Audeze EL-8

5.0 (1)

6 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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High-performance headphone series, featuring world-class planar magnetic technology.

EL-8 Series headphones are flexible, portable, lightweight and loaded with new technology for extreme performance, and they work beautifully with most portable players and phones. Designed by Designworks, a BMW group subsidiary, the EL-8 Series is built with superb craftsmanship, wood veneer accents, and enormous attention to detail. The EL-8 features some of the the world's most advanced planar magnetic technology delivering a high-end sound quality that will please the most discerning audiophiles.

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Z Reviews

Z Review - Audeze EL-8 OpenBack

Z Reviews

Z Review - Audeze EL-8C [U.S. Luxury Cans]

Z Reviews

Introducing the Audeze EL-8 - Head-Fi TV

headfi

Audeze EL-8 Open Back Headphones Review

randomfrankp

Audeze EL-8 Planar Magnetic Headphones - Expert Review

HiFi Headphones

Audeze EL-8 Open Review

Joshua Valour

Audeze EL 8 Headphones - Review

Digital Trends

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Review

Joshua Valour

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audeze EL-8.

Setup and maintenance

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Some users experience driver crinkle more frequently compared to other planar headphones.
Source
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Achieving optimal sound requires a tight seal on the ear cups; loose fits can significantly affect bass and soundstage clarity.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

EL-8C is sensitive to amplifier pairing, with Fiio E17 providing a more suited match than JDSLabs C5, enhancing sound quality through EQ adjustments.
Source

User experience

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The EL-8C's sound isolation is highly praised, providing excellent noise cancellation and minimal sound leakage, outperforming many closed-back alternatives.
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Owners report a substantial improvement in soundstage and clarity after 100 hours of use, suggesting a longer burn-in period than typical headphones.
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Owners report these headphones are heavy yet comfortable, contradicting some negative comfort reviews.
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0 0

Some users find the EL-8's sound stage detailed but pushed farther back, leading to less engagement compared to the HD650.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Denon D5000 and Fostex TH600, the EL-8C lacks punchy bass but offers a stereo-like, balanced soundstage, akin to studio monitors.
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0 0

The EL-8 Titanium is described as a "closed back Sundara," sharing a neutral tuning and light bass, with a closed-back soundstage.
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0 0

The EL-8 outperforms the Cascadia Audio Talos in detail, with the Talos sounding muddy and having scratchy treble by comparison.
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0 0

Female vocals on the EL-8 are smoother than on the Oppo PM3, yet the EL-8's treble can sound tinnier.
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0 0

When compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, the EL-8 offers more detail, airiness, and bass quality.
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0 0

EL-8's treble is considered less harsh than the Denon AH-D7200, reducing listening fatigue despite slightly lower detail.
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Features and functionality

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EL-8C features proprietary custom connectors; Audeze plans to release additional cables, including balanced ones, enhancing connectivity options.
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The EL-8 Open Back headphones are noted for their natural and neutral sound signature compared to the AudioQuest Night Hawk.
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The EL-8 Titanium headphones include a lightning connector, allowing integration with an iPhone app for limited global EQ adjustments.
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Build quality

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The EL-8C's veneer wood accents are seen as an aesthetic choice to differentiate from higher-end series, despite some considering it a cost-cutting measure.
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Owners praise the EL-8 for its beautifully designed and robust build quality, suggesting it as a highlight not to be overlooked.
Source

Value and pricing

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Despite a negative reputation, the EL-8 Titanium is considered a great value at around $200 on resale markets.
Source

Critic Reviews

Audeze EL-8 Review | Open Headphone | Audiophile ON — Audiophile ON

audiophileon.com

The Audeze EL-8 Open-Back headphones impress with their sleek design and superb sound quality, marking a departure from Audeze's older, bulkier models. Offering a modern aesthetic and solid build, they are comfortable for long listening sessions. Sound-wise, they deliver excellent clarity and detail, especially in the mids and highs, though bass might feel light for those into bass-heavy genres. Ideal for rock, jazz, and classical, the EL-8 is a strong contender in its price range, making it a worthy consideration for audiophiles seeking style and substance.

