There are a handful of EL-8 ti (used, E+ condition with 30 day returns) on Adorama for $189. I had been wanting a pair, and had been holding out for something around $250. This price is a steal. Just ordered a pair.
They also had some at $169 and $159. I picked up a pair "missing the carry bag" and was curious about the EL-8 closed since the price drop this summer. They just landed and wanted to post some quick thoughts in case anyone is on the fence.
First impressions:
Condition "Used": Mine arrived packaged well in the original box which appeared new apart from the two plastic sticker seals being cut open. I am not sure if these were refurb or demo, but the headphones themselves appear 100% new and unused. No sign of fingerprints, wear and tear, or pad wear. The cables did appear used or at least untied and retied later. So if anyone has concerns about purchasing "used" from Adorama, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase again.
Build: These certainly are very heavy as everyone has suggested. That said they are surprisingly comfortable and non-fatiguing to wear despite their heft. Some video reviews (prob Josh Valour if memory serves) mentioned that the earcup connections swiveled at different resistance and mine were no different. The left cup is ideal and the right is a tad tight, but will probably loosen up with some use.
I very much dislike the cable connectors and are glad to see Audeze decide to discontinue. The connectors have no color indication of the direction they need to be inserted with the only visual cue being a curved-vs-flat side that is quite subtle where the connector meets. I would imagine it could be very easy to ruin these connectors. I suggest leaving the cable in place whenever possible.
The headband, though not extremely padded wasn't uncomfortable, though I can imagine with some use the foam could deflate with time and that might change the comfort. If you have a large or wide head, comfort could be an issue.
Earpads: The earpads to me present two issues. Though overall comfort is quite nice and use over an hour didn't cause any discomfort for me, I would say those that don't like protein leather will not be satisfied. So issue one is they are non-removable so pad rolling is a pain due to the glue used. Issue two is the angle and seal seem like an oversight from Audeze. The angle is extreme causing the seal to break easy which kills all bass response. When the sealed, they do cause a suction or pressure that some my find uncomfortable. However, I was surprised though I am usually sensitive to this effect, it didn't bother me if I gave it a minute or popped my ears.
One of my concerns was alleviated about the seal that is well known with the LCD line.. there is no diaphragm popping when putting on the headphones. I will experience this with my HE-4s with Audeze vegan pads if I'm not careful so I was pleasantly surprised that this was not an issue!
I would like to note that I wear glasses and I can comfortably where my EL-8c with glasses with no negative impact to sound or comfort!
Sound: On to the important bit. I was first interested in these cans due to them
not having the typical Audeze sound signature, being closed and blocking a good deal of ambient noise, and finally due to them being difficult to mod (helping reduce the temptation to fuss around with them).
I would have to say, upon first listen, they hit what I was looking for sound signature and will be keeping them. They don't really have any particular strength and are a tad finicky getting a seal without causing too much pressure, but if both those conditions are met, they are some of the least fatiguing headphones I have listened too. They seem to sound rather good from any source including a PS4 controller. I haven't had a chance to hook up my Audio-GD setup due to travel so I cannot comment on how well they scale. But, first impressions are very positive.
*please note that I did experience some artifacting from the PS4 controller that I haven't noticed with other headphones, so they may be more revealing that my DT990s or DT150s.
I won't comment too much on sound signature since that information has been around for a while. That said, soundstage is decent for a closed headphone and doesn't have the "echo" or reverb I usually associate with a closed headphone. They kind of remind me of a semi-opened can like my AQ Nighthawk. The sound isn't thick or woolly nor is it light and airy. I will say I usually prefer a V-shaped sound and this seems more neutral than I would normally lean. Vocals are very clear and just past intimate. Nothing seems particularly artificial.
Observations:
I wouldn't say I've had any moments where I go "oh what was that sound", so they are not soundstage champs. As some suggest, putting some padding or fabric in the cushions to move the driver further from the ear would probably help with sounstage, but I would worry about breaking the seal and killing the bass.
I would like to mention that unlike some of my closed headphones, I couldn't hear myself breath like with in-ears, but the cable does transfer noise quiet easily if it rubs against itself. I do wish the cable had a nice cotton or nylon sleeve. I will probably look into an aftermarket cable for these down the road.
One thing I was delighted with that is not common for planars is these sound fantastic at low volume. I have listened to many planars and typically sound better as the volume is increase. The EL-8c sound lovely at low volumes, much better than I would have expected.
I have not tested the Cipher cable and will probably not unless I purchase the anker lightning to usb-c adaptor to test with my laptop. For now, works perfectly well with my LG G8.
I rarely decide to purchase new headphones these days, so I was surprised that these fit into my wheelhouse. Good job Audeze, if you would have made hybrid pads, non-proprietary connectors or a better cable, and made it slightly lighter in weight... I think these would have probably been successful. It's really too bad. You never know when the hype train will work for or against you.