[HiFiChris]

If you want decent audio quality, the first way would be to get music in proper quality, either from iTunes (they have usually got high quality AAC files), other legal download platforms or buy CDs.

 

[vnmslsrbms]

Most people can't tell 320kbps mp3 from FLAC or redbook anyway, but YMMV.  For me portable use wise, 320KBP mp3 is the choice for it's file size and universal playability.  IE800 are really good IEMs. Yes there are better ones out there, but these are good IEMs, with only the physical design (chord, fit) holding them back.  

 

[Caguioa]

Most people can't tell 320kbps mp3 from FLAC or redbook anyway, but YMMV.  For me portable use wise, 320KBP mp3 is the choice for it's file size and universal playability.  IE800 are really good IEMs. Yes there are better ones out there, but these are good IEMs, with only the physical design (chord, fit) holding them back.  

like what do u recommend over iems? is there a top iems?

 

[thefitz]

like what do u recommend over iems? is there a top iems?

Usually, if you want "better", you need to go custom-fit.

 

[JamesBr]

  The MP3 codec variant used for encoding can have a greater impact on the sound than the specific bit rate. E.G. I would take variable 256kps vs a constant bit rate at 320kps.  I would focus on getting variable rate mp3s (vs constant bit rate as the former is a newer generation of the codec) if space is a concern or go FLAC if it is not.  Free Lossless Audio Codec = mathematically equivalent to the source material.  MP3's are an algorithm that removes parts of the original source material, it makes assumptions about the frequencies that will most impact your perception of the sound and discards the parts that it deems "unnecessary."  I find MP3's to lack the frequency extension (deepest bass and highest treble) of their lossless counterparts, I also notice missing micro details and note "texture" (decay).  As far as future proof, audio doesn't change as quickly as the computing sector.  My home theater has been stable for many years, only the recent rise in Dolby Atmos has made me consider a new processor.   In electronics there is always something new so I wouldn't concern yourself with future proofing, buy the best thing your budget will allow, sit back, enjoy the music and hope upgraditis doesn't kick in.  

impressive! Never heard of a deeper explanation! Thanks. I was just amaing at 256 when ever possible

 

[axismundi]

impressive! Never heard of a deeper explanation! Thanks. I was just amaing at 256 when ever possible

Except that it is not entirely accurate. If you want the best mp3 encoding money can buy, go for 320kbps cbr. Could be a waste of space by mp3 standards but that's another story.

mp3 format does not go above 320kbps. This is an absolute limit, including when choosing vbr.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Using ogg at max level (q10) means loosing almost nothing to FLAC on the other hand 

 

[axismundi]

Using ogg at max level (q10) means loosing almost nothing to FLAC on the other hand 

Most lossy codecs are mature enough nowadays so that to be considered virtually transparent for the average joe, provided proper settings chosen. At higher bitrates, mp3/aac/ogg are very close to each other.

I'd take any day a properly compressed (lossy) file of a well mastered original rather than an uncompressed version of a poor master. Unfortunately we get more and more of the latter.

But this was a thread about IE800, wasn't it?

 

[bobeau]

Hey guys, any idea if a warranty replacement IE800 has a transferable warranty?  Threw up an IC for these and another member asked - I realize it would only be 90 days though.
 
Basically while waiting for the replacement I dusted off my Roxanne CIEMs - after a couple weeks of use I found the isolation and not having to fiddle with fitment all too seductive (I'm a remote software dev who tends to work in noisy cafes and the like) so I think I'm probably going to get another custom, possibly a K10 as I've seen comparisons painting them in a similar realm as the IE800.  

 

[0rangutan]

Hey guys, any idea if a warranty replacement IE800 has a transferable warranty?  Threw up an IC for these and another member asked - I realize it would only be 90 days though.

Yes, the IE800 warranty is transferable.
I have sent two pairs back to Senneheiser UK due to the stiffening cable issue.
In both cases, I was not the original owner and both were bought outside of the UK.
I included the original invoice in each case, but posted my own details in the return form.
In both cases I received a brand new boxed pair of IE800's back within a week, no questions asked.
Really first class customer support and service from Sennheiser.

 

[SivaMira]

Hi guys,
 
As an owner of IE800 for over a year now, I love my IE800. But I have one problem I used to think the stiff cable was normal until I read this thread. So any advice on how I should approach Sennheiser to replace my IE800. I live in Canada and I bought mine off Amazon from a japanese seller.

 

[vnmslsrbms]

  Hi guys,
 
As an owner of IE800 for over a year now, I love my IE800. But I have one problem I used to think the stiff cable was normal until I read this thread. So any advice on how I should approach Sennheiser to replace my IE800. I live in Canada and I bought mine off Amazon from a japanese seller.

I'd try talking to them first.  http://en-ca.sennheiser.com/service-support-contact
Second option may send them back to the japanese seller after you get a RMA from them.  That's probably more expensive though.  

 

[Sennheiser]

  I'd try talking to them first.  http://en-ca.sennheiser.com/service-support-contact
Second option may send them back to the japanese seller after you get a RMA from them.  That's probably more expensive though.  

 
Yes, it'll be good to get in touch with Sennheiser Canada. It'll be easier if you have your receipt / proof of purchase too. 
In any case, here's the link to our warranty coverage - http://en-de.sennheiser.com/service-support-services-warranty-conditions

 

[SivaMira]

   
Yes, it'll be good to get in touch with Sennheiser Canada. It'll be easier if you have your receipt / proof of purchase too. 
In any case, here's the link to our warranty coverage - http://en-de.sennheiser.com/service-support-services-warranty-conditions

I don't have the paper receipt of it but I still have the order page on my amazon account order. I purchased it on February 16, 2014, and with 2 years warranty I am still in.
 
There are 3 options that I can contact them: Online Orders Inquiries, General Inquiries, Service and Repair direct line. Which one should I use without the hassle of picking the wrong option.

 

[Sennheiser]

  I don't have the paper receipt of it but I still have the order page on my amazon account order. I purchased it on February 16, 2014, and with 2 years warranty I am still in.
 
There are 3 options that I can contact them: Online Orders Inquiries, General Inquiries, Service and Repair direct line. Which one should I use without the hassle of picking the wrong option.

 
Service and Repair direct line.