As some of you have read in recent posts I have been experimenting with different tips and tip combinations. Initially I decided to use the large silicone domed tips. They were "ok" but didn't provide the kind of isolation I was used to. I didn't get a proper seal but at least they fit in my ears better than any of the other included Senn tips.
Next I tried putting those same silicones atop the included double flanges. That was a HUMONGOUS improvement and I thought I had found the ultimate modification for my Senn IE8s. The isolation was VASTLY improved, the fit was more snug and comfortable, the sound quality seemed to go up for my ears, and I was sure I really didn't need to do anything else. I was happy. UNTIL...
I had read about these Sony Hybrid tips that everyone kept talking about. I figured I would try these out and see if any more sq and/or isolation could be squeezed out of these puppies. I was kind of disappointed. For me and my ears they didn't do much. I tried them alone and I also tried them along with the bi-flanges. Like I had stated in an earlier post, the fit of the Sony INTO the bi-flange wasn't as tight as I had wanted it to be and felt like I may lose one or both tips eventually. SQ wise I couldn't decipher any difference between the included Senn silicone tips and the Sonys. I don't doubt that many people have had great successes with the Sonys but for my ears they didn't do much at all. So I went back to my original success- which was the bi-flanges teamed with the Senn large silicones.
UNTIL...
I remembered that I had great success with the UE large silicone sleeves. I read that these would fit on my Senns so I figured I might as put an order in. Well, I just got them today and this is now my #1 sleeve of choice. Firstly, I don't HAVE to pair them with the bi-flanges if don't want to. I get a much better seal with these (alone) than with the Senn sleeves or the Sony Hybrids. Anyway, I then decided to try these out with the bi-flanges to see how it compared to my other favorite combo. It's great. Really superb. The perfect fit, great isolation, etc. This is how I am listening to my IE8s now. The UE silicones are slightly more stiff than the Senns or the Sonys. This is what does the trick for me. I find the other two to be a little flimsy. I find the UE tips to be a lot stronger and less malleable. This is obviously what my ears require.
So... my winning combo is most definitely the UE large silicones and the Senn bi-flanges, fit over one another for improved isolation, fit and sq. It's a marriage made in heaven for these ears.
-T