As an audiophile at all times on the hunt for that excellent stability of efficiency and worth, I not too long ago had the pleasure of immersing myself on the planet of Audeze’s LCD-2 Classic, affectionately generally known as the LCD-2C. Priced at a aggressive $799, this mannequin serves because the gateway to Audeze’s famend full-size LCD household of headphones, promising to ship a style of high-end audio with out breaking the financial institution.
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic isn’t simply one other pair of headphones; it’s a reimagining of the long-lasting LCD-2, distilled to its essence. Whereas it could lack among the bells and whistles of its costlier siblings, it retains the core DNA that has made Audeze a family title amongst audio lovers. The headphones characteristic the identical highly effective Neodymium N50 magnets and magnetic construction as the unique LCD-2, albeit with out the Fazor waveguide know-how present in pricier fashions.
A formidable testing setup was used
To place these cans by their paces, I assembled a formidable arsenal of audio gear. My testing setup included the analytical SPL Phonitor 2 amplifier, the sturdy Violectric 590 V2, and the versatile Eversolo A6 Grasp Version Streamer. I additionally utilized my trusty PC as a supply, guaranteeing I might entry my in depth FLAC library. For comparability’s sake, I had the HiFiMan Arya Natural and the legendary Sennheiser HD800 S readily available, permitting me to gauge the LCD-2C’s efficiency towards some stiff competitors.
My listening classes had been nothing wanting a musical journey. I traversed genres starting from the uncooked power of rock to the nuanced layers of classical compositions. Prime 40 hits, different tracks, operatic arias, intimate acoustic performances, hard-hitting hip-hop, and pulsating digital music all discovered their method into my playlist. This numerous choice allowed me to push the LCD-2C to its limits, revealing its strengths and potential weaknesses throughout a broad spectrum of musical types.
FLAC recordsdata had been used throughout testing, however not solely
I didn’t restrict myself to only one supply of music both. Whereas my private FLAC library served as a baseline, I additionally delved into the high-resolution choices of Qobuz and Tidal, in addition to the huge, if generally sonically inconsistent, world of YouTube Music. This multi-platform method ensured that I might assess the LCD-2C’s efficiency throughout numerous recording qualities and streaming bitrates.
As we delve deeper into this review, we’ll unpack how the Audeze LCD-2C performs in real-world listening eventualities. From its construct high quality and luxury to its sonic traits throughout completely different frequencies, we’ll discover what makes these headphones tick. Whether or not you’re a seasoned audiophile or somebody seeking to make their first critical headphone funding, be part of me as we uncover if the LCD-2C lives as much as the Audeze legacy and whether or not it deserves a spot in your audio setup.
Desk of contents
Audeze LCD-2 Traditional Evaluate: {Hardware} and Design
The Audeze LCD-2 Traditional arrives not in a plain cardboard field, however in a smooth, black aluminum journey case that exudes an air of understated luxurious. This isn’t simply any case; it’s a fortress designed to guard your sonic funding with type and substance. The outside is cool to the contact, with a reassuring heft that means a stage of sturdiness not often seen in headphone circumstances.
Upon opening the case, you’re greeted by a meticulously crafted foam inside, completely sculpted to cradle the LCD-2C headphones and their accompanying equipment. The froth is thick and plush, offering ample safety towards bumps and jolts. It appears like you may drop this case from a second-story window, and the headphones would emerge unscathed (although we don’t advocate testing that idea!).
The Audeze brand is subtly embossed on the highest of the case, a cultured contact that provides to the general aesthetic enchantment. The hinges and latches are clean and exact, working with a satisfying click on that evokes confidence within the case’s building.
Equipment are included within the retail field together with a 1.9mm braided cable
Nestled inside the foam cutout, you’ll discover the LCD-2C headphones themselves, gleaming with a timeless magnificence that hints on the sonic delights to return. The accompanying equipment – a guaranty card and an opulent 1.9m braided cable terminated with twin 4-pin mini-XLR connectors – are tucked away neatly in their very own designated compartments.
