Does the iFi Zen DAC V2 drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?

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

Ample

The iFi Zen DAC V2 drives the Audeze LCD-2 Classic with ample headroom (~15.5 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~7.9 mW, delivers 280 mW). Note: output impedance for this amp isn't reliably published, so the damping interaction into this 70 Ω load can't be assessed; treat low-impedance pairings with caution.

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

Power Headroom

Headroom: 15.5 dB 0 · target 15.5 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 280 mW at 32 Ω (+15.5 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 ↗
iFi Zen DAC V2 Dac Amp · Single Ended
Output impedance assumed Not published
Power @ 32 Ω 280 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 36 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 18 mW *est.
Power source Manufacturer 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.
iFi Zen DAC V2 SE output: 280 mW @ 32 Ω, 36 mW @ 300 Ω (iFi tech lowdown PDF and product page). Output impedance: conflicting sources (manufacturer PDF cites '≤100 Ω unbalanced' which may refer to RCA pre-out, not the headphone jack; likely <<1 Ω for headphone output but unconfirmed). Set null; damping check flagged as indeterminate. 600 Ω derived from 300 Ω. · Source ↗
Impedance — unknown output impedance

This amp's output impedance is not reliably published, so the damping interaction into this 70 Ω headphone cannot be assessed. Treat low-impedance pairings (below ~80 Ω) with caution.

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

iFi Zen DAC V2 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.

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Schiit Magni Heretic Ample 23.0 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 20.1 dB
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