Audeze LCD‑2 Padauk (Leather‑Free & Case)
Hear warmth, weight, and wood—Audeze’s original classic, perfected for today
If you crave the organic warmth of analog with the slam and speed only planar magnetics can deliver, the LCD‑2 Padauk answers with a sound that’s lush, powerful, and utterly engaging. Hand‑finished Padauk wood rings frame Audeze’s famed 106 mm planar drivers for an immersive, fatigue‑free listen that makes vocals feel human, bass lines tactile, and treble silky—not sharp. Choose the leather‑free earpads and suspension strap for breathable, long‑session comfort, and take confidence knowing your headphones arrive protected in a rugged travel case.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
- Bold, musical tuning: A warm, rich signature with deep, punchy low end and smooth highs keeps you listening for hours—ideal for classic rock, jazz, R&B, and cinematic scores. Reviewers consistently note its weighty bass and relaxed treble character.
- Proven planar engineering: Dual‑sided magnet arrays with patented Fazor waveguides reduce diffraction and improve imaging and phase response for precise, three‑dimensional placement with vanishingly low distortion (<0.1% @ 100 dB).
- Real‑world comfort and craft: The ventilated suspension headband and updated pads distribute the 595 g weight more evenly, while the leather‑free option provides a soft, breathable feel without animal products. Each pair is built and tested in Southern California.
- Plug‑and‑play versatility: Comes with Audeze’s balanced 4‑pin XLR cable plus adapters for 1/4" and 3.5 mm sources. At 70 Ω and 101 dB/1 mW, it plays from quality interfaces and dongles, and scales with desktop amps; Audeze recommends >250 mW for best results.
- Padauk that stands apart: The Padauk wood rings are hand‑finished for a timeless, heirloom look—distinctive, durable, and uniquely Audeze.
What’s Included
- Main product: Audeze LCD‑2 Padauk, Leather‑Free (Model: 100‑L2‑1023‑00) with 106 mm planar magnetic drivers and Fazor waveguides.
- Primary cable: Balanced 4‑pin XLR cable with dual 4‑pin mini‑XLR ear‑cup connectors.
- Adapters: 4‑pin XLR‑to‑1/4" TRS adapter cable; 1/4"‑to‑3.5 mm adapter for broader device compatibility.
- Protection & docs: Standard LCD hard travel case, Warranty Card, and Certificate of Authenticity.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired, open‑back over‑ear planar magnetic | Detachable dual 4‑pin mini‑XLR to 4‑pin XLR; adapters to 1/4" and 3.5 mm included. |
| Driver | 106 mm planar magnetic | Large diaphragm for effortless dynamics and low distortion. |
| Magnet / Phase | Proprietary magnet array with Fazor waveguides | Improves imaging and reduces wave interference for cleaner transients. |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 50 kHz | Extended bandwidth with smooth, relaxed treble character. |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100 dB | Low distortion preserves microdetail at realistic levels. |
| Impedance | 70 Ω | Plays well with interfaces and amps; not power‑hungry. |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/1 mW (DRP) | Good headroom from modest power. |
| Power Guidance | Min >100 mW; Recommended >250 mW | Scales with clean desktop amplification. |
| Cable Length | 1.9 m (6.2 ft) XLR combo set | Balanced with 1/4" adapter, dual 4‑pin mini‑XLR at cups. |
| Weight | 595 g | Suspension headband enhances long‑session comfort. |
| Materials | Hand‑finished Padauk rings; leather‑free pads and strap | Craft and comfort with vegan‑friendly materials. |
Professional Recognition
- “A game‑changer… Redefines the state of the art.” — CNET (as cited by Audeze).
- “The LCD‑2 was the best headphone I’d ever measured.” — InnerFidelity (as cited by Audeze).
- Community consensus praises the LCD‑2’s musicality and non‑fatiguing clarity, with the main trade‑off being weight—mitigated by the suspension headband.
- Heritage and craft: Audeze designs and hand‑assembles every planar driver in Orange County, California, combining NASA‑inspired materials science with artisanal finishing.
The Bottom Line
The LCD‑2 Padauk (Leather‑Free) delivers the quintessential Audeze experience: enveloping bass, lifelike mids, and gentle, grain‑free highs—wrapped in hand‑finished wood and engineered for decades of listening pleasure. Its balanced cable and included adapters make it easy to integrate into any rig today, while the leather‑free pads and strap elevate comfort for marathon sessions. If you want a headphone that puts musicality first without sacrificing technical honesty, this is the classic—refined.
Notes on accuracy and validation
- All core specifications, finish options (Padauk; leather‑free), and included accessories validated from Audeze’s official LCD‑2 page. Cable termination and ear‑cup connector details cross‑checked with Audeze’s combo cable and support pin‑out. Sound‑signature character cross‑referenced with professional and community reviews.
Recommended for: listeners who value warmth and impact over clinical brightness; producers seeking a reliably musical reference that still reveals mix decisions; anyone who wants an heirloom‑grade build crafted in California.
Helpful tip: Because the LCD‑2 ships with a balanced XLR cable plus adapters, you can enjoy it immediately from a 1/4" or 3.5 mm output, then move to a balanced desktop amp later to unlock even more dynamic headroom.
Sources: Audeze LCD‑2 official page (specs, options, contents), Audeze combo cable and support pin‑out (connectivity), MajorHiFi (sound impressions), Head‑Fi community reviews (comfort/sound), Audeze About Us (heritage).































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