Audeze LCD-2 Classic 100-LC-1016-00
The 106mm planar magnetic drivers deliver a warm, vintage tonality with deep, realistic bass response, while the glass-infused nylon rings and steel suspension headband ensure rugged build and comfort. This reissue of the original LCD-2 without Fazors offers a slightly warmer sound than the regular model, and now includes an economy carry case at no extra cost. Best for studio engineers and audiophiles seeking a durable, open-back headphone with a classic, musical signature for critical listening and mixing.
No current retailer price
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The LCD-2 Classic sounds like a flagship but costs like a mid-ranger. Bring an amp and a strong neck.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Warm, detailed sound that's among the best we've tested 98th
- Punchy, textured bass once you add EQ or a solid amp 91st
- Exceptional build quality with glass-infused nylon rings 87th
- Comfortable for long sessions once you adjust the clamp
Cons
- Heavy. Your neck will notice after a few hours
- Strong clamping force out of the box
- Bass is underwhelming without EQ or a powerful amp
- Open-back design means zero isolation and lots of sound leakage
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The 106mm planar drivers are the star here. Sound quality sits in the 98th percentile of our database, which is basically the top of the charts. Bass is punchy and textured, especially with a little EQ love, and the mids are clear and immersive. What surprised us? The bass can feel underwhelming without EQ or a powerful amp. These aren't plug-and-play headphones. Feed them properly and they sing. Feed them from a weak source and they sound polite, almost sleepy.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam |
| Headband | steel |
Audio
| Driver Type | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 106 |
| Freq Min | 10 |
| Freq Max | 50000 |
| Impedance | 70 |
| Sensitivity | 101 |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
Features
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
vs Competition
Against the Sennheiser HDB 630, the LCD-2C wins on raw sound quality and build, but loses on comfort and convenience. The Sennheiser is lighter and easier to drive. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a different beast entirely: wireless, ANC, and far more portable, but it can't touch the Audeze's soundstage and detail. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the practical choice for travel and calls, but it's not even in the same league for critical listening. If you want pure sound, get the Audeze. If you want convenience, get the Sony or B&W.
| Spec | Audeze LCD-2 Classic 100-LC-1016-00 | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Soundcore Life Q20 | TOZO HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 106 | 42 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 70 | 480 | - | 48 | 16 | 16 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze LCD-2 Classic 100-LC-1016-00 | 32 | 14.8 | 90.7 | 98.4 | 46.1 | 87.1 | 39.5 | 56.4 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.6 | 75.4 | 98.1 | 91.4 | 44.1 | 98.3 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.5 | 51.5 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 90.7 | 90.9 | 76.5 | 79.7 | 99.9 | 83.5 |
| Soundcore Life Q20 Compare | 94.2 | 82.6 | 90.7 | 100 | 91.4 | 87.1 | 95.9 | 89.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.6 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 51.5 | 96.7 | 95.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At 799 USD, the LCD-2 Classic is a steal for planar magnetic sound this good. You're getting 98th percentile audio performance for less than many flagships that don't sound half as natural. The included carry case and balanced cables sweeten the deal. If you already own a decent amp, this is one of the best value buys in high-end audio. If you don't, factor in another 100 to 200 USD for amplification.
Read more
Overview
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is a love letter to the original LCD-2, minus the Fazors and plus a warmer, more forgiving tonality. The one thing to know? These are some of the best-sounding headphones you can buy under a grand, but they demand a good amp and a strong neck. At 799 USD, you're getting flagship-level planar magnetic sound in a package that's built like a tank and weighs about as much as one.
Common Questions
Q: Do I need an amplifier for the LCD-2 Classic?
Yes, realistically. At 70 ohms and 101dB sensitivity, they'll make sound from a phone, but they won't sound like they should. A decent desktop amp or powerful portable DAC/amp brings out the bass and dynamics. Budget for one.
Q: Are these good for gaming or movies?
For immersive single-player games and movies, absolutely. The soundstage and detail are fantastic. For competitive gaming where you need to hear footsteps, the open-back design helps with positioning, but the lack of a mic and the weight make them less practical for long sessions.
Q: How heavy are they really?
Heavy enough that people mention it in reviews. The steel suspension headband helps distribute the weight, but these are not lightweight headphones. If you're sensitive to weight or have neck issues, try before you buy.
Who Should Skip This
If you want wireless convenience, active noise cancellation, or something you can wear on a plane, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 instead. If you're not willing to buy an amp or mess with EQ, you'll leave a lot of performance on the table. These are for people who treat listening as an event, not background noise.
Verdict
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is the headphone you buy when you're done messing around. It's not for everyone, it's heavy, it needs an amp, and it leaks sound like a sieve. But if you care about music first and everything else second, this is one of the best purchases you can make. Just know what you're signing up for.
