I would like to see if Susvara lives up to its name, plus I'm been a fan of Hifiman products since the HE-400.

Sorry!  I meant "closed".  For example, even a mid-fi set of closed cans like the Alpha Dogs ($600) can pretty much exceed or equal many more pricey IEMs ($1k range) in sonic quality IMHO.  

"but I think the mistake that I made was expecting a headphone in this price range to compete with my JHA 16 IEM."   Hmmm, I always thought open headphones in the $700 range SHOULD exceed the sound quality of IEMs...

Yup, Audeze could cheapen their brand if they decide to offer a budget line. Sort of like if Ferrari offered a line of econobox cars..

Would this explain why so many people have drastically different impressions of the el-8's sound? If this is the case, I imagine it would be a PITA to adjust it every time you use it. Sort of like when you have to hold the old rabbit ear TV antennas a certain way to get a clear picture.

Totally agree with you, Sonic. The Vibro and other modded T50rps that I've heard do not have the sheer tautness and detail of the 560's bass. Another obvious delineation is the 560's more precise separation of notes and greater soundstage (not really fair I guess, considering that the Vibro is a...

Have you tried using a different USB cable or tested it on a PC? I tried connecting my M8 to a friend's Macbook Air and it wasn't recognized until I swapped out the UBS cable. For some reason, the first cheapo cable I used didn't work.

Thanks to both of you! I will be checking out B&H soon.

Does B&H allow you to test out their high-end headphones on your own portable source? I want to bring a dap or dac/amp when I visit.  I know some retailers have their demo headphones hardwired to their own amps/sources.

Any reason why you let go your M8? Just curious if you found something better.  Thanks

Thanks, bahorn! That Amazon case is perfect...I don't need to carry the adapter so this works.

Gotcha.  That makes sense.  I don't get a chance to try out that many upper tier headphones unfortunately other than to buy and return via internet.  My preference is for a neutral, balanced signature with a lots of resolution and detail but not to the point of dryness or thinness.  I am not a...

Hi James,   Does Fiio have any plans to offer a model that can output via USB or optical instead of coaxial (bypassing internal dac)?  Thanks

I just got my M8 Classic and loving it. I hate to see any harm come to it so I am thinking of getting a case for it...mulling over the Pelican 1120 case which seems like overkill.  Does anyone have any cheaper suggestions?  Thanks

I'm using a portable dac/amp, the Centrance M8, to drive the HE-560 and it sounds fantastic. I had to switch on maximum gain for adequate volume though.

Is the EL-8 the "most bang for the buck' cans in its price category ($600 - $700) or are there others with a better value/performance ratio?  Thanks all!

Thanks! I will explore other alternatives. Much appreciated.

That would be great, doc! I look forward to your impressions. Much appreciated.

Thanks for explaining what needs to done in previous post! I could not find a portable converter so I guess I will have to abandon the X3 and use an android phone intead for my m8 which also has usb input.

Sorry, reposting my question referencing above post this time! I am planning to use the X3 as a digital transport as well. I have a centrance m8 lx which has a toslink input. What short interconnect cable do you recommend and where I can find it? All I was able to find are long cables which are...

I am planning to use the X3 as a digital transport as well. I have a centrance m8 lx which has a toslink input. What short interconnect cable do you recommend and where I can find it? All I was able to find are long cables which are not ideal for a portable rig. Thanks!

Has anyone tried pairing up the Centrance M8 with the HE-560 using balanced cables? If so, what do you think of the sound/synergy? I am interested in using the m8 to drive these cans. Thanks all.