Apple Adds $800 Lightning Adapter 'Audeze EL-8' Headphones to Online Store

Apple today introduced a new pair of headphones onto its online storefront that support an iPhone's Lightning connector in lieu of a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack (via The Verge). The "Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back Headphones" will run users $799.95 and are being touted by Audeze as the "world’s first headphones with a fully integrated Apple Lightning cable."

audeze 1

The included Lightning cable streams a complete 24-bit digital signal from the iOS device to the speakers in the headset through a high quality DSP and 28-bit DAC, giving the headphones "superior performance" for not only music but voice calls as well. The company has also created a companion app that allows users to customize specific sound presets for the device, and the built-in microphone used for making phone calls also supports Siri.

The EL-8 model gives you a lifelike listening experience with an extended frequency response that opens up a new breadth of sound. Its driver is four times larger than most other headphones and gives excellent bass response along with extremely low distortion. To match the EL-8's impressive audio, its industrial design is by BMW’s DesignWorks. And durable aluminum construction ensures that you'll have lasting enjoyment.

The EL-8's "Cypher Cable," which maximizes and enhances the sound quality of the iPhone's playback, is one of the added costs of the headphone's top-tier pricing, as pointed out by The Verge, resulting in a $100 premium over the standard EL-8 headphones. Still, in comparison to Audeze's LCD collection of headphones, its Apple MFi certified EL-8 lineup debuting today is somewhat of a bargain. Most LCD models range between $900 and $1,500, but the most expensive reaches nearly $4,000.

audeze 2

Those interested can purchase the Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back Headphones for $799.95 on the Apple online store beginning today. Shipping sits at about 2-3 business days at the time of writing, but anyone close to an Apple store could opt-in for personal pick-up instead.

Tag: Audeze

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

thmsup

54 months ago

Misleading headline? I thought apple would've outdone themselves by adding a $800 lightning adapter.

Rating: 22 Votes

keysofanxiety

54 months ago

I am pretty surprised that there is a set of headphones that they charge $800 for. Those things must provide some hi fidelity sound...or maybe its just overpriced

The EL-8s have a really high frequency range and its peaks don't really distort under high volume. However if you're just looking for a cheap set of great listening headphones, a pair of Sony MDR-7506s will be more than ample. People even use those for mixing.

EL-8s are good at what they do, and yes they're expensive, but 'overpriced' is difficult to argue when they do the job they're meant to. Most consumers wouldn't think about sinking 10K on a computer, though you wouldn't see many recording studios running through a $200 Toshiba Satellite Pro! So 'niche' is a far better word I think. :)

Rating: 11 Votes

ctg7w6

54 months ago

$800 headphones, $2000 speakers, $10000 watches (that are out of date every 1-2 years). This is comedy.

Rating: 7 Votes

HobeSoundDarryl

54 months ago

I fully support the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. It's about time.

* Because you prefer proprietary connectors that will only work with highly select hardware?
* Because you desire keeping up with separate adapters to be able to use the same $800 headphones with non-Apple audio equipment (with the adapter probably priced at a typical premium for an Apple proprietary jack to standard jack adapter), and/or
* Because you believe existing iDevices are too thick and thus the headphone jack must go in support of even "thinner" case designs (ignoring that the thinner iPod has a 3.5mm jack proving there is still plenty of room for "thinner" without having to go to an Apple-only proprietary jack)?

If yes to any of those, I'm guessing you are answering as a shareholder instead of as a consumer.

Rating: 7 Votes

Kiwikat88

54 months ago

I am pretty surprised that there is a set of headphones that they charge $800 for. Those things must provide some hi fidelity sound...or maybe its just overpriced

Have you ever spent good money on a high quality computer, smartphone, or TV? This is no different. I've got a pair of their more expensive Audeze LCD-X and they just about knock over anyone who listens to them. Even skeptics love them after hearing them.

I cannot for the life of me understand why people are OK with spending money on a HDTV or 4K TV but won't spend money for higher quality sound. If you actively listen to music (not just put it on as background noise) you owe it to yourself to invest in some good headphones. The buds that come with your phone are absolutely awful. You seriously don't know what you have been missing.

Rating: 5 Votes

iJeremy

54 months ago

Please read what comes in the box:

Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back Headphones

Lightning cable with headphone amp and DAC

Standard audio cable for use with non-Apple devices

3.5mm to 0.25 in. plug adapter

Rating: 5 Votes

chromite

54 months ago

I fully support the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. It's about time.

Rating: 4 Votes

doctor-don

54 months ago

$800?

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Rating: 4 Votes

anarchos

54 months ago

The level of ignorance here is astounding. Who knew so many Apple fans are Phillistines when it comes to high fidelity.

And I personally find it hilarious that Apple fans are complaining of expensive gadgets!

Rating: 3 Votes

Moriarty

54 months ago

When you read stuff like "28-bit" DACs, you just know it's BS. Anyway, people who are into Hi-Fi probably want to have separate control over DAC, amplifier and Headphones. Nobody is going to shell out 800 bucks for a inflexible solution like that. You can literally only use that headphone on your iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone. Who would want that?

There is no such thing as a 28 bit DAC, in the sense that there is no DAC that has more than about ~ 20 bits worth of dynamic range. Plus, you're working with a 16 bit source file, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Audeze make good audio gear, and these cans have planar magnetic drivers. The extra power that a Lightning connector can deliver is no doubt useful, as an iPhone's 3.5 mm jack would normally really struggle to drive planars. I bet they're great headphones and the extra cost might not be too out of line, but it's a shame about the marketing BS.

Rating: 3 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]