Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Best closed-back headphones for immersive, distraction-free music listening.
The Audeze LCD-2 headphones embody a legacy of planar magnetic audio innovation, offering an iconic warmth and vibrant tonal balance. These over-ear, open-back headphones deliver an immersive listening experience with powerful bass and a rich midrange, perfect for home listening. Meticulously designed and handcrafted in the USA, they feature precision-matched wood rings for a sophisticated aesthetic. The LCD-2 allows you to connect deeply with your music, reflecting Audeze's unwavering commitment to premium audio quality and sonic artistry.
$4499.96
More LCD Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
437
/ 5518
#437 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+666%
Above average
Style
Over-ear, open-back
/ Over-ear, open-back
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a warm, engaging, and full-bodied musical experience
- Critical listeners who value texture and nuance in their music
- Long-term owners prioritizing durable, high-quality construction
Who should skip it
- Listeners prone to neck strain during long listening sessions
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding the cost of a dedicated amplifier
- Listeners preferring a wide, airy, and expansive soundstage
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Depth
Remarkably expansive imaging for a closed-back planar magnetic design.
Bass Impact
Delivers a punchy, authoritative low-end that remains tight and controlled.
Midrange Warmth
Rich, realistic textures bring emotional depth to vocal-heavy tracks.
Passive Isolation
Effectively blocks ambient noise for focused, distraction-free listening sessions.
Long-term Comfort
Plush earcups help, though the substantial weight limits marathon sessions.
Driver Precision
Planar magnetic technology ensures exceptional clarity and lightning-fast transient response.
Key Specs
Style
Over-ear, open-back
Transducer Type
Planar Magnetic
Driver Size
106 millimeters
Frequency Response
10Hz - 50kHz
Impedance
70 ohms
Sensitivity
101 dB/1mW
Weight
595g (Rosewood), 580g (Shedua/Bamboo)
Earcup Material
Leather
Features
- Iconic warmth and vibrant tonal balance
- Immersive listening experience with powerful bass
- Designed and handcrafted in the USA
- Precision-matched wood rings for sophisticated aesthetics
- Open-back design for natural soundstage
- Planar Magnetic Drivers for exceptional detail
- Includes professional travel case
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Audeze LCD 2 Classic for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its rich, detailed, and immersive planar magnetic audio experience. Many highlight the deep, impactful bass and natural midrange as standout features. While some note the weight, the overall consensus points to a premium listening experience that offers significant value for money within the high end headphone market, making it a highly regarded choice for audiophiles seeking a classic Audeze sound.
Know before you buy
With an impedance of 70 ohms and a sensitivity of 101 dB, these headphones benefit significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier. While they can technically be driven by some high-end portable devices, we recommend an amplifier capable of at least 250mW to fully realize the dynamic range and punchy bass response these drivers are capable of.
The LCD-2 Classic features an open-back design, which means sound will leak out and ambient noise will leak in. They are best suited for quiet, private environments like a home listening room rather than public spaces or shared offices.
The LCD-2 Classic is known for its signature warm, rich, and forgiving sound profile. It prioritizes a lush midrange and deep, impactful bass over the clinical, analytical detail found in some of Audeze's higher-end reference models.
These headphones are designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring plush ear pads and a weight-distributing headband. However, at approximately 580-595 grams, they are heavier than standard consumer headphones, so some users may need to take short breaks during very long sessions.
Planar magnetic drivers use an ultra-thin diaphragm suspended in a magnetic field, which allows for faster, more precise movement than traditional dynamic drivers. This results in lower distortion, a more realistic midrange, and a tighter, more controlled bass response.
The wood rings are crafted for both aesthetics and structural integrity. While they are durable, it is best to keep them away from extreme humidity or direct sunlight to prevent the wood from drying out or warping over time.
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