[DavidA]

Thanks a lot, so now AKG K712 PRO, HiFiMan HE-400i are out of the discussion.

Now I need some comments on the Audeze EL-8C, as per some reviews they are as good or better than HD600 and they are planar (this is what looks attractive on paper). Also, they are pretty much in similar price bracket:
* Audeze EL-8 Closed (new): ₹53k
* Audeze EL-8 Closed/Open (refurb): ₹29k
* Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO: ₹50k

If EL-8C is worth it then the refurb will be the one to buy, it's from a trusted source so can't really go wrong with the quality there.

Haven't heard the DT-1990 yet but I do have the HE400i, HE560, EL-8 open, HD650 + a few others and had the K712 (sold) and HD600 (sold) + a few others. The EL-8 is not neutral if one considers the HD600 neutral, it improves on the HD600 with bass that goes deeper, mids a bit more forward and highs that have a nice sparkle but not sibilant like the HD600 was for me. I've replaced the HD600 with a DIY Ypsilon S1 driver build at first but have changed over to the Ypsilon R1 since its more extended in the bass and treble and has a very nice balanced sound to me.

 

[imran27]

Haven't heard the DT-1990 yet but I do have the HE400i, HE560, EL-8 open, HD650 + a few others and had the K712 (sold) and HD600 (sold) + a few others. The EL-8 is not neutral if one considers the HD600 neutral, it improves on the HD600 with bass that goes deeper, mids a bit more forward and highs that have a nice sparkle but not sibilant like the HD600 was for me. I've replaced the HD600 with a DIY Ypsilon S1 driver build at first but have changed over to the Ypsilon R1 since its more extended in the bass and treble and has a very nice balanced sound to me.

Does the EL-8 Open have the deepest bass amongst all the mentioned? How do the EL-8 Open compare to the K712 PRO?

 

[Chris1975]

Just got my B-Ware DT 1990s from the BeyerDynamic online Outlet store. They are a huge step up from my previous favourite cans, the AKG 7XXs (home use) and the DT 770s (on the go use). So much detail can be heard - it's like listening to my music library again for the first time. They seem to be really well paired with my Mojo, too, just the right amount of warmth without it being too overbearing, plus the definition is clearer. Sure they don't have the 7XX soundstage, but on every other front they are superior. Far superior. One happy customer!

 

[DavidA]

Does the EL-8 Open have the deepest bass amongst all the mentioned? How do the EL-8 Open compare to the K712 PRO?

The EL-8 has deep bass but the HE560 seems to go deeper to me but it might seem to have less bass since there is no mid-bass bump like the HD650 and K712.
I going on memory of the K712 since I only had it for a short period 3 years ago when I was first starting out with headphones and didn't have the EL-8 at the time but the one thing that I didn't like about the K712 was the mid range / upper mid range (female vocals) which sounded "off" to me and while the bass did go lower than the HD650 it was a bit bland. I also didn't have a good amp for them, only the original M/M stack and a Topping Vx1 which where not a good pairing with the K712.

 

[imran27]

The EL-8 has deep bass but the HE560 seems to go deeper to me but it might seem to have less bass since there is no mid-bass bump like the HD650 and K712.
I going on memory of the K712 since I only had it for a short period 3 years ago when I was first starting out with headphones and didn't have the EL-8 at the time but the one thing that I didn't like about the K712 was the mid range / upper mid range (female vocals) which sounded "off" to me and while the bass did go lower than the HD650 it was a bit bland. I also didn't have a good amp for them, only the original M/M stack and a Topping Vx1 which where not a good pairing with the K712.

I will have to try EL-8 Open, HE560 and DT 1990 side by side. Will post the impressions.

 

[imran27]

I have got following recommendations: Audio Technica ATH-R70X, Shure SRH1840.

Haven't heard any of them. Any comments, anybody?

 

[cardeli22]

Thanks a lot, so now AKG K712 PRO, HiFiMan HE-400i are out of the discussion.

Now I need some comments on the Audeze EL-8C, as per some reviews they are as good or better than HD600 and they are planar (this is what looks attractive on paper). Also, they are pretty much in similar price bracket:
* Audeze EL-8 Closed (new): ₹53k
* Audeze EL-8 Closed/Open (refurb): ₹29k
* Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO: ₹50k

If EL-8C is worth it then the refurb will be the one to buy, it's from a trusted source so can't really go wrong with the quality there.

I think I read somewhere that the EL-8s were being discontinued. Not sure if that factors into your decision.

 

[kw405]

-

 

[cardeli22]

Yeah they've already been discontinued. The only ones you can get that aren't backordered are the EL-8 Titanium which seems to have another premium price tag on top of it

Yep.

 

[DavidA]

I think I read somewhere that the EL-8s were being discontinued. Not sure if that factors into your decision.

the aluminum is not discontinued, YET
The open and closed ones still have B-stock for $339, a friend just got one last week, which I think is a pretty good deal.

 

[cardeli22]

the aluminum is not discontinued, YET
The open and closed ones still have B-stock for $339, a friend just got one last week, which I think is a pretty good deal.

Very good deal!

 

[imran27]

I had quite a good listen to EL-8 Closed and DT 1990 on Mojo as well as Deckard.

Must say, DT 1990 is soooooo good.
I could feel the speed of EL-8C, but the imaging on the DT 1990 was unbeatable. So natural and precise soundstage. But EL-8C seemed to have more detailed sound, bass was deeper but tight and fast, though DT 1990 bass had that typical dynamic character which is lovely.
Do EL-8 opens fare better (than closed ones) in terms of imaging and soundstage? Are they as natural in soundstage as the DT 1990 pro?

 

[Neobenedict]

So, I ended up buying them. My initial thoughts when I first put them on were:
-MUCH larger soundstage than 880s
-Bass is more "there"
-Very tight clamping force

The increased detail/wider soundstage was very jarring at first, almost too busy for my ears. Having "burned them in" so to speak (my ears, not the headphones) for a few days, I'm very happy with them. There's a ton of detail in these things. I wouldn't want to go back to the DT 880s unless I wanted something a bit softer on my ears. Also they look and feel stunning. But I'll need to losen the clamping force a bit.

This is with B pads and a schiit valhalla 2.

 

[imran27]

With the B-Pads and the Picollo, the DT1990PRO has good body in bass and mids but not like the Erzetich or the 339 OTL, it's more in line and natural. Speed is good, attack is good, detail is good. Sound stage isn't the widest but the sound is very rich and musical. I like this combination

How does HE560 compare to the DT 1990 PRO according to your listening experiences?

 

[cardeli22]

I had quite a good listen to EL-8 Closed and DT 1990 on Mojo as well as Deckard.

Must say, DT 1990 is soooooo good.
I could feel the speed of EL-8C, but the imaging on the DT 1990 was unbeatable. So natural and precise soundstage. But EL-8C seemed to have more detailed sound, bass was deeper but tight and fast, though DT 1990 bass had that typical dynamic character which is lovely.
Do EL-8 opens fare better (than closed ones) in terms of imaging and soundstage? Are they as natural in soundstage as the DT 1990 pro?

Which 1990 pro pads did you use in your testing? The A or B pads?