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The IE8s do have removable cables, no?
(Sorry for the delay in replying -- just got back from vacation.)
You're right, and I didn't know that before. It's a real secure attachment, but yes, you can buy replacement cables. Costs about the same as the other premium IEMs here, $$50 (+/-).
That makes the Sony XBA-4 the only one that's not field-replaceable for cables. Well ... 6 weeks ago, I scored a new XBA-4 set for $205, so that might now be the top end of the "disposable IEM" category. (Hope not!) No one's written yet about their experiences trying to get the cables repaired at Sony, so hopefully it's not as bad as we can expect.
( HINT: some credit card companies like AmEx offer their own free extended warranties on consumer purchases of stuff like this, so it's worth checking to see if you might be covered. )
On the overall theme of this thread, I'd put the XBA-4s and Westone 4Rs at the top if I was just interested in the aspect called soundstaging. But every time I swap to a different set for a day, it seems I have a new favorite IEM.
I'd also advise everyone to keep an eye open on the used market for the Sony MDR-EX1000 and MDR EX600 -- they're (still!) that much better than the competition. I would not pay a premium price for new old stock (NOS), but this year you should still be able to find some "lightly used" models.