The news has been around for a while. The industry has decided to ditch the standard analog 3.5mm jack, replacing it for USB-C connectors or, in Apple’s devices, the Lightning cables. Audeze decided to anticipate the benefits of having direct 24-bit audio and introduced its new EL-8 Titanium headphones with support for music and voice.
Even though Apple is taking all the heat from the decision to replace the standard analog 3.5mm headphone jack on its devices, the truth is, this has been on the works for quite some time and it is related with the obvious fact that all current mobile sources are digital. Apple was first with the lightning connector on the iPhone and iPad, but the whole IT and mobile industry is preparing to do the same with the new USB-C connector in order to take advantage of high quality voice calls and high resolution audio sources.
Audio manufacturers are aware of this and there’s a clear opportunity to offer better audio solutions for demanding users, when combining direct access to digital signals and use an external high-quality D/A converter. California-based headphone manufacturer Audeze was able to anticipate the trend and get the benefit of being first on Apple’s iTunes stores with its new EL-8 Titanium Headphones, the first high quality circumaural headphones with a fully integrated Apple lightning cable with a built-in headphone amplifier and high-resolution 24-bit DAC.The EL-8 Titanium headphones are Apple MFi certified and provide Apple users with true high resolution uncompromized audio – not just for music playback, but for voice calls as well. The special model headphones utilize Audeze’s award-winning planar magnetic technology, boasting a 100mm driver that is 4x larger than most others, giving dramatic bass response, low distortion, and a clear and open presentation. Keeping with the acclaimed Audeze aesthetic, the EL-8 Titanium headphones were designed by BMW DesignWorksUSA and feature an aluminum construction for lifelong pride of ownership.
The EL-8 Titanium headphones come with an exclusive lightning cable that streams a complete 24-bit digital signal through a high quality DSP and DAC to offer better sound quality. The built in microphone can be used for phone calls and is SIRI compatible. An accompanying Audeze app can be used to apply EQ and sound presets. For non-Apple device compatibility, the headphones also include a standard analog cable.
The EL-8 Titanium headphones are now available in Apple stores in US and Canada for $799.95.
www.audeze.com
