TDK IE800 Dual High-Performance Dynamic Micro-Drivers IEM

[aiaosu]

  I just paid for a pair of these on the FS/FT forums for $70. Really excited to get them, as my preferred sound signature has always been slightly warm of neutral... basically I just like a natural sound with good imaging. It sounds like these are going to fit me really well!
 
I'll be happy to compare them to the Carbo Tenore, Fostex TE-05, or Westone 2 once they arrive, if anyone would like to know.
 
I'm also wondering what the best tips for these are. I'm getting MH1 tips with mine, but has anyone decided if there's a "best tip"?

Also, I just saw that you posted the question about tips over a week ago, so I'm sorry I haven't responded.  I initially used some Sony hybrid tips and had the same experience you did, it sounds like.  If you try the Comply tips, you might be surprised at the warmth of the IEM's.  The nozzle and housing on the IE800's is rather large though.  

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

Also, I just saw that you posted the question about tips over a week ago, so I'm sorry I haven't responded.  I initially used some Sony hybrid tips and had the same experience you did, it sounds like.  If you try the Comply tips, you might be surprised at the warmth of the IEM's.  The nozzle and housing on the IE800's is rather large though.  

I am using Comply tips and by rough EQing the bass is about 4 db down from where it should be. The highs and mids are good but are not so amazing that it makes up for not being able to hear significant details and textures in the bass.

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

Which style of Comply specifically? These are the "isolation" style I think... Their website doesn't work well on mobile

 

[aiaosu]

Which style of Comply specifically? These are the "isolation" style I think... Their website doesn't work well on mobile

I'm pretty sure I used black T400's.

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

I'm pretty sure I used black T400's.

Ok, I'm using some black T400's now and you're right, the bass sounds better and surprisingly not in a loose, boomy way but seems to have decent texture. I really am not digging the weird peaky, "digital"ish highs with the Comply tips though. I thought foam tips were supposed to attenuate the highs!

 

[aiaosu]

Ok, I'm using some black T400's now and you're right, the bass sounds better and surprisingly not in a loose, boomy way but seems to have decent texture. I really am not digging the weird peaky, "digital"ish highs with the Comply tips though. I thought foam tips were supposed to attenuate the highs!

I'm glad the bass came out but I'm not sure what you mean by" weird peaky, digitalish highs".

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

I'm glad the bass came out but I'm not sure what you mean by" weird peaky, digitalish highs".

Yeah, that's the only way I could describe it, something about the treble sounds off, lower highs sound exaggerated and not quite fluid. I do like them now that the bass is back up to what sounds neutral to me, though. I'm gonna continue listening for a while, let my ears adjust and see how they grow on me.

 

[aiaosu]

I haven't noticed what you're describing but everyone's ears are different. My conclusion is that they are very good for the price, but not my end game. I got them for around $40.

I have been listening to Steelseries Flux IEM's more lately and find them very enjoyable and more comfortable. For around $20 used, they're pretty hard to beat.

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

$40? Wow! I paid $70 for mine.
 
As I'm getting more used to their sound, I am really loving them with the Comply T400. Mids and highs sound very natural, bass is where it should be. I think they could still use a little extra bass, but that's just my preference. Jamming "Ocean Songs" by Dirty Three and I can hear so many realistic details in the violins and snare drums. Awesome stuff!

 

[aiaosu]

$40? Wow! I paid $70 for mine.

As I'm getting more used to their sound, I am really loving them with the Comply T400. Mids and highs sound very natural, bass is where it should be. I think they could still use a little extra bass, but that's just my preference. Jamming "Ocean Songs" by Dirty Three and I can hear so many realistic details in the violins and snare drums. Awesome stuff!

I'm glad you're enjoying them. . For awhile, quite a few people were unloading these on Head-fi, so I got a good deal on them.

 

[ohcrapgorillas]

For awhile, quite a few people were unloading these on Head-fi, so I got a good deal on them.

Why would that be?

 

[aiaosu]

If I remember correctly, some didn't like the size/fit as they stuck out too much. My only other guess is they were just wanting to try something else.

 

[aiaosu]

Also, I just checked and paid $55 for the ones I bought on Head-fi and $45 for another pair on ebay.

 

[Sparky191]

If I remember correctly, some didn't like the size/fit as they stuck out too much. My only other guess is they were just wanting to try something else.

 
 
I'll be selling mine. The fit doesn't suit me. Can't keep them in at all. That said they were cheap about 40~50 euros. 

 

[feralslash]

anyone have problems with their IE800 dieing? The right side of mine lost sound suddenly today. Jiggling the cable at the 3.5mm plug, sound managed to reappear at certain positions (tried this during my commute home). Back home i tried jiggling it, but no sound. Has been with me for over a year, so warranty is over. How do i repair them? Send them back to TDK?