Does the Drop THX AAA 789 drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?

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

Ample

The Drop THX AAA 789 drives the Audeze LCD-2 Classic with ample headroom (~23.6 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~7.9 mW, delivers 1800 mW).

Headroom
23.6 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
7.9 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
1800 mW
Required voltage
0.75 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 23.6 dB 0 · target 23.6 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 1800 mW at 32 Ω (+23.6 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 ↗
Drop THX AAA 789 Desktop Ss · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 0.1 Ω
Power @ 16 Ω 3000 mW
Power @ 32 Ω 1800 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 200 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 100 mW
Power source Manufacturer
Drop product page SE figures: 3000/1800/200/100 mW at 16/32/300/600 Ω. THX AAA topology, output impedance <0.1 Ω (class spec). · 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.

Where to buy

Drop THX AAA 789 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
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Schiit Magni Heretic Ample 23.0 dB
FiiO K7 Ample 21.9 dB
Little Dot MkII Ample 11.0 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Adequate 5.9 dB

See all amplifiers for the Audeze LCD-2 Classic →

HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 28.2 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 27.9 dB
AKG K702 Ample 16.9 dB
HiFiMan Edition XS Ample 16.6 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Adequate 7.5 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Adequate 6.4 dB

See all headphones for the Drop THX AAA 789 →