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Author Topic: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions  (Read 7119 times)

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MuppetFace

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Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« on: January 09, 2013, 02:10:42 PM »
These are in my ears right now. Here are some early thoughts:

-> They look like they were designed by HR Giger, which is a plus in my book.
-> Ergonomics aren't great. Fit is okay for me, but cable is not detachable and somewhat microphonic. Can't wear these upside down due to the angle of their insertion.
-> Build seems solid. However I've noticed a "clinking" noise in the left unit when I touch the ports in the back. Driver flex?
-> Sonically these strike me as refined on first listen. Bass is a bit too prominent for my liking, though not as problematic as the balance on the IE8. Midbass doesn't encroach into the midrange. Lower bass seems more emphasized.
-> Highs are detailed but not overly aggressive; slightly sibilant on a few tracks, but not harsh and falls within my comfortable range of tolerance. Sounds a little thin at times however.
-> Mids are simply stunning, extremely refined and detailed but possessing a natural sounding timbre. They have an effortless quality. Vocals almost sound like they do on electrostats with that "out of thin air" quality.

Overall a good effort from Sennheiser IMHO, but the pricetag is a little steep (getting into customs territory). Biggest sonic issue is the bass emphasis which can be distracting for critical listening, though might be desirable if you're using them in a noisy environment. Ergonomics are also not great, and this clinking noise in the left earpiece is weird too.

Four out of five Cardas neodymium infused high fives.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2013, 02:51:33 PM »
Agreed.  Heard these at the Senn booth at CES.  Nice clear and effortless mids.  Nothing too sharp up in the treble but need more time in a quieter environment to evaluate that aspect better.  Low bass was way too much for my tastes.  I'd have to try to roll tips to break up the isolation and tame that by about 5dB at least.  It sounds like a slight emphasis on bass light tracks but on tracks that already have solid bass in the mix, it's too much for me to be comfortable with.  Makes the bass on the TH900 sound neutral.

Btw, thanks to Tyll for stealing the last demoable pair for his review.  Ninja Herstens!  It was quite a customer service experience having Axel Grell crawl around on his hands and knees to disconnect one of the few remaining IE800s from the behind the sound board so I could demo it w/ my Nokia>Leckerton.  Danke Herr Grell!
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ader

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2013, 03:57:22 PM »
Have either of you heard the IE80?  Supposedly it has less bass than the 8, but I've never heard an authentic IE8.  Just wondering how the 80 compares since I have heard that.

Also, I thought the icon used for this thread was some kinda eyeball monster until I zoomed in on it.
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Marvey

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2013, 04:39:12 PM »
That's too bad about the bass.
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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2013, 04:59:08 PM »
Partially blocking the vents should reduce the low-bass nicely if that's the main complaint.
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MuppetFace

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2013, 05:44:43 PM »
Blocking the vents does reduce the bass, yeah.

The more I listen to these, the more I like them. I'm finding that the bass is fairly benign (though still emphasized) on tracks that aren't wub-wub centric, enough to where it doesn't bother me. On electronica and hip hop it's fun for maybe five minutes, but then I go for the EQ, which is worth it to me because I find these do everything else pretty damn well. Really, this is the best Sennheiser product I've heard in a while.

Regarding the tinkling noise I mentioned before: having talked to another head-fier, he seems to think it may be a bit of wiring that is loose and touching the side of the earpiece. Assuming it doesn't cause any problems, I can live with it as it's almost inaudible unless the surrounding environment is totally quiet.
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wilzc

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2013, 02:19:26 AM »
Inexcusable for an IEM that price.

Suddenly turned off due to the inability to wear the cable around me ears. I need that somehow..
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Fitcherama

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2013, 08:02:16 AM »
Quote from: MuppetFace on January 09, 2013, 02:10:42 PM
These are in my ears right now. Here are some early thoughts:

-> They look like they were designed by HR Giger, which is a plus in my book.
-> Ergonomics aren't great. Fit is okay for me, but cable is not detachable and somewhat microphonic. Can't wear these upside down due to the angle of their insertion.
-> Build seems solid. However I've noticed a "clinking" noise in the left unit when I touch the ports in the back. Driver flex?
-> Sonically these strike me as refined on first listen. Bass is a bit too prominent for my liking, though not as problematic as the balance on the IE8. Midbass doesn't encroach into the midrange. Lower bass seems more emphasized.
-> Highs are detailed but not overly aggressive; slightly sibilant on a few tracks, but not harsh and falls within my comfortable range of tolerance. Sounds a little thin at times however.
-> Mids are simply stunning, extremely refined and detailed but possessing a natural sounding timbre. They have an effortless quality. Vocals almost sound like they do on electrostats with that "out of thin air" quality.

Overall a good effort from Sennheiser IMHO, but the pricetag is a little steep (getting into customs territory). Biggest sonic issue is the bass emphasis which can be distracting for critical listening, though might be desirable if you're using them in a noisy environment. Ergonomics are also not great, and this clinking noise in the left earpiece is weird too.

Four out of five Cardas neodymium infused high fives.

I have exact same tinkling in the L/H earpiece! Very subtle, but hear it when inserting bud. Only 2 days new. Should I send them back? Very expensive so I don't want to accept inferior set! Otherwise my commuting has just become my favourite part of the day!
I'm also on the fence with burning in? Not hammering the IE800's but do you think a burn in is physical or mental? I lean towards the latter.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2013, 04:41:39 PM »
Clinking or crinkling?  Sounds like you guys are talking about driver flex. Pretty normal but can be damaging to a driver.  The ports can't equalize pressure fast enough upon insertion.

Is it the same sound when inserting the FAD 1601/1602 Romy?
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Fitcherama

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Re: Sennheiser IE800 Impressions
« Reply #9 on: January 11, 2013, 06:43:54 PM »
If you gently tap the ceramic casing of each bud the left hand makes the faintest clink - metallic sounding. I wondered if it was the mesh covers or 'ports' which have a stainless steel metal component? I presume the fact that we both have this sound in the left bud is simply coincidental? I apologise up front for any misnomers or lack of correct terminology but I am a freshman. Thank you for any thoughts?
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