After reading glowing reviews of both of these in ear monitors I was still unable to decide which one would be right for me so I bought both, first the Shure and a few weeks later the Sennheiser. I already own the JH Audio 16 Pro,
Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 Pro Earphones Gun Metal Blue with Roadie Case
, HiFi Man HE-500, Sennheiser HD 650, Shure SRH940 among others. My music files are all in FLAC format and I play them through an
Astell&Kern AK120 Mastering Quality Sound Portable Dual DAC Hi-Fi Audio System
and also used a Samsung Galaxy S4 also playing FLAC files for comparison purposes. To boost the signal for some of my headphones I use an ALO Rx Mk2, a Schitt Lyr, and a JDS Labs O2 headphone amplifier.
I begin this review with the following disclaimer, since we all have different tastes in music and how we like it to sound, there is no universal "right" way for all music and sound gear to sound. I will try to convey how I like my music to sound and why I preferred one of these fine IEM's over the other though they are both excellent in their own right.
I used to work in a recording studio in NY where I was taught that it was our job to capture the sound from the room behind the glass or auditorium as if it was a picture. Get as much detail as you possibly can without altering the overall sound signature while eliminating as many artifacts as possible that could distort or mask some of what we are attempting to preserve. So, I prefer my music to sound as close to "being there" as possible, I want to hear everything that was on the original recording with nothing added and nothing taken away. This of course is a difficult goal to achieve as there are always sonic imperfections inherent in music reproduction so we all make compromises when purchasing gear.
In my opinion, the standout area for the IE800 is what I call the "presence" area - that part of the lower treble that makes voices and some instruments sound more (or less) "alive". Being a vented, open-back design, the IE800 have a wider more convincing soundstage than the SE846. They have 2 vents, one is for the sound and the second one is to equalize the air between the eardrum and the outer ear, so the pressure goes away after you insert them. Although they are open backed in-ear headphones, don't worry as the people around you can't hear what you hear due to the small size of the vents. Yet, it is their unconventional single dynamic driver design coupled with their vented ceramic non-resonant enclosures that gives them their remarkably spacious soundstage especially for an in-ear model. They are breathtakingly clean with deep, extended, punchy bass response which never impinges on or overrides the rest of the music which to me is amazing. On the high end, the treble sparkles with clarity and incredible detail without a trace of stridency or harshness. That said, the mids, one of the strongest points of this headphone, are excellent and all the instruments and voices have a good, natural and well textured presentation which surprised me given how deep the bass presentation can be when it is present in the original source material. Up until I listened to the IE 800's, I felt that the
HiFiMan - HE-500 Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones coupled to the Schitt Lyr headphone amp had the widest, most realistic soundstage I had ever heard - not so anymore! (You can read my review of the HE-500 on Amazon)
Contrasting the IE 800 with the Shure SE846, I found their bass to be somewhat exaggerated especially in the mid-bass region which in my opinion overwhelmed the midrange at times. They reminded me of the
Ultrasone PRO 900 S-Logic Surround Sound Professional Headphones - Black
that I used to own but sold because although they had powerful bass, it came at the expense of the upper midrange. The other area where I really found the Shure's to be lacking was in the treble, especially in upper end. Compared to the Sennheiser's they sounded veiled or muffled however, before I actually had the Sennheiser's, I didn't realize how much the Shure were lacking. As I already own and frequently use the JH Audio 16 Pro IEM's, I compared them to the Shure and there too, the Shure came up short. The JH-16 Pro, also a multi-armature IEM blew them away for just a $150.00 more however, both have that "congested" IEM sound when compared to an open backed planar headphone like the HE-500. The JH-16 Pro's have a more extended treble with far more detail and transparency and when it comes to the bass, the JH 16's have deep extended bass that does not mask or in any way obscure any other portion of the music. The only negative to buying custom IEM's is that they are yours forever as they will only fit your ears so you can't ever sell them if you decide you no longer want them - something to consider.
What truly amazed me about the Sennheiser IE 800's was the openness, the spaciousness of their soundstage, coupled with the speed and detail they amply provide. They can even compete with the HE-500 amplified by the Lyr with custom pure silver cables and that to me was amazing. They have a low impedance of 16 Ohms across their frequency range and are very efficient so they can easily be driven by any portable devices and don't require amplification to sound great. What these IEM's coupled to a good digital audio player (DAP) provide is an amazing high end sound system that you can fit in your pocket. Although they work very well with phones and other mobile devices they really shine when coupled with a high quality DAP so if you really want to hear all that the IE 800's have to offer, use a good DAP or DAC and play lossless files otherwise save your money and buy something like the UE Triple.fi 10 Pro for half the price.
