Cross-posting from the Chines thread.
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@ALL XE800 owners, I just received mine today and I noticed that the right channel sounded slightly louder than the left. After changing the ear tips, left felt louder. I was completely shocked. I don't see any obvious blockage in the eartips bore. That aside, when I tried to get a proper seal at 2nd session, I pushed the nozzle all the way out. This did seem to muffle the sound. The bore opening seemed to be blocked by walls of my ear. I was disappointed for a second wondering if I have to go through the hassle of waiting for another pair. I had to twist the nozzle inwards a little bit to find the sweet-spot. Also, it sounds excellent when the 2 bass ports are not in contact with your skin on of your ear. (owners know what I mean
). Interesting! I have to see if this issue is mitigated by wearing it over the ears. If I move the housing away a little bit, sounds seems to come alive. Here I do find that the tiny holes on the inside of the housings are not clearly drilled. Looks like some of the plastic is still stuck/intact affecting the sound. As exciting as the articulating nozzle is, it sounds like a night-mare to get the right fit without affecting the sound. I will try them tomorrow again with Spinfits and see if they help. Also, I feel they are better-suited for over the wear than regular wear. But the cable didn't stay put around my ear in a moving cab. I will try with some ear loops tomorrow. Damn! I will make them much uglier but using black ear-loops vs white ones. Did anyone see white/frosted ones?
Isolation was good with large tips.
Sound was very nice and I do miss the huge stage of IEM 500 and sub-bass coming from the 1st iteration of the unmentionable IEM. However, I have a feeling, I'll warm up to this SS with time. I'm not yet sure if this is a upgrade or side-grade to the 2 pairs I mentioned above. (if anybody knows of a relatively cheap decent step-up to IEM 500, please recommend).
They are almost tiny and very comfortable once you get the right fit. I just hope the cable doesn't give in too soon. I will see if I can get transparent shrink tube and reinforce it a little but.
All in all, seems to be a DAMN good value @ 18 USD.
I felt treble was little harsh. As much as I hate to admit, I seem to fall in to the category of ppl who just want smooth and musical presentation. Any EQ peaks that need to be tamed to make the treble much less shrill?
P.S: After trying all the IEMs I have so far, I'm more inclined towards choosing an IEM for its durability, Isolation and comfort apart from SQ and bang-for-buck factor. Maybe I will even spend a little bit of premium for that lost in music feeling I get when I forget I'm wearing them. Obviously that means, no cable noise and has to be light-weight too! Too many factors to consider when buying.