The included cable is a testomony to Audeze’s dedication to high quality. It’s supple, sturdy, and feels prefer it might stand up to even essentially the most enthusiastic headbanging classes. The mini-XLR connectors snap into the headphones with a reassuring click on, guaranteeing a safe and dependable connection.
Along with the bodily parts, Audeze additionally gives a USB stick containing all the mandatory documentation. It’s a contemporary and eco-conscious method that lets you simply entry the newest data and updates. Plus, it’s a enjoyable little bonus for the tech-savvy audiophile.
The unboxing expertise, although temporary, units the tone for what’s to return: a headphone that not solely delivers distinctive sound high quality but in addition exudes a way of luxurious and craftsmanship that extends past the headphones themselves. The included aluminum case is a testomony to Audeze’s dedication to offering a premium expertise from the second you unbox your new audio companion. It’s a becoming introduction to a pair of headphones which can be destined to turn out to be a cherished a part of your audio arsenal.
Construct High quality and Consolation: A wedding of sturdiness and auditory indulgence
The Audeze LCD-2 Traditional shouldn’t be merely a pair of headphones; it’s a press release of intent. An announcement that declares, “I’m right here to remain, and I’m right here to ship a sonic expertise you gained’t quickly overlook.” This dedication to each longevity and efficiency is obvious in each aspect of its design and building.
The LCD-2C is a testomony to Audeze’s meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to utilizing premium supplies. In contrast to its predecessors, which featured wood earcup rings, the LCD-2C opts for black nylon rings with a steel grille. This seemingly minor change not solely offers the headphones a sleeker, extra trendy look but in addition enhances their sturdiness and luxury.
The nylon rings, whereas nonetheless exuding a way of solidity, are lighter than their wood counterparts, contributing to a extra snug sporting expertise. Furthermore, they require no particular upkeep or precautions, in contrast to wooden, which might be vulnerable to warping or cracking over time.
The headscarf is made out of sturdy metal
The headscarf, crafted from sturdy metal, gives a reassuringly strong basis for the headphones. It’s complemented by a suspension strap product of supple protein leather-based. It conforms to the form of your head and distributes the load evenly, minimizing fatigue throughout prolonged listening classes. Whereas some customers have famous that the strap can stretch over time, it’s simply replaceable, and its consolation stays plain.
The LCD-2C’s earpads are nothing wanting luxurious. Monumental and deep, they envelop your ears in a cocoon of plush reminiscence foam coated in comfortable, buttery leather-based. This mix of supplies creates a seal that’s not solely extremely snug but in addition remarkably efficient at isolating you from exterior noise.
Earpads are immensely snug
Whether or not you’re having fun with a quiet classical piece or a raucous rock anthem, the LCD-2C’s earpads make sure that you’re totally immersed within the music, free from distractions. Even those that put on glasses will discover these headphones remarkably snug, due to the beneficiant padding and ample area inside the earcups.
The LCD-2C encompasses a redesigned headband that addresses one of many main complaints about its predecessor: consolation. The unique LCD-2, whereas sonically spectacular, was recognized for its considerably unforgiving match, particularly for these with bigger heads.
The LCD-2C’s new suspension headband goals to treatment this concern. The leather-based strap, suspended beneath the inflexible steel body, distributes the load extra evenly. It reduces stress factors and improves general consolation. Nevertheless, whereas the brand new design is a major enchancment, it’s not with out its quirks. The strap’s tendency to stretch over time may cause the steel headband to make contact along with your head, probably resulting in discomfort throughout prolonged listening classes.
The included braided cable is a testomony to Audeze’s consideration to element. It’s thick, sturdy, and appears like it may well stand up to even essentially the most vigorous headbanging classes. The supple building prevents tangles, guaranteeing a hassle-free listening expertise. The cable terminates in a typical 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug, appropriate with most headphone amplifiers and audio interfaces.
