[twister6]

I've currently using the W50s and has long appreciated the warm, lush tonality of the westone IEMs. As an upgrade, I am considering the W80s and ES60s that are around the price range.

Between the additional drivers of the W80s and the custom fit of the ES60s, would the improvements in the sound of the W80s be considered incremental to the W50s when compared to improvements in fit and sound isolation when moving to a CIEM?

Good question. Not sure if you have read my W60/W80/ES60/ES80 reviews, I did lots of comparison, especially in the latest W80 and ES80 reviews (you can search on my blog here). As you probably aware, W50 was (in the past tense since it has been discontinued) their basshead level IEM. With an EQ I was able to bring the bass down to make it sound closer to W60. To my ears, W80 is an upgrade to W60, while ES60 is a side-grade geared more toward audiophiles who want a more balanced and revealing signature. ES60 is not CIEM version of W60, and ES80 is not a CIEM version of W80, both customs are tuned differently.

With all that said and considering you are still getting a custom-like fit of W80 (probably still one of the smallest and the most compact 8-driver universals you can find), based on your previous experience with W50 model you should look into W80 as an upgrade, and not ES60 or ES80. Another advantage of W80, if you are not happy with it, you can return or sell it. With custom, I'm not sure if there is an owner transfer policy or reshell fee for a new owner when you sell it.

 

[AlpacaApproach]

Good question. Not sure if you have read my W60/W80/ES60/ES80 reviews, I did lots of comparison, especially in the latest W80 and ES80 reviews (you can search on my blog here). As you probably aware, W50 was (in the past tense since it has been discontinued) their basshead level IEM. With an EQ I was able to bring the bass down to make it sound closer to W60. To my ears, W80 is an upgrade to W60, while ES60 is a side-grade geared more toward audiophiles who want a more balanced and revealing signature. ES60 is not CIEM version of W60, and ES80 is not a CIEM version of W80, both customs are tuned differently.

With all that said and considering you are still getting a custom-like fit of W80 (probably still one of the smallest and the most compact 8-driver universals you can find), based on your previous experience with W50 model you should look into W80 as an upgrade, and not ES60 or ES80. Another advantage of W80, if you are not happy with it, you can return or sell it. With custom, I'm not sure if there is an owner transfer policy or reshell fee for a new owner when you sell it.

Thanks for your expert opinion, having went through your reviews, i came across the UM56 custom tips. Sounds like using the W80s with the tips could be the closest i can get to the sound of the W series with a custom fitment. Not to mention, all the benefits associated with the universal form.

 

[twister6]

Thanks for your expert opinion, having went through your reviews, i came across the UM56 custom tips. Sounds like using the W80s with the tips could be the closest i can get to the sound of the W series with a custom fitment. Not to mention, all the benefits associated with the universal form.

UM56 is a good idea, but just be aware it could be frustrating because this eartip is not fixed around the nozzle and will rotate (especially with wax and sweat). A regular CIEM - you just cork-screw it in your ear, while using universal W/UMPro with UM56 could be a bit challenging since the shell rotates separately from a custom eartip.

Again, just my opinion, between included foam and silicone eartips, you can get a custom-like fit with a decent isolation with any Westone iem. So, first, get the IEM and try it with all the included tips (as we call it, do tip-rolling). Then, you can take it a step further if you want to improve the fit.

 

[davidcotton]

UM56 is a good idea, but just be aware it could be frustrating because this eartip is not fixed around the nozzle and will rotate (especially with wax and sweat). A regular CIEM - you just cork-screw it in your ear, while using universal W/UMPro with UM56 could be a bit challenging since the shell rotates separately from a custom eartip.

Again, just my opinion, between included foam and silicone eartips, you can get a custom-like fit with a decent isolation with any Westone iem. So, first, get the IEM and try it with all the included tips (as we call it, do tip-rolling). Then, you can take it a step further if you want to improve the fit.

I'd go along with that. Straight barrelled iems seem to be a better match for custom tips than the bean/custom universal type as they make them stick out the ear more, making them not comfortable. I've also had it where the tips have come off the nozzle (nowhere near as bad as a universal tip, but still slightly embarressing having to go and dig them out when your boss wants a word!).

That said I've had fit issues with the dinky westone um1 so still wonder about the fit of the fuller size westones anyway.

 

[frozst]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

 

[435279]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

No issues here but I do rotate listening with all my other headphones and IEM's so my w80 probably has less than 100 hours use.

I also change cables a lot, depending on source, mood etc.

