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Audeze El 8 Titanium Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£790
Avg. price in US: ~$800
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.7

Good

5.9

Good

4.8

Poor

3.2
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%
10
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
6.6
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a closed-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone designed for portable use, featuring 100mm planar drivers with Fluxor magnets and Fazor elements to deliver high-resolution audio (10Hz–50kHz) and exceptional sound accuracy. Its main strengths include a sleek, all-metal Titanium design developed by BMW’s DesignWorksUSA, passive noise isolation, and a special CIPHER Lightning cable containing a 24-bit DAC/DSP for superior smartphone integration. While offering detailed, full-bodied sound, it is relatively heavy at ~460-480g, has a high clamping force that may affect long-term comfort, and uses proprietary cable connectors.

Technical Specifications of Audeze El 8 Titanium

Overall score

5.7

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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.

Sound

6.2

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

6.7

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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

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

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

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

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

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Connectivity

2.9

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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

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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Features

8.0

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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

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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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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Design

5.0

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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

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

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Audeze El 8 Titanium vs the average headphone

Why is Audeze El 8 Titanium better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Audeze El 8 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Audeze El 8 Titanium 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 Titanium 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
Clear call microphone
Audeze El 8 Titanium offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Audeze El 8 Titanium offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Audeze El 8 Titanium 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 Titanium 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
In-line controls
Audeze El 8 Titanium includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Audeze El 8 Titanium includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.2 % lower distortion
Audeze El 8 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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 Titanium 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.
27 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (130 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
20 dB higher max SPL
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Clear call microphone
Audeze El 8 Titanium offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Audeze El 8 Titanium includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
EQ customization
Audeze El 8 Titanium supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Audeze El 8 Titanium worse than the average headphone?

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2.11x higher weight
Audeze El 8 Titanium is heavier than the average headphone (460 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
1.5 higher clamp force
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
2.11x higher weight
Audeze El 8 Titanium is heavier than the average headphone (460 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 Titanium is heavier than the average headphone (460 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.460 g vs 218 g
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Audeze El 8 Titanium 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 Titanium 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
1.5 higher clamp force
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 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 Titanium has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5.8 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5.8 vs 4.3
8.78x more expensive
Audeze El 8 Titanium is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).
Audeze El 8 Titanium is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).£790 vs £90
68.3% lower user score
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.75 vs 8.000).
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.
Audeze El 8 Titanium has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.75 vs 8.000).4.75 vs 8
14.9% worse value for money
Audeze El 8 Titanium has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.86 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 Titanium has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.86 vs 6.736).5.86 vs 6.74
3.38x less popular
Audeze El 8 Titanium is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 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 Titanium is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 vs 4.646).1.38 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Audeze El 8 Titanium and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Audeze El 8 Titanium?

Premium industrial design by BMW Group's Designworks with high-quality metal and wood materials
Exceptional sound quality for Apple users via the included Cipher Lightning cable with integrated DAC and AMP
High level of comfort with soft pleather earpads and a well-designed leather headband spacer
Detailed and crisp high-frequency reproduction, providing great clarity for vocals and acoustic instruments
Low-impedance design makes them easy to drive directly from smartphones without needing a separate amplifier
Excellent sound isolation for a closed-back design, effective at sealing out external noise

What customers dislike about Audeze El 8 Titanium?

Significant weight (approx. 460g) makes them feel heavy during long sessions and less portable than typical travel headphones
High clamping pressure can lead to discomfort or headaches for some users after extended use
Proprietary cable connectors are inconvenient and can be difficult or expensive to replace
Bass response is sometimes described as lacking punch or 'body' compared to other Audeze models
Reported build quality and durability issues, specifically regarding hinges cracking or driver failures in some units
Large and bulky form factor makes them awkward to wear around the neck

