The Audeze LCD-X was launched in 2013 as an easier-to-drive version of the popular LCD-2. Over the years, it has received several silent upgrades, with the most recent iteration commonly referred to as the LCD-X 2021.
Dan Clark Audio, often shortened to DCA, used to be called Mr.Speakers, after founder Dan Clark’s alias on the Head-fi forum. Mr.Speakers released the first Ether headphone in 2015. In October 2018, they introduced the updated Ether 2, which seems to remain in production despite the release of several newer models. Notably, the Ether 2 is the only open-back planar magnetic headphone from DCA with a circular design, as all the others are asymmetrically pear shaped. The TOTL electrostatic headphone, Corina, however, remains circular, very similar to the Ether 2.
In 2020, the “Ether 2 System” was introduced—a package deal that includes three different pairs of ear pads with the Ether 2 headphones. Each pair of pads offers a different tuning, in addition to the obvious variations in comfort. They attach and detach easily using a velcro-like fastening system located on the back of the pads and around the driver inside the headphones.
DCA ETHER 2 SYSTEM PADS:
- protein leather pads, non perforated
- protein leather pads with perforation on the inside
- suede style pads
Although I’m a big fan of pad swapping, I’m not particularly fond of proprietary fastening mechanisms. The velcro system, in isolation, might seem brilliant—but it makes using third-party pads extremely difficult. I don’t think it’s a smart move for headphone manufacturers to make it harder for consumers to use third-party pads.
In this comparison review, I will only use the standard, non-perforated full protein leather pads.
DAN CLARK AUDIO (DCA) ETHER 2 SPECIFICATIONS
- Open-back planar magnetic driver headphones
- Driver size: 71x45mm
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Sensitivity: 92dB/mW SPL
- Pads: Synthetic protein leather
- 3-pin mini XLR cables connectors
- Weight: 290g
Amazon: Dan Clark Audio
AUDEZE LCD-X SPECIFICATIONS
- Open-back planar magnetic driver headphones
- Driver size: 106 mm
- Impedance: 20 ohms
- Sensitivity: 103 dB/1mW
- Pads: Leather
- “Dummer” type cable connectors
- Weight 612g
Amazon: LCD-X
BUILD AND COMFORT
The LCD-X is built like a tank and has the weight to match at 612g, 300g more than the Ether 2. The difference is more than noticeable. While the weight of the LCD-X is well distributed, the Ether 2 remains the more comfortable of the two.
The sturdy build of the LCD-X is impressive, but the lightweight design of the Ether 2 is something more headphone manufacturers should take inspiration from. That said, the LCD-X’s headband has several advantages, though the Ether 2’s memory metal design is also excellent.
COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Smile by Pearl Jam
They’re quite similar. The tuning is not far apart, but the Ether 2 is clearer with better separation between instruments and a slightly larger sound stage. Neither have much issue with sibilance, but the LCD-X is closer to being sibilant than the Ether 2.
Now, uncomfortable levels of sibilance doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the headphone’s tuning, and for professionals, it’s a good thing that the headphones reveal it.
Jambi by Tool
Again, the Ether 2 offers more detail, better separation, and a larger soundstage. Other than that, they are pretty similar.
Murmurations by Vega Trails
This is an excellent track with a dreamy, contemporary jazz vibe. The differences seem smaller here, but the overall characteristics remain the same.
Almost Like The Blues by Leonard
Also here, they are very similar. The Ether 2 sounds more dynamic and open, but not brighter—rather the opposite. Cohen’s vocals are slightly thicker and fuller with the Ether 2 than with the LCD-X.
Mahler’s Symphony No 2 III by Paavo Järvi
The Ether offers greater openness and clarity without sounding brighter. It presents a larger soundstage with improved separation and more precise imaging.
Young Vivaldi RV 820 by Modo Antiquo
This is a string quartet piece, and while both headphones sound quite similar overall, there’s a slight difference in the midrange timbre. The LCD-X felt more neutral to me, though that impression might change with another listen. In the end, they both sound excellent.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The DCA Ether 2 and the Audeze LCD-X have a very similar sound signature. Both are what I would call neutral to slightly dark sounding.
Treble
The treble is excellent on both. I find it even more detailed on the Ether 2, and while they most of the time have very similar energy and quantity, the LCD-X sometimes is perceived us brighter
Midrange
The midrange is a bit different, but I can’t quite pinpoint what it is or which I prefer. Sometimes I like the timbre of the Ether 2 more, and other times I prefer the LCD-X.
Bass
Both have linear and neutral sounding, high-quality bass.
Soundstage and Imaging
The LCD-X has an intimate soundstage for an open-back headphone. The Ether sounds somewhat larger, with notably better imaging and separation. There’s more space between the instruments and a greater sense of depth.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
While the LCD-X has very good detail, the Ether 2 is more refined and resolved. It also has better dynamics and feels more articulate. When it comes to timbre, I think they’re very similar, but not identical. Sometimes I prefer one sometimes the other.
AMPLIFICATION
The LCD-X is made to be easy to drive. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t scale, but to me it is only to a certain point. The Topping A90 is a good match for the LCD-X, none of my more expensive amplifiers makes much of a difference. The Topping A90 is a good match for the Ether 2 as well, but when I try out my different alternatives the Ether 2 is significantly more responsive to amp rolling.
CONCLUSION
The LCD-X and the Ether 2 have a lot in common. They could easily be siblings from the same manufacturer. They also look quite similar and are comfortable to wear, although the Ether 2 is light as a feather compared to the relatively heavy LCD-X.
The tonal balance is very similar, but other characteristics differ more. In essence, the Ether 2 has better detail, separation, imaging, and a larger soundstage, but it’s also significantly more expensive.
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- Amazon: LCD-X
- Amazon: Dan Clark Audio
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