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- Dec 27, 2016
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The IE800's intrigue me but I am concerned about their quirkiness. All the issues with fakes, non-detachable cables, ability to stay in the ear etc. I do like a neutral sound like an Etymotic. Just tried the ER4-XR and found that the extra bass negatively effected the openness I experienced with the HF5's. Not that they were bad, in fact they had a strong 3D feel, were quite smooth, with good separation, although not an overly wide soundstatge. Would really love something with good soundstage, good separation, and a somewhat neutral sound signature. Don't really want something where one area of the frequency response dominates other areas, particularly bass.
From what I have read the Shure SE846 is pretty bland sounding, but I have never listened to one so can't say form personnel experience. Also, the midrange apparently dominates.
For my genre of pop, hiphop, electronic music, I don't mind a forward midrange. I have heard the bass is the most prominent feature but the midrange is also there. The treble is a bit where it is supposed to lack. (Haven't heard them yet so I cant say. I might find the treble on point because I am a little sensitive)
The IE800 do have a lot of issues in terms of short cable, microphonic, average isolation. After owning these for about a month, I can say these are meant for audiophiles who like to plug a pair of IEM into their phone and listen at home, have the money to spend on something that is TOTL without going the custom route. It also shines with genre's that are reflective of this ideal listener. (Classical, Jazz, Film Score, Rock)
With hip hop, IE800 gets a little too boomy and overly punchy. It doesn't bleed into the mid range but it just isn't what it specializes in. If the above genres are your cup of tea, I would not hesitate to recommend it. These are definitely sit at home and enjoy on the couch IEM's however. After buying them, I found that I was still missing an every day IEM with superior sound isolation, SQ and bass that I can enjoy. I have never heard the SE846 to be described as bland.