Updating a Classic – Audeze LCD-2 Padauk Review

It’s been 15 years since the esteemed Audeze LCD-2 hit the market. Since 2009, the headphone has spawned closed back versions, a classic version, and has received several updates. Now in 2024, Audeze has come out with another round of improvements for the revered headphone. The latest LCD-2 revision, coming in at $995, looks to upgrade the looks, feel, and sound of the headphone, without changing what made it a classic in the first place. Does the audio brand succeed? Let’s find out in this review. 

What’s in the Box: 

• LCD-2 Headphone
• Standard LCD Travel Case
• 4-pin XLR Cable
• 4-pin XLR to 1/4″ TRS adapter cable
• 1/4″ to 3.5mm adapter
• Warranty Card and Certificate of Authenticity

Build:

The build is where you’ll find the first and most recognizable change to the LCD-2. The LCD-2 is famed for its use of wood rings around the earcups, and now you can get them in a beautiful Padauk finish. The dark red hues make this headphone a thing of beauty. Elsewhere on the headphone you get other enhancements, like a suspension headband that looks to improve weight distribution and breathability. Audeze has also added new ear pads, which come in leather and leather-free options. 

Otherwise, the headphone looks relatively familiar. You’ve got the standard mini-XLR connectors at the bottom of each ear cup. Then you have a metal yoke with size adjustments coming through yoke rods that have become standard for Audeze headphones. 

I found the LCD-2 to be quite a bit more comfortable than previous generations. As intended, the weight distribution is much better. I was able to wear these headphones for long periods of time without discomfort. I didn’t necessarily notice as much change with the ear pads, but I won’t complain as I found them to be quite comfortable as well. 

Of course, the color of the Padauk wood doesn’t affect sound quality, but it looks fantastic nonetheless. If you’re looking at a new set of headphones, the LCD-2 Padauk certainly stands apart in this department. 

Design:

Internally, Audeze has maintained an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach. With that in mind, the LCD-2 continues to use the same planar-magnetic design as the original LCD-2. Familiar faces like the N50 Fluxor magnetic array and Fazor waveguides return in the headphone. Likewise, it uses the same 106mm driver with its ultra-thin diaphragm to create its signature sound. 

The LCD-2 Padauk has a 70 ohm impedance and 101dB/mW sensitivity. These are not outrageous numbers but you will want to pair these with a sufficient DAC/Amp setup to get the best possible sound. 

Sound Impressions:

Audiophiles may already be familiar with Audeze’s warm and rich house sound. This typically features a strong bass performance with an elevated midbass, forward vocals, and a crisp top end. It’s a unique sound signature for a planar headphone, and it’s a successful one that the company has become famous for over the years. 

Low End:

Core to its sound signature is the LCD-2’s palpable bass response. Sub-bass extension is top notch with a driving sense of dynamics. Anybody who wants a thunderous bass response would do well to give these a listen. But more significant than its sub-bass is its midbass transitional area. There’s definitely a bit of an elevation here that helps create the warm and lush sound the LCD-2’s are renowned for. It’s a flavor that may not suit all listeners, especially those who prefer a more neutral and detail-oriented sound. But if you like a musical experience, then this is a great option. 

I had a blast listening to pop, hip/hop, and electronic music with the LCD-2. Tracks like Run the Jewels’ “Ooh La La” played with an unstoppable force. That track, paired with these headphones, had me head-nodding in the office.

Midrange:

Along with the LCD-2’s impactful and present bass response is a forward midrange that adds to the warm coloration of the headphone. Vocals are lush with a great sense of texture. I listened to Neil Young’s album “Rust Never Sleeps” to get a sense of the mids. Young’s voice came through beautifully. I do have to note, though, that due to all of the information being thrown at you in the lower-mid frequencies, some detail gets lost in the mix. This comes in the way of instrument separation. Different sounds don’t have a ton of room to resolve, resulting in less balance of detail.

That said, I was so busy enjoying these headphones that I didn’t notice the detail I was missing. For listeners looking for a remarkably enjoyable midrange, this is definitely a place to start. This warm and pleasing approach also makes the headphone friendlier to non-audiophile grade tracks as its more fun and engaging approach makes up for poor mastering quality. 

Top End:

The top end of the LCD-2 is a bit more neutral than the low end and midrange. More in character to its planar driver is its clear and precise treble presentation. Higher frequency instruments are fast and resolve with great decay. And while there is solid treble extension, it manages to stay in character with its overall warm sound, allowing no detectable sibilance or harshness.

The soundstage on the LCD-2 is quite wide. Though some warmer sounding headphones can feel a bit more intimate, the LCD-2 does a great job of creating a nice sense of space. The elevated midbass and wide soundstage give this headphone the feeling of a live room. This adds to the enjoyability as it adds a level of excitement to the mix. Sticking with Young’s semi-live “Rust Never Sleeps,” I felt like I was in the room with the band, which, at the end of the day, is a pretty high mark for headphones to hit. 

Final Thoughts:

Headphones don’t stick around for fifteen years by accident. The LCD-2’s legacy is well-earned by providing a unique and enjoyable sound signature that can’t be found in many other headphones. The LCD-2 remains an excellent audiophile choice in 2024, and with its aesthetic and build updates, is an even stronger candidate than it already was. 

The Audeze LCD-2 Padauk is available at Audio46.