@omniweltall will be pleased to hear, that I am rebuying the 2C.
I have had a long audition of the LCD2f, LCD3, LCD4, ZMF Aeolus, Verite, Atticus, Eikon, HD800S, Empyrean.
My impressions on the ZMF line you can read in the Aeolus thread. Here I am going to share my experience with the LCD line.
As a start I have to say the Empyreans are the perfect headphones for me, the best I have heard so far. I will have to save up for them. Everything else is a compromise after hearing them.
Also, this audition made me realise what a great value the 2Cs are. Yes, the mids and treble are not perfect on the 2C, but not bad either. The bass is perfect though. And I also like the character of them: exciting, energetic, but smooth and easy at the same time. This is rare.
LCD2f - mids are nicer and better balanced compare to the 2C, thanks to the fazor technology. Bass is less, treble sparkle is less. They do sound pretty close though, I would say the choice is only a matter of personal preference. I prefer the 2C for its bass.
LCD3 - I didn't like these. I think with the LCD2 Audeze has created something special. I found this 'specialness' lost with the LCD3. Much less bass, even compared to LCD2f, and not a very exciting character.
LCD4 - very good sound. I obviously preferred this sound versus the LCD2C, but have to say, not by a huge margin.
Also, these are just extremely heavy. Might sound great, but the weight is a deal breaker for me. Significantly heavier than LCD2.
HD800S - it was actually a pleasant surprise, at least out of TT2/MScaler. A very 'hi-fi' kind of sound. Precise, spacious, well-balanced, transparent. I did miss a bit more energy in the bass and the treble sparkle was a bit too much for my personal taste.
Empyrean - the best headphones I have ever hear. (For me.) I simply can't find any fault in them. Ticks all the boxes, hits all the sweet spots. Easily beats LCD4 everywhere. Still not cheap though.
HEXV2 - I still love these, versus the 2C they are softer, much more spacious and more lifelike with better mids and treble. After a while however they can be too soft and too laid back sometimes. I need a bit more excitement and focus from the 2C even though that comes with other kind of small compromises.
The 2C punches well above its price, they are one of the beast deals out there these days. They are far from perfect, but until I can afford the Empyrean, they will be just fine.
I have had a long audition of the LCD2f, LCD3, LCD4, ZMF Aeolus, Verite, Atticus, Eikon, HD800S, Empyrean.
My impressions on the ZMF line you can read in the Aeolus thread. Here I am going to share my experience with the LCD line.
As a start I have to say the Empyreans are the perfect headphones for me, the best I have heard so far. I will have to save up for them. Everything else is a compromise after hearing them.
Also, this audition made me realise what a great value the 2Cs are. Yes, the mids and treble are not perfect on the 2C, but not bad either. The bass is perfect though. And I also like the character of them: exciting, energetic, but smooth and easy at the same time. This is rare.
LCD2f - mids are nicer and better balanced compare to the 2C, thanks to the fazor technology. Bass is less, treble sparkle is less. They do sound pretty close though, I would say the choice is only a matter of personal preference. I prefer the 2C for its bass.
LCD3 - I didn't like these. I think with the LCD2 Audeze has created something special. I found this 'specialness' lost with the LCD3. Much less bass, even compared to LCD2f, and not a very exciting character.
LCD4 - very good sound. I obviously preferred this sound versus the LCD2C, but have to say, not by a huge margin.
Also, these are just extremely heavy. Might sound great, but the weight is a deal breaker for me. Significantly heavier than LCD2.
HD800S - it was actually a pleasant surprise, at least out of TT2/MScaler. A very 'hi-fi' kind of sound. Precise, spacious, well-balanced, transparent. I did miss a bit more energy in the bass and the treble sparkle was a bit too much for my personal taste.
Empyrean - the best headphones I have ever hear. (For me.) I simply can't find any fault in them. Ticks all the boxes, hits all the sweet spots. Easily beats LCD4 everywhere. Still not cheap though.
HEXV2 - I still love these, versus the 2C they are softer, much more spacious and more lifelike with better mids and treble. After a while however they can be too soft and too laid back sometimes. I need a bit more excitement and focus from the 2C even though that comes with other kind of small compromises.
The 2C punches well above its price, they are one of the beast deals out there these days. They are far from perfect, but until I can afford the Empyrean, they will be just fine.
Last edited: