HIFIMAN TWS800
- Added by Takeanidea
- Create date
Disclaimer:
Hifiman provided me with a review sample of the HIFIMAN TWS 800, for which I am grateful!
I’m going to be as objective as possible, and being a common audio enthusiast, I will use simple words in this review.
I will highlight what I liked and what I didn’t, without any fear.
This is another extremely expensive TWS, and for anyone interested in purchasing it, I hope my review will help them with their choice.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
My review won’t be the most technical you will find online, but I hope you like it.
Tech Specs:
- Driver: Topology diaphragm
- Case Battery: 31.5hrs
- TWS Battery: 4.5hrs
- Bluetooth Version : Bluetooth 5.0
- Frequency Response : 20Hz-20kHz
- Music Playback Time : 4.5 Hours + 27 Hours
- Earphones charging time : 1 Hour
- Charging Case charging time : 2 Hours
- Weight of charging case : 74.4g
- Weight of one earphone : 6.9g
- Standby time : 140
- Waterproof: IPX4
- Transmission Distance: up to 15m (barrier-free transmission)
Packaging:
I will be very honest! For a similar product, I would have expected a more luxurious (and useless) box. We find the charging case and the HIFIMAN TWS 800; under them are the tips and the charging cable. I have to admit that the cable is not premium but standard, and the tips, unfortunately, apart from the quantity, aren’t that good. One of them is defective, as you can see from the photos. I don’t want to be too rigid in my evaluation, but considering the price, I’m expecting good tips to be included in the packaging. However, I found the ones that I like and that fit like a glove.
Accessories included:
- 7 pairs of tips
- Charging cable
- Carrying bag
- Manual + warranty online
Design/Build Quality:
As we have already seen on the Svanar Wireless HIFIMAN adopts extreme designs The HIFIMAN TWS 800 charging case is quite minimal; the exterior is made of metal (it’s cold to the touch) with a matte or satin finish. The choice is stylish but I have seen in use that it is easily damaged if it takes small knocks. Behind us we find the type C for charging and below the specifications. Inside the case, we can see the charge indicator with 4 orange LEDs.
Opening the charging case, we again see two unidentified objects: alien shapes, difficult to describe but intriguing. The faceplate is boomerang-shaped, while the TWS extends almost like a deep-insertion IEM. The Svanar Wireless, in comparison, is an IEM, while the TWS 800 is a hybrid, like a fusion of two concepts. The faceplate is not made of metal, as it would seem at first glance but is made of plastic. Underneath, we find the chip with the DAC and the status LEDs. The other part with a metallic finish, however, seems to be really metal, as does the nozzle.
I can’t tell you how they managed to develop such a shell design but I’ll tell you about comfort later.
Built-in Technology:
There is a driver with a topology diagram and 150 ohm impedance! I don’t know if it’s the quality of the DD or the different tuning but it doesn’t sound like the Svanar Wireless. Obviously, to move the driver with such high impedance, there are two DACs but nothing else is specified. It has Bluetooth 5.0 but does not have the highest-performing codecs and is limited to AAC and SBC.
Fit & Comfort:
But, if we’re honest, the shape of the shell isn’t that intuitive. The first time I picked them up, I didn’t know exactly what to do. I was totally confused by the shape. Fortunately, among the many tips, I found the right ones. With a little training, I understood that you need to screw them into your ear until you reach the correct position. Despite their shape, they are comfortable and stable too! Incredible!
The length of the nozzle this time does not create problems with the choice of tips, but you still need to choose something that is halfway between a deep insertion and a light one.
Tips Rolling:
This time, I didn’t have to search for the perfect tips But as for the HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, the most suitable here too is the Divinus Velvet. However, they are not strictly necessary here, as there is an almost similar model included.
Functionality & Features:
The HIFIMAN TWS800 has few features compared to the price. On the market, we find $30 TWS with apps, ANC, and more, while here we have none of this. Furthermore, the best codecs are missing.
Fortunately, the faceplates are touch-sensitive and allow you to perform all tasks easily.
The integrated microphone is absolutely not at the level of the AirPods but it is very sensitive to external noises and especially to the wind.
Gestures for Calls & Music:
- Answer call: press once, either earbud twice
- End call: While in a call, press once the left or right earbud
- Reject call: Press and hold either earbud for 2 seconds
- Voice assistant: Long press the right earbud (R) for 3 seconds
- To Play/Pause: Touch the right or left earbud to pause the track, and touch it again to continue playing.
- Increase volume: double press the right earbud
- Reduce Volume: Double press the left earbud
- To rewind to the previous track With earbuds in operation, triple-click the right earbud
- To Skip to the Next Track With earbuds in operation, triple-click the left earbud.
Audio Codecs:
The HIFIMAN TWS 800 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, but they do not have many codecs available; in fact, we have just AAC and SBC available. Unfortunately, there is no APTX or LDAC support. The range is remarkable; if there are no obstacles, there is great stability.
I think it is appropriate to say that for the asking price you would at least want to have APTX support.
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- Poco M4 Pro
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz
Sound impressions:
I start by saying that they are quite natural and balanced. The low frequencies have a very good extension without being intrusive. The mids sound a little bit too warm for my personal taste, but the treble extension is smoothed up.
According to some other reviewers, the tuning is better than that of the TWS 600. I would define it as typical Hifiman, very balanced and natural, with a touch of warmth along the entire spectrum. Regarding the perceived resolution, in my opinion, it is not up to the asking price. But I think the reason is to keep the trebles very relaxed
We only have one mode instead of several, as on the Svanar. The performance is amazing and the volume is moderately high without being overpowering, considering that 150 ohms is not exactly a walk in the park.
Treble
They sound natural but the high frequencies remain very safe. They are never sibilant or harsh, even at high volumes. I would have liked something more to help the mids and the whole image quality perception. The final result, although different from expectations, is still pleasant.
Mids
The mids, in my opinion, are decidedly warm compared to neutrality. At times, I notice a certain nasality in the tone. They are pleasant and not forwarded but they lack a touch of extra sparkle that would make the voices and musical instruments more alive. However, they stand out in the foreground compared to the rest and the warm timbre helps some instruments have greater depth. I like them but maybe it’s missing a bit of upper-mids.
Bass
The bass has more impact or perhaps it is better to say that the mid-bass does the bulk of the work. I think when it comes to the sub-bass, there is a defined roll-off. . For TWS, they’re not bad at all but pretty natural.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage is quite wide and deep! It’s not unnatural, but it’s truly remarkable! While the image is very defined, everything is in its place, but the very safe sound timbre makes them less resolute than expected.
Fast Comparison:
I do not have many TWS, and the ones I do have are not up to par with these, so comparing them to the Hifiman Svanar Wireless is pointless.
Vs HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless
Despite the problems that you can read in my full review, the Svanar Wireless has a different tuning, much brighter but not annoying and the resolution seems to be of a completely different level. It goes without saying that I prefer them but we are talking about really high prices for many people’s pockets.
But currently, there are new variants of the Svanar that cost the same as these and if they used the same driver and maintained the same tuning as their older sister, then they could be an excellent alternative.
The soundstage is very similar but everything sounds more vivid and resolute. There is also more energy and the perception of high resolution is tangible. You struggle to imagine having a wireless device in your ears.
