Audeze LCD-2 - How Good?

[Guest fordgtlover]

I recently bought a set of Audeze LCD-2.2 from a fellow SNA'er. When they arrived a few weeks back, I gave them a quick listen and was duly impressed by how nice they sounded. Unfortunately, I knew that I wouldn't really get much of a chance to have a good solid listening session for a few weeks.

 

By way of context, I regularly listen to headphones. I'm OK with the fact that they have reduced sound stage as they offer me so many other benefits such as late night listening at the volume of my choosing. While I have heard many headphones, my current favorites are the AKG K501, Sennheiser HD580, Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 & ATH-AD900x. I am very familiar with these and many other quality headphones. I've heard many of the class leading headphones such as HD800, T1, SR-009 from many manufacturers. Unfortunately, I am yet to hear the bigger brother to the LCD-2, the Audeze LCD-3. I am by no means any sort of expert, but I do have a love of headphones, and I have been fortunate enough to have heard quite a few over the years.

 

This morning was finally the opportunity for me to sit down and really have a good listen. So, running through my EE Minimax DAC and AMB M³ headphone amplifier, I made my way through some familiar albums and tracks; Tina Arena, Phil Collins, Keith Jarrett, Diana Krall, Dire Straits and finished off with some AC/DC, Deep Purple and Masterplan. After about 2 hours of uninterrupted listening time my wife came home from shopping and the listening session drew to a close.

 

So, what do I think? Firstly, they are a very nice looking headphone. This particular set is in the rosewood with the leather earpads. I had read reviews indicating that the LCD-2s are too heavy and that the clamping force is too great, which according to other reviewers limited their listening time to quite short periods. Well, when I first put the LCD-2s on they did feel a bit tight, but I simply took them off and opened up the headband a bit. That did the trick. They sat perfectly for the two hour session without me feeling the squeeze. In terms of their weight, yes it's true that they are heavier than many headphones. Uncabled they weigh 522gms compared to the Sennheiser HD800 at 330gms, but, while I was sitting still listening, I found that the weight wasn't a problem. I could have easily worn them for another two hours. The weight might be a problem if you want to headbang or dance or jog while wearing them, but I don't really see them as that type of headphone. I was able to freely move around without feeling that the the extra weight would have them tumbling from my head anytime soon. The other complaint that I had read about is that the bumps on inside of head band can cause pressure sensitivities when sitting for extended periods. This same criticism has been leveled at the much, much lighter AKG K701, which weighs a comparatively miniscule 235gms. I didn't have this problem with the K701s and neither did I have the problem with the LCD-2s.

 

Now that the fit and finish comments are over with, I can offer some thoughts on how they sounded, and that's where it gets far more interesting. I started with Tina Arena's 1997 album, In Deep. I love the vocals and the depth and complexity of instruments on this album. Tina's voice shone. It was beautifully rendered and I could easily hear the layering of instruments. I was able to pick out each of the instruments and follow them as they work in combination to support Tina's voice. The LCD2s sounded brilliant.

 

I consider Phil Collins' debut solo CD, Face Value, in a similar manner to the way I think about the Tina Area albums of the mid 1990s. The albums are full of well written and well crafted songs that are executed well and come across as quality listening stock - and I like the songs. Phil has an OK voice, but on that album he is supported by some amazing musicians whose contributions, while not always immediately obvious, combine to create a very good album. Again, as I listened through the album the instruments revealed themselves and again I was easily able to identify, isolate and follow any instrument of my choosing. And, Phil's vocals came through as I think they should.

 

I am only a recent convert to Keith Jarrett, but I do really like the Koln Concert recording. I'm not a Jazz guy, but I really love the overall simplicity of the piano sound on this album and the overall flow of the tracks. I can't say whether the LCD2s render the piano in a lifelike manner, but it sounded like a piano and it sounded very nice. It was easily the best I have heard track 1 sound. Much the same could be said for Diana Krall and Dire Staits' Brothers in Arms,which all sounded very nice indeed. Admittedly, I did just sample songs from both these artists as I wanted to move on to some rock.

