I suppose there are a few things we can nit-pick about the LCD2 Closed-Backs’ sound, but by and large, we really liked the sound of these headphones, and I think most listeners will agree. They have a full, natural tonality, lots of detail, and a gorgeous, enveloping sense of space.

The design is vastly more mature than my original LCD-2 Rev 2 with a very comfortable support system and thicker pads to mitigate lateral pressure and that above-average weight.

Unfortunately, it also requires a bit of EQ to sound appropriate - at least for what we know most people prefer. For those who enjoy a relaxed upper midrange, then this may not be a problem. But for everyone else, this is a headphone that I do recommend, once some adjustment is applied. In short, this is the headphone that I personally would choose as my number one pick under $1000. But if you’re not comfortable doing some EQ, then it’s likely best to look at either the Audeze LCD-GX or the HiFiMAN Ananda.

Audeze’s new closed-back LCD-2 promises to offer more privacy and isolation for fans of the warmer sounding Audeze models, and it delivers admirably.