Conclusion:
I’ll start by telling you that I haven’t become a big TWS fan yet. I usually listen to music at home so I don’t really need wireless devices. I usually stay on the sofa, at the PC, or in bed. Let’s say that I find Bluetooth DACs like the Muse M4 HiFi more sensible as they allow me more versatility. The Hifiman TWS 800 is a very expensive TWS. Speaking of wired IEMs, we find for example, the Hidizs MP145 planar ones, which are truly amazing. After all, the TWS 800 is now an outdated model with an improved successor already. They have a shape that is not necessarily liked or comfortable for everyone. The autonomy of a single charge is not very high and considering the possible battery deterioration, it could be reduced quickly. If you are well aware of what you have just read, then you know that it has a warm natural timbre, a wide soundstage, an extremely precise separation, but a below-average definition due to the choice to keep the treble area very relaxing.
Where to buy:
Hifiman Official Site
Firslty I would like to thank HiFiMAN for sending me the new TWS800 for review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
Pixel 3a > TWS800 (Silicone Tips)
Tech Specs:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/tws800.html
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The TWS800 come in a fairly basic box with the model pictured on the front and information about the IEM’s on the back. Open the box and you’ll find the metal charging case in a foam insert, with the earphones above them. Underneath this foam you will find the included accessories, the box isn’t big or flashy but does the right job at looking attractive whilst minimising waste.
The charging case feels really good, it’s metal which means it will scratch but it’s deep enough to house the earphones with most tips attached which is a bonus. The earphones themselves have a metal faceplate and nozzle, whilst the main body is plastic. They feel very well put together and I don’t see any build quality issues.
Accessory wise you get a soft carry pouch to prevent the metal case from getting scratched, a USB-C charging cable and quite an impressive assortment of tips (8 pairs, including single flange, bi-flange and triple flange tips). I really like how many tips are included as it ensures most users will easily find a tip style and size that fits them.
Comfort and Features:
The TWS800 are big, the housings are exactly discreet and due to my narrow canals they stick out and look a bit silly in use. Not a problem for those gifted with normal size ears, but for us small eared folk I don’t find the design do work very well in terms of looks. Fit wise though they are secure and feel comfortable once inserted.
The TWS800 give roughly 4.5hrs of music playback, this is not very impressive against the competition but then again these house a driver with an impedance of 150Ohms. This means HiFiMAN are also using a separate amp circuit after the bluetooth receiver to improve sound quality, at the cost of battery life. They use Bluetooth 5.0, but only support SBC and AAC, lacking Aptx and LDAC which is a real shame when these are designed for high quality audio playback. The touch controls work well once you get used to them, they are IPX4 rated against water/dust and the case provides another 6 complete charges.
Sound:
Bass: Smooth, soft and controlled is how I would describe the bass of the TWS800, it doesn’t hit hard or in huge quantities but it has a very effortless low end that brings a sense of warmth to the overall sound. There is great extension down in to the sub-bass and good articulation in the mid-bass (well recorded bass guitars sound great), but it is always controlled and never becomes too much. One thing I do think is that they do sound a bit flat down low, whilst there is good body, there’s not a lot of energy and kicks can come across a bit muted at times. These definitely handle calmer/softer genres better than fast rock or more upbeat pop. It’s not that they don’t sound good with those genres, but they just sound a bit boring.
Midrange: The midrange on the other hand has quite a nice balance to it, well separate from the bass but with a hint of sweetness to them. Layering is a strong point for the midrange, different vocal tracks can be easily distinguished, and guitars occupy a very different space within the soundstage which is great. There’s also a good amount of detail on show, and the midrange doesn’t seem to favour upper or lower mids, being fairly linear across the board. There isn’t any added energy in the upper midrange, which leads to a fatigue free sound without sibilance. Bluesy acoustic kind of tracks sound wonderful on the TWS800, with great depth and detail with a natural tonality to them too.
Treble: The TWS800 is very smooth up top, devoid of any nasty treble peaks there is good presence and extension but all in a moderate quantity which means you don’t always notice it’s there. They almost sound dark at times with a lack of upper frequencies, but then you just realise that due to the wide soundstage they are placed differently to most earphones and have a far less aggressive delivery. It’s really hard to fault the delivery, I normally prefer a more upfront delivery in the treble region but with the right music the TWS800 really do nail it, snares are snappy, and the extension really is impressive with a very slight and smooth roll off.
Soundstaging is excellent, it’s open and airy and each instrument occupies it’s own little space in it. Layering is also great, you can easily pick apart recordings yet they are delivered in a coherent way.
Conclusion:
HiFiMAN stepped into the TWS world with the TWS600 which had it’s pro’s and con’s, but the TWS800 is a huge improvement overall. They are a very refined and natural sounding earphone, and paired with the right music are an absolute pleasure to listen to. They are not boosted in any frequency range, and lack a certain wow factor. They are also not the most engaging listen due to this, but calmer acoustic / blues / jazz and the likes just sounds effortless. However the lack of aggression in the sound signature does mean they can sound a little flat with more energetic genres (Metal etc…).
This kind of sound quality from something true wireless is very impressive, it does come at a cost though ($299) and lower battery life compared to the competition. Don’t let this put you off though, as these sound as good as many wired counterparts, and if you want a smooth and refined sound signature these definitely deliver it.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (ergonomics could be better)
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
Pixel 3a > TWS800 (Silicone Tips)
Tech Specs:
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/tws800.html
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The TWS800 come in a fairly basic box with the model pictured on the front and information about the IEM’s on the back. Open the box and you’ll find the metal charging case in a foam insert, with the earphones above them. Underneath this foam you will find the included accessories, the box isn’t big or flashy but does the right job at looking attractive whilst minimising waste.
The charging case feels really good, it’s metal which means it will scratch but it’s deep enough to house the earphones with most tips attached which is a bonus. The earphones themselves have a metal faceplate and nozzle, whilst the main body is plastic. They feel very well put together and I don’t see any build quality issues.
Accessory wise you get a soft carry pouch to prevent the metal case from getting scratched, a USB-C charging cable and quite an impressive assortment of tips (8 pairs, including single flange, bi-flange and triple flange tips). I really like how many tips are included as it ensures most users will easily find a tip style and size that fits them.
Comfort and Features:
The TWS800 are big, the housings are exactly discreet and due to my narrow canals they stick out and look a bit silly in use. Not a problem for those gifted with normal size ears, but for us small eared folk I don’t find the design do work very well in terms of looks. Fit wise though they are secure and feel comfortable once inserted.
The TWS800 give roughly 4.5hrs of music playback, this is not very impressive against the competition but then again these house a driver with an impedance of 150Ohms. This means HiFiMAN are also using a separate amp circuit after the bluetooth receiver to improve sound quality, at the cost of battery life. They use Bluetooth 5.0, but only support SBC and AAC, lacking Aptx and LDAC which is a real shame when these are designed for high quality audio playback. The touch controls work well once you get used to them, they are IPX4 rated against water/dust and the case provides another 6 complete charges.
Sound:
Bass: Smooth, soft and controlled is how I would describe the bass of the TWS800, it doesn’t hit hard or in huge quantities but it has a very effortless low end that brings a sense of warmth to the overall sound. There is great extension down in to the sub-bass and good articulation in the mid-bass (well recorded bass guitars sound great), but it is always controlled and never becomes too much. One thing I do think is that they do sound a bit flat down low, whilst there is good body, there’s not a lot of energy and kicks can come across a bit muted at times. These definitely handle calmer/softer genres better than fast rock or more upbeat pop. It’s not that they don’t sound good with those genres, but they just sound a bit boring.
Midrange: The midrange on the other hand has quite a nice balance to it, well separate from the bass but with a hint of sweetness to them. Layering is a strong point for the midrange, different vocal tracks can be easily distinguished, and guitars occupy a very different space within the soundstage which is great. There’s also a good amount of detail on show, and the midrange doesn’t seem to favour upper or lower mids, being fairly linear across the board. There isn’t any added energy in the upper midrange, which leads to a fatigue free sound without sibilance. Bluesy acoustic kind of tracks sound wonderful on the TWS800, with great depth and detail with a natural tonality to them too.
Treble: The TWS800 is very smooth up top, devoid of any nasty treble peaks there is good presence and extension but all in a moderate quantity which means you don’t always notice it’s there. They almost sound dark at times with a lack of upper frequencies, but then you just realise that due to the wide soundstage they are placed differently to most earphones and have a far less aggressive delivery. It’s really hard to fault the delivery, I normally prefer a more upfront delivery in the treble region but with the right music the TWS800 really do nail it, snares are snappy, and the extension really is impressive with a very slight and smooth roll off.
Soundstaging is excellent, it’s open and airy and each instrument occupies it’s own little space in it. Layering is also great, you can easily pick apart recordings yet they are delivered in a coherent way.
Conclusion:
HiFiMAN stepped into the TWS world with the TWS600 which had it’s pro’s and con’s, but the TWS800 is a huge improvement overall. They are a very refined and natural sounding earphone, and paired with the right music are an absolute pleasure to listen to. They are not boosted in any frequency range, and lack a certain wow factor. They are also not the most engaging listen due to this, but calmer acoustic / blues / jazz and the likes just sounds effortless. However the lack of aggression in the sound signature does mean they can sound a little flat with more energetic genres (Metal etc…).
This kind of sound quality from something true wireless is very impressive, it does come at a cost though ($299) and lower battery life compared to the competition. Don’t let this put you off though, as these sound as good as many wired counterparts, and if you want a smooth and refined sound signature these definitely deliver it.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (ergonomics could be better)
The TWS800 sample was kindly provided by HiFiMan and is still under their ownership.
This is my honest and subjective evaluation of it.
Introduction.
True Wireless earphones are becoming more and more popular so it is not of a surprise that traditional brands like HiFiMan design such products putting a lot of effort towards a more audiophile sound quality.
Technical parameters.
The TWS800 is a True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 earphone with the codec support limited to AAC and SBC.
The retail price is $299.
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/tws800.html?SID=05q6ajtetbpedqk1sdgdht2de6
The TWS800 is an upgraded version of the previous TWS600 model featuring the same unique topology diaphragm dynamic driver.
But this time HiFiMan opted for a more sophisticated and audiophile structure inside including a 150Ω high impedance driver and a discrete amplifier in order to drive it properly.
The "Topology diaphragm" refers to a diaphragm featuring a special nanoparticle coating applied to the surface.
The result is a more natural and detailed sound than that is typically achieved with True Wireless earphones.
The different shape of the nano size coating on the diaphragm has a positive effect on the tuning.
Most True Wireless earphones in order to maintain large battery life rely on the bluetooth chipset embedded amplifier that is suitable only for sensitive drivers that usually lack on bass department.
HiFiMan in order to address the problem and offer better bass response opted for the high impedance driver and a discrete amplifier section.
Such amplifiers need high current flow in order to power the driver so a larger power supply was needed and unfortunately the shell size had to be increased in order to accommodate the whole circuit.
Build quality.
The shells are made from a combination of shiny metal and plastic with very good build quality and a nice finish to them.
They are quite elegant looking and they resemble custom in ear monitors.
One small status LED is found under the faceplate and it will flash between red and blue according to the operation.
The newly designed charging case is made of plastic with aluminium reinforcements to the outside that add a classy appearance to it.
The lid stays in place thanks to a hidden magnet as for the earpieces they are magnetically attached.
The depth inside is improved and can accommodate the earpieces even with the long triple flange ear tips.
A small four LED indicator inside the case will show the remaining battery life so the only way to check it is to open the case.
The earphones are IPX4 certified and they weigh 6.9gr each as for the case is small and discreet and fits easily inside a pocket.
Dimensions are about 7.5x4.5x3cm and the weight is 57.7gr without the earpieces.
Battery performance
Inside the case is housed a large capacity 800mAh battery that can give about 5 extra charges which translates to an extra 20-25 hours of playback more or less.
Every charge can provide the earphones with 4-5 hours of music playback.
Earpieces fully charge in one hour and the case needs about two hours.
Accessories.
Inside the box we are going to find a velour pouch , a USB A-C cable and a large selection of ear tips including double and triple flange at a total of eight pairs.
Comfort and fit.
The shells are quite bulky but they are lightweight and cleverly designed with a custom like anatomical shape and an extra long nozzle.
As that and thanks to the wide selection of ear tips the fit is very comfortable and stress free.
They are fitted with a twisting action and then they stay at place without causing discomfort even after prolonged use time.
Passive noise attenuation is very good and we have nothing to complain about.
Operation.
The touch control operation is quite simple and cannot be customized due to the absence of a supporting application.
Both earpieces feature a touch control pad that we only need to touch and click in order to activate the various operations as various gestures are not supported.
Bluetooth.
Bluetooth connection is stable without any drop outs or cut offs with good working distance as long as we are not between wide walls.
Re-connection with a known device is fast and will take place a few seconds after we pull out the ear piece from the case.
We can choose between either to answer calls or both to listen to music.
Unfortunately auto or manual power off is not available so in order to preserve battery we have to place them inside the case.
Call quality for the answerer is good but not quite so for the caller as the single microphone is nothing special to talk about.
Sound impressions.
The overall tuning is very balanced with good clarity and sufficient enough resolution or at least as much as the entry level codecs would allow.
Bass is extended and full but you want call it very visceral as it is rather on the lean side but still hard hitting.
It is super fast and tight with great layering to handle busy passages aimed by the ample detail.
There is no bloat at all and the transition to the mids is accomplished with great linearity.
You can certainly tell that there is something special going on regarding the driver and the discrete amplifier because the TWS800 sails ahead of the competition regarding macro dynamics , slam and overall sense of reality.
There is also a well implemented soundscape with precise positioning and good space allocation.
Mids are natural sounding with good articulation and full bodied.
Timbre is done right and the presentation is only a little forward just to make things more alive and exciting never being dull and boring.
Reaching higher the clarity and timbre are more or less retained but extension and fidelity are restrained by the absence of aptX or other high-resolution codecs.
In order to be honest we must confess that the TWS800 seems to be painstakingly tuned in order to address this problem because it never sounds harsh or fatiguing.
It is good as it is but it is a pity because it could be a lot better.
The TWS800 is designed around cleverly thought and implemented hardware but with a performance held back by the software.
At the end
To be honest we are a little upset with HiFiMan and the TWS800 but not because it is a bad performer.
On the contrary it is one of the best TWS earphones we have heard with a truly great performance and an audiophile tuning.
But it is only great while it could be truly exceptional just by adding a higher resolution codec in order to achieve greater extension and fidelity.
