Audeze LCD2 Classic Open Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones Measurements

Measurements
Click on graphs image to download .pdf for closer inspection.

Raw frequency response plots show the LCD2C is effected very little by changes in position on the head at frequencies below 1kHz, but some modest changes can be seen 1-3kHz.

Bass is ruler flat to 10Hz; a look at the 30Hz square wave and virtually non-existan bass distortion validate my experience that the LCD2C has fantastic bass response.

Midrange response is likewise flat to 600Hz and then starts a gradual and ever increasing rise to the 3.3kHz peak. This rise matches the Harman target well, but is overall a tad on the low side with only a +10dB peak at 3.3kHz. As can be seen in the compensated curve, this headphone does shelve down quite a bit between 1kHz and 4kHz and remains fairly flat at the lower level thereafter. Note there is a pretty good notch between 4-6kHz on both plots. I hear the headphone as being less rolled-off than measured, possibly due to the slightly grainy texture and/or the dynamic impact of these cans.

As mentioned previously, 30Hz square wave has excellent shape and remains well above zero over the entirety of the waveform indicating terrific linearity and extension in bass response.

300Hz square wave is a little course looking, possibly belying the grain heard in listening. Oddly, even though the frequency response plots show reduced levels in the treble, the 300Hz square wave waveform top is nominally flat. I would have expected it to rise givent the reduced treble response. This may point towards my listening observation that the treble doesn't seem as rolled-off as the FR plots would normally indicate.

Impulse response has a good leading transient, and has quite a bit of ringing initially, which is quite normal for a planar magnetic headphone. However, the noise continues, albeit at a low level, for quite some time, which may be further evidence of the grainy sound. This time domain response is better visualized with a cumulative spectral decay plot. I'll point you to Hands' post on SBAF in which he shows this measurement and makes comments regarding this 'hash.'

The THD+noise plot may be the lowest I've seen. Just astonishing. It does seem likely to me that this extraordinarily low level of distortion combined with the dynamic punch of these cans may be the defining character perceived in listening. The grain may get in the way a bit, but they are fundamentally a remarkably punchy and clean sounding headphone.

Impedance plot shows a fundamentally flat 72 Ohm impedance. There is a minor glitch at 7kHz that does show up as an 'ortho wall' on Hands' CSD plots and on the right channel in Marv's CSD and distortion plots.

Isolation plot is typical for an open headphone. With 110mVrms needed to achieve 90dB at the ear, these headphones will be driven to useable levels with a portable source.

COMPANY INFO
Audeze
3412 S. Susan St.
Santa Ana, California 92704
info@audeze.com
(714) 581-8010
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COMMENTS
hemingway's picture

I would like to know his listening impressions!

Jon Iverson's picture
Should be all there now.
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