moedawg140
Grand Master Moe "G"….Don't crossface me, bro!
Ping Pong Champ: SF Meet (2016,2017), CanJams (London 2016, RMAF 2016, NYC 2017, SoCal 2017, RMAF 2017)
I've been on my 846 non-stop for the last 2 week and absolutely love them.
For me, if we're talking about a poor man's replacement for the 846, I would say for $127, the Audio Technica ATH-IM70 comes so so close to the 846. To my ears, the tone or sound signature is really similar. I think AT has done such a great job with these. Both of these have the intimate more closed in mid focused sound with excellent bass. Clarity on both a amazing.
I also found that a great alternative to the IE800 is the Sony H3 for a fraction of the price ... both are just so similar in sound. These have the more airy, wide soundstage sort of sound, both slightly U shape sound. I'm feeling the IE800 vocals are just slightly more recessed than the H3. For price performance ratio and comfort, definitely I would go for the H3 if I had to choose. Now thinking of selling off the IE800.
For now the 846 is my ultimate ... can't fault them at all. They're so customisable ... if I want it more bright, stick in the white, if I want to relax and have it in my ears for hours, the blue is so smooth and non-fatiqing. But the IM70 will always be the one for the gym ... they're so sturdy, fits perfect, no cable noise what so ever and don't mind getting sweat on them. I'm always thinking what will happen to the 846 shell in 5 years time ... hope it doesn't go all matte and yellowy.
Nice observations and comparisons, joey99. I demoed the IE800, and my thoughts regarding them are similar to yours: airy, wide soundstage, etc. Hmm...if you are in the market for a great DAP/amp, you can sell the IE800 and put that towards the ultimate in portable: the Hugo.
Now I know some people shun away from using the SE846 for the gym/working out, and with sizes-fit-all tips it can be a challenge. If silicones fit you perfectly, you won't have too many issues (especially if you use the white filter). The foams...once they get wet, sayonara to a 'perfect' seal. With the SCS, you have absolutely no issues with sweat or condensation even reaching the tip of the bore near the 2nd bend of the ear canal because of the slight vacuum seal the SCS creates whilst inserting the sleeves.
Here's me after a 4 mile run (the sweat did not get past the concha, insicura or ear canal):