Nathan,
I enjoyed reading your review at Headfonia.com.
Like others, I have not found anything to compare to the sound quality of the AKT8 ie (though I have not heard the 2nd gen). Also like others, I replaced the cable (upgrade) after, like others (!) finding the manufacturing issue.
Like others, the "Telsa Technology" has blown me away. For me, it is like having the T1 in portable situations. I have gone on lengthy flights without removing the T8 from my ears, even when the music is turned off, with no discomfort. Though I attribute the lack of listener fatigue to the quality of the music's output (Chord Mojo, T8ie)
As much as I love the AK T8ie, I have almost equal negative passion on how the company has handled the situation. As this is an extremely expensive item, I, and perhaps many others, would have respected them had they simply told what went wrong and assured us that replacement would be made regardless of whether or not our unit showed the problem. This, alone, would have reduced anxiety and created good will.
We then got tossed back and forth between the manufacturer, German Beyerdynamic, and the seller, Astell & Kern. About the last thing we wanted to hear was "it's not my job, call the other guy..." response. I don't know if all of us would have sent in ours for the 2nd generation or not, but even with the initial losses for the company, one can only imagine the emotional impact of brand loyalty it would have created. Think "Chord" with its Mojo. Whether or not you have tried the Mojo, just looking at the Mojo thread's size alone tells you how much of an impact this product has had on the consumer. That the head of the company and the engineer behind the Mojo have posted on Head-fi is enough to win anyone's loyalty. See also the example of the Schiit owners and their willingness to communicate with their customers. People appreciate this personal touch.
I don't think Astell & Kern could show any less interest in us as they have. My conversation with the man who runs the warranty department in the US revealed that he was withholding information about the defect; not that he was unaware. I hope they get the memo and reach out to what really amounts to as a "fan base" of customers who pay premium money for their products.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is such that, in spite of limited funds, my wife and I purchased a second unit. I felt selfish having such marvelous sound while she did not. Changing the exterior, back and forth, was not an acceptable response, so we did what we could, and purchased the second unit. The T8 is that good.
As you have pointed out, these may be the most comfortable in ear monitors you've ever experienced; me, too! Yet, I wonder, due to the marvelous sound, that even if it were less than the best in comfort, I would likely still want them.
When the reports of manufacturing defect arose, I began to research what other IEM I might get should my T8 go under, after the warranty expires.
I have decided that should this happen to us, I will make appeal to Astell & Kern, and implore them to allow me to buy the 2nd generation at a discount, including sending the broken first generation in to them, certified mail, with lengthy appeal.
Alas I must admit that I am likely to get the 2nd generation even in spite of how poorly A & K has handled this situation. Your review only solidifies my position. Your focus on comfort is something I have not spoken or thought much about, as I have been too enthralled with the combination iPhone, Mojo and T8 bringing my old music catalog to life, either through Apple Lossless or Tidal. I should not forget how hours go by and not only is there no listener fatigue, there is no discomfort within the ears. The in ear design is perfect.
Thank you for an investing review.
