[feNcheL]

Hi there
I've been offered a great bargain on some Sennheiser IE 8s and read SolidVictory's thread on how to spot fake phones. However, I am potentially looking at IEMs that are sealed BNIB (with a possible opened reference box) but without a warranty (since they are not from an authorized dealer). I'm still contemplating on whether to give them a chance and it would help a great deal if you guys could tell me anything else to look for apart from SolidVictory's thread! Anything, from the latest disguises of fakes, to indicators of genuineness, any threads I have missed and also how the real deal should sound like (since they are in box, remember that they are not yet 'burned in' and may sound different than used ones; from what I've read, the difference is pretty pronounced for the IE 8s!). I did audition them almost two years ago, so I hope I can remember what they are vaguely supposed to sound like, but I listened to a burned in one and I think its not the cheap fakes that worry me the most (bad sound quality is pretty easy to hear!), but the more sophisticated ones.
 
Thanks!

 

[dbdynsty25]

I guess I'm not sure why anyone would risk getting a fake pair, just to save a few dollars.  Always buy authorized...that's my motto when it comes to items that are easily faked.

 

[feNcheL]

I agree with you fully on this one, but the deal is pretty good (maybe too good to be true), its about half of what you would have to pay for an IE 8 at the moment. Guy supposedly got a bunch of them from a clearance sale for dirt cheap and is now looking to get rid of them.. We'll see.

 

[natashaful]

Problem is the fake ones actually sound quite good and if you didn't know how real ones sound, You wouldn't really know.. Some people on here claim the fakes sound like the real ones, I can tell you having listened to real fakes bought as fakes for a extended period of time i can tell you fakes do indeed sound terrible, Real ones with 500 hours + on them sound so much more clear it's like going from apple buds to mid range headphones allover again.
 
People saying the fakes sound good either have not listen to real ones and the fake ones to compare, Or simply have no idea about what sound should sound like Or they have rejected real ones (B grade) because i can confirm the Fakes bass is drowned out, the mids and vocals are not defined,The highs are harsh and tinny.
 
Go authorized or forever wonder if you have real ones.
 
I paid £169+5 shipping on mine from a authorized dealer, Which is 284.3856 U.S. dollars at the moment, DON'T GET DONE. 
 
Nat.

 

[KimChee]

That is the very reason I am very reluctant to buy anything Sennheiser.  There are so many good fakes out there, also because of the fear of getting a fake, I think it's hard to get one at a good price.  

 

[Sennheiser]

Avoid the fakes. Please buy your headphones from an authorized dealer.
Here's a link to Sennheiser USA Dealer locator - http://www.sennheiserusa.com/serviceandsupport_dealer-locator

If you do not see the dealer, but have suspicions, please check with your local distributor.