Short answer: the Audeze LCD-2 Classic, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.5/5 for sound quality (#195 and #200 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the Audeze LCD-2 Classic costs $799 against $1,197 for the Focal Clear Mg, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 216 over-ear headphones, and the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, ranked #4 at $319, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the Audeze LCD-2 Classic: 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. The catch: 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.
What the Focal Clear Mg does well: With a 55 ohm impedance and 104 dB/mW sensitivity, this open-back headphone gets loud from most sources without a dedicated amp. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement the presence and treble bands sit about 6.6 and 9.4 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, with a 13.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz, so vocals lose clarity and cymbals sound muted.
Buy the Audeze LCD-2 Classic. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $398 less than the Focal Clear Mg.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audeze LCD-2 Classic | Focal Clear Mg | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $1,197.00 |
| Ranked | #195 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #200 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 49 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 48 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.73 dB standard deviation | 3.57 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.35 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-8.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 70 ohms | 55 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) | 1 lbs (450 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Audeze LCD-2 Classic compares with other leading options:
- Audeze LCD-GX vs Audeze LCD-2 Classic
- Neumann NDH20 vs Audeze LCD-2 Classic
- Beyerdynamic DT 1350 vs Focal Clear Mg
- AKG K872 Pro vs Focal Clear Mg
- Shure SRH1540 vs Neumann NDH20
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Headphones In Full
Audeze LCD-2 Classic: $799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: 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. Low mids sit about 1 dB above target while the top end is held back, so fans of a warm, dark presentation will find the tuning matches their taste.
Cons: 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. Sub-bass also falls 6 dB short by 56 Hz and sits 8.1 dB down at 30 Hz, so deep rumble is thin despite the warm character. At 544 g it is heavy, and the Neumann NDH20 rates higher at a lower price.
Full Audeze LCD-2 Classic review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.73 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 49 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 70 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 56 Hz (-8.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.17 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,055 Hz | -7.1 dB | 0.85 |
| Peak | 4,512 Hz | +4.5 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 131 Hz | -3.1 dB | 0.24 |
| Peak | 1,578 Hz | +2.1 dB | 1.67 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,915 Hz | +2.4 dB | 3.67 |
| Peak | 5,838 Hz | -4.3 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 2,899 Hz | -1.2 dB | 3.18 |
| Peak | 4,931 Hz | +1.2 dB | 3.53 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Clear Mg: $1,197.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: With a 55 ohm impedance and 104 dB/mW sensitivity, this open-back headphone gets loud from most sources without a dedicated amp. Its warm tilt suits listeners who find bright headphones fatiguing, and it rates level with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic and Fostex TH900.
Cons: In oratory1990’s measurement the presence and treble bands sit about 6.6 and 9.4 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, with a 13.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz, so vocals lose clarity and cymbals sound muted. Sub-bass is also about 5 dB shy below 60 Hz, and the open back leaks sound and lets outside noise in. The Sennheiser HD 820 rates slightly higher.
Full Focal Clear Mg review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.57 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 48 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 55 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.35 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (450 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,641 Hz | +6.3 dB | 1.17 |
| Peak | 1,198 Hz | -4.0 dB | 1.73 |
| Peak | 94 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.30 |
| Peak | 4,530 Hz | +5.5 dB | 3.15 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,223 Hz | +1.7 dB | 4.29 |
| Peak | 3,196 Hz | -1.7 dB | 3.02 |
| Peak | 7,343 Hz | +1.5 dB | 5.95 |
| Peak | 3,986 Hz | +1.4 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons