Well Eagle_Driver, they were wrong. The EQ8 are kinda flat, lacking fidelety, with the highs a bit shrill and a strong bass.
The EQ5 are very nice. Good bass, a little warmer than my Ety ER6, not dark like my DT250's, and the highs are nice, but not perfect, just a hint of fuzziness in the cymbals on the Jethro Tull Original Masters CD. The bass is not as tight as the ER6 but not overpowering like the KSC50. This is my initial reaction. They only have about 7 hours on them so far. Too bad the EQ8 doesn't sound better, they have a nice fabric covered cord that goes to the left earpiece then goes from there to the right side. They also came with a matching extension cord. The EQ5 have a standard rubber type cord that is longer on the right side like my Ety's. Both pair have the short Japan style cord, about 2 feet long.
They both appear to be well built units. They don't use the pivoting spring action like the Koss and Sony. Instead the ear clips flip out to a 45 degree angle from the earpiece so that when you first put them on the drivers are pointed toward the back of your head until you let them flip against your ear. They are more comfortable than the Koss.
I'll let them burn in some more and see if the EQ8's will get any better. So far the EQ5's are a winner.