Sennheiser IE 8 In-Ear Headphone (Playback 31)

The Flexible Flagship

Inside the packing case you’ll find:

• One pair of IE 8 headphones, equipped with a detachable, user-replaceable signal cord.
• One hard-shell, foam-lined carrying case for the IE8’s, with a built-in winding spool for the signal cables, holders for two spare sets of eartips, a clamp that holds the included cleaning/”sound tuning” adjustment tool, and a chamber where you can insert an included dry salt pad that draws moisture away from the IE 8’s.
• A large assortment of eartips including three sets of standard rubber tips (sizes S, M, L), three sets of dual-flange or “lamellar” tips (sizes S, M, L), two pairs of foam rubber tips (sizes S, L) and two pairs of “mushroom form” tips (sizes S, L).
• One cable clip (for holding the signal cable to a garment so that it doesn’t flop around).
• One pair of snap-on, soft rubber ear hooks (designed to make the IE 8’s, which are designed for over-the-ear cable routing, more comfortable).
• A set of seven user instruction manuals in various languages, including English.

I found the IE 8’s noticeably easier to fit and more comfortable to wear than the IE 7 models I’ve previously reviewed. There are two main reasons for this improvement. First, the IE 8’s earpieces seem smaller and better shaped than the IE 7’s peculiarly sharp-edged earpiece. Second, unlike the IE7, which uses a stiff, built-in, over-the-ear cable guide, the IE 8 provides flexible and, should the need arise, replaceable signal cables that can be equipped with soft, snap-on rubber ear hooks if you so desire. Personally, I found the ear-hooks a bit cumbersome, so I elected not to use them, but the good news is the IE 8 design leaves the choice to you.

In an absolute sense, however, I would say the IE 8 offers good but not great levels of comfort, primarily because its earpieces are relatively large and angularly shaped—at least in comparison to some other top-tier headphones such as the Klipsch Image X10i or the Monster Cable Turbine Pro Copper Edition. Both of those compact designs are more relaxing to wear for long periods of time.

An appealing detail is Sennheiser’s beefy hard-shell carrying case, which neatly provides a place for you to coil up the IE 8’s signal cables, storage for a few necessary accessories, a cool “silica gel” chamber that helps wick moisture away from the ‘phones when they’re not in use, and a tough outer shell that offers meaningful protection for these expensive beauties when you are on the go.  

BOTTOM LINE

Sennheisers IE 8 is one of the three finest “universal fit” in-ear headphones I’ve ever heard. It offers the terrific combination of neutral tonal balance, very high levels of sonic coherency and purity, and exceptional smoothness. But for many users, the pièce de résistance will be Sennheiser’s distinctive “sound tuning” feature, which makes the IE 8 a truly flexible flagship that can adapt to fit its owners’ tastes and preferences. 

SPECS&PRICING

Sennheiser IE 8 In-Ear Headphones

Accessories: See above.
Weight: 15 grams with cable (5 grams without cable)
Sensitivity: Not specified (maximum output, 125 dB SPL)
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Warranty: 2 years
Price: $449.95

Sennheiser Electronics Corporation
1 Enterprise Drive
Old Lyme, CT 06371
(860) 434-9190
www.sennheiserusa.com