As an audiophile at all times on the hunt for that good steadiness of efficiency and worth, I just lately had the pleasure of immersing myself on the earth of Audeze’s LCD-2 Basic, affectionately often called 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 Basic 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 a few of the bells and whistles of its costlier siblings, it retains the core DNA that has made Audeze a family identify amongst audio fanatics. The headphones function the identical highly effective Neodymium N50 magnets and magnetic construction as the unique LCD-2, albeit with out the Fazor waveguide expertise present in pricier fashions.
A formidable testing setup was used
To place these cans via their paces, I assembled a formidable arsenal of audio tools. 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, making certain I may entry my intensive 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 in opposition to some stiff competitors.
My listening periods have been nothing in need of a musical journey. I traversed genres starting from the uncooked vitality of rock to the nuanced layers of classical compositions. High 40 hits, different tracks, operatic arias, intimate acoustic performances, hard-hitting hip-hop, and pulsating digital music all discovered their means into my playlist. This various choice allowed me to push the LCD-2C to its limits, revealing its strengths and potential weaknesses throughout a broad spectrum of musical kinds.
FLAC recordsdata have 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 typically sonically inconsistent, world of YouTube Music. This multi-platform method ensured that I may assess the LCD-2C’s efficiency throughout numerous recording qualities and streaming bitrates.
As we delve deeper into this overview, 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 trying to make their first severe 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 Basic Evaluate: {Hardware} and Design
The Audeze LCD-2 Basic arrives not in a plain cardboard field, however in a glossy, 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 fashion and substance. The outside is cool to the contact, with a reassuring heft that implies a degree of sturdiness hardly ever 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 in opposition to bumps and jolts. It looks like you possibly can 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, an aesthetic 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 development.
Equipment are included within the retail field together with a 1.9mm braided cable
Nestled throughout the foam cutout, you’ll discover the LCD-2C headphones themselves, gleaming with a timeless class 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 may stand up to even probably the most enthusiastic headbanging periods. The mini-XLR connectors snap into the headphones with a reassuring click on, making certain a safe and dependable connection.
Along with the bodily elements, Audeze additionally offers a USB stick containing all the mandatory documentation. It’s a contemporary and eco-conscious method that lets you simply entry the most recent info 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 additionally 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 are 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 Basic will not be merely a pair of headphones; it’s a press release of intent. A press release 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 side of its design and development.
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 metallic grille. This seemingly minor change not solely offers the headphones a sleeker, extra fashionable look but additionally 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 carrying expertise. Furthermore, they require no particular upkeep or precautions, not like wooden, which could be prone to warping or cracking over time.
The scarf is made out of sturdy metal
The scarf, crafted from sturdy metal, offers a reassuringly stable basis for the headphones. It’s complemented by a suspension strap manufactured from supple protein leather-based. It conforms to the form of your head and distributes the load evenly, minimizing fatigue throughout prolonged listening periods. 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 in need of luxurious. Huge and deep, they envelop your ears in a cocoon of plush reminiscence foam lined in gentle, buttery leather-based. This mixture of supplies creates a seal that’s not solely extremely snug but additionally 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 be 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 house throughout the earcups.
The LCD-2C incorporates a redesigned headband that addresses one of many main complaints about its predecessor: consolation. The unique LCD-2, whereas sonically spectacular, was identified for its considerably unforgiving match, particularly for these with bigger heads.
The LCD-2C’s new suspension headband goals to treatment this challenge. The leather-based strap, suspended beneath the inflexible metallic body, distributes the load extra evenly. It reduces strain factors and improves general consolation. Nevertheless, whereas the brand new design is a big enchancment, it’s not with out its quirks. The strap’s tendency to stretch over time may cause the metallic headband to make contact together with your head, doubtlessly resulting in discomfort throughout prolonged listening periods.
The included braided cable is a testomony to Audeze’s consideration to element. It’s thick, sturdy, and looks like it could actually stand up to even probably the most vigorous headbanging periods. The supple development prevents tangles, making certain a hassle-free listening expertise. The cable terminates in an ordinary 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug, suitable with most headphone amplifiers and audio interfaces.