The comfort of the IE 800 is really good and superior to the Shure. As the Sennheisers are an open back design with a single dynamic driver rather than a closed back multiple balanced armature design, getting a "perfect seal" did not seem to be as much as an issue as it is with BA designs. The IE 800s are super small, incredibly lightweight and the least intrusive of any IEM's I have used. I can literally keep them in my ears for hours without any discomfort in fact, I sometimes forget they are in there! Another quality of the IE 800 that I really appreciate is that they sound great even at lower volume levels which for me was a big surprise. Typically, I tend to enjoy listening to music at higher volumes because it just seems to sound better that way. The reason for this is that we perceive different frequencies, especially the deep bass and treble at higher loudness levels then we do midrange frequencies, which was first discovered by Fletcher and Munson in 1933. This is commonly referred to as the Fletcher-Munson equal-loudness contour which means that a listener perceives a constant loudness when presented with pure steady tones at different dB levels across the frequency response. Sennheiser designed the frequency response of these IEM's to compensate for this and therefore, they sound good even at lower volume levels which is a big plus.
I really thought of finding some cons to these headphones but other than the price I couldn't find anything. The non detachable cables are not an issue for me as they are very well made and appear to be quite sturdy. They are more microphonic than the Shure cables however I position the IE 800's with the cord up so I can wrap it over my ears cancelling out their microphonic tendencies. Given the very small size of the earpieces and the fact that they are solid ceramic, it would be nearly impossible to install removable cables without increasing their size and weight as well as altering their sonic character.
All in all, the Sennheiser IE 800's, connected directly to my AK120 are now my favorite headphone/IEM's, they're smaller, lighter, more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and if I had listened to them before purchasing the HiFiMan HE-500 and the Schitt Lyr, I would be $1200 richer!
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This Item  Sennheiser IE 800 Audiophile Ear Canal Headphones |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $149.99 | $249.00 | $78.99 | $319.99 | $520.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 29 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 30 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
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| Sold By | — | LEAUDIO | Linsoul Audio | KZ Official shop | SHENZHENAUDIO | SHENZHENAUDIO |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | Wired | — | 3.5mm Jack, 2.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | coaxial |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — |
| cable feature | Retractable | Retractable | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable |
| control type | — | — | Media Control | Media Control | Media Control | — |
| material | Copper | Polyurethane (PU) | copper | Copper,Metal | Plastic, Stainless Steel | Copper |
Reviews with images
Best Sounding Earphone. *Update: Not anymore*
I remember watching a YouTube video on this before it came out. It looked so cool and futuristic. I immediately wanted them, but then I saw the price tag and I immediately said nope. 4 years later and I became crazy enough to get them. I ordered these in early June of this year and have had about 6 months to listen and be amazed.The packaging is very simple and I like it that way. You slide the top covering off and you see the earbuds and the case they come in. You get 5 extra ear tips and a cleaning tool. The case might be the nicest I've ever encountered.These are the most comfortable earphones I've ever used. I can't feel anything after they're in. The build quality is awesome. Scratch resistant ceramic housing and a Kevlar reinforced cable make a great combination. Like I said earlier in the review, the design of these are freakin awesome. I love the dual bass port design on the housing. I don't use this earphone in public. I only use this at home usually during the night because I'm never bothered by anyone or anything during that time. Another reason I don't take these out is because of the lack of isolation and the microphonics are not good.Since I got these, I converted my iTunes library from AAC (128 kb/s & 256 kb/s) to ALAC (lossless) and I switched the streaming quality in my Spotify profile to 320 kb/s. For the longest time, I went without an amp, until I decided to get the Oppo HA-2SE a few weeks ago which took the original sound of these to a whole new level. The sound of these earphones are what make this earphone special. The sound alone is worth the price of $799.95. It is the best sounding earphone I've ever heard. The only word I can use to describe the sound of these is perfect---absolutely perfect. Before getting these, I was afraid that I they may not have enough bass because I'm a former basshead so I know big bass when I feel it. I'm happy to report that the bass is just right. It's deep and extends so well. The bass might be the most underrated part of its sound signature. It has texture and never hinders with the rest of the sound spectrum; zero distortion. The mids are clear as can be which is something I'm not used to because this is my first earphone with a neutral sound signature. The treble extends so well and never rolls off. I feel like I can hear everything that I need to hear and that nothing is covered up. The soundstage is my favorite part of this earphone. Not only can I pick out where the instrument sounds are coming from, I can do it easily. I can in other earphones like the Sony MDR XB90EX, but it was trickier in songs with a faster pace. It's effortless