A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
LCD 2 Classic
Company ProductName Specs




Bathys
Company ProductName Specs




What we think

Chevron down
PerfectRec Logo
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·

If you prioritize overall sound quality and a wide soundstage for an immersive music experience, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic with its open-back design would be excellent for at-home listening. However, they don't come with a microphone and they're not suitable for noise-sensitive environments or outdoor use due to lack of isolation. The Focal Bathys, being closed-back and offering active noise cancelling, would provide better isolation and versatility, allowing for enjoyable use in various environments including air travel. These also have wireless capabilities and a decent built-in microphone, making them convenient for calls and offering longer battery life for extended use. Keep in mind the Audeze are heavier which can affect comfort during long listening sessions. Give Feedback

this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
  • Excellent for music
  • Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
  • Excellent for gaming
  • Best in class for TV and video
  • Very good for air travel

Key differences

Chevron down

Music

9.2
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
8.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.

Gaming

7.3
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

7.7
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
6.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.

TV and Video

8.6
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good.

Noise Reduction

2.5
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is poor.

Battery

N/A
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
31.0 Hours
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.

Cost

$799
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
$699
Product image
Product image

$350

$360

$370

$380

$390

$400

The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.

Build Quality

10.0
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Focal Bathys has excellent build quality.
Image of Earbuds & Headphones
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones

Key similarities

Chevron down

Phone Calls

4.8
LCD 2 Classic
Bathys
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for phone calls.

Give feedback

We’re constantly working to improve.

How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones

Chevron down

Spec Comparison

Chevron down
Audeze LCD 2 ClassicFocal Bathys
Audeze LCD 2 ClassicFocal Bathys

GENERAL

Price
$799
$699
Brand
AudezeFocal
Release Date
November 1, 2017October 1, 2022
Form Factor
HeadphonesHeadphones
Connectivity
WiredWired + Wireless

SOUND

Music Score
9.3/108.1/10
Phone Calls Score
4.9/105.3/10
Gaming Score
7.3/109.4/10
TV and Video Score
8.6/1010/10
Exercise Score
4.4/106.6/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
N/A31 Hours
Wireless charging
N/ANo
Charging time
N/A1.5 Hours
Bluetooth version
N/A5.1

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
NoYes
Noise Reduction Score
2.5/108.4/10
Virtual Surround
N/ANo
Android App
N/AYes
iOS App
N/AYes
Mic Quality
N/A6.5/10

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
10/109/10
Comfort score
8/108.4/10
Weight (headset or single earbud)
635 Grams350 Grams
Microphone style
N/AIntegrated
Waterproof Rating
00

Shopping

Chevron down

Audeze LCD 2 Classic

See more

Dig into reviews and images

The Greatest Song

Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."

Focal Bathys

See more

Dig into reviews and images

Soundguys

Christian Thomas | May 2023
"As much as I hesitate to recommend a headphone that sells for $800 USD, if you’re looking for the best sound quality you can find in the ANC space: it’s the Focal Bathys."

Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Focal Bathys

About Audeze

Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.

Give feedback

We're constantly perfecting our model

Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in

Chevron down

FAQs

Chevron down

FAQs about earbuds and headphones

Questions about PerfectRec >

Why trust us

Chevron down
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.

By the numbers

108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
117,800
Recommendations made
17,670
Consumer hours saved

About the Earbuds or Headphones team

Joe Golden, Ph.D

CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Jason Lew

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.

Chandradeep Chowdhury

Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.

Luis Torres

Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.

Featured in

Color LTT LogoGeekwire logo9to5 Mac logoPhone Arena LogoColor Daring Fireball logo