I guess a question I might have about your question would be capable of what, or in what sense? I have heard a few Audeze and owned the LCD2F myself along with having owned in the past HE560/400i and currently the Edition X V2. Audeze has an approach that if I was to draw an analogy to it would be similar to the general sound American speaker companies like Bose have pursued where the bass is the key. Everything that I have heard from Audeze starts with an emphasis on the low frequencies being weighty and large.
That isn't to say they sound bloated or overcooked in the lower frequencies because of this, certainly not as a rule or commonly based on my direct and second hand experience. HiFi Man is not at all bass shy in any of the signatures that I have encountered, but there is certainly not as clear an emphasis on the bass being so impactful as what it seems to me that Audeze pursues (generally, there are exceptions with Audeze).
I wish that I had heard the Ananda myself. When I purchased the Edition X V2 the Ananda was a model that I was seriously considering, but because I tend to favour some warmth in my signatures, generally, based on what I read the Edition X V2 was the better match for me. How do you like the Ananda? I assume from your post that you like it. I totally understand your curiosity around the Audeze approach as that is why after having had a few HiFi Man models I purchased the LCD2F new from Razordog Audio (RIP). I would say that you at some point owe it to yourself to test the Audeze waters as both companies are clearly capable of producing fabulous sounding planar designs.
Capable i mean are they technically good ? Detailed, not bloated. Since their signature dark i'm afraid they sound bad (to me) with overemphasis on punchy bass. Though graphs showing LCD 2 and 2C has actually less bass than Ananda.
Ananda is great and really good at revealing subtle details. Definitely ''i'm hearing things i never heard before'' type of headphone. However they lack body and engagement for some songs. Especially bass can be less impactful than desired for some songs. Sub bass is plenty though. Tonality is very good. Not warm or bright. Treble is very smooth and not offensive. I think problem with the Ananda my ears cant get a grasp of the sound. Sound just leaking away without building body. It's anemic and thinny. I have perfect fit and seal btw.
Lacks the impact but their bass presentation is actually nice and sweet like a subwoofer in a room. It doesn't hit from earcups. If the song hits the sweet spot Ananda bass actually nice. But when the bass is actually background rythm, presentation can be soft. Instead of punch it's more like a soft sub bass noise.
While describing Ananda i look like i hate them lol. They are really good but i think Hifiman saving their more ''complete package'' sound to their Arya if you are willing to pay $1k more. Ananda not flawless but amazing. They reveal every detail effortlessly without being aggressive. They also take the shape of recording nicely. If recording have a space and air in it you feel it with the Ananda. Immersion is amazing as well.
2C can be complementary to Ananda i guess. I might consider it if price drop back to $599. From my experience punchy/impactful headphones are aggressive/forward sounding and lack soundstage. How 2F does the distance and soundstage. Reading conflicting opinions on their soundstage. Audeze says 2C have more soundstage but 2F does better imaging. 2F tonality seems more ''normal'' but they are heavier and more expensive than 2C so i'm focusing on 2C more.
