[bmichels]

Yes, we're all hanging around waiting for Mike Mercer's next hyper excited post.

 
yes... and this is how we like him 

 

[kapanak]

Back to topic.
 
How is it possible for a closed-back to sound thinner and brighter than the equivalent open-back? Assuming the same driver and housing except for the back cover.
 
I ask, since impressions seem to indicate closed back EL-8 is bright and thin So, I'm wondering technically how is that possible lol

 

[Ryanr1987]

[Comment deleted by Mod]
Statement From Mod: as others have mentioned, keep this on topic.

Back to topic.

How is it possible for a closed-back to sound thinner and brighter than the equivalent open-back? Assuming the same driver and housing except for the back cover.

I ask, since impressions seem to indicate closed back EL-8 is bright and thin So, I'm wondering technically how is that possible lol

Easy. Extensions on the top end and enhancement. Rolled off or dark headphones with a mid bass hump usually give a thicker sound. Bright headphones are almost always on the leaner side.

 

[GettingBuckets]

I hope the closed back El-8s are not thin/bright. I don't especially like dark/warm cans, but the opposite end does not do well to my treble sensitive ears

 

[mikemercer]

Finishing (and will be doing more HERE ASAP) my up-coming Sonic Satori column at EnjoyTheMusic:
 
Sonic Satori
Impressions Sessions
Audezes' Transcendent EL-8
 
At $699 bucks, a first for this music-addict
 
Hope you guys dig it.
I had SO many people in the HiFi press say stupid s__ to me like: why are you posting all your EL-8 impressions on Head-Fi" and crap like that.
 
I'm like - that's our community. 
d___  A_____s..
 
last system configuration for these last EL-8 impressions I'm writing now - gotta finish TONIGHT:

 

[MattTCG]

Nice pic Mike!! I have been working the ifi into my rig as well. What a great device...very analogue. Can't wait for the full review to hit.
 
Thanks for the everything brother. 

 

[mikemercer]

  Nice pic Mike!! I have been working the ifi into my rig as well. What a great device...very analogue. Can't wait for the full review to hit.
 
Thanks for the everything brother. 

ThanX brother.
 
and I'll keep posting Impressions here too - just gotta pay the months bills first!
 
I gotta say this - 
 
The EL-8 & Woo WA7 Fireflies has been one of my favorite combinations for desktop,
and the Glove Audio A1 for portable (AK240 too).

 
It took a little over a week for these to really open-up though. I could only know that NOW.
I was impressed with their over-all musicality, especially for 699 bucks - which is why I'm gonna do it - but I don't think anybody should think of comparing these to the LCD-series - they were not designed nor intended for that at their price.
 
And its at that price where, thus far - next to my HD650, Alpha Dogs (have Prime now-thats close too) and Perfect Sound d901s - it really shines.
 
But, I think these guys should do headphone burn-in (I know I know, call me a wacko it's all good) at the factory - because these are still changing, though not as dramatically as the first week. Borrowing a bunch of HiFiMANs from a friend soon and others I used to own but don't anymore for some requested comparisons.
Can't do em all fellaz.
 
But i'm ON IT.
This combo KILLED:
 

 
admittedly, I'm a LIL harsh about NOT offering all-black!
What, you need wood to be Audeze? I call BS...

 

[YtseJamer]

  I don't think anybody should think of comparing these to the LCD-series - they were not designed nor intended for that at their price.
 
And its at that price where, thus far - next to my HD650, Alpha Dogs (have Prime now-thats close too) and Perfect Sound d901s - it really shines.

 
Thanks for your comments Mike.
 
I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed that the EL-8 doesn't seem to compete technically with the LCD-2F.
 
I was not expecting the EL-8 to be a LCD-X and LCD-3 killer but I thought that they would sound at least 95% as good as the LCD-2F.

 

[cute]

 

  I don't think anybody should think of comparing these to the LCD-series - they were not designed nor intended for that at their price.
 
And its at that price where, thus far - next to my HD650, Alpha Dogs (have Prime now-thats close too) and Perfect Sound d901s - it really shines.

 
Thanks for your comments Mike.
 
I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed that the EL-8 doesn't seem to compete technically with the LCD-2F.
 
I was not expecting the EL-8 to be a LCD-X and LCD-3 killer but I thought that they would sound at least 95% as good as the LCD-2F.

You can get a used LCD-2F, in very good condition for the cost of the EL-8!

 

[deafanddumb]

Mike....if I may....please please do th900 comparison

 

[YtseJamer]

 
You can get a used LCD-2F, in very good condition for the cost of the EL-8!

 
I know and I really like the sound of the LCD-2F but I sold them because of the weight.
 
I just want to have a pair of comfortable headphones with the sound quality of the LCD-2F.
 
The HE-560 was almost the perfect headphones for my tastes but at some point I started to have tinnitus problems. 

 

 

[ellstromz]

Thanks for your comments Mike.

I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed that the EL-8 doesn't seem to compete technically with the LCD-2F.

I was not expecting the EL-8 to be a LCD-X and LCD-3 killer but I thought that they would sound at least 95% as good as the LCD-2F.

To be 95% performance of a product that cost 43% more is a failed business strategy that I think Audeze clearly avoided. I personally like the new "look" of the EL-8 and the weight savings and would probably give them a try. I'm not fond of the veneer pattern though. Wish it was a better rose wood grain or perhaps black or silver brushed aluminum. It could be easily fixed with a strip of vinyl though.

 

[cute]

 

 
You can get a used LCD-2F, in very good condition for the cost of the EL-8!

 
I know and I really like the sound of the LCD-2F but I sold them because of the weight.
 
I just want to have a pair of comfortable headphones with the sound quality of the LCD-2F.
 
The HE-560 was almost the perfect headphones for my tastes but at some point I started to have tinnitus problems. 

 

You can get a suspension strap for the LCD-2F from @lohb, that distributes the weight....only about 60 grams more than the EL-8.  I wear my LCD-2F as long as 8 hours a day.....Mike Mercer's pick for headphone of 2014!  I have aftermarket mini xlr cables, and the new proprietary connectors would negate the EL-8 from my list of headphones to audition!  I'll bet Mike Mercer would like to try his pile of Audeze mini xlr cables with the EL-8..... that would be on my mind anyway!

 

[conquerator2]

What about that HE-560 comparison that was promised a few pages back 

 

[YtseJamer]

 
You can get a suspension strap for the LCD-2F from @lohb, that distributes the weight....only about 60 grams more than the EL-8. 

 
Thanks, I will try that if I don't like the EL-8