Sennheiser IE 800From real comments

Name: Sennheiser IE 800
Rating: 2.3 (12 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 12 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment33%

PROS 33%

CONS 67%

Rank based on 12 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want reference-caliber sound from a single dynamic driver design
You use a compatible DAP like a Sony Walkman and want strong synergy
You prioritize technical sound capability over everyday convenience and durability

What users love

Reference-level sound quality0 mentions

Strongly positive

Strong DAP synergy0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need earphones that stay secure during movement or exercise
You're not willing to handle a cable that can break internally if bent
You're value-conscious and skeptical that price above $100 reflects real sound gains

What users complain about

High price relative to value0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Fragile cable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Unstable fit during movement0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Single dynamic driver limitation0 mentions

Generally negative

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31Premium

Sennheiser IE 800

Reference-level sound qualityStrong DAP synergyHigh price relative to valueFragile cableSingle dynamic driver limitation

Sennheiser IE 800

Reference-level sound quality

Strong DAP synergy

High price relative to value

Fragile cable

Single dynamic driver limitation

Overpriced
1. Shure SE846arrow_downward11
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1. Campfire Audio Astrolitharrow_downward4
2. Sennheiser IE 800arrow_downward4
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2. Tanchjim Darlingarrow_downward3

Overall Impression

Sound quality draws strong praise from experienced listeners. Commenters who have compared the IE 800 to higher-end headphones say it rivals gear costing far more and offers technical capability that trumps most earphones below its price point. It's said to pair especially well with Sony Walkman DAPs, and a 'Studio' sound effect can push the soundstage outside the head for a bigger, more tangible presentation. Even skeptics of the price admit they liked the overall sound quality, despite doubts about whether a single dynamic driver can truly outperform pricier multi-driver alternatives.

Fit and comfort are a significant weak point for some owners. One long-term owner describes the ceramic housings as too heavy and reports they simply won't stay in the ear, even with different eartips or custom molds, especially during any kind of movement. This owner felt the price wasn't justified given how impractical the fit was for active use, eventually switching to over-ear headphones for home listening and a separate cheap IEM for the gym or walking, rather than relying on the IE 800 for those situations.

Cable durability and pricing spark real debate among commenters. The kevlar-wrapped cable is designed to resist snagging, but one owner says this same design makes it more likely to snap internally if bent while coiled in a pocket, and another commenter felt a cable change in a later version was a step backward. On price, opinions split sharply: some call the roughly $750-1000 cost justified for the quality delivered, while others argue cheaper Chinese IEMs get close to the same performance for far less money.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

graphic_eqReference-level sound quality

3 mentions

Strongly positive

Multiple commenters say the IE 800 rivals headphones costing far more and offers technical sound capability that trumps most earphones below its price. Even a price skeptic conceded they liked the overall sound quality.

@ozdemirsalik

It looks like they've screwed up the cables this time. But overall I liked the sound quality. I guess it is not possible to create a better sound quality with just a single dynamic driver.

smart_display

April 25, 2018

@brendenn12

If you haven't heard very high end headphones/earphones, you will never know. These rival $1000 headphones and in terms of technical capabilities and trump all headphones/earphones below it. They may seem like a rip off since they are soo tiny and probably cost 1/20th of the actual price to make but the R&D required to produce this level of sound cost a lot. That is why they are expensive.

smart_display

March 28, 2013

@sorveri

750 euros expensive but if you want guality these are the best headphones\nand i have bad english so please don´t rage at my face

smart_display

October 27, 2012

headphonesStrong DAP synergy

1 mentions

Widely praised

One user notes the original IE 800 works very well with Sony Walkman DAPs, and its 'Studio' effect adds a tangible, wider soundstage that moves sound outside the head.

@robovirtuoso1354

The original version IE800 works very well with Sony Walkman DAPs. Non-purists can try the \"Studio\" effect which makes the sound more \"tangible\" and bigger and moves it outside your head (seems to use some sort of cross-feed).

smart_display

October 5, 2019

attach_moneyHigh price relative to value

4 mentions

Frequently criticized

Several commenters question whether the roughly $750-1000 price is justified, arguing cheaper Chinese IEMs get close to the same sound quality, while others compare its price directly to the HD 800 and HD 700.