 

Firstly I loaded up AC/DC's Back in Black, which sounded great. There isn't too much subtlety in that album to pick out and reveal, but I was pleased that it sounded good with the LCD-2s. While I only listened to a couple of tracks off the album, I was very satisfied that the LCD-2s knew how to rock. Then I moved on to Deep Purple's Machine Head. Having just heard the LCD-2s ability to handle AC/DC I assumed Deep Purple would be rendered effortlessly. Hmmm... perhaps not. Track 3, Pictures of Home was the first track I selected. The instrument separation wasn't there. The presentation was flat. Fortunately, I have a few versions of that album. The first one selected was the original CD release. I wondered whether the Audio Fidelity release wouldn't sound better - nope. How about the remastered 25th Anniversary release? Well, it did sound better, but still nothing like the other material that I'd heard for the past hour and half. It was at this point I realised that all of the other material I'd been listing to had all been really good quality recordings and masterings. While I do love DP's Machine Head, it isn't reference quality by any means. So, how about some more contemporary Rock, or as the case may be here some progressive, melodic, power metal in the form of ex-Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow's Masterplan. Again, while I really dig Masterplan's music, the LCD-2's just didn't seem to work well with this style of music.

 

That brings me to my conclusion. As I'm sure you can clearly see, I really like the LCD-2, but, and it's a sizeable but, in my opinion, they don't suit all types of recordings and music. Like all good audio gear, I found the LCD-2 to be transparent and revealing. Unfortunately, this means that it's also very revealing of the faults of the source material. With good quality source material these cans really allow a beautifully clear window into the music. Sadly, that beautifully clear window doesn't always reveal a perfect scene. Listening to Tina Arena, Phil Collins and Keith Jarrett I found myself getting lost in the music. I was tapping my feet and simply enjoying the music. I had to bring myself back to focus on what the LCD-2's were revealing to me. Listing to Deep Purple and Masterplan I found myself being distracted by the presentation and the apparent faults in the music/recording/production I wasn't able to just sit back and enjoy. I've not yet found one headphone that excels at all genre, and I think the LCD-2 is simply another example of that.

 

I'll keep these cans, but they will be reserved for listening sessions with a particular focus. That's another reason I love headphones. I can pick and choose which ones I want to use to suit my musical whims at any given listening session. But as it stand, I'm looking forward to the next opportunity where I partner up with the LCD-2's and go on a journey with Keith Jarrett's amazing Koln Concert.

Edited October 5, 2013 by fordgtlover

[Addicted to music]

I recently bought a set of Audeze LCD-2.2 from a fellow SNA'er. When they arrived a few weeks back, I gave them a quick listen and was duly impressed by how nice they sounded. Unfortunately, I knew that I wouldn't really get much of a chance to have a good solid listening session for a few weeks.

 

By way of context, I regularly listen to headphones. I'm OK with the fact that they have reduced sound stage as they offer me so many other benefits such as late night listening at the volume of my choosing. While I have heard many headphones, my current favorites are the AKG K501, Sennheiser HD580, Audio Technica ATH-AD2000 & ATH-AD900x. I am very familiar with these and many other quality headphones. I've heard many of the class leading headphones such as HD800, T1, SR-009 from many manufacturers. Unfortunately, I am yet to hear the bigger brother to the LCD-2, the Audeze LCD-3. I am by no means any sort of expert, but I do have a love of headphones, and I have been fortunate enough to have heard quite a few over the years.

 

This morning was finally the opportunity for me to sit down and really have a good listen. So, running through my EE Minimax DAC and AMB M³ headphone amplifier, I made my way through some familiar albums and tracks; Tina Arena, Phil Collins, Keith Jarrett, Diana Krall, Dire Straits and finished off with some AC/DC, Deep Purple and Masterplan. After about 2 hours of uninterrupted listening time my wife came home from shopping and the listening session drew to a close.