So while the HiFiMan TWS800 is one of the very few audiophile oriented TWS in existence there is still room for improvement and we are sure that HiFiMan is already back to the drawing board designing the next generation.
Till then the TWS800 is an excellent TWS strongly focused around music pleasure and it is highly recommended.
The test playlist - http://open.qobuz.com/playlist/5669033
Copyright - Laskis Petros 2021.
This is my honest and subjective evaluation of it.
Introduction.
True Wireless earphones are becoming more and more popular so it is not of a surprise that traditional brands like HiFiMan design such products putting a lot of effort towards a more audiophile sound quality.
Technical parameters.
The TWS800 is a True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 earphone with the codec support limited to AAC and SBC.
The retail price is $299.
https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/tws800.html?SID=05q6ajtetbpedqk1sdgdht2de6
The TWS800 is an upgraded version of the previous TWS600 model featuring the same unique topology diaphragm dynamic driver.
But this time HiFiMan opted for a more sophisticated and audiophile structure inside including a 150Ω high impedance driver and a discrete amplifier in order to drive it properly.
The "Topology diaphragm" refers to a diaphragm featuring a special nanoparticle coating applied to the surface.
The result is a more natural and detailed sound than that is typically achieved with True Wireless earphones.
The different shape of the nano size coating on the diaphragm has a positive effect on the tuning.
Most True Wireless earphones in order to maintain large battery life rely on the bluetooth chipset embedded amplifier that is suitable only for sensitive drivers that usually lack on bass department.
HiFiMan in order to address the problem and offer better bass response opted for the high impedance driver and a discrete amplifier section.
Such amplifiers need high current flow in order to power the driver so a larger power supply was needed and unfortunately the shell size had to be increased in order to accommodate the whole circuit.
Build quality.
The shells are made from a combination of shiny metal and plastic with very good build quality and a nice finish to them.
They are quite elegant looking and they resemble custom in ear monitors.
One small status LED is found under the faceplate and it will flash between red and blue according to the operation.
The newly designed charging case is made of plastic with aluminium reinforcements to the outside that add a classy appearance to it.
The lid stays in place thanks to a hidden magnet as for the earpieces they are magnetically attached.
The depth inside is improved and can accommodate the earpieces even with the long triple flange ear tips.
A small four LED indicator inside the case will show the remaining battery life so the only way to check it is to open the case.
The earphones are IPX4 certified and they weigh 6.9gr each as for the case is small and discreet and fits easily inside a pocket.
Dimensions are about 7.5x4.5x3cm and the weight is 57.7gr without the earpieces.
Battery performance
Inside the case is housed a large capacity 800mAh battery that can give about 5 extra charges which translates to an extra 20-25 hours of playback more or less.
Every charge can provide the earphones with 4-5 hours of music playback.
Earpieces fully charge in one hour and the case needs about two hours.
Accessories.
Inside the box we are going to find a velour pouch , a USB A-C cable and a large selection of ear tips including double and triple flange at a total of eight pairs.
Comfort and fit.
The shells are quite bulky but they are lightweight and cleverly designed with a custom like anatomical shape and an extra long nozzle.
As that and thanks to the wide selection of ear tips the fit is very comfortable and stress free.
They are fitted with a twisting action and then they stay at place without causing discomfort even after prolonged use time.
Passive noise attenuation is very good and we have nothing to complain about.
Operation.
The touch control operation is quite simple and cannot be customized due to the absence of a supporting application.
Both earpieces feature a touch control pad that we only need to touch and click in order to activate the various operations as various gestures are not supported.
Bluetooth.
Bluetooth connection is stable without any drop outs or cut offs with good working distance as long as we are not between wide walls.
Re-connection with a known device is fast and will take place a few seconds after we pull out the ear piece from the case.
We can choose between either to answer calls or both to listen to music.
Unfortunately auto or manual power off is not available so in order to preserve battery we have to place them inside the case.
Call quality for the answerer is good but not quite so for the caller as the single microphone is nothing special to talk about.
Sound impressions.
The overall tuning is very balanced with good clarity and sufficient enough resolution or at least as much as the entry level codecs would allow.
Bass is extended and full but you want call it very visceral as it is rather on the lean side but still hard hitting.
It is super fast and tight with great layering to handle busy passages aimed by the ample detail.
There is no bloat at all and the transition to the mids is accomplished with great linearity.
You can certainly tell that there is something special going on regarding the driver and the discrete amplifier because the TWS800 sails ahead of the competition regarding macro dynamics , slam and overall sense of reality.
There is also a well implemented soundscape with precise positioning and good space allocation.
Mids are natural sounding with good articulation and full bodied.
Timbre is done right and the presentation is only a little forward just to make things more alive and exciting never being dull and boring.
Reaching higher the clarity and timbre are more or less retained but extension and fidelity are restrained by the absence of aptX or other high-resolution codecs.
In order to be honest we must confess that the TWS800 seems to be painstakingly tuned in order to address this problem because it never sounds harsh or fatiguing.
It is good as it is but it is a pity because it could be a lot better.
The TWS800 is designed around cleverly thought and implemented hardware but with a performance held back by the software.
At the end
To be honest we are a little upset with HiFiMan and the TWS800 but not because it is a bad performer.
On the contrary it is one of the best TWS earphones we have heard with a truly great performance and an audiophile tuning.
But it is only great while it could be truly exceptional just by adding a higher resolution codec in order to achieve greater extension and fidelity.
So while the HiFiMan TWS800 is one of the very few audiophile oriented TWS in existence there is still room for improvement and we are sure that HiFiMan is already back to the drawing board designing the next generation.
Till then the TWS800 is an excellent TWS strongly focused around music pleasure and it is highly recommended.
The test playlist - http://open.qobuz.com/playlist/5669033
Copyright - Laskis Petros 2021.
Specifications
TWS800 product page
Price: $299. Free RE600s included.
Available directly from HIFIMAN Store.
Credits to the HIFIMAN team for providing the TWS800 review unit.
Design
The TWS800 earphones have a more premium look than HIFIMAN’s first true-wireless model, the TWS600. Still made of plastic, which is best suited for true-wireless earphones where there are no cables to hold the earpieces and provide a better Bluetooth signal. That said, the build quality feels solid enough and the shiny silver color gives a more elegant touch. The main black part of the inner body has a rubber like surface, while towards the nozzle side it is all silver painted. The finish is not the best; there are a couple of little spots where the paint is chipped off. The faceplate is also in shiny silver color with the HIFIMAN logo. The TWS800 also feature a IPX4 rate resistance.
The tech inside not only features the company own Topology diaphragm dynamic drivers, but also a built-in amplifier module to drive them properly as they rate a rather high 150ohm impedance for a IEM model. The large part of the earphones is placed to the outer side, while towards the inner side it is more round and compact. Even so, I found the fit very shallow, even for a TWS model. Also, getting the right fit and best seal is very tricky, and none of the included tips worked for me, so what I opted for the SpinFit CP360 tips, and still needed to readjust them every now and then. They are not particularly uncomfortable as only a very little area is in contact with the ears. In comparison, the TWS600, while also large, fit much easier and securely, like many universal IEMs and with almost any ear tips. Isolation too, is about average.
