[beaver316]

I was totally unimpressed with how metal music sounded with these at the time I owned them. Really muddy sounding. They were much better with everything else though.

 

[ROBOTSEX]

With the bass screw turned all the way up they can get a little muddy when there's a lot going on (low tuned guitars, bass guitar, double kick drums...basically bass overload). But with it turned all the way down I would say separation is spot on, definitely doesn't sound muddy to me. 

 

[chemosit]

Well, I had the bass screw turned all the way down and I suffered with these for over a year.
 
I recognize that each person has his own preferences, but they are dark and muddy to me. I never liked them. 
 
Known flaws were glossed over and the overall sound was very disappointing. True, I am accustomed to frequent listening with studio monitors like Focals, Genelecs, Dynaudios, etc.  - but these IEM's are downright murky.

 

[Tangster]

Considering letting these go to fund other purchases. Just not a big fan I guess.

 

[holden4th]

I somewhat skeptically tried the tape mod. It cured virtually all of the flaws that you mention. That and also the right tips make a huge difference. I am happily using JVC gels which have added clarity and instrumental separation to the music I am listening to.
 

 

[StyleElements]

Quote:

I somewhat skeptically tried the tape mod. It cured virtually all of the flaws that you mention. That and also the right tips make a huge difference. I am happily using JVC gels which have added clarity and instrumental separation to the music I am listening to.
 

 
I don't find the stock IE80s to be muddy with the bass knob turned right down, they're a little so on about 2.5 but since I've done the tape mod, I agree with holden's impressions.
 
I really enjoy the JVC tips with the tape mod. This combination never gets too bright or peaky for me, but has a more detailed sound while retaining good separation, soundstage and bass punch. The bass is all still there, it's just not muddy anymore. Awesome!

 

[alfredojose]

I´m owner of a IE8, Is it any difference between IE8 and IE80?
 
Thank you.

 

[Eugguy]

IE80 is an improvement of the IE8. Improved sub-bass, mid-bass, and also has a different casing. I did like the IE8 cable however. If you can upgrade, it is worthy. But it isn't a big jump otherwise.

 

[alfredojose]

Thank you. My Ie8 cable has broken, I was thinking in buying a IE80, because I didn´t know if it is worth to buy a new cable, because it costs arround 40 euros.

 

[Eugguy]

You may be better off either sending it in for warranty. Or buying an aftermarket cable. The ie80 isn't cheap but if you look at the iems-sound signature I like in my profile,the ie80 still ranks high on my list.

 

[alfredojose]

Yes, I know, but the fact is that my ie8 has 3 years and unfortunately it doesn't have warranty. I look for a custom cable but in some cases they are more expensive than the original one.

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Yes, I know, but the fact is that my ie8 has 3 years and unfortunately it doesn't have warranty. I look for a custom cable but in some cases they are more expensive than the original one.

If you are happy with them still consider getting the replacement cable.

 

[loxxrider]

I'm looking into buying these because I am on the hunt for awesome soundstage. I like my bass, but don't like mids to be too recessed (Ultrasone Pro 900 = too recessed for me) and I also don't like super bright highs (Pro 900s also had this problem), but I can forgive those things in favor of great soundstage and nice bass as long as the problems aren't too extreme. Can anyone tell me just how bright they are and how recessed the midrange is? I like the midrange on something like a Shure SE215 (their BA-based IEMs are way too mid-forward for me), Panasonic HJE 900, Heir 3.ai, etc. The 3.ai was a little harsh on the high end for me and the HJE900 is on the verge of harsh depending on what amp I'm using for it. Can anyone comment on whether I might think the IE80s are too harsh up top or too mid-recessed?

 

[Eugguy]

I'm looking into buying these because I am on the hunt for awesome soundstage. I like my bass, but don't like mids to be too recessed (Ultrasone Pro 900 = too recessed for me) and I also don't like super bright highs (Pro 900s also had this problem), but I can forgive those things in favor of great soundstage and nice bass as long as the problems aren't too extreme. Can anyone tell me just how bright they are and how recessed the midrange is? I like the midrange on something like a Shure SE215 (their BA-based IEMs are way too mid-forward for me), Panasonic HJE 900, Heir 3.ai, etc. The 3.ai was a little harsh on the high end for me and the HJE900 is on the verge of harsh depending on what amp I'm using for it. Can anyone comment on whether I might think the IE80s are too harsh up top or too mid-recessed?

Out of all of the iems I own, the ie80s get the most use for a reason. They sound great. I'm a fan of soundstage and bass. The highs may be a bit harsh in the first few hours of using them. Once these are burnt in about 25-50 hours the sounds stabilizes. I owned the pro900s. Wasn't a fan. Probably least favorite headphone if that says anything. The mids on the ie80 may only be recessed if the song calls for bass. As I am listening to them right now, the mids are there, just not like other iems that are more mid focused.

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Out of all of the iems I own, the ie80s get the most use for a reason. They sound great. I'm a fan of soundstage and bass. The highs may be a bit harsh in the first few hours of using them. Once these are burnt in about 25-50 hours the sounds stabilizes. I owned the pro900s. Wasn't a fan. Probably least favorite headphone if that says anything. The mids on the ie80 may only be recessed if the song calls for bass. As I am listening to them right now, the mids are there, just not like other iems that are more mid focused.

I wouldn't say the mids are recessed at all. More so in the center. Actually doing the tap mod and silver cable will make the IE80 mid centric .