 

So, what do I think? Firstly, they are a very nice looking headphone. This particular set is in the rosewood with the leather earpads. I had read reviews indicating that the LCD-2s are too heavy and that the clamping force is too great, which according to other reviewers limited their listening time to quite short periods. Well, when I first put the LCD-2s on they did feel a bit tight, but I simply took them off and opened up the headband a bit. That did the trick. They sat perfectly for the two hour session without me feeling the squeeze. In terms of their weight, yes it's true that they are heavier than many headphones. Uncabled they weigh 522gms compared to the Sennheiser HD800 at 330gms, but, while I was sitting still listening, I found that the weight wasn't a problem. I could have easily worn them for another two hours. The weight might be a problem if you want to headbang or dance or jog while wearing them, but I don't really see them as that type of headphone. I was able to freely move around without feeling that the the extra weight would have them tumbling from my head anytime soon. The other complaint that I had read about is that the bumps on inside of head band can cause pressure sensitivities when sitting for extended periods. This same criticism has been leveled at the much, much lighter AKG K701, which weighs a comparatively miniscule 235gms. I didn't have this problem with the K701s and neither did I have the problem with the LCD-2s.

 

Now that the fit and finish comments are over with, I can offer some thoughts on how they sounded, and that's where it gets far more interesting. I started with Tina Arena's 1997 album, In Deep. I love the vocals and the depth and complexity of instruments on this album. Tina's voice shone. It was beautifully rendered and I could easily hear the layering of instruments. I was able to pick out each of the instruments and follow them as they work in combination to support Tina's voice. The LCD2s sounded brilliant.

 

I consider Phil Collins' debut solo CD, Face Value, in a similar manner to the way I think about the Tina Area albums of the mid 1990s. The albums are full of well written and well crafted songs that are executed well and come across as quality listening stock - and I like the songs. Phil has an OK voice, but on that album he is supported by some amazing musicians whose contributions, while not always immediately obvious, combine to create a very good album. Again, as I listened through the album the instruments revealed themselves and again I was easily able to identify, isolate and follow any instrument of my choosing. And, Phil's vocals came through as I think they should.

 

I am only a recent convert to Keith Jarrett, but I do really like the Koln Concert recording. I'm not a Jazz guy, but I really love the overall simplicity of the piano sound on this album and the overall flow of the tracks. I can't say whether the LCD2s render the piano in a lifelike manner, but it sounded like a piano and it sounded very nice. It was easily the best I have heard track 1 sound. Much the same could be said for Diana Krall and Dire Staits' Brothers in Arms,which all sounded very nice indeed. Admittedly, I did just sample songs from both these artists as I wanted to move on to some rock.

 

Firstly I loaded up AC/DC's Back in Black, which sounded great. There isn't too much subtlety in that album to pick out and reveal, but I was pleased that it sounded good with the LCD-2s. While I only listened to a couple of tracks off the album, I was very satisfied that the LCD-2s knew how to rock. Then I moved on to Deep Purple's Machine Head. Having just heard the LCD-2s ability to handle AC/DC I assumed Deep Purple would be rendered effortlessly. Hmmm... perhaps not. Track 3, Pictures of Home was the first track I selected. The instrument separation wasn't there. The presentation was flat. Fortunately, I have a few versions of that album. The first one selected was the original CD release. I wondered whether the Audio Fidelity release wouldn't sound better - nope. How about the remastered 25th Anniversary release? Well, it did sound better, but still nothing like the other material that I'd heard for the past hour and half. It was at this point I realised that all of the other material I'd been listing to had all been really good quality recordings and masterings. While I do love DP's Machine Head, it isn't reference quality by any means. So, how about some more contemporary Rock, or as the case may be here some progressive, melodic, power metal in the form of ex-Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow's Masterplan. Again, while I really dig Masterplan's music, the LCD-2's just didn't seem to work well with this style of music.