Expert reviews

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

04/07/2017

Summary of the review

EL-8 Titanium | DIY-Audio-Heaven

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed primarily for portable and office use. On the positive side, it delivers an impressively flat and well-extended frequency response that reaches below 10Hz, accompanied by remarkably low distortion and an exemplary step response. Its robust metal enclosure features a comfortable pleather padded headband, and its high clamping force ensures the heavy 460-gram chassis stays securely in place while moving around. Additionally, it offers enhanced digital processing versatility through its proprietary 24-bit DAC/DSP CIPHER cable. Conversely, the headphones suffer from several subjective and mechanical drawbacks. Despite a measured mild bass boost, the sound lacks "body" due to an upward-sloping midrange from 200Hz to 2kHz. It can also become uncomfortably "shouty" or show a sharp "edge" at higher volumes because of a distinct treble emphasis. Physically, the heavy weight of the unit may cause fatigue, and its non-standard, proprietary headphone connectors limit aftermarket cable options. Finally, the stock cable is notably microphonic, transmitting audible rubbing noises against clothing during quiet listening passages.

headphonesty.com

01/07/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Audeze EL-8 Titanium - Headphonesty

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium headphones offer a well-balanced, planar magnetic audio experience with punchy, tight mid-bass, a clear sub-bass rumble, and rich, detailed vocals. While the sound is organized, the headphones are noted for having a surprisingly narrow and congested soundstage for their size. However, the headphones suffer from design flaws, including frustration-prone proprietary cable connectors. Furthermore, their heavy, all-metal construction can lead to physical fatigue or discomfort during extended listening sessions. YouTube

ilounge.com

14/05/2021

Summary of the review

Review: Audeze EL-8 Titanium Over-Ear Headphones - iLounge

product that ultimately falls short of being completely convincing. Designed in collaboration with BMW’s Designworks team, the headphones feature an attractive and premium industrial layout with comfortable ear pads and a flat-folding swivel design that enhances portability compared to Audeze's bulky LCD line. On the positive side (pros), they offer excellent sound isolation as closed-back headphones and deliver deep, punchy, well-amplified bass that remains prominent without overpowering the sound. Additionally, the inclusion of a proprietary Cipher Lightning cable at no extra cost allows iOS users to successfully power these demanding planar magnetic drivers using the extra energy from a Lightning port, bypassing the need for a separate portable amplifier. However, the reviewer details notable design flaws and acoustic drawbacks (cons) that held back the overall experience. Physically, the headphones suffer from build quality issues, including ear pads that were partially unstuck straight out of the box due to a poor choice of adhesive, and an alarming plasticky creak that occurs whenever the frame is stretched. They are also exceptionally heavy, weighing slightly over one pound, which can easily trigger neck...

majorhifi.com

12/07/2018

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Headphones Review - Major HiFi

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a portable, closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed specifically for audiophile iPhone users who want premium sound on the road. It features a comfortable fit that mitigates its heavy physical weight, allowing for fatigue-free listening over extended periods. Key strengths include a highly impressive, smooth, and transparent treble response, a wide and tall soundstage, and a fold-flat design for travel. Apple users benefit significantly from the included detachable lightning cable, which is uniquely integrated with its own internal DAC and amplifier to deliver a warm, signature Audeze sound tuning. However, the headphones suffer from several distinct drawbacks. When used without the specialized lightning cable, the sound profile shifts to a U-shape that loses the classic Audeze identity. The audio performance is marred by less present, less "fleshy" lows and a recessed low mid-range. This emphasizes the upper mids and pushes vocals forward, resulting in a thin, less than full-bodied sound that can feel harsh at times. Additionally, despite the built-in amplifier, the headphones may not get loud enough for high-volume listeners using just a phone. While...

whathifi.com

30/12/2016

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium review - What Hi-Fi?

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium headphones are a well-built, premium pair of Lightning-connected cans designed in collaboration with the BMW i8 team, featuring large aluminum earcups and comfy, soft padding. They offer a rich, full-bodied, and warm sound with a decent sense of space, direct vocals, and a controlled bass rumble. The included Cipher Lightning cable houses a built-in 24-bit DAC and amplifier, allowing them to deliver higher volume levels from an iPhone compared to the standard 3.5mm cable, which the smartphone struggles to drive effectively. However, despite their high £700 price tag, they fall notably short in outright performance, sounding dynamically flat, one-paced, and lacking in overall excitement, insight, and cohesion. The treble feels restricted, and vocals can come across as one-dimensional, while the bass line misses the punch and texture expected at this tier. Additionally, their heavy 460g build can weigh heavily on the head and cause the ears to heat up over long listening sessions, all while missing a travel case to aid portability.

