Short answer: the Audeze LCD-2 Classic, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #413 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.5/5, at $799; the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow Open ranks #469, rated 1.2/5, and costs $799.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, and the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, ranked #6 at $319, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is the better-sounding pick. Its 106mm planar magnetic driver sits in an open-back housing, and the 101 dB/mW sensitivity at 70 ohms means it plays at sensible levels without a heavy-duty amplifier. Watch for: Presence runs 6.7 dB and treble 8.3 dB below target, with a deep 15.1 dB dip near 9.5 kHz in oratory1990’s measurement, so cymbals, consonants and fine detail sound muted and distant.
The case for the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow Open: It uses 1 x planar magnetic with an easy 13 ohm load. Watch for: A tonal tilt of -2.39 makes it sound dark, with bass well ahead of the treble.
Buy the Audeze LCD-2 Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow Open and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Its 106mm planar magnetic driver sits in an open-back housing, and the 101 dB/mW sensitivity at 70 ohms means it plays at sensible levels without a heavy-duty amplifier.
Amazon $799.00 eBay
It uses 1 x planar magnetic with an easy 13 ohm load.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audeze LCD-2 Classic | Dan Clark Audio Aeon Flow Open | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $799.99 |
| Ranked | #413 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #469 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 49 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 18 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.73 dB standard deviation | 4.72 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -2.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-8.1 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 70 ohms | 13 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 94 dB/mW |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) | 0.7 lbs (321 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
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