 

That brings me to my conclusion. As I'm sure you can clearly see, I really like the LCD-2, but, and it's a sizeable but, in my opinion, they don't suit all types of recordings and music. Like all good audio gear, I found the LCD-2 to be transparent and revealing. Unfortunately, this means that it's also very revealing of the faults of the source material. With good quality source material these cans really allow a beautifully clear window into the music. Sadly, that beautifully clear window doesn't always reveal a perfect scene. Listening to Tina Arena, Phil Collins and Keith Jarrett I found myself getting lost in the music. I was tapping my feet and simply enjoying the music. I had to bring myself back to focus on what the LCD-2's were revealing to me. Listing to Deep Purple and Masterplan I found myself being distracted by the presentation and the apparent faults in the music/recording/production I wasn't able to just sit back and enjoy. I've not yet found one headphone that excels at all genre, and I think the LCD-2 is simply another example of that.

 

I'll keep these cans, but they will be reserved for listening sessions with a particular focus. That's another reason I love headphones. I can pick and choose which ones I want to use to suit my musical whims at any given listening session. But as it stand, I'm looking forward to the next opportunity where I partner up with the LCD-2's and go on a journey with Keith Jarret's amazing Koln Concert.

I've heard the LCD2. Try the BeyerT90, these are superb for the price!

[alistairm]

Yep, the LCD2 is a might good headphone.

[Addicted to music]

Yep, the LCD2 is a might good headphone.

I have a spot for the T90,

Its more efficient than the LCD and ticks all the boxes at a much more affordable price, a credit to Beyer!

[DoggieHowser]

Apparently Audeze just announced a new LCD-X and a closed version LCD-XC. sumofabeech!

 

 

X is 300 bucks cheaper? than the LCD-3 but they claim it is more neutral. 

[Dryvadeum]

They shot themselves in the foot pricing the LCD 3 at $1000 more than the LCD 2.

[DoggieHowser]

I think the LCD3 is a better can than the 2. But as we know the price delta does get larger for smaller gains.

[drez]

Not sure if your'e aware of all the QC issues Audez'e had with the LCD-3.  Basically no two pairs sound alike, occasional driver failures.  They needed to charge more just to make cover these issues, not to mention difference in parts, R&D etc.

 

A while ago I had LCD-2 Rev.1, upgraded to Rev.2, tried some aftermarket cables - I really like the headphones, they have that a sort of full bodied planar smoothness that suits some listening moods and uniqquely physical bass.  In a way I find the Rev.1 more unique as it is even smoother than the Rev.2 just also a little less resolving.  Where the Audez'e falls short is keeping up with fast paced music - they tend to sound muddled.  I found the same thing with Hifiman planars - maybe it's a downside of using such a large driver.  As a result I found they worked better with slower, less busy music - perfect example: Dianna Krall.

 

I haven't really spent a lot of time with the LCD-3, only briefly at a meet, and I had issues with the earpad airtight pressure thing - basically whenever I moved my head the pressure changes.  I was not really blown away by the sound, but I didn't really give them a decent chance.  I think I preferred the HifiMan HE-6 I was using at the time with my system.

[DoggieHowser]

I had the LCD3 replaced once under warranty. Fwiw the LCD2 has the same kinds of variations.

I do agree the HE6 is a better headphone. It's just a bit harder to drive. I keep both for that purpose. The HE6 is a good desktop can. But I can use the LCD3 with a portable system when I travel. I did find the LCD3 with the ALO reference 8 cables a big improvement especially when I reterminated the cable to a balanced connection and used a Mjolnir to drive them.

[gavtron]

I had the LCD-2 and upgraded to the LCD-3.. Recently a friend was selling his 2's and I asked for a lend before he moved them so I could compare both back to back over a few days.

 

For me, the 2's have a more open soundstage, however the 3's have a more refined sound from treble to bass.  The treble is less harsh, the mids sound fuller and the bass is more controlled.  There is also more lower mids in the 3's which help the sound transition from mids to bass a lot better than on the 2's.

 

The only thing for me is sometimes the 3's seem a little dark and the bass can be a bit muddy, especially compared to the bass on the Abyss headphone.  I'm really looking forward to hearing the new models..

[eso]

Agree with Gavtron and Doggie. After comparing the 2 and 3's I ended up with the 3's.