The construct high quality general is outstanding
The LCD-2C’s construct high quality is outstanding. The steel parts are precision-machined, the earcups swivel easily, and the scarf adjustment mechanism is exact and clicky. The headphones really feel strong and substantial in your arms, inspiring confidence of their longevity. Regardless of their sturdy building, the LCD-2C’s are surprisingly gentle, due to using light-weight supplies like nylon and aluminum. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless not essentially the most transportable headphones in the marketplace. Additionally, their open-back design means they’re not ultimate for noisy environments.
The LCD-2C’s match is safe and comfy, due to the massive earpads and well-designed headband. Nevertheless, the headphones are usually not designed for sports activities or bodily exercise. Their open-back design and hefty weight make them extra fitted to relaxed listening classes at house or within the studio.
Audeze LCD-2 Traditional Evaluate: Sound
Diving into the sonic panorama of the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional (LCD-2C) is akin to moving into an acoustically engineered live performance corridor. Each nuance of the music is introduced with startling readability and depth. These planar magnetic headphones, with their 106mm ultra-thin drivers and proprietary Neodymium N50 magnet array, paint a vivid auditory image that’s each exact and emotionally partaking.
Tonal stability and general signature
The LCD-2C reveals a heat, wealthy tonal stability that leans barely in direction of the darker aspect of impartial. This signature is instantly obvious from the primary notes, providing a lush, full-bodied sound that’s paying homage to high-end tube amplifiers. The frequency response, whereas not ruler-flat, presents a coherent and musical curve that extends from the bottom lows to the very best highs with outstanding consistency.
It’s price noting that the LCD-2C is a Fazor-less variant of the usual LCD-2. That contributes considerably to its distinctive sound signature. This headphone enormously advantages from equalization (EQ), and plenty of lovers discover that it really transforms with the correct EQ settings. For these concerned with experimenting, right here’s an EQ profile that I’ve discovered enhances the LCD-2C’s efficiency:
– Low Shelf at 100Hz, +2dB Q of 0.7
– Peak at 1000Hz, -3dB Q of 1.41
– Peak at 4000Hz, +3dB Q of two
– …at 6000Hz, -6dB Q of three
– …at 8000Hz, +4dB Q of three
Bass
The low-end replica of the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional is nothing wanting phenomenal. Audeze constructed its popularity on delivering high-end headphones with heat and physique, and the LCD-2C continues this custom with aplomb. The planar magnetic drivers ship bass that’s each profoundly deep and exceptionally well-controlled.
The bass response is surprisingly natural, clean, and textured for a big planar driver. There’s a way of effortlessness to the way in which these headphones deal with complicated bass traces and percussion. The sub-bass extends right down to the very threshold of human listening to, offering a bodily sensation of air motion that’s uncommon in headphones.
What’s notably spectacular is the linearity of the bass response. The LCD-2C is ruler-flat right down to 10Hz, a declare supported by each measurements and listening checks. This distinctive low-end extension ensures that every one the bass data in your recordings is represented faithfully.
Regardless of this prodigious low-end functionality, the bass by no means feels bloated or overbearing. It’s tight, articulate, and laden with texture. That’s permitting you to discern the delicate variations between a plucked double bass and a synthesized 808 kick drum. The affect is powerful for an open-back design. It presents good resonance and a punchy high quality that provides pleasure to the listening expertise.s
The pace of the bass response sits comfortably between a scientific planar driver and a heavy-duty dynamic driver. It presents a satisfying stability of affect and management. Solely essentially the most hardcore bassheads may discover the LCD-2C missing on this division.
Midrange
Transferring up the frequency spectrum, the midrange of the LCD-2C is the place a lot of its magic occurs. There’s a slight emphasis within the decrease mids that imparts a way of heat and physique to vocals and devices. This coloration, whereas noticeable to the educated ear, is way from detrimental. As an alternative, it imbues the sound with a pure, natural high quality that’s notably flattering to acoustic devices and human voices.