 

[twister6]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

Did you have to return/replace cable 3 times or IEMs? You mentioned it's a problem with a cable, so I'm not sure why they made you return the whole thing instead of sending a replacement cable? And, are you talking about ALO Ref8 cable or a stock Epic cable?

 

[chicken beer]

I

Did you have to return/replace cable 3 times or IEMs? You mentioned it's a problem with a cable, so I'm not sure why they made you return the whole thing instead of sending a replacement cable? And, are you talking about ALO Ref8 cable or a stock Epic cable?

I feel really sorry about Westone...

 

[twister6]

I

I feel really sorry about Westone...

Why? I thought you would feel sorry for that guy above who had issues with his cable

 

[chicken beer]

Why? I thought you would feel sorry for that guy above who had issues with his cable

Well I feel sorry about that guy also....

 

[Arkady Duntov]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

Both strain reliefs on the Epic cable which came with W80, purchased in November 2017, are failing. If this continues, I wouldn't be surprised if the conductors fail.

I emailed Westone, in December 2017, about purchasing a replacement. I never received a reply.

 

[BKG22]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

Hey there,

I am very sorry to hear that you have had such problems with your W80. I can tell you with confidence that this is extremely rare and I am perplexed by your issue. The W80 is our least defective product furthering my confusion.

If you will PM me your contact information I can have one of my tech specialists reach out to you directly to see if we can get this fixed.

My apologies again for your issues.

Blake

 

[Jim Barry]

Hi everyone, I boughy my W80 in Feb 2017 and I had to return them 3 times already. They always develop a fault where one of the earpices stop sounding when I move my head, etc. It is extremely annoying and none of my other Westone earphones had this problem before.

Do you know if someone else had similar problems? I know it's a problem with the cable as if I change the cable it works well.

Thanks,

I have had similar problems. My W80 had to be replaced after less than a year after purchase. I was using the EPIC cable, so it's not an ALO specific issue.

I have found that the MMCX connectors are prone to developing verdigris if they come into contact with moisture. This seems to be the cause of the sound cutting out. Cleaning off the verdigris helps, but it will reoccur unless the connectors are kept completely dry. Also, the centre part of the MMCX receptacle is extremely delicate. I broke one of my W60 connectors while trying to clean it up. Since it is an unrepairable product, that's $1,000 down the drain.

So now I stick to my W40 for active use, keeping it as dry as possible, and reserve the W80 for special occasions. I will be very reluctant to buy any more MMCX earphones in the future, especially unrepairable ones such as the W series.

 

[Ryokan]

I have been thinking of getting the W80's (when a discount comes up: they're $1500 at the mo which seems steep) as my 60's sound so good, but reading the last few posts think I'll hold off.

At these prices I want something that's built to last years.

 

[twister6]

I have been thinking of getting the W80's (when a discount comes up: they're $1500 at the mo which seems steep) as my 60's sound so good, but reading the last few posts think I'll hold off.

At these prices I want something that's built to last years.

Can you find an IEM thread on Head-fi with a product that has 100% positive feedback and no issues? Unless Westone customers are less vocal, this is one of the quietest threads LOL!!! You already have W60, does it built to last years? You seem to be happy with it, right? W80 wouldn't be any different, and if anything it has some improvements. For sure, the replaceable faceplates (j-clip) are more durable, haven't read any complaints about it yet (and I'm sure someone will post now, since I jinx it). Cable, well, it's just a general issue with mmcx connector durability everybody from Shure to Campfire Audio and Ultimate Ears are facing it. UE includes a tube of deox-it with their UE900s, and now they even changed the whole line up of UE custom IEMs to Linum proprietary IPX connectors. I'm not defending Westone or UE or Campfire Audio, I reviewed and use many of their products, and I make it clear, as a reviewer they were sent to me free of charge. But that's a thing about mmcx connector and all the manufacturers looking into improvements. What you should care about is how companies stand behind their product, that you do get 2 year warranty for replacements, and that when you go and voice your concerns - they have a rep in the forum who will reply back, PM you, and if needed will even take care of you outside of warranty. Not kissing arse or brow-nosing, but I have been told but a few members here on Head-fi that BKG22 (who is Westone marketing director) helped them out and took care of their problems. I'm sure Ken (ALO/Campfire Audio) and Mike Dias (UE) also take care of customers who reach out to them That all that matters when you spend a lot of many on IEMs, that's what warranty and support is about.

Oh, and nothing last years , just like there is no such thing as ToTL end-game IEMs