The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is a way for audiophiles to have a taste of the original LCD-2 and the early days of the Audeze’s sound characteristics without compromising the sonic improvements it has made over the years. This is also considered an entry-level model of the coveted Audeze Origins series. Like all LCD models, they will benefit from being driven by a high-quality amp and if you are currently in search of one then please continue to read on.
Finding the right headphone amp for the job will not only efficiently drive your Audeze LCD-2 Classic but also gain complementary effects. We will need to have a better understanding of the LCD-2 Classic such as its sonic strengths, characteristics, and limitations if any. With enough knowledge, we can then start listing out the best amps which we can go for and match them with this premium planar magnetic headphone. And so without further ado, let us start with learning more about the Audeze LCD-2 Classic.
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Sonic Characteristics and Strengths of Audeze LCD-2 Classic
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic headphones are not as heavy as some of the other Audeze models. It is comfortable to wear even with a weight of 544g. The LCD-2 Classic has a pretty tight clamping force but the comfy earpads will help to mitigate it and enable us to wear the planar magnetic headphone for hours. Still, your ears can feel quite warm at times and we suggest using the Audeze LCD-2 Classic in a cooling indoor room. Probably without anyone in it as the headphone will leak out sound and disturb the others. The noise isolation department didn’t fare any better and you can expect hearing environment noises that may disrupt your music listening experience.
You probably wouldn’t want to wear the Audeze LCD-2 Classic outdoors anyway since it is bulky and is not really portable. They do look nice hanging around in the listening room and do attract attention from your guests which we believe you will be eager to answer their curiosity. The LCD-2 Classic looks stylish and has a premium feel to it, these should allow the planar magnetic headphones to aesthetically match with most modern amps. Furthermore, with an impedance of only 70 Ohms, you don’t really need a powerful headphone amplifier to drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic. The quality of the amp will be of higher importance than the power output.
More Details at Amazon – Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open Back Headphone
The overall bass response of the Audeze LCD-2 Classic is superb and is really impressive for an open-back design headphone at this price point. There are plenty of slams and impacts which makes it very entertaining to listen to, not to mention, the bass transient speed is fast too. It can reach really deep into the bass extension and produces out rumbling low ends. The midbass reproduction is detailed and punchy as well, making the Audeze LCD-2 Classic an excellent planar magnetic headphone for bass-heavy music. Bass fanatics should definitely give the LCD-2 Classic a try. The powerful bass response is also agile enough so as to not muddle the rest of the frequencies.
Other than the impressive bass performance, the midrange reproduction is highly accurate and delivers clear detailed mids. This enables the vocal reproductions to sound smooth and fluid. The music delivery of the Audeze LCD-2 Classic is smooth as well and doesn’t really emphasize poor recordings, allowing us to enjoy any music we listen to. The overall sound reproduction of the LCD-2 Classic has a touch of warmth and the highs are easy on the ears. Cranking up the volume or pushing this headphone won’t make it sound harsh or cringe which is great. If we were to nitpick though, it will be the details retrieval is not as good as the more neutral-sounding open-back headphones.
When it comes to bass performance, the Audeze LCD-2 Classic is most certainly one of the top few headphones at this price range. The bass delivery is deep and powerful, but you are still able to enjoy a relaxing music listening session. This planar magnetic headphone would excel with music and songs which are bass-heavy such as movie soundtracks, EDM, Hip hop, etc. It will be amazing for watching movies since it has such superb and impactful low-end delivery. The below will be a list of the best amps to pair up with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic and their price points will be taken into consideration as well.
