I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many high-end headphones over time. Nevertheless, few have left as lasting an impression because the Audeze LCD-2. Now, with the discharge of the LCD-2 Padauk, I used to be wanting to see how this beloved basic has been reimagined. On this evaluate, I am going to dive deep into what makes this new iteration particular and whether or not it lives as much as the LCD-2 legacy.
Unboxing and First Impressions
– The LCD-2 Padauk Headphones
– A typical LCD Journey Case
– A 4-pin XLR Cable
– A 4-pin XLR to 1/4″ TRS adapter cable
– A 1/4″ to three.5mm adapter
– A Guarantee Card and Certificates of Authenticity
This complete bundle ensures that you just’re able to hear proper out of the field, no matter your audio setup. I admire Audeze’s consideration to element in offering adapters for numerous connection sorts. The journey case is ideal for professionals who use headphones on the go in lieu of studio displays.
Design and Construct High quality
Probably the most putting facet of the LCD-2 Padauk is, in fact, its new Padauk wooden styling. As somebody who has admired the unique LCD-2’s design for years, I discover this replace to be a lovely homage to its roots whereas providing a contemporary, elegant look.
The Padauk wooden cups aren’t only for present – they contribute to the general premium really feel of those headphones. Whereas I am skeptical about wooden parts considerably impacting sound in headphones, I can not deny the visible attraction they carry. The glossy black parts pay tribute to newer LCD-2 iterations, creating an ideal mix of basic and trendy aesthetics.
Audeze has maintained the core expertise that made the LCD-2 well-known. The headphones function the identical Fluxor magnet design and Fazor section administration system because the common LCD-2. On the coronary heart of those cans is a 106mm planar magnetic driver, which not solely contributes to readability and element but in addition supplies an uncharacteristically heat sound for planar magnetic headphones (although this heat is attribute of Audeze’s home sound).
With a 70 Ohm impedance and 101dB/1mW sensitivity, I discovered the LCD-2 Padauk pretty straightforward to drive. Nevertheless, to get probably the most out of those headphones, I nonetheless advocate utilizing them with a devoted DAC/Amp.
Consolation and Match
Let’s deal with the elephant within the room – at 595g, the LCD-2 Padauk is a heavy headphone. Nevertheless, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how effectively it wears its weight. Audeze has by no means shied away from producing hefty headphones, and so they’ve clearly put thought into mitigating the load by means of intelligent design.
The suspension-style headband does a wonderful job of distributing the load throughout my head. I discovered it comfy for prolonged listening periods, although I’d nonetheless advocate taking breaks each few hours.
The earpads are a standout function when it comes to consolation. They’re extremely plush and gentle, creating a cushty seal round my ears. This not solely enhances consolation but in addition contributes to good passive noise isolation.
Sound High quality
Now, let’s dive into probably the most essential facet of any headphone – its sound. The LCD-2 Padauk maintains the nice and cozy, lush signature that Audeze is thought for, whereas providing spectacular element and readability.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the crucial spectacular points of the LCD-2 Padauk, except for its bass efficiency, is its soundstage. Usually, warm-sounding headphones wrestle to current a pure soundstage, with bass frequencies being pushed a lot louder than you’d count on from a “far” sounding headphone. Nevertheless, I discovered that the LCD-2 Padauk manages to strike a wonderful steadiness.
The soundstage is not the widest I’ve heard, nevertheless it feels pure and uncontrived. There is a good sense of intimacy and distance, which I admire in each musical enjoyment and important listening eventualities. The imaging is unbelievable, making these headphones glorious for mixing work as effectively.
To check the soundstage, I listened to “Synthetic Noise” by KLOFAMA. The kick drums supplied fast transients, showcasing the LCD-2’s spectacular bass response pace. The reverb on different components within the monitor was made supremely impactful by the short 808s and kicks, demonstrating the headphone’s capability to current a cohesive but detailed soundscape.
Bass Efficiency
The bass efficiency of the LCD-2 Padauk is, for my part, its standout function. These headphones supply a unbelievable heat character that does not really feel overtly bass-boosted. As an alternative, I skilled an general flat high quality within the bass and mids that presents a pure and even bass sound.
To place the bass efficiency to the take a look at, I listened to “It May Occur To You” carried out by The Tete Montoliu Trio. I observed a pleasant bloom to the bass that remained managed all through. The timbre was unbelievable, and I might clearly discern the assault of notes in addition to their dynamics.
What impressed me most was the LCD-2 Padauk’s versatility in dealing with several types of bass. It precisely reined in very heavy bass mixes whereas additionally warming up brighter pop and steel mixes. This adaptability makes it an excellent all-rounder for numerous genres.
In my testing, I used the brand new Fiio K11 R2R, Hifiman EF500, and CMA 18 moveable. I discovered that the R2R, particularly, introduced out a particularly nice heat that bass lovers will love. Even by means of flatter amps, the nice and cozy character of the headphones shone by means of, sustaining an thrilling but balanced presentation.
