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Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White

Planar magnetic

90
/ 100
From $799
VS
Audeze MM-500 wins by 2
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Audeze MM-500 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White lands at 90 and Audeze MM-500 at 92. That puts Audeze MM-500 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze MM-500

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze MM-500 leads on sound (92 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White more score per dollar ($799 vs $1,699).

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White 90
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White
90
anc 0
sound 90
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White versus Audeze MM-500 — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White Audeze MM-500
Type
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze MM-500

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White vs Audeze MM-500

Which is better, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze MM-500 scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $799, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Audeze MM-500 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze MM-500 — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze LCD-2 Classic · Arctic White — more score per dollar ($799 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.