Where can the Spiral Dots be purchased from? Can't find them anywhere...

Looking forward to this! 

  Downloading now... I'll get to try it out over a long period on a train tomorrow with a fair bit of ambient noise. Should make a decent test 

I must admit that I've got small ear canals. The best fit I've ever had was the small double-flange tips with the IE8(0). Amazing isolation, amazing sound... uncomfortable after a few hours, though. The XBA foam tips (even small) kept coming loose.   I was going to get some Complys, having...

For £2.99 I'll give it a go. Especially useful since I have 8 hours of travelling tomorrow! I still think I'll update my DAP at the end of the month. Something with expandable memory.   Due a phone upgrade then, too, but it costs a small fortune to get a higher memory on contract. I'd much...

Will do. I've found the normal silicone (small) tips to be the best for me. The hybrids were far too sibilant... These are the first headphones / earphones I've had in a long while (since Pro 900) that have actually got some top end - it's taking a while to get used to.   I think it's about...

That's EXACTLY my feeling... and - because the isolation isn't the best, coupled with wind noise - the bass can often get swallowed. I've just ordered some foam ear plug to make custom tips to see if it helps the bass much.

I've just took the plunge on these for £179 from French Amazon - it's less than I paid for my XBA-40...!   Looking forward to hearing a soundstage which is larger than the IE8(0). I definitely miss it for electronic music, where 'real' imaging isn't so important. Impressions to follow next...

iMpair (Impair) iMpairer (Impairer) iNcorporate (Incorporate) iNterlace (Interlace) iNtermix (Intermix)

Been out of the loop for quite a while, whatever happened to these?    http://www.monoandstereo.com/2011/10/audeze-new-speakers.html   (Audeze's Planar Monitors if I remember correctly)

That's definitely what I'm thinking about, if I can't sort my XBA-40 out...   I notice you've owned a pair of IE8 in the past, would you describe the W40 as a general upgrade? Of course the sound signature etc isn't going to be the same - the IE8 is pretty unique.

Bootdsc,   I bought them from an eBay dealer, though I will investigate about a possible return under warranty. Depending on how that goes, I might actually need some advice on reterminating an IEM... I fail to see the troll.

I imported them from Japan. Would it still be valid?

Hi,   My Sony XBA-40 IEMs have recently given up on me - I'm only getting high-end through unless I wiggle the jack.   Rather than go straight out and purchase a new pair of IEMs (with removable cables, may I add!), I thought I'd have a go at reterminating them...   Having never did this...

Thanks, Spyro, that's exactly what I was after: a quick summary before I did some more in-depth research! 

Hi,   I find myself in the market for some new (probably universal IEMs) after my XBA-40 gave up on me...   I'm looking through Westone products on various shopping websites, and reading reviews.   Can anyone sum up the main differences in sound signature between the W and UM ranges? Are...

I managed to get them from eBay - no problems, though I had to pay VAT on import.   My cable has recently started to distort... I took a risk by not going for earphones with a removable cable.

Thanks for the advice, how are you finding the Auvio tips? I'm looking for a UK dealer.

Hi everyone,   I purchased a pair of XBA40s after using IE8/80s for a few years. I like the overall sound but I just CAN'T get them to seal my ear canal properly. As a reference I used to use the smallest double-flange tips on the IE80s that were a perfect seal.    I think the problem...

I've just got my XBA-40s through the door. Straight out of the box (and my iPhone 4S) they're a big improvement over the IE80s I've came from. Finally some extra high end to go with heavy bass. The microphonics are much worse than the IE80 (where they're practically non-existant) but at a decent...

Excellent, thanks for the feedback. I went for the XBA-40 after reading the ways in which Sony have improved over the first gen.

I also see that the iP model is cheaper. Is a lower quality cable used or would there be no issue there? I do have an iPhone and the control would definitely be a bonus as long as there's no other drawbacks.

Hi guys, in strongly considering buying a pair of XBA-40s. What are people's thoughts on the sound signature? I'll probably be purchasing from eBay to the UK which will be less hassle than Amazon.JP does anyone have experience of importing from Japan and can offer any comments on import tax...

What are the differences between the 4 and the 40? Can see the 40s are available as a Jap import on Amazon.com for about £160

Multi BAs aren't a necessity to be honest but the other options all are. I think I'll rule Shure out full stop. Going to look into the Sonys in a bit more depth. I think I'll probably go down that route.