The construct high quality general is outstanding
The LCD-2C’s construct high quality is outstanding. The metallic elements are precision-machined, the earcups swivel easily, and the scarf adjustment mechanism is exact and clicky. The headphones really feel stable and substantial in your arms, inspiring confidence of their longevity. Regardless of their sturdy development, the LCD-2C’s are surprisingly mild, due to using light-weight supplies like nylon and aluminum. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless not probably the most moveable headphones available on the market. Additionally, their open-back design means they’re not excellent for noisy environments.
The LCD-2C’s match is safe and cozy, due to the massive earpads and well-designed headband. Nevertheless, the headphones aren’t designed for sports activities or bodily exercise. Their open-back design and hefty weight make them extra suited to relaxed listening periods at residence or within the studio.
Audeze LCD-2 Basic Evaluate: Sound
Diving into the sonic panorama of the Audeze LCD-2 Basic (LCD-2C) is akin to entering 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 participating.
Tonal steadiness and general signature
The LCD-2C displays a heat, wealthy tonal steadiness that leans barely in the direction of the darker aspect of impartial. This signature is straight away 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 tremendously advantages from equalization (EQ), and plenty of fanatics discover that it actually transforms with the correct EQ settings. For these all for 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 Basic is nothing in need of phenomenal. Audeze constructed its status 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 assessments. This distinctive low-end extension ensures that each one the bass info 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 provides 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 medical planar driver and a heavy-duty dynamic driver. It provides a satisfying steadiness of affect and management. Solely probably the most hardcore bassheads would possibly discover the LCD-2C missing on this division.
Midrange
Shifting 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 skilled ear, is way from detrimental. As a substitute, 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 gentle blanket of sound with out veiling any particulars. Every part is introduced clearly and effectively, nevertheless 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 take heed to on the LCD-2C. Feminine vocals, whereas not fairly as biting within the higher midrange as some would possibly desire, stay clean and candy all through.
The higher midrange, whereas barely recessed in comparison with brighter headphones, maintains glorious 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 Basic is probably its most divisive side. In comparison with a few of its opponents, the treble response may very well 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 relatively than being pushed ahead. This tuning ends in a fatigue-free listening expertise, even throughout prolonged periods. Cymbals shimmer with a pure decay and the harmonics of stringed devices are rendered with delicacy and nuance.
Whereas some listeners might 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 just about no sibilance or piercing harshness to be discovered. That’s making these headphones a wonderful alternative for these delicate to sharp treble.
Getting into the sonic panorama crafted by the Audeze LCD-2C is akin to coming 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 provides 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 tasks an expansive sonic panorama that extends nicely past the confines of the ear cups.
This spaciousness is achieved via a mix of things. Chief amongst them being the excessive degree of interplay with the pinna – the outer a part of the ear. This interplay ends in a notion of width and depth that’s actually 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.
Curiously, the LCD-2C provides a comparatively cozy, tighter soundstage in comparison with some rivals. Nevertheless, this by no means feels constraining or claustrophobic. As a substitute, it strikes a fragile steadiness 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 prospects. 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 Basic are nothing in need of distinctive. They’re showcasing the true potential of planar magnetic expertise. Our take a look at unit demonstrated impeccable driver matching in frequency, amplitude, and section response. That resulted in pinpoint accuracy within the placement and localization of sound objects throughout the stereo discipline.
This precision imaging is additional enhanced by the headphones’ glorious group delay efficiency. With group delay falling beneath the audibility threshold, the LCD-2C delivers a decent, managed bass. It additionally delivers clear treble replica. That contributes to a cohesive and lifelike 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 novel dimension to the listening expertise, notably evident when panning throughout the soundstage.
Layering
The place the LCD-2C actually shines is in its capacity to layer and separate completely different components inside a combination. This side of its efficiency is nothing in need of phenomenal. It demonstrates an uncanny capacity to tell apart and current distinct vocal and instrumental traces inside complicated musical preparations.
