Audeze LCD-2
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
What Buyers Say
Audeze LCD-2
The Audeze LCD-2 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their warm, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. Many users emphasize the need for a powerful amplifier to unlock their full potential, noting that without proper amplification, the sound can be underwhelming. Build quality is generally praised, though a few users report QC issues like chipped wood finish and subpar stock cables. Overall, these are considered top-tier headphones for the price, especially for those willing to invest in a good amp.
Pros
- Warm, detailed sound
- Exceptional comfort
- Strong bass response
- Rich mids
- Non-fatiguing highs
Cons
- Requires powerful amplifier
- Heavy weight
- Stock cables poor quality
- QC issues with wood finish
- Soundstage not the largest
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The B&W PX7 S3 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, with many users praising the balanced bass, clear highs, and overall audio performance. Several reviewers switched from Bose or Sony models and found the PX7 S3 superior, particularly in bass response. However, a few concerns were raised about comfort during extended wear, with one user experiencing headband pressure and ear cup discomfort after about 90 minutes. Build quality and battery life are also highlighted as strong points, though the companion app and occasional connectivity blips were noted as minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Balanced bass and clear highs
- Superior to Bose and Sony
- Good build quality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Uncomfortable after 90 minutes
- Headband pressure point
- Ear cups push into ears
- Companion app could be better
- Occasional connectivity blips
Scores
Specifications
| Audeze LCD-2 | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.59 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather-Free | memory foam |
| Headband | suspension headband | fabric |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 106 mm★ | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 10 Hz | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 50 kHz★ | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 70 Ω | 33 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | AUDEZE LCD-2 Open-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones, Rosewood Rings, Leather-Free | AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| Surround | — | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Over-Ear Headphones, High-Resolution Sound, Comfortable Fit, Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, 30-Hour Playtime, Quick Charge Support, Indigo Blue | Bower |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.8899999856948853 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 0.25 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | — | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Audeze LCD-2
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average affordability (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average comfort (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (33rd percentile)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (6th percentile)6th %ile
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 40 specs.