Audeze LCD-2 Classic Specifications
- Type: Planar Magnetic, Open-Back
- Tranducer size: 106mm
- Frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz
- Impedance: 70 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW
- THD: <0.1% @ 100dB
- Weight: 544g (1.2lbs)
Best Amps to match with Audeze LCD-2 Classic
The Schiit Audio Lyr 3 will be one of the best headphone amps to pair with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic especially if you like warm and smooth music delivery. This is a highly rated tube amp suitable for turntable enthusiasts as it has a nice pleasing sound quality with warmish sonic characteristics. The bass performance of the Lyr 3 is tight and can pack a punch as well, able to deliver deep and detailed low frequencies which complements the Audeze LCD-2 Classic planar magnetic headphone really well. The Schiit Audio Lyr 3 is a modestly priced tube headphone amp and focuses more on music enjoyment than being analytical.
More Details at Amazon – Schiit Lyr 3 Headphone Amp Without Module
The Chord Mojo is an excellent choice for listeners who need a portable headphone amplifier that can deliver exceptional sound quality. Mojo is an award-winning amp with plenty of insights and it will help reveal more musical details with pristine clarity. Delivering a high-resolution music presentation with enthusiasm and cohesiveness, making it a suitable amp partner for the Audeze LCD-2 Classic headphone. Chord Mojo is also talented enough to make use of the prodigal bass response of the LCD-2 Classic and deliver a powerful sound reproduction with amazing scale.
More Details at Amazon – Chord Mojo DAC/Headphone Amp
The Topping DX7 Pro is one of the best amps to match with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic planar magnetic headphone. DX7 Pro is a high-quality headphone amplifier with a premium D/A converter (ES9038PRO DAC) built into it and has other useful features such as Bluetooth connection. It is a fast-sounding amp with a tight music delivery which helps to add more energy into the overall sound reproduction. The Topping DX7 Pro neutral sonic character will fit well with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic too. Bass performance is exceptional, it is well textured and layered, complementing the LCD-2 Classic low-end prowess.
More Details at Amazon – Topping DX7 Pro Headphone Amplifier (Black)
The Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 is another tube headphone amp that will match well with your Audeze LCD-2 Classic and has a modest price tag. It may be modestly priced but it sure has the power to drive the LCD-2 Classic planar magnetic headphones effortlessly. The Valhalla 2 is able to project a slightly wider and more spacious soundstage while populating the stage with rich musical details. There is warmth in its music delivery and also provides greater clarity. Furthermore, the overall bass performance of the Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 fits nicely with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic and gives it a tad more punch.
More Info at Amazon – Schiit Valhalla 2 Triode OTL Tube Headphone Amp
The Burson Audio Soloist 3X is an exemplary amp choice for you and your Audeze LCD-2 Classic as firstly it can drive this headphone with ease. Furthermore, the Soloist 3X is very well suited for planar magnetic headphones and will be well worth the hefty price tag it is asking. Burson Audio Soloist 3X is capable of delivering incredible bass performance with plenty of slam, impacts, and depths. The low-end delivery of the Soloist 3X headphone amp is tight and detailed too, complementing the bass performance of the Audeze LCD-2 Classic really well. It will provide a more engaging music delivery for its users.
More Info at Amazon – Burson Audio Soloist 3X Balanced XLR Headphone Amp
This is another brilliant headphone amplifier made by the reputable Schiit Audio, the Mjolnir will pair really well with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic planar magnetic headphone. It is a headphone amp that can bring out the emotion and energy from the music, making it sound so engaging and involving. Schiit Audio Mjolnir has a clean overall sound reproduction and the alacrity sonic performance provides a more lively music presentation. For listeners who want a little more enthusiasm and a bit more power in the music delivery, the Schiit Mjolnir is the one to go for and partner up with your Audeze LCD-2 Classic.
More Info at Amazon – Schiit Audio Mjolnir Headphone Amplifier
To Sum It Up
The low-end prowess of the Audeze LCD-2 Classic is really hard to beat and is so satisfying to listen to. These amps listed here deserve your time to hear them out and you might want to shortlist a few of them for an audition. Bring along your favorite music and Audeze LCD-2 Classic during the amp auditioning as this will provide you with a more accurate result. Tube headphone amps might take a while to warm up and so is best to give them some time before you start auditioning them.