with the IE800.I love seeing people try to compare these earphones and the Shure SE846 and say which one they think is better. They are more different than they are alike. They are so different it's hilarious that these are even being compared against each other. They are aimed for different types of buyers. Because of that, I will make my recommendations between these. If you are active and listen to music mainly on the go, get the SE846. If you listen to music more at home or in bed, get the IE800. If you listen to pop, electronic, and singer/songwriter music, get the SE846. If you listen to Classical, Soundtrack, and Rock, get the IE800. Overall, if you listen to any genre and all you care about is sound in an earphone, get the IE800. If you want a earphone that comes with everything and has little flaws, get the SE846.I will be keeping these for as long as they last. And if they break years later, I might even be crazy enough to get another pair. We'll see what happens.*Update (3/17/18)*: After testing these side by side with the Sony MDR-EX1000, the more I leaned toward those for having the best overall sound. I still like the sound of the IE800, but for it being twice the price as the EX1000 and it not having as good of sound overall, I have to knock a star off. It is no longer the best I've heard. I really hate to say it because I really like it. It's still the most comfortable I've ever worn and the materials used are better than on the EX1000. Just because you spend more money doesn't mean you will always get better sound. Despite it being knocked off the top in terms of sound, I will be keeping these due to comfort, fit, and durability. Again, the sound doesn't justify paying $700-$800 for them when if you just want the best sound, the EX-1000 can be found as low as $389.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2016
The packaging is very simple and I like it that way. You slide the top covering off and you see the earbuds and the case they come in. You get 5 extra ear tips and a cleaning tool. The case might be the nicest I've ever encountered.
These are the most comfortable earphones I've ever used. I can't feel anything after they're in. The build quality is awesome. Scratch resistant ceramic housing and a Kevlar reinforced cable make a great combination. Like I said earlier in the review, the design of these are freakin awesome. I love the dual bass port design on the housing. I don't use this earphone in public. I only use this at home usually during the night because I'm never bothered by anyone or anything during that time. Another reason I don't take these out is because of the lack of isolation and the microphonics are not good.
Since I got these, I converted my iTunes library from AAC (128 kb/s & 256 kb/s) to ALAC (lossless) and I switched the streaming quality in my Spotify profile to 320 kb/s. For the longest time, I went without an amp, until I decided to get the Oppo HA-2SE a few weeks ago which took the original sound of these to a whole new level. The sound of these earphones are what make this earphone special. The sound alone is worth the price of $799.95. It is the best sounding earphone I've ever heard. The only word I can use to describe the sound of these is perfect---absolutely perfect. Before getting these, I was afraid that I they may not have enough bass because I'm a former basshead so I know big bass when I feel it. I'm happy to report that the bass is just right. It's deep and extends so well. The bass might be the most underrated part of its sound signature. It has texture and never hinders with the rest of the sound spectrum; zero distortion. The mids are clear as can be which is something I'm not used to because this is my first earphone with a neutral sound signature. The treble extends so well and never rolls off. I feel like I can hear everything that I need to hear and that nothing is covered up. The soundstage is my favorite part of this earphone. Not only can I pick out where the instrument sounds are coming from, I can do it easily. I can in other earphones like the Sony MDR XB90EX, but it was trickier in songs with a faster pace. It's effortless with the IE800.
I love seeing people try to compare these earphones and the Shure SE846 and say which one they think is better. They are more different than they are alike. They are so different it's hilarious that these are even being compared against each other. They are aimed for different types of buyers. Because of that, I will make my recommendations between these. If you are active and listen to music mainly on the go, get the SE846. If you listen to music more at home or in bed, get the IE800. If you listen to pop, electronic, and singer/songwriter music, get the SE846. If you listen to Classical, Soundtrack, and Rock, get the IE800. Overall, if you listen to any genre and all you care about is sound in an earphone, get the IE800. If you want a earphone that comes with everything and has little flaws, get the SE846.
I will be keeping these for as long as they last. And if they break years later, I might even be crazy enough to get another pair. We'll see what happens.
*Update (3/17/18)*: After testing these side by side with the Sony MDR-EX1000, the more I leaned toward those for having the best overall sound. I still like the sound of the IE800, but for it being twice the price as the EX1000 and it not having as good of sound overall, I have to knock a star off. It is no longer the best I've heard. I really hate to say it because I really like it. It's still the most comfortable I've ever worn and the materials used are better than on the EX1000. Just because you spend more money doesn't mean you will always get better sound. Despite it being knocked off the top in terms of sound, I will be keeping these due to comfort, fit, and durability. Again, the sound doesn't justify paying $700-$800 for them when if you just want the best sound, the EX-1000 can be found as low as $389.