themasterswitch.com

04/07/2018

Summary of the review

Review: AUDEZE EL-8 Titanium | The Master Switch

The AUDEZE EL-8 Titanium is an ambitious pair of planar magnetic headphones initially designed to run directly off an iPhone using a specialized, included Lightning "CIPHER" cable ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). This cable features an onboard DAC and amplifier that successfully bypasses Apple's internal audio circuitry to deliver a sharp, quick, and generously loud signal ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). The review highlights exceptional sound quality characterized by a controlled, balanced audio landscape, spectacular articulation, and a deep soundstage with highly detailed highs ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). Additionally, the build quality—masterminded by BMW's DesignWorksUSA—is praised as superb, showcasing premium all-metal titanium cup housings and comfortable, soft leather earcups suitable for long listening sessions ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). Despite these high-end features, the review points out several significant drawbacks, noting that the model is older and has largely been surpassed by newer options like the AUDEZE LCD2C ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). A primary flaw is its lack of clear purpose and identity; though marketed as portable iPhone companions, they are massive, weigh over a pound, and lack a carrying case, making them highly impractical for commuting ShortFormContextResult(index='0.1.1'). Furthermore, performance drops significantly on Android devices due to a...

netzwelt.de

24/01/2017

Summary of the review

Review: How the Audeze EL-8 Titanium brought back my love for music

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a premium, magnetostatic over-ear headphone that delivers extraordinary sound quality, easily outperforming competing models in the €400 to €900 range. Its standout feature is the proprietary Lightning "Cipher" cable, which includes a built-in digital signal processor (DSP), digital amplifier, and digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This integration transforms an Apple iPhone or iPad into a high-end audio source, producing an exceptionally wide, deep soundstage and razor-sharp instrument separation. Despite weighing nearly 500 grams, the headphones mask their heavy footprint well through exceptional build quality, robust materials, and deeply comfortable faux-leather earcups that allow for hours of fatigue-free listening. However, the headphone's unique engineering comes with distinct trade-offs. The main drawbacks include poor sound isolation, meaning music easily leaks out to bystanders at medium volumes, and noticeable cable noise. Performance is also highly dependent on Apple devices; when using the standard 3.5mm headphone jack instead of the Cipher cable, the audio quality sounds noticeably thinner and the maximum volume drops significantly, making an external amplifier necessary for Android users. Furthermore, the cable draws its power directly from the...

faz.net

08/04/2016

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Review – Headphones in the Spirit of Apple

The FAZ review highlights the Audeze EL-8 Titanium as a premium, audiophile-grade headphone featuring planar magnetic technology and an integrated Cipher Lightning cable, which includes a DAC/amplifier for superior sound quality. Praised for its sleek design, crafted in collaboration with BMW DesignworksUSA, it delivers a highly neutral and faithful audio profile, ideal for Apple ecosystem users seeking precise sound reproduction. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including the heavy, bulky design that limits comfort, and proprietary earcup connectors that can feel loose. Despite the exceptional sonic performance, the high price point makes it a substantial investment that may not suit all users.

computerbild.de

21/06/2016

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Headphones Review

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a massive, 480-gram over-ear headphone that delivers extraordinary audio quality specifically optimized for Apple devices via its specialized Cipher Lightning cable. The innovative Cipher cable pulls audio digitally from the iPhone to power an inline signal processor, digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and amplifier. This configuration feeds large, highly advanced magnetostatic drivers that feature flat, rectangular membranes to achieve an exceptionally low distortion level of just 0.018 percent. During testing, the headphones provided an intensely clean, deep bass foundation and stunning acoustic clarity that revealed new details in familiar tracks, outclassing top mobile competitors like the Beyerdynamic T5p and AKG N90Q in sheer punch and transparency. On the positive side, the review praises the EL-8 Titanium for its extremely high sound quality, great wearing comfort despite its bulk, and the addition of a hands-free microphone with volume controls that supports Siri voice commands. However, its premium price tag of 945 Euro is accompanied by several notable drawbacks. The heavy construction makes it cumbersome, there are slight cable noises when moving, and the built-in amplifier drains the connected...

audisseus.de

05/02/2017

Summary of the review

AUDEZE EL-8 - OVER EAR MAGNETOSTAT Would you like a summary of the pros and cons mentioned in these German reviews?