Following the large earpieces, the charging case is very big. It is also made of plastic, so still lightweight. It has enough room to hold the earphones with most of the ear tips, except from the long flange ones. The magnetic surface will hold the earphones in place once stored, but nothing as strong as on the TWS600 where you could flip the case open, shake it and hardly drop the earphones. The USB charging port is Type-C, but does not support wireless charging. There is a light indicator inside the case, only for the earphones battery level, but no way to know the charging case current level.
The earphones now use touch controls on both sides. The functions are the same as on the 600’s, for playback, volume, etc. – see image. The volume control is very good, small changes from each step so no need to readjust from the transmitting audio source.
Battery and Wireless performance
Battery performance rates about ~4, or a little more depending on the volume, so very average considering other models can offer at least twice the playing time. Bluetooth codec support is still limited to just the basic SBC and AAC, and quite disappointing for the high price. Also, there are no special features like noise-cancellation or ambient.
Sound
The TWS800 follows the same idea as the TWS600, a single dynamic driver with their own Topology tech, originally introduced with their upper IEM models. The TWS600 was already very different from various true-wireless in-ear earphones I tried which were either bassy, warm or at least v-shaped sounding. The TWS800 is also different from those, but also different to the TWS600 which was very neutral, bright and detail focused. Instead, the TWS800 is more linear and evenly balanced through the whole freq. response.
While technical abilities on the TWS800 are nothing exceptional, especially considering the high price (and among the most expensive of TWS sets), and the fit quite tricky, I found the tuning to be of my liking. It is not just pretty neutral but more natural and comfortable to listen with a wide variety of music genres. Bass is neutral to very slightly punchy on the mid-bass, with fair weight and body to avoid sounding lean or too light. It is fast and has good depth (with the right tips and proper seal), and more natural decay, though extension is limited – sub-bass can be heard but lacks in rumble. The midrange is clear, neutral to a little more forward at the upper-mids keeping a good balance. Instruments’ separation is decent, not too airy but not congested either. Like with many HIFIMAN IEMs, the vocals on the TWS800 stand out more with a nice texture and detail (the RE600 is still better, though). Treble is elevated but still smoother and less forward than on the TWS600. The extension is still limited and some early roll-off can be perceived (blame it to the wireless or limited codec if you want). There is no sibilance or harshness and the texture is more natural than any other true-wireless earphones I tried. Soundstage is about average, but overall it sounds coherent.
Compared to the TWS600, I wouldn’t call the TWS800 a direct upgrade in sound quality as they are differently tuned. I do prefer the tuning on the TWS800 for its fuller, more balanced and richer sound. It has more impact and depth on the lows and more weight on the lower mids with a smoother, less shouty upper-midrange and treble. The TWS600 is light in bass and it is quicker in decay and the midrange is leaner but sounds more airy. The treble is kind of splashy on the TWS600 for what I clearly prefer the TWS800. The level of detail is pretty much equal, though the soundstage is a little bit wider on the TWS800.
The TWS800 build quality feels better with a more ‘premium’ look over the TWS600, and it should be as it costs $100 more than the original price on the TWS600. However, with the TWS600 currently priced below $100 it presents a much better value, and so far the most detailed sounding for the price.
Next to the Master&Dynamic MW07, the differences in sound are much more obvious. The MW07 is warm and more laid back. The bass is stronger, with an enhanced mid-bass lift that usually bleeds to the mids, but adds a thicker, fuller texture. Lower midrange is more forward than on the TWS800 and smoother on the upper-mids. It loses in air and separation to both the TWS800 and TWS600 but has a sweeter texture and more ‘musicality’ on it. Treble is laid-back and less resolving; quality goes for the TWS800. Neither of them impresses with soundstage, but the MW07 is still even a little wider.
TWS800 product page
Price: $299. Free RE600s included.
Available directly from HIFIMAN Store.
Credits to the HIFIMAN team for providing the TWS800 review unit.
Design
The TWS800 earphones have a more premium look than HIFIMAN’s first true-wireless model, the TWS600. Still made of plastic, which is best suited for true-wireless earphones where there are no cables to hold the earpieces and provide a better Bluetooth signal. That said, the build quality feels solid enough and the shiny silver color gives a more elegant touch. The main black part of the inner body has a rubber like surface, while towards the nozzle side it is all silver painted. The finish is not the best; there are a couple of little spots where the paint is chipped off. The faceplate is also in shiny silver color with the HIFIMAN logo. The TWS800 also feature a IPX4 rate resistance.
The tech inside not only features the company own Topology diaphragm dynamic drivers, but also a built-in amplifier module to drive them properly as they rate a rather high 150ohm impedance for a IEM model. The large part of the earphones is placed to the outer side, while towards the inner side it is more round and compact. Even so, I found the fit very shallow, even for a TWS model. Also, getting the right fit and best seal is very tricky, and none of the included tips worked for me, so what I opted for the SpinFit CP360 tips, and still needed to readjust them every now and then. They are not particularly uncomfortable as only a very little area is in contact with the ears. In comparison, the TWS600, while also large, fit much easier and securely, like many universal IEMs and with almost any ear tips. Isolation too, is about average.
Following the large earpieces, the charging case is very big. It is also made of plastic, so still lightweight. It has enough room to hold the earphones with most of the ear tips, except from the long flange ones. The magnetic surface will hold the earphones in place once stored, but nothing as strong as on the TWS600 where you could flip the case open, shake it and hardly drop the earphones. The USB charging port is Type-C, but does not support wireless charging. There is a light indicator inside the case, only for the earphones battery level, but no way to know the charging case current level.
The earphones now use touch controls on both sides. The functions are the same as on the 600’s, for playback, volume, etc. – see image. The volume control is very good, small changes from each step so no need to readjust from the transmitting audio source.
Battery and Wireless performance
Battery performance rates about ~4, or a little more depending on the volume, so very average considering other models can offer at least twice the playing time. Bluetooth codec support is still limited to just the basic SBC and AAC, and quite disappointing for the high price. Also, there are no special features like noise-cancellation or ambient.
Sound
The TWS800 follows the same idea as the TWS600, a single dynamic driver with their own Topology tech, originally introduced with their upper IEM models. The TWS600 was already very different from various true-wireless in-ear earphones I tried which were either bassy, warm or at least v-shaped sounding. The TWS800 is also different from those, but also different to the TWS600 which was very neutral, bright and detail focused. Instead, the TWS800 is more linear and evenly balanced through the whole freq. response.
While technical abilities on the TWS800 are nothing exceptional, especially considering the high price (and among the most expensive of TWS sets), and the fit quite tricky, I found the tuning to be of my liking. It is not just pretty neutral but more natural and comfortable to listen with a wide variety of music genres. Bass is neutral to very slightly punchy on the mid-bass, with fair weight and body to avoid sounding lean or too light. It is fast and has good depth (with the right tips and proper seal), and more natural decay, though extension is limited – sub-bass can be heard but lacks in rumble. The midrange is clear, neutral to a little more forward at the upper-mids keeping a good balance. Instruments’ separation is decent, not too airy but not congested either. Like with many HIFIMAN IEMs, the vocals on the TWS800 stand out more with a nice texture and detail (the RE600 is still better, though). Treble is elevated but still smoother and less forward than on the TWS600. The extension is still limited and some early roll-off can be perceived (blame it to the wireless or limited codec if you want). There is no sibilance or harshness and the texture is more natural than any other true-wireless earphones I tried. Soundstage is about average, but overall it sounds coherent.