Best Sounding Earphone. *Update: Not anymore*
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2016
I remember watching a YouTube video on this before it came out. It looked so cool and futuristic. I immediately wanted them, but then I saw the price tag and I immediately said nope. 4 years later and I became crazy enough to get them. I ordered these in early June of this year and have had about 6 months to listen and be amazed.Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2016
The packaging is very simple and I like it that way. You slide the top covering off and you see the earbuds and the case they come in. You get 5 extra ear tips and a cleaning tool. The case might be the nicest I've ever encountered.
These are the most comfortable earphones I've ever used. I can't feel anything after they're in. The build quality is awesome. Scratch resistant ceramic housing and a Kevlar reinforced cable make a great combination. Like I said earlier in the review, the design of these are freakin awesome. I love the dual bass port design on the housing. I don't use this earphone in public. I only use this at home usually during the night because I'm never bothered by anyone or anything during that time. Another reason I don't take these out is because of the lack of isolation and the microphonics are not good.
Since I got these, I converted my iTunes library from AAC (128 kb/s & 256 kb/s) to ALAC (lossless) and I switched the streaming quality in my Spotify profile to 320 kb/s. For the longest time, I went without an amp, until I decided to get the Oppo HA-2SE a few weeks ago which took the original sound of these to a whole new level. The sound of these earphones are what make this earphone special. The sound alone is worth the price of $799.95. It is the best sounding earphone I've ever heard. The only word I can use to describe the sound of these is perfect---absolutely perfect. Before getting these, I was afraid that I they may not have enough bass because I'm a former basshead so I know big bass when I feel it. I'm happy to report that the bass is just right. It's deep and extends so well. The bass might be the most underrated part of its sound signature. It has texture and never hinders with the rest of the sound spectrum; zero distortion. The mids are clear as can be which is something I'm not used to because this is my first earphone with a neutral sound signature. The treble extends so well and never rolls off. I feel like I can hear everything that I need to hear and that nothing is covered up. The soundstage is my favorite part of this earphone. Not only can I pick out where the instrument sounds are coming from, I can do it easily. I can in other earphones like the Sony MDR XB90EX, but it was trickier in songs with a faster pace. It's effortless with the IE800.
I love seeing people try to compare these earphones and the Shure SE846 and say which one they think is better. They are more different than they are alike. They are so different it's hilarious that these are even being compared against each other. They are aimed for different types of buyers. Because of that, I will make my recommendations between these. If you are active and listen to music mainly on the go, get the SE846. If you listen to music more at home or in bed, get the IE800. If you listen to pop, electronic, and singer/songwriter music, get the SE846. If you listen to Classical, Soundtrack, and Rock, get the IE800. Overall, if you listen to any genre and all you care about is sound in an earphone, get the IE800. If you want a earphone that comes with everything and has little flaws, get the SE846.
I will be keeping these for as long as they last. And if they break years later, I might even be crazy enough to get another pair. We'll see what happens.
*Update (3/17/18)*: After testing these side by side with the Sony MDR-EX1000, the more I leaned toward those for having the best overall sound. I still like the sound of the IE800, but for it being twice the price as the EX1000 and it not having as good of sound overall, I have to knock a star off. It is no longer the best I've heard. I really hate to say it because I really like it. It's still the most comfortable I've ever worn and the materials used are better than on the EX1000. Just because you spend more money doesn't mean you will always get better sound. Despite it being knocked off the top in terms of sound, I will be keeping these due to comfort, fit, and durability. Again, the sound doesn't justify paying $700-$800 for them when if you just want the best sound, the EX-1000 can be found as low as $389.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Tristan
Perfect audio, but fit can be frustrating
Reviewed in Canada on July 25, 2017
Daniel Mendoza
El alto precio genera altas expectativas...
Reviewed in Mexico on December 18, 2016
E.Ric
Top InEar-Hörer - jeden Cent Wert ?
Reviewed in Germany on December 26, 2014
E.Ric
Reviewed in Germany on December 26, 2014
Damit könnte die Rezession bereits abgeschlossen sein - denn alles was du danach beim Musik hören erleben wirst, ist eine völlig andere Liga !!!
Ich habe den Kopfhörer mal am Samsung S4 / S4 Mini betrieben, und war begeistert.
Das besondere am Samsung S4 ist, das man den Klang sehr individuell an sein Hörempfinden anpassen kann.
Das geht unter "Einstellungen/Mein Gerät/Ton" nach unten scrollen, und dort den Adapt Sound einrichten.
Es lohnt sich wirklich !!
