Does the Schiit Valhalla 2 drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?

Computed from rated specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 50 Ω

Ample OTL-compatible pairing

The Schiit Valhalla 2 drives the Audeze LCD-2 Classic with ample headroom (~13.6 dB headroom at 50 ohms; needs ~7.9 mW, delivers 180 mW). This OTL tube amp suits the headphone's impedance (70 Ω) — a classically compatible pairing for high-output-impedance tube sources.

Headroom
13.6 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
7.9 mW
Delivered (@ 50 Ω)
180 mW
Required voltage
0.75 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 13.6 dB 0 · target 13.6 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 180 mW at 50 Ω (+13.6 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 ↗
Schiit Valhalla 2 Desktop Tube · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 14.0 Ω
Power @ 50 Ω 180 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 800 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 450 mW
Power source Manufacturer
Schiit Valhalla 2 manufacturer spec (Audiophonics retailer, citing Schiit official): 180/800/450 mW at 50/300/600 Ω. OTL/hybrid topology: more power into 300 Ω than 50 Ω (normal for OTL). Output impedance 14 Ω (hi-gain) / 3.5 Ω (lo-gain) from Schiit PDF manual and Schiit Europe. Using 14 Ω as worst-case for damping check. · Source ↗
Impedance compatibility

This OTL tube amp's high output impedance (14 Ω) is a good match for the Audeze LCD-2 Classic's 70 Ω impedance. The impedance ratio (5.0×) falls within the recommended range for high-output-impedance tube sources — a classically well-matched pairing.

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

Schiit Valhalla 2 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
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
Sennheiser HD 660S Ample 22.5 dB
Sennheiser HD 800 S Ample 20.6 dB
Philips SHP9500 Ample 13.6 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ample 13.5 dB
AKG K240 Studio Adequate 3.6 dB
Fostex T50RP Mk3 Marginal 1.7 dB

See all headphones for the Schiit Valhalla 2 →