Audeze
LCD-2 Open Headphones
$849.00 USDFeatures
Tuned for warm, rich tonality with deep, punchy low end performance
Hand-finished Caribbean rosewood rings
More comfortable than ever with ventilated suspension headband and updated earpads
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Audeze changed the headphone world forever in 2009 with the LCD-2, a planar magnetic headphone like none before it. LCD-2 introduced the world to the clear, natural, spacious sound that quickly became synonymous with Audeze. They've upgraded and improved this signature headphone over the years to give you the best LCD-2 yet.
From Audeze's very beginning onward, LCD-2's vibrant and physical sound connects listeners closely with their favorite artist. The midrange tone is warm and lifelike, and the legendary deep and powerful bass lets you feel the pulse of the music. Fine details are presented effortlessly and smoothly.
Featuring a unique dual-sided staggered magnetic array, LCD-2's planar drivers give music the space to breathe and feel real. Upgraded with our patented Fazor waveguides, today's LCD-2 delivers precision and intimacy in every listening session.
LCD-2 is still made in our Southern California workshop, using beautiful hand-crafted wood rings, maintaining the look and feel of the orginals. Now upgraded with our suspension headband and latest earpads, LCD-2 is more comfortable than ever.
Introducing the Audeze LCD-2 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone
The Audeze LCD-2 is a state-of-the-art open-back planar magnetic headphone that sets a new benchmark for audio excellence. Featuring Audeze's exclusive Fazor technology, the LCD-2 is designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience with exceptional clarity, detail, and tonal accuracy. This cutting-edge technology minimizes distortion and enhances the frequency response, providing a smooth, immersive sound across the entire spectrum, from rich, deep bass to sparkling, articulate treble.
A highlight of the LCD-2 is its new steel and leather suspension headband. This innovative design not only adds to the headphone's build quality and durability but also ensures maximum comfort for extended listening sessions. The leather suspension system evenly distributes the headphone's heft, reducing pressure points and making the LCD-2 ideal for long-term use.
Equipped with planar magnetic drivers, the LCD-2 delivers a superior audio experience with remarkably low total harmonic distortion (THD). The large diaphragm area allows for a fast, dynamic response, capturing every nuance of your music with lifelike precision. Whether you're listening to vocals, upper mids, or complex instrumental passages, the LCD-2 reproduces sound with impeccable tonality and a natural, engaging presentation.
For audiophiles seeking high fidelity, the LCD-2 pairs beautifully with high-quality DACs and headphone amplifiers, revealing the full potential of your audio sources. The headphones' open-back design and planar drivers contribute to a wide and spacious soundstage, making your favorite tracks sound as if they're performed live right in front of you.
Despite its premium features, the Audeze LCD-2 is competitively priced within its high-end market segment. It offers exceptional value for those looking to invest in top-tier hifi equipment at an excellent price point. The robust build quality ensures that the LCD-2 will provide years of reliable performance, making it a worthy addition to any serious audiophile's collection.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Audeze LCD-2 open-back headphones with the Silver Dragon Premium Cable for Audeze Headphones. The Silver Dragon will give a big boost in instrument separation and detail. You'll get added clarity with some top-end sizzle. It's a wonderful match for the warmer and bottom-heavy LCD-2 and LCD-3. If you really enjoy critical listening, or your audio system leans warm or dark, then the Silver Dragon will be a good choice. It's a great cable for classical, jazz, and other genres with nuanced instrumentation.
State-of-the-Art Design
The Audeze LCD-2 is the pioneering and game-changing product that catapulted Audeze into the limelight, garnering rave reviews from audiophiles and review magazines alike. This beautifully hand-crafted headphone delivers audiophile-quality, low-distortion sound that articulates the power and nuance of your favorite music with remarkable clarity.
The Audeze LCD-2 transducers are the most forgiving in the LCD Collection, featuring an exclusive magnetic structure that provides completely uniform magnetic flux distribution across the diaphragm. The full sonic potential of the LCD-2 is revealed when driven by an external headphone amplifier or integrated amp, boasting an impedance of 70 ohms. Every component of the LCD-2 is precision-engineered with one goal in mind: to recreate the sound exactly as the artist intended.
Combining leading-edge technology with insights from ongoing dialogues with sound engineers and audiophiles, the Audeze LCD-2 uses a proprietary thin-film diaphragm housed within a unique, super-efficient push-pull magnetic structure. Audeze's meticulous manufacturing process, advanced materials, and cutting-edge technology result in headphones that deliver extremely accurate and incredible sound.
Hand-selected Caribbean Rosewood adorns the LCD-2, complemented by sloped earpads made of premium lambskin leather. These earpads feature specially selected foam that offers the perfect amount of firmness for maximum comfort during long listening sessions.
Known for their tight, extended bass response, smooth and inviting midrange, and warm high frequencies, the LCD-2 headphones offer a listening experience that converts even casual music listeners into believers. For the best performance, an external headphone amplifier is recommended.
Open-back Circumaural Design
The LCD-2 features a specially designed, self-closing, acoustically transparent magnetic structure equipped with high-grade Neodymium magnets. This design ensures an open-back circumaural experience that delivers a natural and immersive soundstage.
Increased Diaphragm Area
The large diaphragm area of the LCD-2 creates planar sound waves that enter the ear canals in the same manner as sound in a real environment. This design enhances the naturalness and accuracy of the audio, providing a truly lifelike listening experience.
