Does the Topping A90 drive the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?

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

Ample

The Topping A90 drives the Audeze LCD-2 Classic with ample headroom (~24.0 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~7.9 mW, delivers 2000 mW).

Headroom
24.0 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
7.9 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
2000 mW
Required voltage
0.75 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 24.0 dB 0 · target 24.0 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 2000 mW at 32 Ω (+24.0 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 ↗
Topping A90 Desktop Ss · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 0.1 Ω
Power @ 32 Ω 2000 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 250 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 125 mW *est.
Power source Manufacturer
* 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.
Topping A90 SE output per multiple reviews citing manufacturer spec: 2000 mW @ 32 Ω (some sources say 3000 — using conservative 2000 mW), 250 mW @ 300 Ω. Balanced output is ~4× higher. 600 Ω derived from 300 Ω. · 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

Topping A90 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
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 28.6 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 28.3 dB
AKG K702 Ample 17.4 dB
Sennheiser HD 660S Ample 17.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Adequate 8.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Adequate 7.3 dB

See all headphones for the Topping A90 →