Hi everyone this is my first post here on head-fi
I've had my MX980 for a week, so I've decided to post some thoughts... First I'd like to point out this earbuds are extremely pricey in USA and most European countries compared to what I paid for them in Poland (I bought them for 125$ brand new from retail store with full 2-year guarantee).
BUILD QUALITY
The build quality is top-notch. I actually like the "big" jack, which is unique and somewhat adds luxury factor to the overal design. The volume control is not that bad I don't use it at all, but it's so light I don't even notice it's presence. Based on some reviews I was scared they wouldn't fit me ears, but thankfully that was not the case - fit is perfect and my ears don't hurt! In fact, my old Sony MDR-E931 earbuds were bigger than MX980.
SOUND PERFORMANCE
I've burnt-in them for 25hrs and I don't know if it's enough for this earbud, but after that time I don't notice more changes in sound. This earbuds are not universal, they're exactly what Sennheiser advertise them - "balanced and precise sound reproduction". What does it translates for? Well it practically means if you're used to fun sounding and bassy earphones you're gonna be very disapointed in MX980 sound at least at first
and I guess that will be the case for most people... For years I've enjoyed fan sounding earphones so it took some getting used to process for me to actually start liking MX980. They have a very wide soundstage and every single audio details are perfectly heard. They provide some bass, but they're not bass heavy at all. I would describe their bass as slightly rumbling bass. It's there and you can feel it punches whenever neccesary, but it's not overwhleming. That's ok for me since you can't really expect much in that department from earbuds. Having said that I must admit they have uncomparable bass to any other earbud. MX980 bass is more like on good balanced IEM level.
They're not best for all music genres. POP and ROCK are probably their weakest spots - they will not deliver full enjoyment there, MX880 will be much better for this music. On the other hand soundtracks, classical and electro is where they really spark and show their high-fidelity signature. This is really the kinds of music where fun sounding earphones lacks because of their artificially changed balance. I listened to Metal Gear Solid 4 soundtrack and was really impressed by what I've heard. MX980 orchestrated every beat so well and precise that I felt as if I was sitting in the front row at the filharmonic concert, well sort of
. Again, listening to pop mainstram tracks was ok, but not as much fun as with some 50-100$ fun sounding IEMs and earbuds.
MX980 and iPod touch
Well this combination clearly proved MX980 need a bit warmed/colored player. iPod touch is too neutral-cold for Sennheisers. I mean the sound is acceptable, but it's not the perfect fit. Still waiting for modded Prodigy HD2 to see how it performs with MX980
These earbuds are extremely hardware-picky.
PRICE/QUALITY
The price is justified more by luxury packaging and build quality than the actual sound performance. They're largely overpriced and definatley not worth 200$ or even more at some stores! I would price them at 100-150$ at most, and that's about what I've paid for them (125$) so I'm happy. If MX880 are now priced at 60$ then yes MX980 should be sold for 100$.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I really like them, but still learning to love them
The soundstage is huge, instruments detailed and separation is incredible, but it doesn't always equal enjoyment
For many people MX980 sits on top of Sennheiser earbud range. In fact the company position them as that. In my opinion it's a mistake, simply because they're not universal, they don't perform well with some music genres. They're more of unique, delivering specific analytical sound signature, which applies to not so many people. If you really know what you want and are aware of MX980 weak/good spots then they might be the perfect earphones for you
On the other hand, if you're just a casual listener, who want to spend more money just because you think you're gonna get the best sounding experience then I suggest to really think twice before purchase. I can see a lot of people buy these Sennheisers just because of the hype factor around them, only to return/resell them soon after
Technically, MX980 is the most advanced earbuds in the world, aspiring to musical refference, but they're not for everyone, thus not mainstream. In fact, they're only for a few
