Audeze LCD-5
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Planar magnetic
Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze LCD-5 lands at 96 and Audeze LCD-2 Classic at 90. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Audeze LCD-2 Classic if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Audeze LCD-5Tuning, detail, and staging
Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 90).
Noise cancelling
TieANC strength for commute and travel
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Audeze LCD-2 ClassicSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audeze LCD-2 Classic more score per dollar ($799 vs $4,500).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audeze LCD-5 | Audeze LCD-2 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
Audeze LCD-5
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
Audeze LCD-2 Classic
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Audeze LCD-5 vs Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Which is better, Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze LCD-2 Classic? +
Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Is Audeze LCD-2 Classic worth the price? +
At $799, Audeze LCD-2 Classic delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in battery.
Does Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze LCD-2 Classic 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-5 or Audeze LCD-2 Classic? +
Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is the better value, Audeze LCD-5 or Audeze LCD-2 Classic? +
Audeze LCD-2 Classic — more score per dollar ($799 vs $4,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.