@reviews4061

I do not have the original IE800, but it is safe to assume that $15-20 IEMs do not sound like $800 IEMs. The difference in sound quality will be apparent, but not as big as the price difference. IE800 are unlikely to sound any better than quality chinese IEMs for $50-100. IEMs for more than $100 is pure marketing bullshitsu. They do not offer any super-duper audio quality and do not sound like good full sized headphones or quality speakers. IEMs are good because they are small and easy to carry around, but sound quality is not on par with full-sized headphones and speakers.\nHowever, these and many other $10-20 IEMs from China, sound better than famous brand IEMs for $50-200.\nCheap IEMs from China sometimes copy famous brands, but today they are mostly original products sold under chinese brands.\nI own and use good quality chinese IEMS, they are all under $100 and sound great. If you are looking for very high audio quality IEMs you do not have to spend a lot on branded bullshitsu like Sennheiser or Klipsch or Shure. Here is my personal best 3 IEMs I have and like: #1 HiFiman RE-400 ($25-100), #2 FiiO EX-1 (rebranded Titan-1, $50-80) and #3 OSTRY KC06/06A ($45-60). \nThere are many new IEMs released in China every year and you can get very good sound quality for $20.

smart_display

June 20, 2018

@ture-flase

It's the same price as the HD 700, so perhaps the IE 800 rivals that.

smart_display

November 24, 2012

@sorveri

750 euros expensive but if you want guality these are the best headphones\nand i have bad english so please don´t rage at my face

smart_display

October 27, 2012

@Sousukex7

Probably around late October, and MSRP is $999.99. Sennheiser says they rival the HD800 but we shall see.

smart_display

October 3, 2012

cableFragile cable

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

The kevlar-wrapped cable resists snagging but reportedly can snap internally if bent while stored in a pocket, causing one unit to break. Another commenter felt a later cable revision was a downgrade.

@punishedchris8576

I owned the originals (actually still do) they are way too heavy, ceramic. They just don't stay In my ears, no matter what buds I use. Even tried custom ones and nope. If you plan on moving at all with these IEM's seiously, don't bother. They just fall out even walking gently.\n\n\nAre they best IEM's I've ever used? yes but not amazingly. The price Is not worth it In my opinion. \n\n\nThe one side Is actually broke, the cable is made with kevlar around it to better protect the cord but that actually works to it's detriment, Its good if you snag it but if you actually bend the cable it snaps the wires inside. That's how mine got broken. Just sitting in my pocket wrapped up when not using.\n\n\nI've moved away from IEM's after these, i got some HD 800s's and purchased a cheap set for walking / gym / etc. If your gonna blow this kinda money just get some HD800's for around the house listening they are much better and get a cheap pair of IEM's for the things these would be better used for, you'd not regret it.\n\n\nJust my opinion, hopefully It helps someone.

smart_display

March 16, 2019

@ozdemirsalik

It looks like they've screwed up the cables this time. But overall I liked the sound quality. I guess it is not possible to create a better sound quality with just a single dynamic driver.

smart_display

April 25, 2018

warningUnstable fit during movement

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

An owner reports the heavy ceramic housings simply won't stay in the ear, even with different tips or custom molds, and fall out just from walking gently. They felt this made the IEM impractical for active use.

@punishedchris8576

smart_display

March 16, 2019

speakerSingle dynamic driver limitation

1 mentions

Generally negative

One commenter questions whether a single dynamic driver can create the best possible sound quality, implying a ceiling on performance compared to multi-driver designs.

@ozdemirsalik

It looks like they've screwed up the cables this time. But overall I liked the sound quality. I guess it is not possible to create a better sound quality with just a single dynamic driver.

smart_display

April 25, 2018

Sennheiser IE 800chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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What users lovefavorite_border

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Who wins on what

Overpriced

High price

Detailed sound

Design

Sound quality

Value for money

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Sennheiser IE 800From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression