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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Both the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Focal Elex offer high-quality sound experiences. If you're looking for headphones with a very wide and immersive soundstage, the Audeze LCD 2 Classic stands out, but they are heavier and may not be as comfortable for all users. On the other hand, the Focal Elex is lighter and might be more comfortable for extended listening sessions. Neither model has a microphone, so if you need to make calls or have meetings, neither would be ideal. For activities that require movement or commuting, both can be cumbersome due to their open design and lack of portability features. Neither is suitable for workout use or noisy environments as they don't isolate sound well and aren't sweat or dustproof. They are both wired, so if you're looking for wireless connectivity, you would need to consider other options. 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 gaming
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the Audeze LCD 2 Classic.
Key differences
Music
9.2
7.7
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic is excellent for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Phone Calls
4.8
4.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
7.1
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is somewhat better.
Cost
$799
$749
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Focal Elex has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.3
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audeze LCD 2 Classic to be good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
TV and Video
8.6
8.3
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Focal Elex are both very good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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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 Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Focal Elex
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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