TDK IE800 Dual High-Performance Dynamic Micro-Drivers IEM - Page 10

Today I've posted my review of the IE800s : http://www.head-fi.org/t/648956/review-tdk-ie800-another-winner-from-tdk Hopefully you'll like it!

First impression to take with a pinch of salt, because have been working in a noisy place and I'm listening to them out of the box.

More microphonics with the flat cable than I have with ECCI PR401, default foam tips are dampenning the sound, especially bass, sounds better with some silicon bi-flange, these IE800 feel more "in your face", they are intimate, I expected more space. Separation is great, imaging is actually not accurate, I was listening to some Tokyo Jihen songs, backup vocals were more forward than Shiina's voice.

Thery're fine, but not as great as I expected, I'll see after my ears have some rest and the IEM some burn in.

Well I picked these up hoping they would be my IEM answer to my SRH-940 headphones and while I think they have very good mids and decent treble, the over signature was not quite the same so I decided to try a big ticket IEM and bought a pair of the UE900. Long story short the UE900 are definitely more what I am looking for, so I have listed my IE800 for sale in the FS forums for any one interested. They have 100hrs of burn in and only a couple hours of actual use at most so are a good deal plus they will save someone having to set up Tenso if they haven't already.

I actually found these a bit to light on the treble for my tastes, so no they don't have any sibilance :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver 

I actually found these a bit to light on the treble for my tastes, so no they don't have any sibilance :)

Too light? hahah mate to me is just a little too sparkly, but no sibilance whatsoever, treble quaility is top notch and extension is excellent.

I was looking for something warm and sweet and these have good highs, but not as extended or sparkly as they are with B2, FXT90 or T-PEOS H-100. Bass is not recessed but not overwhelming either and well extended, they're focused to mids, especially vocals which sound great with good texture, sometimes it feels upper mids are a bit forward.

The most negative aspect with soundstage is its depth, I can feel there are some width and height, but a slight depth, there is no 3D effect, that's why I heard backup vocals at the same level than the lead singer.

The other negative point is the lack of strain relief on the housings, the cable is more prone to microphonics because, compared to ECCI PR401 cable, it is twice as wide, but it's fine when wearing over the ear and using the shirt clip.

If you're looking for some warm, intimate and relaxing sound, with a good level of detail, these can be the answer to your needs, unless you really need some soundstage depth.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dweaver 

Well I picked these up hoping they would be my IEM answer to my SRH-940 headphones and while I think they have very good mids and decent treble, the over signature was not quite the same so I decided to try a big ticket IEM and bought a pair of the UE900. Long story short the UE900 are definitely more what I am looking for, so I have listed my IE800 for sale in the FS forums for any one interested. They have 100hrs of burn in and only a couple hours of actual use at most so are a good deal plus they will save someone having to set up Tenso if they haven't already.

The UE900 really didn't have enough bass for my taste. I thought the vocals were nice though. The IE800 needed a good burn-in for treble (and bass) to come out more, and some good sealing silicon tips. I think with more time you would have loved them base on what I've seen you write here about the signature you like. But as usual, happy listening (and hunting). It won't stop with the UE900 (and we know this). lol  

Quote:

Originally Posted by zest 

I was looking for something warm and sweet and these have good highs, but not as extended or sparkly as they are with B2, FXT90 or T-PEOS H-100. Bass is not recessed but not overwhelming either and well extended, they're focused to mids, especially vocals which sound great with good texture, sometimes it feels upper mids are a bit forward.

 

The most negative aspect with soundstage is its depth, I can feel there are some width and height, but a slight depth, there is no 3D effect, that's why I heard backup vocals at the same level than the lead singer.

 

The other negative point is the lack of strain relief on the housings, the cable is more prone to microphonics because, compared to ECCI PR401 cable, it is twice as wide, but it's fine when wearing over the ear and using the shirt clip.

 

If you're looking for some warm, intimate and relaxing sound, with a good level of detail, these can be the answer to your needs, unless you really need some soundstage depth.
 

I hear them as more extended than the FXT90, but just behind the B2. I would also say it's smoother than the FXT90, but leff refined than the RE-272. We hear the bass and mids the same though. I think they strike a good balance in signature, being neither overly thin / bright nor excessively thick (despite being warm and sweet). 

We hear soundstage differently too - I think they've excellent depth, especially compared to the flatter, more 2D sounding GR07. Indeed, the soundstage is actually my favorite aspect of the IE800.

I started off hating the flat cable, but have strangely come to quite like it. It's far less tangle prone than for example, my RE-272. I also find that I can keep it tucked neatly behind my ears (whilst wearing over the ear) using the neck strain relief. I never thought I'd say that... as I'm used to high end after market cables, and initially had real issues with it. 

What is the generally consensus on amping? I don't think it'a a necessity, but do feel they like the extra juice. The Stepdance for example, enhances bass texture considerably. I found the mid-centric TTVJ Slim to present them as too thick.  

I did find the treble a little bright with silicone tips...this seems to be very subjective based on the differences of what people are saying.  Anyhow, I've really enjoyed these.  I posted a review a few days ago on amazon for those interested:  http://www.amazon.com/TDK-IE800-Dynamic-Drivers-Headphones/dp/B009SKA1LG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360866127&sr=8-1&keywords=tdk+ie800

I really expect these to take off.  They are an incredible value.  I've owned everything from Heir 4ai, Westone 4 to Gr07 and Re262 and these are right up there if you dig the sound signature.  I do find the soundstage much more wide than tall...I think this due to the aggressive imaging and seperation that these possess.
 

Thinking hard about picking these uo to upgrade the Atrios M5. 

WIll the cmoy 2.03 or objective2 be a over kill for these?

I use the c421 from JDS and it seems to work really well... I haven't perceived any hiss or anything.  They seem to like the power.
 

Originally Posted by JiggaD369 

Thinking hard about picking these uo to upgrade the Atrios M5. 

 

Will the cmoy 2.03 or objective2 be a over kill for these?

Can't speak for the CMoy.. but the O2 (with stock gain settings) will be quite perfect to use with them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach915m 

I use the c421 from JDS and it seems to work really well... I haven't perceived any hiss or anything.  They seem to like the power.
 

They really do like power. Sounds terrific using my UHA-4. The mids are absolutely beautiful on these phones.