CES: Audeze unveils £600 EL-8 headphones and Deckard DAC/amp

By Joe Cox
published

Much-loved high-end headphone manufacturer Audeze has introduced a new entry-level set of cans in the shape of the EL-8, which come in at a relatively affordable (for Audeze) £600. There's a new Bladerunner-inspired DAC/headphone amp, too.

Available in open- or closed-back designs, the Audeze EL-8 headphones still use the company's preferred planar magnetic technology.

The new Audeze headphones have been designed in conjunction with the same BMW Group Designworks team and continue in the same style as the excellent LCD-3 headphones.

Happily, at £600 (US $699), they are a fair bit cheaper than those £1700+ cans.

MORE: Read all our Audeze reviews and news

Comfortable, stylish and built to last but with the same exacting focus on sound quality is how Audeze describes the new EL-8 headphones, with the suspended headband and contoured earpads designed for long listening sessions.

As well as the company's planar magnetic tech, there's a Uniforce diaphragm, which uses material originally developed by NASA for lightweight, ultra-strong electronics that would work in space. So they should be OK in your front room.

The new headphones are due out in Spring for £600.

MORE: Best over-ear headphones to buy 2015

Also new from Audeze is the Deckard DAC/headphones amplifier. The DAC handles 16-bit and 32-bit files and sampling rates right up to 384kHz.

USB and analogue inputs keep connections simple, while you can connect headphones or a set of powered speakers. We're waiting on confirmation of pricing and a release date.

Audeze is teaming-up with Meridian to show-off the new products with MQA audio at CES 2015, so we'll be sure to get up close and personal with the new cans and report back on our findings.

CES 2015: All the latest CES 2015 news, show highlights and products

Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is Content Director for T3 and What Hi-Fi?, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for more than 15 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).