The ASs take some beating on design. Beautifully machined from aluminium with a wantonly over-engineered piston adjustment system, they're truly lust worthy objects. But ignore the temptation to dismiss the A8s as mere objets de couture. They sound big, balanced and insightful. impressing with the detail they dig up, their rocking bass and their richness. At 22g these are no flyweights but still feel great on your ears. For a notoriously swank brand, you get all this at a bargain price too.