Midrange Efficiency
Whereas the LCD-2 Padauk is not essentially a mid-focused headphone, I discovered its midrange efficiency to be glorious. The timbre of the tuning makes these headphones excellent for spoken passages and vocals, which isn’t all the time the case with audiophile-grade headphones.
I observed a delicate peak round 800Hz – 1000Hz that offers voices an excellent punchiness with out sounding boxy or overly pushed. Mid-range devices like guitars, synths, snares, horns, and vocals all have an excellent evenness that completely shows their dynamics. The slight emphasis on this vary brings extra focus to those devices, making a luscious texture that I discovered extremely gratifying.
To check the midrange efficiency, I listened to “It is Straightforward To Bear in mind” carried out by the John Coltrane Quartet. Coltrane’s slicing saxophone tone was barely warmed up by the LCD-2, however the important character remained intact. The ringing high quality of the sax tone pierced by means of the combo with out changing into sibilant, showcasing the headphone’s capability to current element with out harshness.
Treble Response
Of all of the frequency ranges, I discovered the treble to be the least emphasised within the LCD-2 Padauk. Nevertheless, this tuning works completely along with the flat bass and mids to create a heat general sound signature that retains sufficient element to separate sounds clearly.
These headphones do not current an analytical sound, so in case you’re on the lookout for a particularly detailed, treble-forward headphone, the LCD-2 Padauk won’t be the right alternative. Nevertheless, in case you admire a heat sound signature with sufficient element to offer character to completely different sounds, you will doubtless fall in love with these headphones.
The marginally relaxed treble contributes to the LCD-2 Padauk’s fatigue-free listening expertise. I discovered myself in a position to take pleasure in these headphones for hours with none discomfort or listening fatigue, which is a big benefit for lengthy listening periods.
General Sound Signature
The LCD-2 Padauk exemplifies Audeze’s home sound – heat, outlined bass with clear mids and a barely relaxed treble. This mixture ends in a sound that is thrilling but balanced, making these headphones versatile sufficient to deal with a variety of genres with aplomb.
I discovered the general presentation to be wealthy and interesting, with a smoothness that makes lengthy listening periods a pleasure. Whereas they will not be the final phrase in analytical element, the LCD-2 Padauk presents a musical, immersive listening expertise that I imagine many audiophiles will admire.
Comparisons and Context
To place the LCD-2 Padauk into context, it is price evaluating it to a few of its siblings and opponents. In comparison with the usual LCD-2, the Padauk presents the same general sound signature however with the added visible attraction of the Padauk wooden cups. For those who already personal an LCD-2, the sonic variations will not be vital sufficient to warrant an improve except you are significantly drawn to the brand new aesthetics.
When in comparison with extra analytical planar magnetic headphones like some choices from Hifiman, the LCD-2 Padauk presents a hotter, extra relaxed sound. This makes it extra forgiving with poor recordings and probably extra gratifying for lengthy listening periods, although at the price of some micro-detail retrieval.
Within the context of Audeze’s lineup, the LCD-2 Padauk sits comfortably as a wonderful entry level into their high-end choices. It supplies a style of what makes Audeze headphones particular with out reaching the worth factors of their flagship fashions.
Conclusion
After spending appreciable time with the Audeze LCD-2 Padauk, I can confidently say that it is a worthy addition to the LCD-2 legacy. The brand new Padauk styling provides a contact of magnificence to an already beloved design, whereas the sound signature stays true to what has made the LCD-2 a favourite amongst audiophiles for years.
The nice and cozy, wealthy sound with its spectacular bass efficiency and easy midrange makes these headphones a pleasure to take heed to throughout a variety of genres. Whereas they will not be the last word alternative for these looking for a impartial, analytical sound, they provide a musical and interesting listening expertise that I discovered extremely addictive.
The consolation, regardless of the load, is commendable, although I’d nonetheless advocate taking breaks throughout prolonged listening periods. The construct high quality is great, as we have come to count on from Audeze, and the included equipment make sure you’re able to hear proper out of the field.
For bass lovers who’ve but to expertise Audeze headphones, I’d go so far as to say the LCD-2 Padauk could possibly be a blind purchase. The mixture of deep, managed bass, clear mids, and easy treble creates a sound signature that is exhausting to not love.
Nevertheless, in case you already personal a latest model of the LCD-2, the improve could also be tougher to justify except you are significantly drawn to the brand new Padauk styling. The sonic variations, whereas current, are adequately subtle that they might not warrant the funding for present LCD-2 house owners. The one exception I’d make is for house owners of the highly-collectable authentic LCD-2 who just like the headphones, however wish to protect them in the long term.
Ultimately, the Audeze LCD-2 Padauk represents a lovely marriage of basic design and trendy aesthetics, all whereas sustaining the sound signature that has made the LCD-2 a legend within the audiophile world. Whether or not you are a longtime Audeze fan or somebody trying to dip their toes into the world of high-end planar magnetic headphones, the LCD-2 Padauk presents a heat welcome to audiophile bliss.
Trending Merchandise
