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Audeze El 8 Closed Back Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£730
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Audeze El 8 Closed Back review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.4

Sound

20.0%

8.0

Features

10.0%

5.1

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

3.2

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 4.1
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 2.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £730

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back is a premium planar magnetic headphone featuring massive 100mm drivers, patented Fluxor magnet arrays, and Uniforce diaphragms that deliver a wide frequency response of 10Hz – 50kHz. Its low impedance of 30 ohms and sensitivity of 102dB make it highly efficient and easy to drive directly from portable devices without a dedicated amplifier. Key characteristics include a sleek industrial design by BMW's DesignWorksUSA, durable aluminum construction, and a balanced, non-fatiguing sound signature highlighted by punchy mid-bass and exceptional clarity in the mids and highs. Main pros include its superb passive noise isolation, high-resolution audio performance, and a luxurious fit with thick faux leather earpads. However, it is relatively heavy at 480g–540g, utilizes proprietary flat-cable connectors that limit third-party replacements, and has been noted by some users for a strong clamping force that can become uncomfortable during extended listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of Audeze El 8 Closed Back

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.8
Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a technical score of 5.84 points, which is higher than that of 70.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

6.7

Price

6.1
Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 78.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Audeze El 8 Closed Back does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

100 mm
Audeze El 8 Closed Back uses a driver size of 100 mm, larger driver size than 98.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Audeze El 8 Closed Back uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Audeze El 8 Closed Back reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Audeze El 8 Closed Back does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Audeze El 8 Closed Back is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Audeze El 8 Closed Back has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Audeze El 8 Closed Back does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Audeze El 8 Closed Back works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audeze
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

480 g
Audeze El 8 Closed Back weighs 480 g, heavier than 98.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

4.9
Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.5% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
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Audeze El 8 Closed Back vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.100 mm vs 40 mm
  • EQ customization
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
    When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
  • 30x higher input power handling
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
    When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=300 mW

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.3000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup height
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 0.8 m more useful cable length
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 30x higher input power handling
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • EQ customization
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Total
Design
Sound
Features
  • 2.2x higher weight
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 2.2x higher weight
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is heavier than the average headphone (480 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.480 g vs 218 g
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8.11x more expensive
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is more expensive than the average headphone (£730 vs £90).
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is more expensive than the average headphone (£730 vs £90).£730 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 10.7% worse value for money
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.09 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.09 vs 6.736).6.09 vs 6.74
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.4.9 vs 4.3
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Audeze El 8 Closed Back has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Audeze El 8 Closed Back and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Audeze El 8 Closed Back?

  • Premium build quality with aluminum, protein leather, and wood veneer accents
  • Excellent isolation for a closed-back headphone, creating a 'pitch black' background
  • Rich and natural midrange especially well-suited for vocals and solo instruments
  • Smooth and non-fatiguing treble that avoids harshness or sibilance
  • Highly efficient and easy to drive directly from smartphones or portable players
  • Accurate instrument separation and precise detail in faster music genres

What customers dislike about Audeze El 8 Closed Back?

  • Proprietary flat-connector cable that is difficult and expensive to replace
  • Heavy overall weight (460g) and strong initial clamping force can cause fatigue
  • Reported issues with driver failure and cracking hinges in early production batches
  • Cramped or 'muffled' soundstage compared to open-back alternatives or higher-tier models
  • Ear pads can produce an audible 'crinkling' or 'sticking' noise when first worn
  • Lack of sub-bass 'impact' or texture for those seeking a heavy bass response

Expert reviews

M
majorhifi.com
12/07/2018
Audeze EL-8 Titanium Headphones Review

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a closed-back, planar magnetic over-ear headphone designed specifically as a high-end portable option for iPhone users. It features a large 100mm transducer, low 30-ohm impedance, and folds flat for travel, though it remains notably big and heavy in hand. Despite its bulk, the headphone provides surprising long-term listening comfort without causing head...Read more

H
headfonia.com
11/08/2015
Review: Audeze EL-8 Open & Closed

The Audeze EL-8 Open-Back is praised for its fast, transparent, and neutral-warm sound, with efficient drivers that are easy to power via portable devices. However, it lacks a wide 3D soundstage and is hampered by fragile, proprietary connector cables. The Closed-Back version is deemed inferior due to a severely compromised, recessed midrange that results in an unnatural U- or...Read more

S
soundandvision.com
18/08/2015
Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back Headphone Review

The Audeze EL-8 closed-back headphones deliver planar magnetic technology in a smaller, lighter, and more robust metal design compared to previous flagship models, offering high sensitivity that allows them to be driven easily by portable devices. Featuring 100mm drivers and Fazor technology, they provide exceptional high-frequency extension and excellent passive noise isolation....Read more

H
homestudiobasics.com
23/02/2025
Audeze EL-8 Review – A Bass Head's Dream?