Compared to the TWS600, I wouldn’t call the TWS800 a direct upgrade in sound quality as they are differently tuned. I do prefer the tuning on the TWS800 for its fuller, more balanced and richer sound. It has more impact and depth on the lows and more weight on the lower mids with a smoother, less shouty upper-midrange and treble. The TWS600 is light in bass and it is quicker in decay and the midrange is leaner but sounds more airy. The treble is kind of splashy on the TWS600 for what I clearly prefer the TWS800. The level of detail is pretty much equal, though the soundstage is a little bit wider on the TWS800.
The TWS800 build quality feels better with a more ‘premium’ look over the TWS600, and it should be as it costs $100 more than the original price on the TWS600. However, with the TWS600 currently priced below $100 it presents a much better value, and so far the most detailed sounding for the price.
Next to the Master&Dynamic MW07, the differences in sound are much more obvious. The MW07 is warm and more laid back. The bass is stronger, with an enhanced mid-bass lift that usually bleeds to the mids, but adds a thicker, fuller texture. Lower midrange is more forward than on the TWS800 and smoother on the upper-mids. It loses in air and separation to both the TWS800 and TWS600 but has a sweeter texture and more ‘musicality’ on it. Treble is laid-back and less resolving; quality goes for the TWS800. Neither of them impresses with soundstage, but the MW07 is still even a little wider.
The product was provided to me free of charge for the review purpose in exchange for my honest opinion. The review was originally posted on my site, and now I would like to share it with my readers on Head-fi.
Manufacturer website: Hifiman.
Intro.
I was a bit surprised when Hifiman asked me if I’m interested to check out their upcoming TWS800 true wireless stereo earphone considering that I mostly focus on testing and reviewing higher end wired IEMs and DAPs. Besides, I wasn’t even familiar with their previous TWS600 model, but the more I thought about it, the more I became curios and decided to give it a shot! Once TWS800 arrived and I spent the last week with them “glued” to my ears, I decided to put together a write up because it wasn’t just another generic pair of consumer-grade TWS. As a matter of fact, TWS800 shares Topology Diaphragm advanced driver design similar to RE800, perhaps the reason why this wireless model number is also 800.
Now, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this brand new TWS earphone from Hifiman.
Unboxing and Accessories.
Prior to receiving TWS800 I tried to Google the spec, but only gathered bits and pieces since it was not officially listed yet (that was back in September, right before the official release). Thus, I was looking forward to see the packaging, in hope of reading the actual spec, but to my surprise it was quite vague as well. The cover of the compact box it arrived in had a clear picture of TWS800 and the case and mentioning of “amazing sound quality”, while the back had a few bullet points about functionality. This made me only more curious about it.
Inside, you have a soft foam insert with cutouts for IEMs and the charging case. And I mean it when I say IEMs because they did look like higher end IEMs, even kind of reminding me of their RE1000 CIEMs. With foam insert out, you can see a number of included accessories, such as usb-c charging cable, a storage velour drawstring pouch that was big enough to fit charging case, a warranty card and a very detailed manual, and a ton of eartips. Hifiman mentions 8pairs, while I counted 9 which could have been due to one already on earpieces. Those were S/M/L black silicone, M wide bore black silicone, S/M/L double flange black silicone, L triple flange black silicone, and L deep single flange white silicone tips.
Keep in mind, manual is VERY important since TWS earphones have different controls, so make sure you don’t throw it away.
Design.
As I already mentioned, the exterior design of the shells has a more “audiophile” look, typical of higher end IEMs rather than airpods clones or fancy consumer earpieces that fit entirely in the concha area of your ear. The faceplate has a stainless-steel finish, matching the charging case, with a Hifiman logo and multi-color LED indicator. The inner part of the shell has rubbery-plastic material that changes to SS finish toward the nozzle which has a lip (to secure eartips from sliding off) and a mesh cover at the tip. There were also 2 charging contacts toward the edge, and L/R marking. Obviously, this is not a heavy SS but rather some lightweight aluminum alloy or whatever the material is, just with SS finish.
The earpieces itself are pretty lightweight, only 6.9g each, and the size is just average, around 25.6 x 20.2 x 27.6 mm. What I found to be quite useful is the actual shape of the faceplate and the shell, allowing me to hold these earbuds with a secure grip without pressing the touch control on the faceplate. And the same goes when TWS800 were in my ears and I needed to tap the faceplate, being able to grip the shell with two fingers without accidentally touching the faceplate. I know, we don’t always think about this aspect of design ergonomics, but with some of the other TWS I tried in the past I always end up touching controls when pushing shells into my ears. Here, I didn’t have any problem at all, plus, they stayed securely in my ears even while moving around.
The charging case is a nice-looking clamshell with a matching SS exterior finish. Inside you have 2 cavities for earpieces, aligned with charging contacts, deep enough to accommodate TWS800 with different size/shape eartips, and with a strong enough magnet to hold them securely inside while charging. There was also 4-LED indicator to show the status of charging case battery. My complain with a case is about charging LED indicator being visible only when case cover is open. When it is closed, you don’t have access to see any LED indicators and don’t know if case is charging or already done. Plus, it would have been nice to have Qi wireless pad charging capability in addition to usb-c charging port. Neither of these are showstoppers, but at least LED indicator would have been nice to have.
Regarding what is “under the hood”. As I already mentioned, there is no full spec about actual drivers or wireless chipset, almost like Hifiman wanted to treat TWS800 as a “black box” so people would focus on the sound rather than components. But I was still able to find some info about the design. Don’t know how relevant this is, but TWS800 drivers actually have 150ohm impedance, more than double of RE800 IEMs 60ohm impedance. Of course, impedance doesn’t matter because you are not driving it from your DAP. But instead, these TWS use a built-in independent amplifier to drive TWS800 to its full potential as intended by Hifiman design.
One thing Hifiman did mention about drivers, they use Topology Diaphragm, similar to RE800/RE2000 design. I know RE models use 9.2mm DD, but I don’t want to speculate if TWS800 is the same. What makes these drivers unique is Nano particles coating (based on Dr Fang Bian Ph.D. thesis) applied in special geometric patterns. What Dr Fang discovered is by varying the surface pattern and using different Nano materials (each with its own unique property), you can control the acoustic performance of the driver. If you think about it, you literally micro-tuning the sound by applying a different Nano coating pattern. Plus, the structure of Topology diaphragm also reduces uncontrolled distortion typical of dynamic drivers.
And last, but not least, is the battery performance. At full charge earpieces will last about 4.5 hours of playback, and the charging case (with its 800mAh battery) will give you another 27 hours. Basically, you can get close to 6 full charges from the case. The total charging time of earpieces with a case is up to 2hrs, and you also get 120 hours of standby time.
The fit.
Functionality.
I wasn’t able to find what exact wireless chipset TWS800 is using, but I do know it supports Bluetooth 5.0, Class 2, and also 2 codecs: SBC and AAC. I don’t know if this is a limitation of the chipset, but it would have been nice to see support of aptX like in other TWS. Actually, to my surprise, even AAC yielded pretty good sound performance which I going to cover in the next section of the review.
Regarding pair up itself, it was effortless. With TWS, once you take them out of the case, they go automatically into pair up mode and you can easily discover and connect with any and every source I tried. Plus, I was able to have a solid connection about 30ft away from the source in the open space. And it also worked through the wall when I went into another room, around the corner from where the source was sitting.
