Does the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?

Computed from rated specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 32 Ω

Adequate

The Apple Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adequately drives the Audeze LCD-2 Classic with limited margin (~5.9 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~7.9 mW, delivers 31 mW).

Headroom
5.9 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
7.9 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
31 mW
Required voltage
0.75 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 5.9 dB 0 · target 5.9 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 7.9 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 31 mW at 32 Ω (+5.9 dB above target).

Audeze LCD-2 Classic Planar · over-ear
Impedance 70.0 Ω rated
Sensitivity 101.0 dB/mW rated
Driver Planar
Spec basis Rated
Rated: Audeze official spec (70 Ω, 101 dB/mW). RAA has only the original LCD-2 (different variant) and LCD-2 Classic Closed Back — neither matches the open-back Classic. Rated-only. · Source ↗
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Dongle · Single Ended
Output impedance review-measured 1.0 Ω
Power @ 32 Ω 31 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 3 mW *est.
Power @ 600 Ω 1 mW *est.
Power source Review Measured low confidence
* Loads marked "est." are derived from the published voltage ceiling at a lower-impedance load (V = √(P·R) → P_higher = V²/R_higher). All derivations are upward only.
Apple does not publish power specs. Power (31 mW @ 32 Ω) from community measurements (Kinemoss Tech review 2025). Output impedance ~1 Ω from multiple independent measurements. Derives 300 Ω and 600 Ω from voltage ceiling. Replaces synthetic 'Generic USB-C dongle' fixture. · Source ↗
Planar driver note

Planar-magnetic headphones can have high current demands that are not fully captured by the power headroom model. Even with adequate headroom, some solid-state amps may struggle to deliver sufficient peak current for transient dynamics. Prefer amps rated for low-impedance planars.

Specification confidence: low

One or more amp specifications (power output or output impedance) are estimated rather than published by the manufacturer. Treat this pairing's verdict as approximate.

Where to buy

Apple USB-C to 3.5mm on Amazon ↗ Audeze LCD-2 Classic on Amazon ↗

Disclosure: links above are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Affiliate commissions do not influence verdicts; all analysis is computed independently from the data.

AmplifierHeadroom
Schiit Lyr 3 Ample 28.8 dB
JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 Ample 25.2 dB
Topping DX3 Pro+ Ample 23.6 dB
Schiit Magni Heretic Ample 23.0 dB
Schiit Fulla 4 Ample 12.8 dB
Little Dot MkII Ample 11.0 dB

See all amplifiers for the Audeze LCD-2 Classic →

HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 10.5 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 10.2 dB
AKG K702 Insufficient -0.7 dB
Sennheiser HD 660S Insufficient -1.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Insufficient -10.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Insufficient -11.5 dB

See all headphones for the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm →