I just received my pair of NE-8's and did a quick listen; I am now burning them in with expectations of improvement.
Setup: 8GB Samsung P2 with both FBR 128 and VBR 256+ Max (from 256 to 320 bitrate actual, as reported in file's properties) MP3's. DNSe tried in 3 flavors for all tests below: Normal (Off), Studio and the usually-used with previous cans (out of 3 patterns) myDNSe Custom pattern (+1@8kHz, +1 3D, all other settings off/flat)
In my ears, the cans are rather...bipolar. With the medium tips the cans are quite warm with a slightly accentuated midbass, somewhat neutral midrange but fairly dark and closed in top-end. Soundstage is limited with an overall dark presentation.
With the dual-flange tips the top end opens up completely, bringing in top-end detail and opening up the soundstage tremendous. However...the low upper midrange acquires a slightly recessed nasalness ("honk") that doesn't exactly please me at all. The bottom end dries up and acquires a faster, but much lighter, impact with no warmth, nor much life, in the upper bass / lower midrange.
I am currently listening to the VBR 256+ tracks and I believe that the dual-flanges are not an ideal fit nor seal in my ears [switching back to medium tips now...]. The medium tips for me are much better balanced overall but could definitely wish to greater transparancy in the upper midrange and highs (as compared to my reference system, modded CAL Delta-->modded PCM-63 equipped Parasound DAC-->Stax SRA-14S-->Stax SRE-15-->Stax SR-404).
To my ears they have a bit of that "Sennheiser sound" going on: a nice balance with detail yet simulaneously a touch closed up as well.
More break-in required. Will try additional DNSe patterns for more results (for example, Studio opens up top end to almost being a touch brittle and alters midrange as well, not a perfect tradeoff). Adding +1 Bass DNSe Custom goes a bit too boomy for my tastes (but, then again, this is in a quiet space and I never listen to the P2 in a quiet space, so maybe the excess warmth in quiet is "just right" for outside. I'll let you know later).
Disclaimer, of course: my opinions using my ears. YMMV with this one! Also, brand-new cans with less than 30 minutes on them, expect changes once burn-in is completed.