Planar Magnetic Transducer
The left and right transducers of the LCD-2 are matched in sensitivity and frequency response within ±0.5 dB, ensuring a balanced and consistent sound across both ears.
Accessories and Upgrades
Audeze LCD-2 headphones come with a travel case. The wooden box and metal headband have been discontinued and are no longer available.
Recommendations
Drew recommends the Silver Dragon V3 Premium Audeze Headphone Cable or the Black Dragon V2 Premium Headphone Cable for Audeze as the ULTIMATE upgrade for the Audeze LCD-2 Rev. 2 headphones.
Features
- Planar Magnetic Drivers: Utilizes Audeze's patented planar magnetic technology for accurate and detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- Open-Back Design: Features an open-back earcup design that provides a spacious and natural soundstage, enhancing the sense of depth and immersion in the music.
- High-End Construction: Made with precision and care, featuring luxurious materials such as genuine lambskin leather ear pads and a robust wooden ring structure for durability and aesthetics.
- Comfortable Fit: Designed for comfort during long listening sessions, with lightweight construction and ergonomic ear pads that provide a secure and comfortable fit.
- Rich and Balanced Sound: Known for its rich bass, detailed mids, and smooth treble, delivering a balanced and engaging listening experience suitable for various genres of music.
PADAUK
- Fazor waveguide technology for low distortion and precise sonic imaging
- Tuned for warm, rich tonality with deep, punchy low end performance
- Hand-finished Padauk wood rings
- More comfortable than ever with ventilated suspension headband and updated earpads
What’s in the box?
- LCD-2 planar magnetic headphone
- 1.9m 1/4'' to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable
- Professional travel case
- User guide and warranty card
FAQ
What are the key features of the Audeze LCD-2?
The Audeze LCD-2 features planar magnetic drivers, open-back design, leather or vegan ear pads, a wide frequency response range (5Hz - 20kHz), and a detachable cable. These headphones are known for their rich, detailed sound and comfortable fit.
How do the Audeze LCD-2 compare to other headphones in the Audeze lineup?
The LCD-2 is often considered the entry point to Audeze's high-end LCD series. While it offers exceptional sound quality, models like the LCD-3, LCD-4, and LCD-5 offer enhancements in detail, resolution, and overall performance. The LCD-2 is known for its warm and natural sound signature, making it a favorite for many audiophiles.
Are the Audeze LCD-2 comfortable for long listening sessions?
Yes, the Audeze LCD-2 is designed for comfort with its plush ear pads and headband. However, due to their weight, some users may experience fatigue during extended use. It's recommended to take breaks during long listening sessions.
What type of music pairs well with the Audeze LCD-2?
The Audeze LCD-2 excels with a wide range of music genres, particularly those that benefit from detailed mids and rich bass, such as classical, jazz, rock, and electronic music. Their natural and warm sound signature makes them versatile for various types of music.
Do the Audeze LCD-2 require a headphone amplifier?
While the LCD-2 can be driven by high-quality portable devices, they perform best with a dedicated headphone amplifier due to their high impedance and power requirements. An amplifier can help unlock their full potential, providing better dynamics and detail.
What is the difference between the LCD-2 and the LCD-2 Classic?
The LCD-2 Classic is a variant of the LCD-2 that offers a more neutral sound signature and does not include Fazor elements, which are present in the standard LCD-2 to improve clarity and imaging. The Classic model is often preferred by those who enjoy a more vintage Audeze sound.
How durable are the Audeze LCD-2 headphones?
The Audeze LCD-2 headphones are built with high-quality materials, including a robust metal frame and premium ear pads. They are generally considered very durable, but like all high-end headphones, they should be handled with care to avoid damage.
Are replacement parts available for the Audeze LCD-2?
Yes, Audeze offers replacement parts for the LCD-2, including ear pads, cables, and headbands. This ensures that users can maintain their headphones and replace worn-out components as needed.
What is the warranty on the Audeze LCD-2?
Audeze typically offers a 3-year warranty on the drivers and a 1-year warranty on other components for the LCD-2. It's always best to check the specific warranty terms and conditions provided by Audeze or the retailer.
How do I properly care for and maintain the Audeze LCD-2?
To maintain the Audeze LCD-2, keep them in a protective case when not in use, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, and clean the ear pads and headband with a soft, damp cloth. Regularly check the cables and connectors to ensure they are in good condition.
Technical Features
- Style
- Open circumaural
- Transducer type
- Planar magnetic
- Magnetic structure
- Proprietary push-pull design
- Magnet type
- Neodymium
- Transducer active diaphragm area
- 39.8 cm2 (6.17 in2)
- Maximum power handling
- 15W (for 200ms)
- Sound pressure level
- >130dB with 15W
- Frequency response
- 5Hz – 20kHz extended out to 50kHz
- Total harmonic distortion
- <1% through entire frequency range
- Impedance
- 70 ohms
- Efficiency
- 101dB / 1mW
- Optimal power requirement
- 1 – 4W
- Earcups
- Shedua
- Earpads
- Premium lambskin leather
- Distortion
- less than 1% even at full output.
- Maximum diaphragm excursion
- 2.5mm p-p
- Maximum output
- 133dB, 15W
*Warranty is 1 year for parts, 3 years for drivers from date of purchase. Warranty is ONLY valid if product is purchased from an authorized dealer such as Moon Audio.