Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Audeze LCD-2 Classic takes the technology and unmistakable character that made the original LCD-2 famous and brings it back in a simpler, lighter and more approachable design.

This isn't just a stripped-down LCD-2.

Audeze deliberately tunes the LCD-2 Classic around a warm, full-bodied and spacious presentation, using a 106mm planar magnetic driver, offset magnet array and Non-Fazor architecture to create a sound with plenty of weight, depth and musical involvement.

If you're looking for an Audeze that makes you want to sit down and listen to entire albums rather than analyze every recording, the LCD-2 Classic deserves a serious listen.

106mm Planar Magnetic Driver

The LCD-2 Classic uses Audeze's massive 106mm planar magnetic transducer.

An ultra-thin diaphragm is suspended within a powerful magnetic field, allowing the entire surface of the diaphragm to respond to the musical signal.

The large surface area and low moving mass give the LCD-2 Classic the speed, low distortion and deep bass response that helped put Audeze planar magnetic headphones on the map.

Offset Magnet Array

One of the defining differences between the LCD-2 Classic and the current LCD-2 is its offset magnetic array.

The design increases airflow around the driver and contributes to the headphone's broad, deep presentation.

Rather than focusing entirely on maximum analytical precision, the LCD-2 Classic is designed to create a spacious, immersive listening experience.

Non-Fazor Design

This is another important distinction.

The LCD-2 Classic is Non-Fazor.

Audeze intentionally uses this architecture to preserve more of the character associated with its earlier headphones.

The result is a presentation that's smooth, forgiving and full-bodied, with what Audeze describes as an almost tube-like character.

For some listeners, that's exactly the point.

Full-Bodied Audeze Bass

The LCD-2 Classic delivers the kind of bass that made Audeze famous.

It's deep and powerful, but the large planar diaphragm also gives it excellent definition and control.

Bass guitars have texture. Kick drums have weight. Electronic music reaches deep without relying on exaggerated upper bass to create impact.

It's bass you can feel without losing what's happening in the rest of the recording.

Warm, Forgiving Sound

Not every high-end headphone needs to sound like a studio microscope.

The LCD-2 Classic takes a more relaxed approach.

Its warmer tonal balance makes it particularly enjoyable with recordings that aren't perfect, while the planar magnetic driver still provides the clarity and resolution expected from a serious audiophile headphone.

That combination makes the LCD-2 Classic an easy headphone to live with for long listening sessions.

Open-Back Soundstage

The LCD-2 Classic uses a fully open-back design.

Combined with its offset magnet array, the open architecture creates a broad and deep sense of space around the music.

Instead of everything sounding trapped between your ears, instruments and vocals can occupy their own positions within a larger presentation.

Like any true open-back headphone, the LCD-2 Classic provides very little isolation and will leak sound into the room.

It's designed for a dedicated listening environment where sound quality comes first.

70-Ohm Impedance

The LCD-2 Classic has a nominal impedance of:

70 ohms

Sensitivity is:

101dB / 1mW

Audeze specifies a minimum amplifier requirement of greater than:

100mW

with a recommended power level above:

250mW

You don't need an enormous amplifier to drive the LCD-2 Classic, but better amplification absolutely pays off.

A quality headphone amp can improve bass control, dynamics, separation and the overall scale of the presentation.

10Hz–50kHz Frequency Response

The LCD-2 Classic has a specified frequency response of:

10Hz–50kHz

Maximum output exceeds:

130dB SPL

Total harmonic distortion is rated at:

Less than 0.1% at 100dB

Maximum power handling is:

5 watts RMS

That combination of huge planar drivers, high output capability and very low distortion allows the LCD-2 Classic to maintain its composure even when the music gets complicated.

Lighter Glass-Infused Nylon Rings

Instead of the handcrafted wood rings found on the LCD-2, the LCD-2 Classic uses specially developed glass-infused nylon rings.

The material reduces weight while maintaining the structural characteristics required by the driver.

The result is a finished headphone weighing:

544 grams

That's about 51 grams lighter than the current LCD-2.

Designed for Long Listening Sessions

Audeze pairs the lighter rings with a ventilated suspension headband and thick, soft ear pads.

The suspension design spreads the headphone's weight across a larger area of the head instead of concentrating pressure in one spot.

The LCD-2 Classic is still a substantial full-size planar headphone, but it's built for the kind of extended listening sessions its relaxed sound encourages.

Handbuilt in Southern California

The LCD-2 Classic is still handbuilt in Audeze's Southern California workshop.

That's an important part of what separates it from simply being an entry-level headphone.

You're getting a genuine LCD-series planar magnetic headphone built around the same fundamental technology and manufacturing philosophy that established Audeze in high-end personal audio.

Key Specifications

• Type: Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Style: Over-Ear / Circumaural
• Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic
• Transducer Size: 106mm
• Diaphragm: Ultra-Thin
• Magnetic Structure: Proprietary Offset Magnet Array
• Magnet Type: Neodymium N50
• Phase Management: Non-Fazor
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–50kHz
• Impedance: 70 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 101dB / 1mW
• Maximum SPL: >130dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.1% at 100dB
• Minimum Amplifier Power: >100mW
• Recommended Amplifier Power: >250mW
• Maximum Power Handling: 5W RMS
• Rings: Glass-Infused Nylon
• Weight: 544g
• Cable: 4-Pin XLR
• 4-Pin XLR to 1/4" TRS Adapter: Included
• 1/4" to 3.5mm Adapter: Included
• Travel Case: Included

LCD-2 Classic or LCD-2?

They share the same Audeze heritage and both use large 106mm planar magnetic drivers, but they aren't intended to sound identical.

The LCD-2 Classic uses an offset magnet array and Non-Fazor architecture. Its personality is warm, relaxed, spacious and forgiving.

The LCD-2 adds Fazor phase management, handcrafted wood rings and a somewhat more refined approach to the classic Audeze sound.

The LCD-2 Classic is also lighter at 544g versus 595g for the LCD-2.

Which one is better?

That depends entirely on what you want from a headphone.

If you value warmth, bass weight, a big soundstage and a relaxed presentation that makes it easy to disappear into an album, the LCD-2 Classic may actually be the Audeze you prefer.

That's why you should hear them.

Experience the Audeze LCD-2 Classic at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Audeze and high-performance personal audio expert in Houston, Texas.

The LCD-2 Classic is an excellent introduction to serious planar magnetic headphones, but the electronics behind it still matter.

Pairing it with the right DAC and headphone amplifier can improve bass control, dynamics and soundstage while preserving the smooth character that makes this headphone special.

The Grid can help you compare the LCD-2 Classic, LCD-2, LCD-3 and other Audeze headphones and match them with the right source, DAC and amplification for the way you actually listen.

Specifications can tell you how these headphones are different.

Listening tells you which one is right.

Come listen.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Audeze LCD-2 Classic and let us help build the right headphone system around it.