The midrange presentation is alive, ahead, and completely current. It has a heat illustration that’s each thick and clear, wrapping the listener in a comfortable blanket of sound with out veiling any particulars. Every part is introduced clearly and effectively, however it doesn’t power something on you.
Vocals, particularly, profit from this tuning. They arrive throughout as larger-than-life, with a slight increase that provides depth with out crossing into sibilance or harshness. Male vocals, particularly these with a husky high quality, are a real pleasure to hearken to on the LCD-2C. Feminine vocals, whereas not fairly as biting within the higher midrange as some may choose, stay clean and candy all through.
The higher midrange, whereas barely recessed in comparison with brighter headphones, maintains wonderful readability and definition. This tuning helps to mitigate sibilance and harshness in poorly recorded tracks with out sacrificing element retrieval.
Treble
The high-frequency efficiency of the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional is probably its most divisive facet. In comparison with a few of its opponents, the treble response could possibly be described as laid-back and even barely darkish. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t be mistaken for a scarcity of element or air.
The highs are current and well-articulated, however they’re built-in seamlessly into the general frequency response fairly than being pushed ahead. This tuning leads to a fatigue-free listening expertise, even throughout prolonged classes. Cymbals shimmer with a pure decay and the harmonics of stringed devices are rendered with delicacy and nuance.
Whereas some listeners could crave extra sparkle or air within the uppermost registers, the LCD-2C’s treble efficiency contributes to its general clean and refined character. There’s nearly no sibilance or piercing harshness to be discovered. That’s making these headphones a wonderful alternative for these delicate to sharp treble.
Moving into the sonic panorama crafted by the Audeze LCD-2C is akin to getting into an acoustically engineered live performance corridor, the place each nuance of the music is introduced with startling readability and depth. These planar magnetic marvels paint an auditory canvas that’s each expansive and intimate. They’re defying the everyday constraints of headphone listening.
Soundstage
The Audeze LCD-2 Classics soundstage is a testomony to Audeze’s engineering prowess. It presents a spatial expertise that transcends the bodily limitations of the drivers. In contrast to many headphones that create an intimate, “in-your-head” presentation, the LCD-2C initiatives an expansive sonic panorama that extends properly past the confines of the ear cups.
This spaciousness is achieved by a mixture of things. Chief amongst them being the excessive stage of interplay with the pinna – the outer a part of the ear. This interplay leads to a notion of width and depth that’s really outstanding. It’s creating the phantasm of being surrounded by high-fidelity audio system strategically positioned round you.
The open-back design additional enhances this impact. It permits for a extra pure propagation of sound waves and contributes considerably to the headphones’ open, ethereal character. Whereas the soundstage isn’t the widest in its class – it’s barely narrower than its predecessor. It nonetheless outperforms lots of its opponents.
Apparently, the LCD-2C presents a comparatively cozy, tighter soundstage in comparison with some rivals. Nevertheless, this by no means feels constraining or claustrophobic. As an alternative, it strikes a fragile stability between intimacy and spaciousness, making a presentation that’s immersive with out being artificially expansive.
For these craving much more management over the soundstage, the Audeze Reveal+ plugin opens up a world of potentialities. It’s permitting customers to fine-tune the width and intimacy of the presentation to their liking.
Imaging
The imaging capabilities of the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional are nothing wanting distinctive. They’re showcasing the true potential of planar magnetic know-how. Our check unit demonstrated impeccable driver matching in frequency, amplitude, and part response. That resulted in pinpoint accuracy within the placement and localization of sound objects inside the stereo discipline.
This precision imaging is additional enhanced by the headphones’ wonderful group delay efficiency. With group delay falling beneath the audibility threshold, the LCD-2C delivers a good, managed bass. It additionally delivers clear treble replica. That contributes to a cohesive and real looking soundstage.
Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the middle picture isn’t as prominently outlined as on some opponents. The LCD-2C tends to excel extra in left-right separation, making a panoramic sound that stretches from ear to ear with outstanding consistency. This attribute provides a singular dimension to the listening expertise, notably evident when panning throughout the soundstage.