I used TWS800 with apps playing local audio files, streaming Qobuz and Amazon Music HD, watching YT, Netflix, etc. The audio and video were always in perfect sync, and in most of the cases I was able to control playback and adjust volume remotely without a problem. I will cover that also in more details later in my review.
And speaking of controls, I was pleased that TWS800 offers playback (play/pause/skip) and volume controls. Volume adjustment seems to be rare with TWS. Also, while reading the manual, it says that triple tap on R side skips Next, while I found the opposite which is less logical but still not a showstopper.
During phone calls, which, btw, have just an average quality with TWS800:
- L/R – single tap to Accept/End the call, press and hold to Reject the call.
- L/R – press and hold for 2 sec to activate phone’s voice control.
- L - single tap Play/Pause, double tap Vol-, triple tap Next track
- R - single tap Play/Pause, double tap Vol+, triple tap Prev track
Sound Analysis.
I analyzed TWS800 sound performance paired up with my Galaxy S9, Hiby R3 Pro, and A&K SR25 while playing a variety of test tracks, such as Agnes Obel “The curse”, Sandro Cavazza “So much better” (Avicii remix), C-Bool “Never go away”, Ed Sheeran “Shape of you”, Alan Walker “Darkside”, Galantis “Hunter”, Iggy Azalea “Black widow”, Indila “Boite en argent”, Dua Lipa “Love again”, Counting Crows “Big yellow taxi”, David Elias “Vision of her”, and Michael Jackson “Dirty Diana”. From my experience with RE800, their dynamic driver needed at least a few days of continuous burn in, so I didn’t jump to any conclusion until a few days of listening. And as I continued to listen more, I noticed the soundstage opening up and the sound becoming more transparent.
Like with many other universal IEMs, eartips selection is crucial not just for comfort and secure fit, but because of sound variation due to seal and insertion depth. Thus, please pay close attention to select the right pair of eartips. Personally, I found eartips with a narrower bore opening to yield more clarity and better retrieval of details.
TWS800 tuning has a balanced sound signature with a clear and natural tonality and a rather good retrieval of details for this type of tuning. Not exactly analytical or micro-detailed, but natural organic details. Nothing stands out as exaggerated, you will not hear elevated bass or recessed mids or extra treble spikes, typical of other TWS or similarly priced IEMs. I’m hearing just a nicely done non-fatigue natural detailed tonality which I was able to enjoy during extended listening sessions.
The technical performance is not bad either. Though the layering of instruments and vocals is average since treble airiness is a bit reserved, the overall clarity and resolution was decent for TWS wireless pair of IEMs. Also, soundstage is wide, for sure above average, opening up even more after burn in, though I found it to have more depth than width. Nothing is congested and instruments and vocals have a relatively accurate positioning.
In more details, I hear bass to be articulate with a good sub-bass extension and deep rumble which comes out to play when called upon (like Iggy’s Black Widow). Mid-bass is fast and punchy with a good control and without spilling into mids (works great with any genre). Lower mids have above neutral body, giving the sound its natural tonality (vocals sound natural and soulful). Upper mids/vocals are transparent, natural, detailed - not too smooth or warm, and at the same time not too cold or analytical. Treble is well defined, natural, detailed, without any offensive peaks or harshness. Perhaps, treble is not too airy or super extended at the top end, but still well balanced with mids.
Comparison.
Since I don’t have too many TWS iems, it is hard to think of the best comparison. I have tried a number of TWS before, especially back when I attended CanJam NYC early this year, but I’m not a fan of A/B comparison by memory. What made sense to me is to compare TWS800 to its wired sibling RE800 gold/silver since they share the same driver tech.
TWS bass is a happy medium between RE800 gold and silver, more mid-bass punch and deeper sub-bass rumble than Gold, but not as elevated and with a better control and articulation than Silver. TWS mids have more body and sound more natural, not as lean and cold as Gold/Silver mids & vocals. Plus, TWS mids are not as distant and out of your head like in Gold/Silver, instead they bring you closer to the music, closer to the singer/performer. TWS treble has a good definition, though not as crisp and resolving as Silver and definitely more natural and less fatigue than Gold treble. The main difference is that Silver has a more V-shaped sound signature while Gold is more mid-forward due to its neutral bass. In contrast, TWS600 has a perfectly balanced W-shaped sound sig with even emphasis on lows, mids, and highs.
Source pair up.
When it comes to wireless earphones and headphones, and especially TWS, many often forget that it doesn’t matter what DAC or amp your source has. None of this matter because your source will digitally encode and transmit the sound and TWS earphones will decode and drive the transducer inside the shell. Here, what important is the codec being used and protocols being supported. And relative to TWS800, built-in amplifier Hifiman implemented. In theory, everything should work the same, but I did find some variations with sources I tested. Here is a run-down.
The following sources have been tested and verified to be able to control remotely the playback (Plays/Pause/Skip) and the volume (raise up/down). Plus, they all yielded a similar sound with a wide soundstage and relatively transparent detailed tonality while paired up using AAC codec (the highest supported by TWS800):
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Hiby R8
- Hiby R3 Pro
- Cayin N6ii
- Cayin N3 Pro
- A&K SP2000 SS
- A&K SR25
- Shanling M0
- Sony WM1Z
- Lotoo LPGT
- Lotoo PAW6k
- Hidizs AP80 Pro
Conclusion.
I’m not going to pretend to be TWS expert, but I have tested a handful of true wireless stereo earphones and found manufacturers trying too hard to appeal more to consumer crowd by either pushing a bloated bass, or having a v-shaped tuning with enhanced bass and treble, and not paying as much attention to tonality balance or overall resolution. Some manufacturers “enhance” their TWS releases with higher end drivers, but they are driving it directly from Bluetooth chipset, not using amplifier, thus limiting audio tuning capability.
What impressed me with TWS800 is that Hifiman put in effort to make it look and sound like an audiophile quality IEM, not another consumer TWS to use while exercising or binge-watching shows on your phone. This TWS has a balanced signature with a good level of natural clarity and smooth retrieval of details without too much coloring. For its asking price (MSRP $299) it is a rather good sounding IEM to begin with, and TWS is just a cherry on top.
Introduction
HiFiman's TWS 800 have been sent to me as a review sample. I write this to you with my own opinion and nothing more. I have read no other articles on these as is my preference for all things I review. Other than researching the technical information and reading the instructions supplied I come to you with fresh ears, unspoilt by the opinions of others.
About the TWS 800
This is HiFiMan's 2nd TWS model. Their 1st, the TWS 600, is still on sale, and, if you're lucky, may be at a heavily discounted price from it's debut at $199. The TWS 600, and TWS 800, are based on the drivers in the RE600 and RE800 IEMs. There have been adjustments made to the tuning and (I believe) there may be a sprinkling of some magic dust on the TWS 800 at least. In the official wording this is known as a nano particle coating. TWS stands for truly wireless.No cables are evident, at all, in a TWS design. TWS earbuds have a charging case. The case for the TWS 800 will recharge the 6 times before the case needs recharging. The earbuds are charged by placing them into the left and right cradles.
