[Barry S]

They look like old HD600/650 style connectors. :rolleyes:

It all looks Sennheiser-ish.

 

[jude]

 
They look like old HD600/650 style connectors. 

 
They're definitely not using that connector. At launch, I'll post closeups of the EL-8's cable plugs.

 

[Tonyflo]

  For another view, here's a photo of the Audeze EL-8 Open Back being fed by the Chord Hugo (and iPhone 6 Plus).
 

Thanks for dripping out info and pics Jude, soooo excited for a lighter/sleeker Audeze line -- even at current price range.
 
(I agree with those who think these won't be sub $1000. Let's not set ourselves up for disappointment guys!) 

 

[warrenpchi]

  For another view, here's a photo of the Audeze EL-8 Open Back being fed by the Chord Hugo (and iPhone 6 Plus).
 

 
Lol, foreplay!  

 

[Stillhart]

So it really does have a concave grill?  Interesting...

 

[x RELIC x]

For another view, here's a photo of the Audeze EL-8 Open Back being fed by the Chord Hugo (and iPhone 6 Plus).

That just looks like it sounds great! Looks comfortable too!

 

[Barry S]

I like the design--a little bland, but nice. I'm also happy they used aluminum rather than plastic, I like the premium materials Audeze uses. My final guess on the price--$595.

 

[MattTCG]

Okay, I'll play devils advocate and go out on a limb. I'm not seeing a homerun with this one.

  Not that I wouldn't love to see one...

 

[x RELIC x]

Okay, I'll play devils advocate and go out on a limb. I'm not seeing a homerun with this one. h34r:   Not that I wouldn't love to see one...

Curious what leads you to this opinion (just as curious as to why I think it will be good)? Wonder how it will compare to the Oppo PM line?

 

[wshinji]

I could not agree more with Barry... extremely Sennheiser-ish.
 
Doubt Audeze would want to sell anything sub $500... looks closer to the 1k mark probably.. cant wait to find out. And of course what they even sound like hahaha

 

[Barry S]

Okay, I'll play devils advocate and go out on a limb. I'm not seeing a homerun with this one. h34r:   Not that I wouldn't love to see one...

This is contrary to Audeze's track record and nothing I'm seeing looks like a major misstep. I predict success.

 

[MattTCG]

Well, it's all speculation at this point. But I'll indulge you. Audeze track record IMO is somewhat of a train wreck. There were tons of problems with early units...TONS. It's looks to be a revolutionary change with this one. I'd have much rather seen an evolutionary change. Revolutionary is tough to do unless you have deep pockets and resources ( read Oppo ). I'm not saying that they won't eventually have a great product. I just don't see it happening right out of the gate.
 
Again, I'd love it if they prove me wrong. I've wanted the Audeze house sound in a comfortable design as much as anybody on HF.

 

[x RELIC x]

Fair enough, thanks for the reply

Of course it's all speculation, however Audeze is a long way from when they first started. Crossing fingers.

 

[Barry S]

I could not agree more with Barry... extremely Sennheiser-ish.

Doubt Audeze would want to sell anything sub $500... looks closer to the 1k mark probably.. cant wait to find out. And of course what they even sound like hahaha

If Alex has already said the EL-8 won't replace the LCD line, it seems like it would be confusing to price them close to $1000. Then they'd have two open headphones at about the same price, with the existing product at a higher level. If the EL8 was only closed back, that would make more sense, since the XC is a big step up in price.

 

[Barry S]

Well, it's all speculation at this point. But I'll indulge you. Audeze track record IMO is somewhat of a train wreck. There were tons of problems with early units...TONS. It's looks to be a revolutionary change with this one. I'd have much rather seen an evolutionary change. Revolutionary is tough to do unless you have deep pockets and resources ( read Oppo ). I'm not saying that they won't eventually have a great product. I just don't see it happening right out of the gate.

Again, I'd love it if they prove me wrong. I've wanted the Audeze house sound in a comfortable design as much as anybody on HF.

To counter, I'd say Audeze had some issues as a brand new company with a brand new product. To me, this is an evolutionary product, despite the big change in cosmetics. It seems analogous to the tinkering and fine tuning HiFiMan does with their drivers.