Short answer: the Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back. It ranks #69 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $2,839.97; the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 ranks #95, rated 3.8/5, and costs $2,999, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back: A preference score of 81 with a deviation of 2.2 dB in oratory1990’s measurement is a good result for a closed-back planar magnetic. Watch for: Sub-bass is about 4.5 dB under target, and treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 3.4 dB low, with a 10.7 dB dip near 9.1 kHz that rounds off cymbals and detail.
Why pick the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: A preference score of 78 in oratory1990’s measurement, with a bright, detailed lean (treble about 2 dB above target from 6 to 16 kHz) that suits listeners who like neutral or brighter tuning. Watch for: A 6.9 dB peak near 7.9 kHz right next to a 7.1 dB dip near 9.3 kHz, plus presence about 3.1 dB above target, can make cymbals and sibilance sharp or tiring at volume.
Buy the Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back | HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,839.97 | $2,999.00 |
| Ranked | #69 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #95 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.22 dB standard deviation | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.56 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 106mm planar magnetic | - |
| Impedance | 70 ohms | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 90 dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 0.9 lbs (420 g) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back:
- Warwick Acoustics Bravura vs Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back
- Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back vs Austrian Audio The Composer
- Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back vs Meze Empyrean II
- HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs Meze Empyrean II
- Austrian Audio The Composer vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2
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 Closed Back: $2,839.97 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 81 with a deviation of 2.2 dB in oratory1990’s measurement is a good result for a closed-back planar magnetic. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the midrange sit within 1 dB of target, giving full, natural tone. A 106 mm planar driver at 70 ohms and 101 dB/mW is efficient enough for most desktop amps, and the closed back keeps sound in.
Cons: Sub-bass is about 4.5 dB under target, and treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 3.4 dB low, with a 10.7 dB dip near 9.1 kHz that rounds off cymbals and detail. The price is far higher than rivals like the Dan Clark Audio E3, which has a higher rating at a lower cost.
Full Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.22 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 | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 70 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.5 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 | +5.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 102 Hz | -3.2 dB | 0.41 |
| Peak | 3,605 Hz | +3.7 dB | 2.40 |
| Peak | 1,346 Hz | -2.1 dB | 1.57 |
| Peak | 396 Hz | +2.0 dB | 1.79 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,771 Hz | -3.9 dB | 5.45 |
| Peak | 4,350 Hz | +1.7 dB | 5.21 |
| Peak | 2,469 Hz | +0.7 dB | 3.08 |
| Peak | 1,736 Hz | -0.4 dB | 2.93 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: $2,999.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: A preference score of 78 in oratory1990’s measurement, with a bright, detailed lean (treble about 2 dB above target from 6 to 16 kHz) that suits listeners who like neutral or brighter tuning. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz is right on target, so bass lines stay tight and clean. Its 35 ohm impedance is easy for most desktop amps.
Cons: A 6.9 dB peak near 7.9 kHz right next to a 7.1 dB dip near 9.3 kHz, plus presence about 3.1 dB above target, can make cymbals and sibilance sharp or tiring at volume. At 90 dB sensitivity and 420 g it wants a proper amp and is heavy. The Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back rates higher at a similar price. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.56 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (420 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.2 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 | +5.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,889 Hz | -3.8 dB | 1.48 |
| Peak | 2,216 Hz | +3.0 dB | 0.39 |
| Peak | 2,913 Hz | -5.9 dB | 2.45 |
| Peak | 110 Hz | -1.4 dB | 0.32 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,073 Hz | -0.9 dB | 4.34 |
| Peak | 1,745 Hz | +0.5 dB | 2.40 |
| Peak | 246 Hz | -0.8 dB | 3.95 |
| Peak | 388 Hz | +0.8 dB | 4.17 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons