Yes, thank you for the warm welcome! Yes. I am the new official Ambassador and Community Manager for Sennheiser here on Head-fi. Sennheiser wants to make it easy for you guys to get the answers that you are looking for, and I can either provide those answers directly or get them from the Sennheiser engineers for you. Sound good?
Second, there isn't a completely new IE 800... but with the same sound tuning, there is the new Dior Homme Collection, including a recolored IE 800 with a matching wallet-case.
I want that case!
In regard to the connection, one thing I like about Sennheiser's different cable-detachment point is where the tension and release point is in an event of a snag. Some of the pin-type connectors that are at the ear pod can bend or stress the IEM capsule. On the IE 800, the cable is able to release at a safer point of the Y-split, which can help dodge some potential durability issues on the ear pod. As a portable headphone for use on-the-go, this can contribute to extra longevity in the face of the inevitable jostles and snags you run into along the way.
I can't speak to the availability of 3rd party tips to use instead of the 5 sizes included, but personal comfort is of course paramount and I'll bring it up in the next meeting.
As with all things, we’re always open to feedback and we value our customers opinions, so if you disagree, by all means let us know so we can consider your feedback for future designs down the road.
