Since the release of the Audeze LCD-2, the audio community has been asking the company to make a closed-back variant for situations in which using open-backs would be rude: crowded offices, the subway, and other shared spaces. Audeze delivered with the LCD-2 Closed Back, a headphone that offers privacy without sacrificing the LCD-2’s spaciousness and soundstage.
To overcome the sonic challenges posed by closed backs, Audeze modified the driver design. The result is a wider soundstage than you’ll hear in other closed-back headphones. And thankfully, the LCD-2 Closed Back retains the original’s warmth, vibrancy, and full, syrupy mids.
Updated style, characteristic comfort
Fully assembled in Audeze’s Orange County factory, the LCD-2 Closed Back bears the fruit of hand-crafted attention in every stitch. The back plates, with their minimalist As, are a nice departure from the traditional Audeze aesthetic. The memory foam ear cups are deep with a leather covering for long-lasting durability.
Closed back for natural isolation
The LCD-2 Closed Back is--as the name implies--a closed-back headphone, meaning that the back of each ear cup is sealed shut. One benefit of a closed-back headphone is that they naturally block incoming noise, lowering the ambient noise floor that your music has to compete with.
Sonically, closed back designs generally deliver more bass, as the soundwaves can’t escape out the back wall. That’s particularly true for the LCD-2 Closed Back: the bass response is extended, tight, and clean, while the mid-range boosts vocal performances with a bit more presence. Remember that you’ll need a headphone amp to properly drive these headphones.
Product highlights
Style: Over-ear, closed-back
Transducer type: Planar Magnetic
Magnetic structure: Proprietary magnet array
Phase management: Non-Fazor
Magnet type: Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin
Transducer size: 106mm
Maximum power handling: 5W RMS
Maximum SPL: >130dB
Frequency response: 10 - 50,000Hz
THD: <0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance: 70Ω
Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Minimum power requirement: >100mW
Recommended power level: >250mW
Weight: 1.45lbs (661g)
What’s included
LCD-2 Closed Back planar magnetic headphones
1.9m 1/4'' to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable
User guide and warranty card