Thats just what I'm after. I'm down to these or the Opposite PM-3's, I think I need to audition both. Thanks for your help.
I would definitely recommend auditioning both before you buy one if you can. The PM-3 was the headphone I owned before the EL-8C Ti. It's a great headphone but not quite exactly what I was looking for.
The PM-3 is more comfortable, more portable, easier to purchase an aftermarket cable for, comes with a case and most importantly considerably less expensive. ($400 vs $700)
The EL-8C offers convenience if you're an iOS user if you opt for the slightly more expensive Titanium version. Both cans are built very well and look great but my preference is the EL-8C Ti. You can purchase an aftermarket balanced cable for the EL-8C. This thing feels like a tank.
Putting that list together makes me question why I bought an EL-8C but the most important factor is sound. I listen to a lot of electronic music and the first time I listened to Seven Lions or Peter Robinson on the EL-8C was one of those "wow" moments for me. In my opinion, the EL-8C sounds more fun than the PM-3. The bass is more impactful, the highs aren't as rolled off and the larger planar drives help me feel more involved in the music. Also, I love gaming with these headphones.
The PM-3 are probably the more "musically correct" headphone. They sound great for classical, jazz and classic rock. They're also more laid back and more relaxing for extended listening sessions.
Both cans are easy to drive and can be used straight out of your smartphone. Both cans scale well and sound better with an amp. Personally I think the EL-8 benefits more from an amp than the PM-3.
I ended up selling the PM-3 and purchasing a Sennheiser HD 6XX. Nice pairing.
Hope this helped!