HD25-1 II vs IE8i

Hello guys,

I'm totally stumped on which phone to pick.

I will be using these to and from University and at home. Has anyone owned both? If so, which is better sounding? Are cans much more of a hassle to carry around than IEMs? 

I like to listen to HipHop/R&B, with a bit of Pop/Rock, so bass is pretty important to me and I want something more fun sounding and engaging than clinical.

I can get the ie8i's for around £200 while the HD25-1 II come in at around £140.

So if you have had the experience of both which would you recommend, taking into account my preferences?

Cheers

So the ie8's seem to be the better phone? Could someone give pros and cons of each, I'd be grateful.

If I were to go for the ie8's, would it be worth it to wait until the ie-80's come out?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zalithian 

IE8 Pros:
Big headstage/soundstaging
Tons of bass
Relaxing but engaging sound
Durable
Easily portable
Cons:
Not the clearest earphones you can buy in terms of clarity
Shallow insertion, don't isolate very well
Require a substantial burn in to sound their best
HD25's
Pros:
Good clarity
Durable
Portable as far as full sized go because of their high build quality
Cons:
Possible sibilance
Pretty sterile sounding compared to the IE8
Not as portable as IEMS
I found them pretty uncomfortable for extended use
I would maybe wait for the IE80's. Supposedly they improve on the IE8 according to the only person I know who has heard both. I don't know how cheap you'll be able to get them for, though.

It's pretty weird hearing that an IEM has better soundstage than a full sized can. It's just that I've heard amazing things about the HD25's, I thought that making a saving of £60 would be better. But I guess the IE8's are worth that much extra.

I've just ordered the HD25-1 ii's, just to see if they are enough for my needs. If not then I'll return them and wait for the IE 80's to come out. I looked through the IE 80 thread, and apparently they have little improvements in every area making the IE8's sound relatively veiled. Let's hope they don't up the price too much.