imackler
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2008
- Posts
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The HF5 are so much more clear and really reflect the source material; if the highs sparkle or the mids are lush, that's what you'll hear. The IE8s are really flavored: sweet, smooth and lush but also dark at the same time. It's not that they're not clear in the highs; the details are there, they just are more the aftertaste than the what is most obvious. But the soundstage is fantastic and where the sound comes from is always so intriguing; you really feel enveloped by the music. One of the problems with the HF5 is that you're always so aware of the music; its constantly demanding your attention (whether bass, mids or highs) but also rewarding your attention at the same time. Sometimes, I really like that; other times, you just want to fall into the music and be enveloped in it, and the IE8s are awesome for that!