OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Audeze LCD2 Classic Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£700Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audeze LCD2 Classic Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Audeze LCD2 Classic
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

7.7

User score

▼Worse than 81% of headphones
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

▼Worse than 95%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 90%
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 67%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audeze LCD2 Classic

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.1
User score
User score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.7
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 52% of models
Popularity:
Audeze LCD2 Classic has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 52.2% of products in this category.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

6.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
106 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 106 mm, larger driver size than 99.3% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audeze
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
544 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 544 g, heavier than 98.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
6.1
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 6.1, higher clamp force than 90.1% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more

Audeze LCD2 Classic vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 66 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    106 mm vs 40 mm
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 50x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.7 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (1.9 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    1.9 m vs 1.2 m
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 66 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    106 mm vs 40 mm
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 50x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 27 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (130 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    130 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.5x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (544 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    544 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 1.8 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.1 vs 4.3
  • 7.78x more expensive
    Audeze LCD2 Classic is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£700 vs £90).
    £700 vs £90
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 21.5% worse value for money
    Audeze LCD2 Classic has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.98 vs 7.3).
    5.98 vs 7.27
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 7.78x more expensive
    Audeze LCD2 Classic is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£700 vs £90).
    £700 vs £90
  • 21.5% worse value for money
    Audeze LCD2 Classic has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.98 vs 7.3).
    5.98 vs 7.27
  • 3.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Audeze LCD2 Classic
    the average pair of headphones
    Audeze LCD2 Classic has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.72 vs 8).
    7.72 vs 8
  • 2.5x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (544 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    544 g vs 218 g
  • 1.8 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.1 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.1 vs 4.3
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Mad Audio
≈ estimated
29/03/2023
Hands-on review · sound signature and comparisons
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic won over the reviewer as a favourite for relaxed jazz, but it is niche and not for everyone.
9.0
Ripewave Audio
≈ estimated
18/08/2020
Hands-on review · amp, source and piano tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic lives up to its high price and sounds best when paired with a tube amplifier.
4.0
The Headphone Show
≈ estimated
31/07/2020
Hands-on review · amp pairing and rival comparisons
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is hard to justify at its price; rival headphones offer better technical performance and finesse.
4.0
RDT HiFi
≈ estimated
08/06/2020
Hands-on review · unboxing and listening tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is too warm and dark for the creator's taste, so the headphones are being returned.
7.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
08/05/2020
Full review · tested with several amps and sources
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is recommended only for tinkerers who enjoy EQ tweaking, as plug-and-play listening disappointed.
8.0
chuckolatte
≈ estimated
07/01/2019
Hands-on review · cable, sound tests and who it suits
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is great for a specific crowd, but not a daily driver for everyone.
9.0
metal571
≈ estimated
29/09/2018
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with LCD-X
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic (LCD-2C) is a strong pick, though it needs a good amp and some EQ.
9.0
Jay's iyagi
≈ estimated
27/08/2018
Long-term test · about a month with amplifier comparisons
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is a great entry-level headphone with a wide soundstage, but it needs the right amplifier.
9.5
Damir Franc
≈ estimated
24/03/2018
Hands-on review · comfort, fit, build and sound
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic satisfies in almost every situation, and the creator is confident buyers will not regret it.
9.5
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
15/03/2018
Hands-on review · listening tests and comparison with other headphones
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is the best headphone currently on offer, with huge width, clarity and imaging that outclass cheaper rivals.
9.0
InnerFidelity
≈ estimated
12/02/2018
Hands-on review · sound, build and comparisons
Verdict
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is a good headphone and strong competitor in its price class, worth adding as an alternative to top picks.
Shop video

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Audeze LCD2 Classic

  • Warm and smooth 'house sound' signature that is non-fatiguing for long listening sessions
  • Exceptional bass performance featuring deep sub-bass extension, linear response, and satisfying slam
  • Solid build quality using premium materials like metal and durable composites
  • Excellent instrument separation and layering, allowing for clear discernment of individual elements in a mix
  • High responsiveness to Equalization (EQ), which can effectively address tonal dips or peaks
  • Comfortable suspension headband design that helps distribute its considerable weight

What customers don't like about Audeze LCD2 Classic

  • Significant weight (approx. 550g–595g) which can lead to neck fatigue over time
  • Recessed upper midrange and darker treble response that may sound 'veiled' or lack crispness to some
  • Stock tonality can feel 'boxed-in' or congested without manual EQ adjustments
  • Open-back design results in poor isolation and significant sound leakage
  • Bulky, non-portable design that is strictly intended for stationary home or studio use
  • High out-of-the-box clamp force that may require a 'break-in' period for optimal comfort

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is an open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone, featuring large 106mm drivers, a 70-ohm impedance, and a 10Hz–50kHz frequency response, designed to replicate the original warm, smooth sound of the 2009 LCD-2. Key characteristics include a rich, full-bodied sound with powerful, low-distortion bass, a forward midrange, and a rolled-off treble that offers a fatigue-free listening experience. Its main pros are the engaging, musical tonality that excels with rock, jazz, and EDM, along with high-quality build materials (nylon rings, suspension headband). Cons include its heavy weight (roughly 540-595g), a lack of Fazor waveguide technology which can result in less detailed highs than higher-end models, and a darker sound profile that may feel veiled or overly intimate to those seeking brighter, more neutral, or clinical audio.

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