Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back (2015)
High-performance planar magnetic closed-back headphones designed with BMWDesignWorks USA. Build is strong. Comfort is mixed because of the weight.
Overview
The Audeze EL-8 Closed-Back is an over-ear, closed-back planar magnetic headphone introduced around 2015. Its first public appearance is linked to the 2015 California Audio Show. Audeze designed it with BMWDesignWorks USA, so it pairs an industrial design pedigree with Audeze's planar magnetic technology. It weighs 24.9 oz (706 g). Several users noted that the weight affects long-term comfort, even with large, plush ear pads. Sound & Vision measured a sensitivity of 100 dB/1mW, so portable devices can drive it, though an external amplifier may improve performance. The box includes a manual and a signed card from an Audeze employee.
Design
The EL-8 Closed-Back has a closed-back enclosure and large ear pads meant to improve isolation. The available sources don't evaluate isolation performance in detail. It uses planar magnetic drivers, as Audeze's other headphones do, and got a driver update in 2016, as noted in user discussions. The BMWDesignWorks USA collaboration shows in the build quality and the look. It shipped with proprietary cable connectors, and some reviewers liked how securely they fit.
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