Audeze LCD2C Great Expectations

I've been eyeing the LCD-MX4 as a treat for myself, but every time I get close to it I go back and read a few audeze quality control threads. Buying something like that as a launch customer would have to be the personal audio equivalent of Russian roulette, both from a product reliability and sound quality standpoint. I like the idea of a super LCD-X that's lighter and more comfortable for sure, but $3k, ouch.

 

The LCD2 Classic is potentially very good news for me. My headphone listening and preferences seem to be stuck in 2011. My main amp is a Liquid Fire. My main headphones are the LCD2r2 manufactured September 2011. All wood cups. Shortly before Audeze went with that metal triangle thing for the headphone jack. My other headphones are HD600, HD650, and Fostex TH-X00 (essentially an improved Denon from the 2011 era, so I consider them 2011 era headphones). I'm stuck in 2011 in the Audeze classic era. If this new LCD2C has that similar sound but a little better midrange presence and plankton then I'm good. Will the new driver tech offer that sort of improvement? A lot will depend on what Audeze considers the "classic" sound. The price for the LCD2C is good. I like that price direction. I can't do $2K, $3K, or $4K headphones. $600, yeah, I can do that now immediately without needing to do long range budgeting or justification.

When I find a post 2011 era headphone that suits my style and preferences and budget I'll buy it. The HD800 or HD800S is nice and does the soundstage style I'm after, but not the sound I'm looking for. The Focal Clear looks promising? But so many other potentially promising headphones for me have come and been disappointments since 2011 that I've lost count. For now I'm happy being stuck in 2011.

 

There are a few promising new/upcoming headphones in the $500-$600 range. I'm especially interested in the LCD2C and HD 660S, but the AR-H1 also looks good. Actually, for a couple hundred more, the Aeons are worth a look too. It's certainly an exciting time for sub $1000 headphones.

 

I had the prefazor LCD-2 for a while, and since have moved onto the 3F. Th prefazor was definitely lush but in the end the details of the 3F won me over. I'd speculate the 2C will probably be for those whose #1 enemy is sibilance.

 

I have a 2013-ish LCD2.2PF, also a very rare late 2016 Non Fazor LCD2. Very different animals! The non-fazor was built from the Audeze parts bin to customer spec, and I believe it sports the latest silent revision membrane, and the plush LCD3 pads. But no fazor elements. And while the earlier model has more of the typical Audeze opulence the later non-fazor is more focused and a more pleasing listen long-term. Wonder if the LCD2C will be a wild and woolly, over the top boisterous affair like the 2.2.PF or a more sedate and neutral number?

 

Help friends
I do understand that audeze don’t deserve any big attention here in SBAF due the lack of reability and crazy prices in their lines. Nevertheless I have tried the lcd3 and really liked the sound. Are there other options with similar sound signatures and better quality control?

 

I would say no. Just because the LCD-3 scratches such a particular itch sonically. Audeze has had driver reliability issues for sure :I've experienced it. But they also have great customer service; they've always been responsive. Choose wisely. For me, it was worth the occasional hassle because I like their particular sound.

 

Not so much for customers outside the USA. Their centralised customer service model doesnt work very well if you are stuck on the other side of the world. Suffice to say I may consider a first production run Sennheiser, Audeze not.

 

So do I and I reckon we are not alone to think so.

I think they should be shown they should lower their ridiculous margins a bit. There is no place for such practices and magins these days, not when the value one can get in low prices has changed drastically (M1060 is just one of the examples). Of course, it is just how I feel about it, I am European so I do not feel such loyalty towards them as if I lived in the USA.

 

Heap, same problem here. Had audeze problems, sold the broken headphone as bananas to a US friend

 

Mith, do you think lc3 is a solid upgrade from the lcd2?

 

It sure was to me, but no way at double the price, which is why I went to the used market.

 

Yes. There's a lot of detail missing from the LCD-2. It's all there in the 3. Microdetail galore.

As did I

 

Reports of Audeze QC issues seem to be rare in the last couple years...meaning '17 and '16. It might be that they've finally got it figured out.

Have always wanted to hear an old pair of LCD2s just to see what they're like, I imagine very different from the LCD4s I own. I've only heard 3s (fazor) and Xs in addition to mine. The 3s sound pretty damn good, later ones should be fairly reliable, on the used market they're a damn good deal (all things being relative) - probably getting about 85% of what you get with LCD4s but for half the price of even a used pair of those. I could barely justify mine, but....the price was good and they came with 2 extra cables. But now I'm wondering what the "old" Audeze sound is like, also wondering how much like the originals these will be. Just wish they were wood too, they look a little dull with this new nylon material.

 

I don't think its about "%" of the LCD-4, its a different tonal flavor entirely. Going Fazor changed the "house sound", and in my opinion the LCD-2 and LCD-3 suffered for it. Fazor was almost an afterthought for those 2 headphones. That's probably why I like the LCD-X, it was designed around Fazor.

This is one of those instances I wish I could ask @Torq to pipe up. He has an LCD-4 and a near unicorn LCD-2.2

 

This is a good point, I thought of that immediately after I typed it - it’s not as if we’re moving a point along a line, it’s more like a separate point on a separate line. I can see what you mean about the fazors, many others have said this too. I’ve only ever heard the LCD-X out of a BHA-1, being fed by a CD player that I don’t remember, but I just couldn’t get into it...a bit too forward, not quite too bright but maybe close. Might’ve been the amp & source.

Maybe if finances allow I’ll just go looking for an old LCD2 pair and buy them regardless....not like you can lose much money on used gear. From everything I’ve heard, sounds like while not perfect, they sound like pretty much nothing else out there. My weakness is dark, smooth, lush sound....I like the LCD4s because they have that while still providing speed, detail and a good soundstage IMO. Although I also own a pair of HD700s so...maybe I just like the stuff everyone loves to hate.

 

Then you will love the LCD--2 Rev2 Pre Fazor. Not perfect as you said but a rich and warm and very satisfying musical experience. To me it approximates a live performance in an intimate venue better than any other.

 

I'm not really sure what the motivation to purchase this new pair would be when a used 2010-2012 LCD-2 can be found for at least a hundred less than MSRP of this new can.

I purchased my September 2010 LCD-2's w/wood pegs for 450 and can't imagine the creamy, hazy, thick-as-molasses sig being done much better.

Id rather see Audeze address consistency issues in their existing products. Why buy a headphone based off an older design if it will have all the same issues? Might as well buy used, so at least if you turn them around you wont lose any value.

And the older ones that still work after all these years will probably keep working at this point, where Audeze consistently has failures with each new product release.

Too bad they decided to add $1800 to the list price of the MX4 for no apparent reason, I remember when they were called LCD-Pro's at a price point of 1200 - that would've been a step in the right direction.

 

Speaking for myself.

1. At least 30-35% lighter than the original and therefore exponentially more comfortable.

2. More durable and reliable materials than the used ones you speak of.

3. Better manufacturing processes and build quality, I would think. Surely all these years later than have improved the craft of building these headphones.

 

Hey that's me. I have a pair of 700's and a weakness for a smooth lush sound.
LCD2's have been on my wish list for a while, but never pulled the trigger.