**moving this post here (sorry, made a new thread)**
Just got new IEMs, went with IE80s now that my RE-400's are failing.
I knew it was going to be a big change, and took the jump anyway -- I'm not sure how I feel about them at first blush.
Bass is obviously 100x better (lowest setting), and the soundstage is noticing you larger. However, I feel like they're not nearly as balanced as my 400s, probably the recessed mids I've read about. My 400's by comparison sound much fuller, with smooth/balanced vocals/mids, the IE80s almost sound like there's "gaps" when I switch, though there might be more high end detail in spots.
Speaking of the highs, the IE80s are much harsher than I thought based on reviews. They are also much more sibilant than my 400s.
Not sure if I'm going to keep them. These are just my first impressions, so maybe different tips, break-in or shock wearing off will help.
Any thoughts from IE80 owners or someone who has made a similar switch?
**update** playing with different tips has helped a bit. The stock tips basically bring out the lows and highs too much so I get that feeling of harshness and recessed mids. The smaller single flang tips balance them out a bit more (lack of a seal maybe?). Still not sold on these...maybe I just prefer forward/natural emphasis on vocals/mids coming from the 400s, and thinking of getting the RE-600's instead. Would love thoughts from Ie80 owners though.