convincingly, producing an engaging and lively listening experience. However, the soundstage does not expand to the breadth found in certain contemporaries, though it remains adequately spacious for most listening environments.
Compatibility and Driving Requirements
Featuring a 70 Ohm impedance and a sensitivity of 101 dB, these headphones are reasonably straightforward to drive and function well with mid-tier amplifiers, such as the Schiit Magni 2 Über used in many tests. They respond favourably to equalisation, allowing users to tailor the sound to personal taste or remedy the treble mellowing.
Comfort and Practicality
The memory foam ear pads and articulating headband provide a comfortable fit, with good weight distribution across the head. Nevertheless, the headphones are heavy compared to many peers, leading to discomfort after prolonged use for some users. Replacement of the headband padding or customisation can alleviate these issues but involve additional effort.
The open-back design offers minimal isolation, unsuitable for noisy environments but beneficial for a natural sound experience and long-term comfort without heat accumulation despite the somewhat enclosed ear cup structure.
Additional Observations
- Build quality is consistently highlighted as a major positive, with a solid industrial feel attenuating worries about durability.
- Sound drawbacks mainly centre on the recessed treble causing a darker sound signature and a weighty form factor impacting long listening sessions.
- Included cabling and accessories support balanced and unbalanced connections, enhancing versatility but the cable length may feel limited for some setups.
- Price to performance ratio is justified by sound clarity and build, though the premium level demands careful consideration by those sensitive to headphone weight or seeking more neutral tonality out of the box.
Conclusion
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open System is a robustly built, sonically capable headphone with a distinctive warm and slightly dark sound signature. It excels in bass control, midrange quality, and instrument separation, making it suitable for audiophiles who prioritise detailed and engaging listening over strictly neutral reproduction. Its weight and treble recession may deter some, but for those willing to engage in EQ adjustments and who prefer a forgiving sound, it represents excellent value in its market segment.
This model’s durability and premium design underscore Audeze’s engineering commitment, while its sound characteristics reward discerning listeners with rich, immersive music playback. Considering its driving ease and included accessories, the LCD-2 Classic remains a serious contender for anyone seeking a planar magnetic headphone under £1000.