positive

Full Review

Audeze EL-8 Review

kenrockwell.com

The Audeze EL-8 headphones impress with buttery smooth sound and robust, bottomless bass, ideal for those seeking warmth and reduced harshness. Their planar magnetic technology sets them apart from conventional headphones, offering deep bass and smoothness. Yet, they may sound duller with a recessed upper midrange, and "cuppy" on some heads due to a lower midrange boost. Ergonomics are improved over previous models, being lighter and more comfortable. While they excel in bass, they fall short in clarity and detail compared to pricier STAX models. Overall, the EL-8 offer a practical, balanced option, albeit with less presence than competitors like the Sennheiser HD 650.

neutral

Full Review

Audeze EL-8 Headphones - The Absolute Sound

theabsolutesound.com

The Audeze EL-8 headphones attempt to bring high-performance sound in a more travel-friendly package with its open-back and closed-back designs. While they boast impressive technology like the Fluxor magnetic setup and Uniforce diaphragm, they face issues such as connector looseness and lack of a hard travel case. Sound-wise, the EL-8C offers deeper bass, while the EL-8 provides a more expansive soundstage. Comfort is decent but not exceptional, with leather ear pads that can get warm. While delivering a respectable audio experience reminiscent of Audeze's higher-end models, they fall short of being a perfect portable solution for LCD loyalists.

neutral

Full Review

Audeze EL-8 Review – A Bass Head’s Dream? - Home Studio Basics

homestudiobasics.com

The Audeze EL-8 headphones shine with elegant design and exceptional comfort, offering a smooth, relaxed listening experience with precise bass and clear highs. They are particularly suited for genres like hip-hop and rock, thanks to their balanced sound. However, they can occasionally sound distant due to a recessed mid-range and have limited portability because they don't fold. Despite these minor drawbacks, the EL-8 stands out as a versatile and exquisite choice for studio use.

positive

Full Review

Audeze EL-8 Review

headfonia.com

The Audeze EL-8 headphones are an approachable entry into Audeze's lineup, offering both open and closed variants. They feature a sleek design by BMWDesignWorks USA, though some may find the veneer finish lacks premium appeal. Comfort is generally good, albeit with notable clamping force. Sound-wise, they diverge from the acclaimed LCD series; while not reaching the same sonic heights, they present a distinct signature. The EL-8's are well-suited for those who appreciate the Audeze brand but seek a more affordable option. However, the proprietary cable system may cause durability concerns. Overall, the EL-8s are a commendable choice for their price, though not without some caveats.

positive

Full Review

Audeze EL-8 hands-on review | Over-ear | What Hi-Fi?

whathifi.com

The Audeze EL-8 headphones deliver impressive sound quality with their new planar magnetic technology, offering deep bass and clarity that’s perfect for audiophiles. The build is robust, and although a bit hefty, they are comfortable for short listening sessions. However, the weight might be a concern for extended use, and at £600, they are still a significant investment for what is considered 'entry-level' by Audeze standards. Overall, the initial impressions are positive, pointing towards a promising addition to Audeze's lineup, pending more extensive testing.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

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1 star

ru3ix

100

almost 8 years ago

Great product for a studio monitor replacement

I use this for my studio setup. Sound quality is great.

Artist usage

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Feed Me

Music Producer

Seventh Stitch

Verified via Photo

Feed Me mentioned the Audeze EL-8 headphones on Instagram, expressing excitement to try them out alongside his LCD-X model.

Feint

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Feint (Andy) shows off his new headphones. Which are the Audeze EL-8 headphones

Oliver Nelson

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via Photo

"Welcome to the family EL-8! My new favourite". You can see the Audeze EL-8 on the left.

Genre Usage

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See also: Headphones & In-Ear Monitors, Audeze, Audeze Headphones & In-Ear Monitors

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Pricing and availability

Description

Videos

Reviews

Owner Insights

Setup and maintenance

Use cases and applications

User experience

Comparisons

Features and functionality

Build quality

Value and pricing

Critic Reviews

Audeze EL-8 Review | Open Headphone | Audiophile ON — Audiophile ON

Audeze EL-8 Review

Audeze EL-8 Headphones - The Absolute Sound

Audeze EL-8 Review – A Bass Head’s Dream? - Home Studio Basics

Audeze EL-8 Review

Audeze EL-8 hands-on review | Over-ear | What Hi-Fi?

Great product for a studio monitor replacement

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