This very good 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 ingredient is given its personal house 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 Basic 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 enables for a extra nuanced and emotionally participating listening expertise. You may 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 capacity to deal with large-scale quantity adjustments with aplomb. The headphones keep their composure even throughout probably the most bombastic orchestral swells or hard-hitting digital drops. This dynamic agility contributes to the headphones’ capacity to convey the vitality 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 provides 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 concerning the Audeze LCD-2 Basic? 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 throughout 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 a large sound that extends far past the bodily constraints of the headphones. As you progress up the frequency spectrum, the presentation turns into extra centered and intimate. The upper frequencies appear to originate nearer to the listener. This gradual narrowing of the soundstage as frequencies enhance creates a way of depth and dimensionality that’s actually fascinating.
In conclusion, the Audeze LCD-2C provides a soundstage, imaging, layering, and dynamic efficiency that’s greater than the sum of its components. Its laid-back, clean character makes it good for prolonged listening periods, dealing with most genres with ease with out inducing fatigue. Whereas it is probably not probably the most thrilling or ahead pair of headphones available on the market, it strikes a gorgeous steadiness between technical proficiency and musical enjoyment. For listeners who prioritize a pure, spacious, and dynamically participating sound, the LCD-2C presents a compelling possibility that punches nicely above its weight class. These headphones are difficult way more costly opponents within the realm of spatial and dynamic efficiency.
Audeze LCD-2 Basic Evaluate: Conclusion
The Audeze LCD-2 Basic 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 will not 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 considered 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 deliver the worth level right down to a extra accessible degree. 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 elemental 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 in search of a strictly impartial or analytical sound. Nevertheless, for listeners who prioritize a fatigue-free, pleasing listening expertise, the LCD-2C delivers in spades. The bass response is tight and well-textured, offering a stable basis with out overwhelming the combination. The midrange, whereas barely recessed, maintains glorious 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 whole frequency spectrum collectively cohesively. The soundstage, whereas not the widest in its class, presents an immersive listening expertise with glorious instrument separation and layering. Dynamics are one other sturdy swimsuit, with the LCD-2C dealing with each micro and macro dynamic shifts with aplomb, bringing life and vitality to a variety of musical genres.
Construct high quality is excellent, as you’d anticipate
By way of construct high quality and luxury, the LCD-2C continues Audeze’s custom of sturdy development. The crystal-infused nylon rings and metallic elements exude sturdiness. The redesigned suspension headband system goals to distribute the appreciable weight extra evenly. Nevertheless, the heft of those headphones should show fatiguing for some customers throughout prolonged listening periods.
The worth proposition is the place the LCD-2 Basic actually shines. At its value level, it provides a style of true high-end audio that was beforehand out of attain for a lot of fanatics. Whereas it could not boast all of the refinements of its costlier siblings, it delivers a degree of efficiency that punches nicely above its weight class. The LCD-2C makes a powerful case for itself in opposition to opponents in and even above its value vary. It provides a novel mix of technical functionality and musical enjoyment that’s arduous to match.
Audiophiles gained’t be disillusioned
The audience for the Audeze LCD-2 Basic is obvious. It’s aimed toward audiophiles who crave a heat, participating sound signature and are prepared to sacrifice some neutrality for a extra pleasing 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 in search of a strictly impartial reference headphone may be higher served by extra analytical choices. Moreover, those that prioritize final decision and element retrieval would possibly 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 Basic represents a big achievement on the earth of high-end headphones. It efficiently brings a lot of what made the unique LCD-2 legendary to a extra accessible value 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 provides a uniquely participating and pleasing listening expertise that has the potential to redefine expectations at its value 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’s going to function a gateway to the higher echelons of non-public audio. It’s providing a glimpse into what’s potential when no compromises are made. Whether or not you’re an audiophile searching 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 Basic deserves severe consideration. It’s a headphone that doesn’t simply reproduce music; it helps you rediscover your love for it.
