I've had my Elite since Sept. 2. I find it to be a significant improvement over my previous favorite headphone, the Empyrean, and worth the price. I'm using the hybrid pads; did not like the sound of the alcantara pads.
The Elite has these advantages over the Empyrean:
Elite eliminates the Empy's bass overemphasis, but still has plenty of accurate, well-controlled bass.
Elite's midrange is even better than the Empy, well-recorded vocals can take on a 3D quality.
The Elite has a smooth treble and eliminates the Empy's treble peak.
The Elite is more neutral and refined, with improved detail and soundstage.
You need an amp that can supply the detailed refinement you will hear with the Elite. I'm using a Burson Soloist 3X.
Read the written review at the Bloom Audio website. Their comments are consistent with what I am hearing with the Elite.
I loved my Empyrean. I didn't expect to like the Elite so much more. I ordered mine on Sept.1 from Bloom Audio and received it the next day.
I also had a chance to compare the Elite to another new similarly-priced headphone, a Dan Clark Stealth. It was no contest. I didn't like the tonality or bass response of the Stealth, and returned it.