The Audeze EL-8 is an exceptional orthodynamic (planar magnetic) headphone that stands out for its balanced, highly neutral, and transparent sound reproduction across all music genres. Developed in collaboration with the BMW Design Group, it features a sleek, futuristic industrial look utilizing fine faux-leather ear cushions and an elegantly padded headband to maintain long-term comfort despite its substantial weight of 460 grams. Sonically, both the open-back and closed-back versions deliver incredible impulse speed, an uncolored midrange, and a remarkably expansive soundstage with precise, deep bass response. While the closed variant offers tighter punch and a closer perspective, the open version provides a more spacious, relaxed, and velvety listening experience. However, the headphones come with distinct drawbacks, notably their heavy physical profile and strict source requirements. Although they feature a low-impedance design meant to accommodate portable setups, they perform well below their capabilities when plugged directly into standard smartphones. To unlock their high-fidelity potential and true sonic refinement, investing in an external headphone amplifier or high-quality Digital Audio Player (DAP) is mandatory. Ultimately, the premium build materials, pristine craftsmanship, and neutral...

connect.de

14/07/2016

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Review

The Audeze EL-8 ti is a premium closed-back headphone featuring high-quality magnetostatic drivers that deliver an exceptional, airy, and transparent sound stage. It is uniquely equipped with a detachable "Cipher" Lightning cable that houses an integrated DAC, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a powerful headphone amplifier, which completely bypasses the source device's internal audio conversion. In terms of audio performance, the headphone shines with excellent transient response in the high frequencies and a powerful, punchy bass foundation that rivaled top-tier competitors in testing. Additionally, the internal DSP allows users to fully customize their audio experience through a dedicated iOS app featuring a 10-band graphic equalizer. On the positive side, the headphones offer outstanding value for their class, straightforward plug-and-play operation for Apple users, a highly comfortable and lightweight design, and an inline microphone for managing phone calls. However, a major limitation is that the included digital DAC cable is exclusively designed for Apple products with a Lightning connector, offering no immediate digital support for other platforms. While analog fans can swap this for a traditional 6.3mm cable, doing so...

hifistatement.net

12/08/2016

Summary of the review

Audeze EL-8 Titanium - Hifistatement.net

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium headphones share the exact same internal tech as the standard EL-8 Closed Back model, but they offer a sleek new look and a special cable. Visually, the Titanium version replaces the traditional wood accents with a clean, structured black finish and includes a matte silver-grey ring. The biggest highlight of this package is the CIPHER Lightning cable, which allows users to plug the headphones directly into Apple devices without needing a separate dongle. This special six-gram cable houses its own built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an amplifier, a microphone for phone calls, and physical buttons to control music playback or talk to Siri. Users can also download a free companion app from Audeze to adjust their music using a 10-band equalizer and save custom presets. There are clear benefits and minor drawbacks to choosing this specific version. On the positive side, the CIPHER Lightning cable provides vastly superior sound quality compared to standard connections and updates older headphone designs for newer Apple devices. It adds essential headset features like three-button playback control and hands-free calling without adding...

avguide.ch

13/03/2017

Summary of the review

Audeze El-8 Titanium – Richly Analog

The Audeze EL-8 Titanium is a premium, closed-back over-ear headphone that serves as the flagship model in this round-up review, carrying a high-end price tag of 849 CHF. Despite its large and heavy construction, it offers excellent build quality and a highly comfortable fit, fully enclosing the listener's ears. It is designed for seamless connectivity with Apple devices, utilizing an integrated Cipher module built directly into the cable to connect via a Lightning plug. Overall, the headphones deliver a grand performance with an "analog timbre" that closely approaches the audio quality of the industry's top-tier headphones. In terms of audio performance, the review highlights several distinct strengths alongside a minor drawback. The headphones excel with a highly balanced soundstage, exceptional musician imaging, and a beautiful, clear midrange performance. The bass response is a major highlight, described as intense, prominent, deep, and perfectly controlled. On the downside, the review notes a slight deficit in the treble range, where specific dips can negatively impact the overall richness of detail. While this flaw is cleverly masked and does not heavily impact daily listening,...

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