I found the LCD's great with most genres of music but not too my taste with classical. If you listen mostly to classical I would have a listen to Senn 800 or if the budget allows the Stax 009. The Stax to my ears are an absolute revelation. I use Martin Logan's in my main system so I'm probably conditioned to that sound.

[Guest fordgtlover]

I haven't heard the LCD-3s or the HE6. Perhaps one day I will. I find ten more revealing cans to be better fro critical listening sessions, but when I'm just kicking back or on the web, I actually want a can that's less revealing and just a bit more relaxed and fun. The LCD-2s play the serious role for me for now, and I have plenty of other headphones to play the casual relaxed roles. I was generally a big fan of the HD800, but I did find it a touch bright for my taste.

[Guest fordgtlover]

Not sure if your'e aware of all the QC issues Audez'e had with the LCD-3.  Basically no two pairs sound alike, occasional driver failures.  They needed to charge more just to make cover these issues, not to mention difference in parts, R&D etc.

 

A while ago I had LCD-2 Rev.1, upgraded to Rev.2, tried some aftermarket cables - I really like the headphones, they have that a sort of full bodied planar smoothness that suits some listening moods and uniqquely physical bass.  In a way I find the Rev.1 more unique as it is even smoother than the Rev.2 just also a little less resolving.  Where the Audez'e falls short is keeping up with fast paced music - they tend to sound muddled.  I found the same thing with Hifiman planars - maybe it's a downside of using such a large driver.  As a result I found they worked better with slower, less busy music - perfect example: Dianna Krall.

 

I haven't really spent a lot of time with the LCD-3, only briefly at a meet, and I had issues with the earpad airtight pressure thing - basically whenever I moved my head the pressure changes.  I was not really blown away by the sound, but I didn't really give them a decent chance.  I think I preferred the HifiMan HE-6 I was using at the time with my system.

 

Perhaps that's what I am hearing with the faster guitar based music.

[gavtron]

Agree with Gavtron and Doggie. After comparing the 2 and 3's I ended up with the 3's.

I found the LCD's great with most genres of music but not too my taste with classical. If you listen mostly to classical I would have a listen to Senn 800 or if the budget allows the Stax 009. The Stax to my ears are an absolute revelation. I use Martin Logan's in my main system so I'm probably conditioned to that sound.

Hi eso,

 

Which amp are you using with your Stax?

[eso]

Hi Gav

I'm using the standard Stax SRM 007t mk2. I listened to the solid state amp from Stax but preferred the valve one. I considered the Blue Hawaii but would have to audition first, which is rather difficult.

There's a guy in Germany called" Malvalve " which is supposed to be the bees knees. I am predominantly a speaker listener and can't really justify another headphone amp though I'm always "looking"

The LCD's are pretty easy to drive. Do yourself a favour and try them with a Bakoon amp in Current drive if you can.   

Ciao

Rob 

[gavtron]

Hi Gav

I'm using the standard Stax SRM 007t mk2. I listened to the solid state amp from Stax but preferred the valve one. I considered the Blue Hawaii but would have to audition first, which is rather difficult.

There's a guy in Germany called" Malvalve " which is supposed to be the bees knees. I am predominantly a speaker listener and can't really justify another headphone amp though I'm always "looking"

The LCD's are pretty easy to drive. Do yourself a favour and try them with a Bakoon amp in Current drive if you can.   

Ciao

Rob 

Thanks Rob - one day I hope to hear the 009's!

 

I have read good things about the Bakoon amp + Audeze combo, but unfortunately no one in Aus stocks them.  I currently have a DNA Stratus h/p amp - very nice match with the 3's.

 

Cheers,

 

gav.

[migasson]

I miss my T90/LCD-2'/Woo WA22 combination:( That covered all the bases...

[Show]

Still have my LCD2 rev 2 since early 2012. Only owner.

Took a while to burn in, but I love the musicality of it, never had the itch to upgrade for two and a half years, which is very rare for me. This pair of headcans have brought me much joy and I believe it will keep doing that long after I have procured my upcoming upgrades. 

 

I am starting to have the itch for the HD800, just because it is such a different sonic signature.