Audeze EL-8 V2

I listened to the V1 EL-8 and they were indeed pretty crap. However, I wandered into the apple store the other day and they had the revised EL-8C on demo. I have to say it was quite nice, much better than the first version. There was some great bass, imaging, and sparkle. Obviously it was a short demo but I really think it may be time to reevaluate the EL-8C. Has anyone tried the new version of the closed?

 

You mean the silver-and-black titanium version? Improved crap, like from colon cancer diarrhea to lab specimen banana-like shit.

 

Really? I thought it was pretty good.

 

So Audeze is in the Apple Store? I'd say that is a pretty big win for them, regardless of sound quality.

 

Um. At least in Canada it comes with a $240 premium over the regular EL8C (which is already $799). Although it fixed a lot of EL8C issues, it still had a weird treble timbre, not enough planktons, and some brightness like MSR7. I'm going to take an HE560 over EL8C Titanium any day. HE560 is just like $60 more.

 

Yeah, at least in Chicago. They actually had some really decent headphones. B&O H series, Audeze, RHA, some others I forget.

 

Well sure, but no one is buying a EL8C to compete with a open back...

 

Next time I'm down in the Mag Mile, I'll have to go check these out. Curious to hear what's changed.

 

I do hope other people turn in favourable impressions, after all I was just using an AK100ii at that time. The value proposition of EL8T vs HE560 is just... I have a strange feeling though that this EL8T might be good modding material...

 

A new version?!? How can you tell the difference in SKUs? Might be interested if it's not as shitty as the "first" version and if they got rid of their cable problems.

 

The only difference between 2016 version & "V1" is white box instead of black box.
Connectors should be now much improved too. Best is to check serial number with Audeze I guess

 

FWIW, there were versions which came in a black box and white box. You could easily recognize them because of their fucked up mids and odd treble response. The version with the latest membranes and best sound start with serial number above 3000 if I'm correct.

 

As it turns out, a nearby Apple Store has the new EL-8s in stock. Decided that I'm going to pick up the open model, and report back! I enjoy the SINE immensely, so this should at least be interesting.

 

And... the "new" EL-8 has been returned! Not terrible, but too unpleasant in the upper registers. I hate headphones with a presentation that consciously tries to be "hifi," and I'm afraid the EL-8 Open Back manages to fall in to that category.

 

I can tell you I immensely like my 2016 open version. I'm trying to get a good price on LCD2 to compare.
I also own HD800sd & HE-500 . I would pick these EL8 over HE500 for example

 

I heard the new EL-8 open at a local store recently (and only briefly). Thought it was an improvement over the original EL-8. But since I don't see these as portable (but rather transportable) I would personally just pony up a few extra dollars and go for the LCD-2 if I were choosing an Audeze for home use. I think the EL-8 closed is still not good. Liked what I heard of the Sine. It is on my consideration list for a portable but I need to listen to it again.

 

If the new EL-8 Open Back is a significant improvement on its previous iteration, then I shudder to think what that must have sounded like!

The SINE is a lot of fun, and rather inoffensive in its presentation. Not the most resolving can, but surprisingly competent. One thing to keep it mind, its treble is still a little "zingy" without EQ. But I definitely preferred it to the PM-3; that headphone sounded sterile.

 

I have the PM-2 and although I like it, it can admittedly be a bit dull. I suspect the PM-3 has a similar signature. The Sine did seem a bit zingy. That is why I was on the fence pending further listening. Also considering the PM-3 for portable and not sure whether to go for more laid back or more fun and "zingy".