[inthere]

 
I wonder if they are going to improve the El-8 like they did with the LCD-4 and give everyone a free upgrade. They both seem to have the same issues and they both use the new Fluxor magnets (Though the El-8 is only single sided).

 
 I think they better figure out the present models before they improve anything, it appears they still have defective models coming out.

 

[emann56]

  Uh oh. 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/764120/fatal-flaw-with-audeze-el-8
 
I'm hoping that's not 1st signs of a cup failure, but I'd return that pair too. 

 
Well the sound on the left cup is getting worse... damn The sound is now uneven, the right side is much louder than the left side.

 

[freitz]

I was considering buying these buy it looks like everyone is still having a lot of issues? Anyone actually get a good pair?

 

[Jeremy]

  I was considering buying these buy it looks like everyone is still having a lot of issues? Anyone actually get a good pair?

My pair is perfect. I have the Titanium version, purchased on the day of launch at the beginning of December. They were made mid-November. No issues at all and the sound quality is really good using the Cypher cable.

 

[freitz]

 
My pair is perfect. I have the Titanium version, purchased on the day of launch at the beginning of December. They were made mid-November. No issues at all and the sound quality is really good using the Cypher cable.

To the best of my knowledge you cannot purchase the Cypher Cable separate? 

 

[natalieann]

To the best of my knowledge you cannot purchase the Cypher Cable separate? 

You will be able to at some point soon

 

[freitz]

Considering a Bitfrost and Asgard 2 to pair with this Headphone.
 
What should I pair with my iphone 6 or macbook retina 2015 as the source?
 
from what I can tell local dealer has the newest version of this headphone which should have fixed all the issues.

 

[jodgey4]

The source shouldn't matter, just use the shortest cables you can and whichever has the highest quality files. Technically the iPhone 6 *might*, in some world, be better if the Bifrost is designed horribly, due to the battery power. Maybe, possibly, technically, theoretically. Not something to worry about!

 

[inthere]

  Considering a Bitfrost and Asgard 2 to pair with this Headphone.
 
What should I pair with my iphone 6 or macbook retina 2015 as the source?
 
from what I can tell local dealer has the newest version of this headphone which should have fixed all the issues.

2 pages ago on this thread someone had a version that was dated February 10th and he may have a defective pair, so unless your dealer has a newer batch than that I'd keep a wary eye out still

 

[sheldaze]

  Considering a Bitfrost and Asgard 2 to pair with this Headphone.
 
What should I pair with my iphone 6 or macbook retina 2015 as the source?
 
from what I can tell local dealer has the newest version of this headphone which should have fixed all the issues.

The USB implementation on Schiit DACs draws power for the USB chip (not for the DAC). Thus without a hub, you will see the error "too much power" if sending straight (CCK, USB cable) to the Bifrost from an iPhone. A MacBook (any kind) will have no such issues.

 

[freitz]

 
2 pages ago on this thread someone had a version that was dated February 10th and he may have a defective pair, so unless your dealer has a newer batch than that I'd keep a wary eye out still

Is there any easy and quick way to test when the pair shows up?

 

[inthere]

  Is there any easy and quick way to test when the pair shows up?

 
 No. my way is:
 
1. take it out the box
2. Listen or burn it in for some hours. 
3. Pray to the audio gods

 

[freitz]

Also curious. 
 
Bitfrost 4490 + Asgard 2
 
or 
 
Audeze Deckard?
 
for the EL-8 closed.

 

[inthere]

Audeze Deckard I think, never heard the Bifrost but Deckard is way more powerful than the Asgard 2 and slightly better sound quality imo, I had the Asgard and loaned it to a friend but i compared them when I had it. 

 

[sheldaze]

  Also curious. 
 
Bitfrost 4490 + Asgard 2
 
or 
 
Audeze Deckard?
 
for the EL-8 closed.

Considering how efficient the EL-8C is, power is a non-issue. I've used the Asgard 2 and Bifrost 4490 and the pairing is good. But here's what I believe you are truly looking at:
 

1. Bifrost: a DAC that will stay with you forever, in that it will have updates from Schiit ad infinitum.
2. Deckard: a likely cleaner, clearer amplifier. Yes, it has more power - but you're not running an HE-6. Also for the high resolution believers, you can play with 352.8kHz and 384kHz sample rates.

 
I wish there was more written regarding the Deckard amplifier, but from my experiences with the Asgard 2, I'll admit it can be a little hard. That is not to say that it is terrible - quite the contrary, I find it to be very enjoyable! But my guess is the Deckard beats it in certain audible qualities, which go beyond sheer power.
 

  Audeze Deckard I think, never heard the Bifrost but Deckard is way more powerful than the Asgard 2 and slightly better sound quality imo, I had the Asgard and loaned it to a friend but i compared them when I had it. 

Have you heard the Deckard? Per my text above, I am always seeking more insight.