Listened (briefly) at a dealer, comparing them side-by-side with JM Lab equivalent model (size and price-wise....don't remember the model #).
Audition was brief because I (old ears) and wife (young ears) found S8s excessively bright and piercing in the highs. All it took was a minute to decide these things were death to music listening pleasure. Maybe if they were listened to WAAAAY off axis they would be tolerable, but otherwise, no cigar.
JM Labs...a fine, smooth wine that you savor on your palate as long as possible.
S8...grimacing the whole time its on your palate (and to add insult to injury...it burns on the way down).
Audition was brief because I (old ears) and wife (young ears) found S8s excessively bright and piercing in the highs. All it took was a minute to decide these things were death to music listening pleasure. Maybe if they were listened to WAAAAY off axis they would be tolerable, but otherwise, no cigar.
JM Labs...a fine, smooth wine that you savor on your palate as long as possible.
S8...grimacing the whole time its on your palate (and to add insult to injury...it burns on the way down).