Astell&Kern beyerdynamic AK T8iE Review (First Impressions from IFA 2015)

[richardprice625]

want it soooo bad! in fact i might just as well sell my XBA z5 just for these!

 

[audionewbi]

I've tried half a dozen of cable, different variation, balance, single ended, copper, silver (you guys getting the point). T8iE MKII doesnt need a lot to sound good, infact stock cable to me offer the best sound. The driver used from my testing so far doesnt is designed to sound good from low current sources. Tried it out of wm1a balance and it sounded off. It really likes to be powered single ended and stock cable is more than fine.

 

[tienbasse]

  I've tried half a dozen of cable, different variation, balance, single ended, copper, silver (you guys getting the point). T8iE MKII doesnt need a lot to sound good, infact stock cable to me offer the best sound. The driver used from my testing so far doesnt is designed to sound good from low current sources. Tried it out of wm1a balance and it sounded off. It really likes to be powered single ended and stock cable is more than fine.

I'm not going to ask you to test different sources, but I found significant differences using a Cayin N5 as a source between pure copper and silver-plated copper, and between SE and balanced. The balance output benefit was less obvious on my FiiO X5-iii, but the cable material/diameter still makes a difference. Same conclusion with a LG V10.
I only briefly tried pur silver in a shop, and it made the bass thin and the treble bright, not really my cup of tea.
 
I never tried the MK2 cable, but it looks less flimsy than MK1 cables, which are a disgrace, especially the balanced one. The very thin strand diameter yields bass slaughter.

 

[kms108]

I agree, although I have the Xelento, the stock cable so far is the best match in terms of sound and design, other cables just don't sound right, and getting a third party cable to match the looks, is rather difficult also.

 

[audionewbi]

 
I'm not going to ask you to test different sources, but I found significant differences using a Cayin N5 as a source between pure copper and silver-plated copper, and between SE and balanced. The balance output benefit was less obvious on my FiiO X5-iii, but the cable material/diameter still makes a difference. Same conclusion with a LG V10.
I only briefly tried pur silver in a shop, and it made the bass thin and the treble bright, not really my cup of tea.
 
I never tried the MK2 cable, but it looks less flimsy than MK1 cables, which are a disgrace, especially the balanced one. The very thin strand diameter yields bass slaughter.

I've tried many sources, I do hear a difference but that isn't due to MKII but the sources that are tuned differently.
 
To my ears cable changes altered the stock which wasnt what i was hoping for. I have asked a trusted friend of mine to make me his own cable, this will be my last attempt at this IEM that i merely because I am trying to find the mmcx connectors for it. To my ears MKII doesnt like multi-core IEM, 8 core is over killed and just makes the sound too rich. 

 

[slankoe]

I'm debating whether I should get the Xelento version of these, or custom ultimate ears 18 pro. Can anyone compare these? I am also open to other suggestions. I want to use them mainly for music enjoyment but I'd also like to hear the details for use in music production and comparison against my Audeze EL-8 which I may use as my reference (as to how a listener of my work will hear it) alongside Genelec 8050 (most honest sound)

 

[Todhackett]

I need help! One of my akt8ie mk1 drivers died. They were purchased used about a year ago. I contacted a&k and they told me I can't have mine serviced as they only replace rather the service mk1 iem. I am not sure what I should do.

 

[tienbasse]

I need help! One of my akt8ie mk1 drivers died. They were purchased used about a year ago. I contacted a&k and they told me I can't have mine serviced as they only replace rather the service mk1 iem. I am not sure what I should do.

It's not clear to me whether you are still within a year or not.
If it is the case, replacement would be free, if not and supposing they can't repair, they don't have to do anything (but if they want to keep customers happy, they should sell you a new pair with a discount).

 

[Todhackett]

 
It's not clear to me whether you are still within a year or not.
If it is the case, replacement would be free, if not and supposing they can't repair, they don't have to do anything (but if they want to keep customers happy, they should sell you a new pair with a discount).

Sorry! it's been more than a year. The idea of a discounted new pair sounds fine to me if the price is sensible. I don't know if they would offer a pair at such a price? A&K produces relatively nice luxury audiophile products, but fails to offer IMO a nice luxury warranty. Thank you for the response. 

 

[Todhackett]

I contacted them and they told me "they are not offering upgrade paths to MK2 at this time". I thought they would just quote me a non-sensible price outside of my current audio spending budget. Nope -they decided not offer me any options at all. 

 

[JohannLiebert]

Only owned IE800 and SD4 in this price backet. Both rather cold and analytical sounding - still fun. I feel like the t8ie tops them in soundstage. Ie800 has a grand one, but lacks depth. SD4has a really 3D like one with topnotch instrument placement.
the beyer has all that plus puts vocals in front of the stage with its warm tuning.
The comfort is great and isolation is satisfying for my needs

 

[canali]

i just plugged these in...trying them against my other iems, the FLC 8S...must admit
there is not a night and day difference....those FLC 8S sure do punch above their price point.
still assessing, but there is more detail on the AK

 

[JohannLiebert]

My right driver died off too after some weeks of usage. I was quite disappointed.
I sent it in and Iriver responded today that they received the AKT8ie and will be repairing it.

Did anyone go through the same situation? I fear that the dying of the driver will repeat itself on the other driver side soo I was actually hoping to get the mk2 version as replacement.

 

[Peter Hyatt]

My right driver died off too after some weeks of usage. I was quite disappointed.
I sent it in and Iriver responded today that they received the AKT8ie and will be repairing it.

Did anyone go through the same situation? I fear that the dying of the driver will repeat itself on the other driver side soo I was actually hoping to get the mk2 version as replacement.

I hope you get the II version and think you will, but check with the dealer. The ii version fixed the issue.

 

[sanakimpro]

Hey Peter!
I recalled you were a big time fan for the T8iE with the Mojos.. Any chance you've heard the Xelentos? A lot of buzz saying that they're 'better' than the T8s Hard to believe for me. I heard Xelentos in a shop but they seemed to have a tighter sound, less bassy and more mid body emphasis. However, I didn't have a chance to A/B.

What do you think?

Also, have you compared them to BAs like ER4XR or Noble K10s? Others please feel welcome to chime in.