Beim Samsung S5 gehts auch ! Zunächst Kopfhörer einstecken - dann Display von Oben herunter Scrollen
dort steht dann "Kopfhörer" auf das Symbol mit dem Notenschlüssel Klicken - dann oben Rechts auf die drei Punkte drücken -
dann Einstellungen - 1x auf "Adapt Sound" - Unten Links "Zu "Einst"wech." wechseln - und dort dann Anpassen.
Doch den Kopfhörerverstärker Asus Essence One MKII, getunt mit 6 x Muses-02 statt 01 - dazu eeprom DSD64
macht, denke ich, an dem Sennheiser einen so detailgetreuen Klang, das ich mir jetzt keinen besseren Kopfhörer Wünschen will.
Ich habe das Stück Keith Don't Go von Nils Lofgren aus dem Album Acoustic Live mal aufgelegt und muss sagen, das es keine Passage gibt, die klanglich auch nur annähernd zu einem dröhnen neigt. Es gibt ja manchmal so Tonlagen, gerne mal bei Stimmgesang, die dazu neigt, dröhnend zu wirken. Doch hier völlige Fehlanzeige !
Und man bekommt einen absoluten Eindruck davon, dass das Stück auch Live stattfindet. Ein Gefühl, das die einzelnen Musiker um einen selbst herum versammelt sind - so eine räumlichkeit wird hier auch abgezeichnet.
Phänomenal !!! Bei einem Frequenzgang von ab 5Hz sind auch die Bässe Absolut Trocken.
Zugegeben, mein Verstärker beginnt laut Hersteller zwar erst mit 10Hz - doch wenn man sich mal zur Probe ein Stück aus dem Lied "Kids On the Corner" von Jakob Banks anhört, und dort auch nur die ersten etwa 10-15 Sekunden, dann weiss man was der Kopfhörer im unteren Frequenzbereich im Stande ist zu leisten.
Sennheiser, ich lasse euch Wissen, das ich nun ein treuer Fan von euch bin ;-)
Ich möchte aber unbedingt Warnen !!!
Hab hier über einen Shop bei Amazon zunächst eine Fälschung erhalten, was mir von Sennheiser auch so bestätigt wurde.
Beide Produkte (nachdem ich dann auch das Original erhielt)konnte ich miteinander Vergleichen. Ganz klar fällt der Klang auf - und das "Kunst"ledermäppchen sieht bei der Fälschung auch Primitiv verarbeitet aus. Doch Optisch ist es echt schwierig, beide Kopfhörer voneinander zu unterscheiden.
Bestenfalls das eigearbeitete Firmenlogo von Sennheiser ist bei dem Original nicht so tief eingelasert, als wie bei der Fälschung.
Vorsicht ist wirklich geboten - denn der Klang von der Fälschung ist in niedrigen Lautstärken schon gut. Doch es kommt bei erhöhtem Pegel schnell zu Verzerrungen
Ich Warne also alle ebayisten ;-) vor Gebrauchtgeräten - weil es bei Privatverkauf keine Garantie gibt, und auf dem Kopfhörer selbst ist keine Seriennummer, sondern nur auf dem Etui. Doch wie sich herausgestellt hat, ist selbst diese gefälscht! (da von Original-Seriennummer übernommen)
da ich immer mal wieder angeschrieben werde, ob es denn Bilder vom gefälschtem IE800 gibt, habe ich diese hier nun eingestellt.
Ertklärung dazu:
Bild 1 zeigt mein originales Mäppchen mit meiner Seriennummer 24026
Bild 3 zeigt beide Mäppchen - darin die beiden Seriennummern
Bild 1 + 10 zeigt die Qualität der unterschiedlichen Typenschilder und dessen anbringung.
Ein Bild zeigt den Karton des gefälschten Kopfhörer. Er unterscheidet sich in nichts zum Original. Selbst die Rufnummer vom Support und das Hologramm zum Scannen sind funktionsfähig.
Wie gesagt, ohne das Mäppchen ist es schwer den Unterschied am Kopfhörer auszumachen.
Man kann beim direkten Vergleich beider Modelle dann sehen, dass der Kabel bei der Fälschung wirkt, als seien die hellbraunen Linien nur aufgedruckt, und die Farbe des Kabels ist minimal anders. Nämlich heller. Einzig, die Musik fängt bei der Lautstärkeüberschreitung sofort an zu dröhnen. Während beim Original richtig Laut gehört werden kann. Ich meine aber mit Laut wirklich Laut. So Laut, das Handy's ihre Warnung aussenden "hohe Lautstärke kann zum Verlust des Gehörs führen" oder so ähnlich heißt es.
Images in this review