Layering
The place the LCD-2C really shines is in its potential to layer and separate completely different components inside a combination. This facet of its efficiency is nothing wanting phenomenal. It demonstrates an uncanny potential to differentiate and current distinct vocal and instrumental traces inside complicated musical preparations.
This excellent layering permits listeners to simply discern particular person components inside dense mixes. From the delicate harmonies in a choral piece to the intricate interaction of devices in a jazz ensemble. Every sonic component is given its personal area to breathe. Thus it’s making a wealthy, multidimensional soundscape that invitations exploration and repeated listening.
Dynamics
The dynamic capabilities of the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional are a tour de power. They’re difficult the notion that planar magnetic drivers lack punch. These headphones exhibit a formidable dynamic vary. They’re effortlessly transitioning from whisper-quiet passages to thunderous crescendos with no trace of compression or distortion.
Micro-dynamics, the delicate variations in quantity and depth inside particular person notes or phrases, are rendered with distinctive readability. This permits for a extra nuanced and emotionally partaking listening expertise. You’ll be able to simply discern the delicate inflections in a vocalist’s efficiency or the various assaults of a guitarist’s fingerpicking.
Macro-dynamics showcase the LCD-2C’s potential to deal with large-scale quantity modifications with aplomb. The headphones keep their composure even throughout essentially the most bombastic orchestral swells or hard-hitting digital drops. This dynamic agility contributes to the headphones’ potential to convey the power and pleasure of dwell performances. It’s making them equally adept at reproducing the subtleties of a solo piano recital and the uncooked energy of a rock live performance.
Significantly noteworthy is the LCD-2C’s efficiency within the decrease registers. The bass presentation presents a satisfying punch and slam that outperforms many rival planar magnetic headphones. That features the likes of HiFiMan Ananda and Version XS. This provides EDM and hip-hop tracks an additional serving to of visceral affect, with out sacrificing readability or management.
Cohesion and General Presentation
What’s notably spectacular in regards to the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional? It’s the way it manages to mix these numerous components – soundstage, imaging, layering, and dynamics – right into a cohesive and natural-sounding presentation. The result’s a listening expertise that’s each extremely resolving and eminently musical.
The LCD-2C’s dealing with of various frequency ranges inside the soundstage is especially noteworthy. Bass notes and the decrease midrange are introduced with a way of scale and distance. They’re creating the impression of an enormous sound that extends far past the bodily constraints of the headphones. As you progress up the frequency spectrum, the presentation turns into extra targeted and intimate. The upper frequencies appear to originate nearer to the listener. This gradual narrowing of the soundstage as frequencies improve creates a way of depth and dimensionality that’s really fascinating.
In conclusion, the Audeze LCD-2C presents a soundstage, imaging, layering, and dynamic efficiency that’s greater than the sum of its components. Its laid-back, clean character makes it excellent for prolonged listening classes, dealing with most genres with ease with out inducing fatigue. Whereas it is probably not essentially the most thrilling or ahead pair of headphones in the marketplace, it strikes a stupendous stability between technical proficiency and musical enjoyment. For listeners who prioritize a pure, spacious, and dynamically partaking sound, the LCD-2C presents a compelling choice that punches properly above its weight class. These headphones are difficult rather more costly opponents within the realm of spatial and dynamic efficiency.
Audeze LCD-2 Traditional Evaluate: Conclusion
The Audeze LCD-2 Traditional stands as a testomony to the evolution of high-end audio. These headphones current a compelling case for the democratization of audiophile-grade sound. This reimagining of the long-lasting LCD-2 shouldn’t be merely a reboot however a revolution. It’s an astute adjustment to altering tastes and financial realities that manages to protect the essence of what made its predecessor legendary.
