[Sennheiser]

  Quote:

  Today when I changed tips on my IE80s, I can't find the right word for it, but the earphone sort of came apart (see picture in link). I know you can remove the cable, but I am not sure if this is supposed to be like this or not?
 
http://i.imgur.com/EIfQVak.jpg

Where was it purchased? Sennheiser is usually pretty good, ship it back to them.

 
Here's the link to get in touch with your nearest Sennheiser service center - http://en-de.sennheiser.com/service-support-contact-service-partner-worldwide 

 

[jotpilot]

I'm pretty sure the level of bass has been decreasing for a while on mine. Tried playing with the bass adjuster (now on max), it doesn't seem to make much difference. Tried different tips too, also no good. The main reason I got these IEM's was the bass, I used to love them but now don't really enjoy them at all. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Kingston12]

  I'm pretty sure the level of bass has been decreasing for a while on mine. Tried playing with the bass adjuster (now on max), it doesn't seem to make much difference. Tried different tips too, also no good. The main reason I got these IEM's was the bass, I used to love them but now don't really enjoy them at all. Any ideas? Thanks.

How long have you had them? I have had a couple of pairs of these and they have both failed quite quickly. Sennheiser have replaced both, but I was within the two year warranty period.

 

[holden4th]

Wax build up is a possibility here.
 
I thought that I'd lost most of the right channel on my pair but a soak in food grade hydrogen peroxide (in a bottle cap) for 24 hours left a whole lot of wax floating in the cap and a pair of IEMs that sounded just like new. Just make sure you only cover the metal grille with the H2O2 and not the drivers inside.
 
I think that the design of the grille, which is very hard to clean, even with the supplied tool, is the problem. While this tool removes most of the wax it pushes some into the grille where it stays, eventually builds up and affects the sound.

 

[castleofargh]

wax would tend to affect the rest of the signal more than the low end(like a damping filter would do). the low end would change most from a problem with getting the right seal. but if jotpilot has already tried other tips to improve the seal, then IDK.
 
the bass setting affects the really low frequencies, maybe try a 50hz tone and change the bass setting from min to max, to find out if you notice a difference(try each ear alone, maybe only one ear has a problem, be it fit and good seal or actual technical problem).
check that you have turned both sides in the right direction(both clockwise or both counter clockwise), that was counter intuitive for me at first.  if you don't notice the increase at 50hz. maybe the bass port is blocked(dirt or whatever), that would be like having the tape mod, the low end is at it's strongest, but the 100hz-300hz area ends up below what the IEM usually do by 2 or 3db if I remember correctly. might be what you're experiencing? or just that you remembered them as stronger in bass than they are?
as there is a mechanical design and it's rather a small vent, I imagine you would need to send the IE80 to sennheiser to get it cleaned/fixed.

 

[jotpilot]

They are 3 and a half years old unfortunately. Looks like a repair would cost £110. Not worth it IMHO. Time to move on I guess.

 

[Kingston12]

  They are 3 and a half years old unfortunately. Looks like a repair would cost £110. Not worth it IMHO. Time to move on I guess.

If you are looking for an IEM with an excellent bass response, I can definitely recommend the Sony XB90EX which I came across on the 'basshead IEM' thread here. I use them with an amp and the sub bass/extension is in a different league to the IE80 in my opinion.
 
I really is one of the best bargains I have bought at £50, but may not be suitable for all types of music I guess.

 

[jotpilot]

Thanks Kingston12, going to try the XB90EX's.

 

[Replicant187]

RHA T20 could be good alternative. has good amount of bass and cheaper than IE80.

 

[Eugguy]

Thanks Kingston12, going to try the XB90EX's.

XB90's are two-steps down from the IE80 I feel, in sound quality and durability. When I compared the two, IE80 vs XB90, the 90 just sounded completely muffled and bloated. It is literally an XB500 in an earphone, with even less extension and clarity. I did not miss mine at all when I let it go. 

 

[Giannis Tsepas]

is there actually any difference between IE 80 and IE 8i? 
What would you suggest for electronic music? (trance, progressive)

 

[Eugguy]

  is there actually any difference between IE 80 and IE 8i? 
What would you suggest for electronic music? (trance, progressive)

I would recommend the IE80 since it is much easier to find genuine/authentic. There is little difference. I picked up an IE8i for nostalgic value, buy use the IE80 primarily. 

 

[yangian]

I just found IE80 sounds so amazing for symphonies with Neutron on Nexus 7 with a NX1 amplifier! Anyone try IE80 simply with a phone/tablet through Neutron player? It seems Neutron upgraded recently and IE80 is absolutely amazed me!

 

[LxJLthr]

Might have to check it out.  I have been using mine with jetAudio player on my phone and tablet and loving it.  Thus far these have been an end-game IEM for me.  I have not even thought about getting another high end set since buying these last year.

 

[yangian]

After >600 hours listening, with Neutron, it sounds a lot clearer than before. A very special sound, sweet but energetic, soft but vigorous, very detailed but very musical, huge 3D soundstage with very clear layers and imaging, no any fatigue or boring after long pewriod listening!