The Audeze EL-8 (Open Back) is a highly praised planar magnetic headphone celebrated for its elegant, durable build made of die-cast metal, protein leather, and wood veneer accents. Designed for exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions, it features a balanced, relaxed, and non-fatiguing sound signature highlighted by a remarkably deep and flat "bottomless" bass...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/04/2015
Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi user review of the Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back highlights an analytical sound signature with exceptional detail retrieval, tight, neutral bass, and effective passive noise isolation. Conversely, the review identifies significant drawbacks, including a cold, artificial sound with a recessed lower mid-range, lack of bass impact, heavy, uncomfortable ergonomics, and a very...Read more

P
positive-feedback.com
11/10/2015
Making a Case for Convenience: Audeze EL-8 Closed Back

summary of the Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back headphone review: The Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back headphone ($699 USD) represents a major design shift for the brand, utilizing help from BMWDesignWorks USA to create a sleek, understated aesthetic blending aluminum, wood veneer, and leather. On the positive side, the headphone offers a suspension headband system that comfortably distributes...Read more

I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Review: Audeze EL-8 Titanium Over-Ear Headphones - iLounge

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium ($799) is a closed-back, planar magnetic headphone designed in collaboration with BMW's Designworks team. It features striking industrial design, exceptionally comfortable ear pads, and a swivel joint that allows the cups to fold flat for easier transport. Performance highlights include excellent isolation and a deep, punchy bass response typical of...Read more

W
whathifi.com
30/12/2016
Audeze EL-8 Titanium review - What Hi-Fi?

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium headphones offer a very rich, weighty, and full-bodied sound with a decent amount of space. Designed with the team behind the BMW i8, these sturdy, well-built cans look highly premium with their large black and silver aluminium earcups. They come with a special Cipher Lightning cable that includes its own 24-bit DAC and amplifier, which helps the headphones...Read more

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themasterswitch.com
04/07/2018
Review: AUDEZE EL-8 Titanium | The Master Switch

The The Master Switch Review of the AUDEZE EL-8 Titanium highlights the headphones as an ambitious attempt to power heavy-duty planar magnetic drivers directly from an iPhone via a dedicated Lightning "CIPHER" cable. On the positive side, pros include an exceptional, balanced audio landscape featuring breathtaking articulation, crisp detail in the highs, and an excellent sense of...Read more

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hifipig.com
05/06/2015
Audeze EL-8 Closed Back Headphones Review - Hifi Pig

The Hifi Pig review highlights the Audeze EL-8 Closed Back Headphones as an exceptional, highly desirable product that balances premium audiophile sound with everyday usability. A major pro is their innovative Fluxor Magnetic Technology, which significantly lowers the overall weight to 480g and increases efficiency compared to previous Audeze models. This allows them to be easily...Read more

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computerbild.de
21/06/2016
Audeze EL-8 Titanium headphones review - Computer Bild

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a massive, premium over-ear headphone specifically optimized for Apple devices via its specialized Cipher Lightning cable. In terms of performance pros, this digital connection integrates a built-in signal processor, digital-to-analog converter, and amplifier directly into the cable, resulting in an exceptionally pristine, powerful, and distortion-free...Read more

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hifistatement.net
12/08/2016
Audeze EL-8 Titanium

The HIFISTATEMENT review explains that the Audeze EL-8 Titanium is technically identical to the standard EL-8 Closed Back headphones. However, it offers a more modern, cool, and technical look due to its textured black surface and matte silver-gray outer rings. The biggest highlight of this specific package is the addition of the six-gram CIPHER-Lightning cable. This special cable...Read more

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fairaudio.de
01/07/2015
Review Summary: Audeze EL-8 and Audeze Deckard - fairaudio

The Audeze EL-8 closed-back headphones and Deckard amplifier combo offer a highly detailed, modern audio experience that addresses past design and comfort complaints. The EL-8 headphones deliver exceptional impulse loyalty and precise, deep bass extension without the typical boomy drawbacks of closed-back designs. However, their "relentlessly honest" tuning can make bad recordings...Read more

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audisseus.de
05/02/2017
Audeze EL-8 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones Review

The Audisseus review by Fritz I. Schwertfeger provides an in-depth analysis of the magnetostatic Audeze EL-8 over-ear headphones, which retail around €829. Developed in collaboration with the BMW Design Group, the EL-8 features a futuristic-organic, industrial aesthetic adorned with wood veneer accents and lush, asymmetrical faux-leather ear cushions. Technologically, it utilizes a...Read more

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faz.net
08/04/2016
Audeze EL-8 Titanium Review - Headphones Designed with Apple in Mind

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium, reviewed by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), is a premium, closed-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a Cipher Lightning cable with an integrated DAC and amplifier for Apple devices. It is praised for its elegant, clean design and exceptional, balanced sound reproduction that delivers high dynamic precision. However, the review highlights that...Read more

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avguide.ch
14/03/2017
Audeze El-8 Titanium – Richly Analog

The Audeze El-8 Titanium is reviewed as a premium, flagship closed-back over-ear headphone tailored for the iPhone 7, featuring large planar magnetic drivers and priced at 849 CHF. On the positive side, the headphones deliver exceptional overall build quality and a highly comfortable fit despite their large, heavy construction. Sonically, they excel with a beautifully balanced and...Read more

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