Audeze LCD-2.2 (Non-fazor)
The LCD2 non-fazor was produced between 2010 and 2013. It came in 2 major revisions (regarding drivers) : Revision 1 (or LCD2.1) and Revision 2 (LCD2.2, like my pair).
Revision 2 started production in June 2011. Some changes were made to the design : LCD2.1 had foam headband and stiff earpads, while LCD2.2 had the leather headband and better pads (but still stiffer than any current LCD). Wood connector was replaced by sturdier metal angled connectors around 2012.
○ Release : 2010
○ Current status : Discontinued
○ Type : Over-ear / Open-back
○ Measured weight : 529g
○ Impedance : 70 Ohms
○ Sensitivity : ~91-93 dB/mW
○ Average used price : $450-600
The LCD2.2 is the last LCD2 I have owned, after the LCD2F (2016) and LCD2C. It does not sound as dark as the Classic, and to me has the best balance out of the 3.
The bass extends easily lower than 20hz and my hearing limits. It is super clean and in line with the midrange. Bass is basically perfect, although I still prefer 1-2 dB more quantity. Midrange is surprisingly pleasing – a bit warm, with recessed upper-mids, but not as dipped as the LCD2C, and not as dry as the LCD2F. It sounds more forward than what the graphs suggest.
Treble is a bit lacking and too recessed around 4-7khz, as usual with the LCDs. The LCD2F has the edge here, with more proeminent energy (but better integrated with the bass and mids) and better sparkle. The LCD2C is dipped and has a 6khz peak that sticks out too unnaturally (at least, on the pair I had).
The LCD2.2 seems to sound wider than both Fazor and Classic models. This LCD2.2 rivals my Hifiman HE-500 and HE-6 in staging width.
The LCD2.2 is one of the best warm headphones I’ve heard to date, with a warm and silky tonality. Average comfort and fear of dying drivers are however big annoyances, and I’ve since then sold my pair.
Measurements & Resources
Wonderfully flat from 10 to 1khz. Depression in the upper-mids with the biggest dip at 4khz (LCD house sound). The treble gains some energy back around 6-10khz. Still pretty warm overall, since the highs aren’t near bass and lower mids level.