At its core, the LCD-2C is a examine in even handed compromise. Audeze has masterfully retained the weather that elevated the unique LCD-2 to audiophile stardom. The expansive soundstage, the luxurious midrange, the profound bass response. The Audeze LCD-2 is making concessions that convey the value level right down to a extra accessible stage. The result’s a pair of headphones that function a gateway drug to the world of high-end audio. They’re decreasing the barrier to entry with out sacrificing the basic qualities that outline the Audeze sound.
The sonic signature of those earbuds is heat, clean & immersive
The sonic signature of the LCD-2C is greatest described as heat, clean, and immersive. It presents a barely darkish general tonality that won’t enchantment to these looking for a strictly impartial or analytical sound. Nevertheless, for listeners who prioritize a fatigue-free, satisfying listening expertise, the LCD-2C delivers in spades. The bass response is tight and well-textured, offering a strong basis with out overwhelming the combo. The midrange, whereas barely recessed, maintains wonderful readability and physique, notably flattering vocals and acoustic devices. The treble, whereas considerably laid again, contributes to the headphones’ clean character with out sacrificing element retrieval.
One of many LCD-2C’s standout options is its technical efficiency. The planar magnetic drivers showcase their prowess in delivering exceptionally low distortion, leading to a readability that ties the complete frequency spectrum collectively cohesively. The soundstage, whereas not the widest in its class, presents an immersive listening expertise with wonderful instrument separation and layering. Dynamics are one other sturdy go well with, with the LCD-2C dealing with each micro and macro dynamic shifts with aplomb, bringing life and power to a variety of musical genres.
Construct high quality is excellent, as you’d anticipate
When it comes to construct high quality and luxury, the LCD-2C continues Audeze’s custom of sturdy building. The crystal-infused nylon rings and steel parts exude sturdiness. The redesigned suspension headband system goals to distribute the appreciable weight extra evenly. Nevertheless, the heft of those headphones should still show fatiguing for some customers throughout prolonged listening classes.
The worth proposition is the place the LCD-2 Traditional really shines. At its worth level, it presents a style of true high-end audio that was beforehand out of attain for a lot of lovers. Whereas it could not boast all of the refinements of its costlier siblings, it delivers a stage of efficiency that punches properly above its weight class. The LCD-2C makes a powerful case for itself towards opponents in and even above its worth vary. It presents a singular mix of technical functionality and musical enjoyment that’s arduous to match.
Audiophiles gained’t be disillusioned
The audience for the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional is obvious. It’s aimed toward audiophiles who crave a heat, partaking sound signature and are prepared to sacrifice some neutrality for a extra satisfying listening expertise. It’s notably well-suited for lovers of rock, pop, and digital music. In different phrases, its barely relaxed higher midrange helps tame harsh recordings with out sacrificing general readability. For these snug with EQ, the LCD-2C turns into an much more versatile instrument. It’s able to adapting to a variety of sonic preferences.
Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the LCD-2C is probably not the best alternative for everybody. Audio professionals looking for a strictly impartial reference headphone may be higher served by extra analytical choices. Moreover, those that prioritize final decision and element retrieval may need to contemplate stepping as much as higher-end fashions within the Audeze lineup or exploring choices from different producers.
These are high-end headphones in each sense
In conclusion, the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional represents a major achievement on the planet of high-end headphones. It efficiently brings a lot of what made the unique LCD-2 legendary to a extra accessible worth level, with out sacrificing the core qualities that outline the Audeze sound. Whereas it is probably not the final phrase in neutrality or decision, it presents a uniquely partaking and satisfying listening expertise that has the potential to redefine expectations at its worth level.
The LCD-2C is greater than only a pair of headphones. It’s a press release of Audeze’s dedication to bringing high-end audio to a broader viewers. For a lot of, it can function a gateway to the higher echelons of private audio. It’s providing a glimpse into what’s doable when no compromises are made. Whether or not you’re an audiophile on the lookout for a extra relaxed different to your analytical reference headphones, or a music lover able to take your first step into the world of high-end audio, the Audeze LCD-2 Traditional deserves critical consideration. It’s a headphone that doesn’t simply reproduce music; it helps you rediscover your love for it.