The retail price of the TWS 800 is $299. It is a bluetooth 5.0 model. The 1st HiFiMan TWS, the 600, it is fair to say, created some controversy. Although it looked snazzy in it's alien egg shaped charging case, and was easy to use, the sound signature was considered to be thin and harsh. EQing naturally hid some of the blemishes; these do have the foundations of a pretty decent driver, but for occasions when that wasn't possible, the people suffered. The shape of the TWS600 meant that I had to readjust them constantly when I took them out for a run. In the end I came up with a solution; I found some old hybrid foam tips and some silicon wings that fitted around the outside edge of the shells. I managed to draw out the good points of the sound signature and kept them in my ears. The sound became vivid even when out running. Bass was still fairly light but with effort, yep, I could hear something happening behind the scenes.
Myself and a few others complained bitterly about our experiences. HiFiMan listened, inwardly digested, furrowed their brows, and set to work in their R&D department. From the ashes of the TWS 600 came the TWS 800. So what, if anything, has changed? The 800 has an upgraded driver. It is based on the RE800 IEM.
The TWS 600 is based on the somewhat lesser, but still pretty competent RE600.
I'm hoping you get my drift here. We have the brain of a $599 IEM inside the 800, but the TWS 600 has a pairing that reflects its price much more accurately. Having found this information out, I hope I too, have whetted your appetite. There is surely more potential for excellence in the TWS 800 before they are plucked from the safety of the cardboard outer.
The TWS 800 is not a plastic affair like the TWS 600. It's metal construction adds to the weight and prestige. HiFiMan state that the materials they've used will reduce distortion and raise the frequency response. The TWS 800 is an altogether more sizable affair than the 600. It has a larger bluetooth module and amp than its predecessor. The size has been cunningly disguised. The shape of the TWS 800 brings a modern look to the HiFiMan in ear range. The TWS 600 had an elegant oval shape. It was not a great fit for my ears. The shape doesn't conform to the contours of the outer ear and so it relied on the eartip having a decent relationship with the ear canal entrance to stay in place. Not so with the TWS 800. The shape of the 800 conforms closely to the concha, or middle part of the ear, the bit where you put the driver shells into.
The tuning of the 800 truly wireless has been done more sympathetically. There is now a less analytical feel to the sound signature compared to the younger brother. Technically everything is better inside; so although we have here a more fun and less edgy sounding earbud, we still have some finesse as would be expected with a driver that can dig out more detail.
Build quality,accessories & cosmetic appeal
The TWS 800 construction has been well thought through. The TWS 600 needs the right earbud to be switched on after it comes out of the charging case in order for it to pair with the left. Otherwise you just get sound from the 1 earbud. With the 800, as soon as you take the buds from the case, they pair with each other and with your phone. so far, that is 100% take it to the bank reliable for me. The case has a deeper recess than the alien egg case (which I love the look of) that comes with the 600. The charging pins will align themselves more readily and reliably with the TWS 800, even with larger ear tips on.
This is a picture showing the case and the buds in place and being charged. The blue status indicates the left bud is charged; the right bud is being temporarily recharged. In the centre and at the back of the case and harder to spot in the photo, are a series of orange dots. They indicate the charge left in the case. 4 dots is full and 1 dot is 25% charge left.
As is usual with the minimalism of the TWS tech, there are no buttons to be seen anywhere on the TWS 800. The operation of them is via a series of taps. 1 tap, the most common thing you'll be using, is play\pause and answer\end any phone calls you recieve. The more intricate stuff; 2 on the left for lower volume 2 on the right for more, 3 on the left for last track 3 on the right for next track; suffice it to say, on the run I find it a struggle. On the TWS 600 I was able to do this whilst I was out running. Who knows? It's probably just me. The taps do work; all I'm saying is, more often than not, the 800 thinks I want to pause my music.
As for the build quality, mine work fine, they're made with no issues that I can see. The bit that sits in the concha of the ear, the main bit, has the feel of a rubberised plastic with a bit of grip to it. I applaud that, because it's gonna keep these big things in and there's no metal to burn you when it's going in there on hot summer days, which will hopefully be back before we know it.
The box opened. Leaving aside the inner white and outer black felt at the back of the picture, we have the case, the warranty card, a bag of tips, a USB C charging cable and an instruction leaflet. I have forgotten to include the black felt bag for the case in this picture. The case is very shiny, and will need the bag if you take it with you, because it will scratch easily.
These are the tips supplied. The best fit I got was with the 4th set going from left to right, interestingly exactly the ones I use for the RE2000 Silver IEMs from HiFiMan. In use, if they were pushed too far into the ear canal I'd get a flex noise from them. They could be reinserted with less depth and would still stay in, much to my surprise. The tips supplied didn't give the impression of much bass at all. I had a rummage around and found that a set of Comply Foam Tips gave a decent amount of bass and were much more snug in my ear canal. The seal was such that outside noise was attenuated to near inaudible when on the streets. When using the treadmill I could enjoy classical music without being overly put off by either my flat feet or my breathing. With the tips supplied I found it hard to concentrate on quieter pieces of music.
The look of the TWS 800 is all about bling. It is shiny. Oh yes. There are curves where flatness could have been used. The case is a shining example of that. The smooth flatness is there to accentuate the look of the earbuds and it also serves to hide some of the fatness of the driver housing underneath. I am a fan of the aesthetics. Many of the portable HiFiMan products are a bit dated in their looks, but the TWS 800 are more in tune with what's happening now. As a caveat this is shiny enough that it is prone to scratches, don't drop them! The TWS 600 has that advantage. Yes, they have a plastic construction, but the case and shells on them are scratch resistant.
Sound quality
The shortcomings of the sq on the TWS 600 have been largely taken care of, thanks to the better drivers, amp, bluetooth module and housing. The lack of harshness and overall poise in the sound signature of the TWS 800 made me realise just how serious HiFiMan are in this new market sector. I can state that there is a definite hifi quality to these. The codecs that the TWS sector can accommodate are still lossy, SRC and AAC rather than APTx and LDAC, but in practice I didn't feel like I was hearing much less. When there were occasions that I was just sat down quietly listening to the TWS 800 during the course of the past 3 weeks I felt they could hold their own with their wired cousins, or at least not be trailing a long way behind them. We are not talking like for like between these and a set of wired $299 IEM's. If your interest is value for money above all else, then there are many more better sounding options out there. But take them out on a run, or take them to the gym, then you begin to realise what a necessary luxury the TWS really is.
The bass is lacking with the tips supplied. It is a shortcoming of the potential of the TWS 800, and I achieved a decent, tight bass response by adding some Comply Foams. With a reputation for a boosted bass signature and a dip in the upper frequency range. The mids and highs were none the worse off for this coupling but my ears were thankful for a touch of extra warmth.
Conclusion
The TWS 800 needed to be different from their earlier cousin, the TWS 600, to succeed. so have they managed it? To a great extent, they have. The things look better, sound better and operate with more efficiency and reliability. The case can get scratched more easily than plastic. The bass is too light without foamies and the tapping is difficult to get the hang of, when you're on a run at least. This is an altogether different kettle of fish from the 600. It sounds much smoother and classier, and can hold its own with wired models, not £ for £, but it sounds like something a headfier would be satisfied with, particularly on the move. Once you're out running on the open road the stakes are raised even higher; this is a decent sounding TWS that has eliminated any cable noise and has a great deal of isolation. It may even become an excuse to get out there for a walk, a run, a trip to the gym. If it does that, then your money has been well spent indeed.
