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Sennheiser IE 80s BT Headphones Review

Introduction

Regarding premium in-ear Bluetooth headphones, the Sennheiser IE 80s BT is a name that often pops up in discussions among audio enthusiasts. As someone who has spent considerable time and money exploring different types of headphones, I decided to take the plunge and try out the Sennheiser IE 80s BT. I have a range of headphones from different brands, including Sony, Bose, and Yamaha, but I was intrigued by Sennheiser’s claim of providing superior sound quality and convenience in one package. This review will provide an honest assessment of the Sennheiser IE 80s BT based on my personal experience over the last couple of years.

Sound Quality

In short, the sound quality of the Sennheiser IE 80s BT is impressive. The built-in Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and lossless Bluetooth audio codecs offer a listening experience that is nearly CD-quality. Compared to other headphones I own, including the Sennheiser 6xx from Massdrop and the Bose QuietComfort series, these stand out when it comes to depth and detail. You can feel the kick drum and snare hits beating against your eardrum, and the soundstage is impeccable. Watching movies with these headphones is a joy—they immerse you into the scene, capturing every detail of the soundtrack.

However, the IE 80s BT does have some shortcomings. When used with the cordless neckband, the volume is somewhat lacking compared to the wired version, which also eliminates the battery life issue. This is quite disappointing, especially because one expects premium performance given the price point.

Comfort and Design

The Sennheiser IE 80s BT is generally comfortable to wear, thanks to the comply tips that fit snugly into the ear. The over-ear loop keeps them in place even when moving around. That said, the design comes with certain inconveniences. The neckband, for instance, can be annoying if you wear glasses or a mask, as it can interfere with the fit. Additionally, the battery life is fairly average, lasting around a workday but requiring a recharge soon after.

The ear hook design is comfortable, and the neckband is light, which somewhat compensates for its other flaws. The headphones are also modular, allowing you to switch from Bluetooth to a wired connection for better sound quality and higher volume. This flexibility is a significant advantage, but it comes with its own set of compromises.

Functionality and Performance

Regarding functionality, there are both strengths and weaknesses. On the plus side, the onboard volume control is soft, clicks smoothly, and allows you to adjust the volume in half-step increments. This is particularly useful since it helps you find the perfect volume level. The manual bass adjustment is another useful feature, though losing the bass adjustment key can be a hassle.

Bluetooth performance is a mixed bag. Occasionally, the headphones will announce “headphones disconnected” before immediately reconnecting. This can be slightly irritating, especially if you value uninterrupted listening. Additionally, upon powering on, the connection sometimes says it’s there, but the music doesn’t play, necessitating a restart through the pairing button, which also doubles as the power button. These small hiccups can be frustrating, but they are not deal-breakers.

Sennheiser IE 80 S BT Review

Battery Life

The battery life of the Sennheiser IE 80s BT is a critical point of contention. Many will find it below average for a pair of headphones in this price range. If you use these headphones daily and also rely on them for phone calls or audio conferences, you’ll likely need to charge them almost every day. A portable charger is essential if you want to avoid frequent interruptions to your listening experience.

Comparisons with Other Headphones

Comparing the Sennheiser IE 80s BT with other headphones I own, like the Sony WH-1000xm2 and the Bose Quiet Comfort 15 & 20, the Sennheiser stands out for its sound quality. However, when it comes to user experience and practical convenience, other brands may have the edge. For instance, the fully wireless design of AirPods or AirPods Pro offers a more liberating and hassle-free experience than the neckband of the IE 80s BT.

If you’re an audiophile who values sound quality above all else, the IE 80s BT makes a compelling case, particularly if you use them with a cord. However, if convenience and battery life are top priorities, there are other options to consider.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

    • Exceptional sound quality with impressive depth and detail
    • Comfortable fit with comply tips and over-ear loops
    • Modular design allows for both Bluetooth and wired use
    • Impeccable sound stage
    • Useful onboard volume control and manual bass adjustment

Cons:

    • Average battery life requiring frequent recharges
    • Inconsistent Bluetooth performance with occasional disconnections
    • Neckband can be inconvenient when wearing glasses or masks
    • Sound quality drops significantly in wireless mode

Uniqueness

Compared to other products in its category, the Sennheiser IE 80s BT stands out primarily due to its exceptional sound quality. Many wireless earbuds fail to deliver the kind of audio fidelity that the IE 80s BT offers, especially when used with a cord. However, the compromises in battery life, Bluetooth performance, and design may make it less attractive to those who prioritize convenience and uninterrupted listening experiences.

Summary

In conclusion, the Sennheiser IE 80s BT offers an unparalleled listening experience that will delight audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else. The flexibility to switch between Bluetooth and wired modes adds a layer of versatility that many will appreciate. However, its inconsistent Bluetooth performance, average battery life, and somewhat inconvenient neckband design mean that it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Weighing these factors, I would still recommend the Sennheiser IE 80s BT for its remarkable sound, but with caution regarding its few but significant drawbacks.

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Bass Response
9
The bass response on these headphones is strong and well-controlled. Users have praised the manual bass adjustment feature, which allows for personalization to achieve the perfect balance. Even at full volume, the bass remains punchy without overwhelming the mids and highs. However, it's worth noting that the out-of-the-box setting may be too bass-heavy for some users.
Treble Detail
8
The treble detail is crisp and clear, providing a pleasant high-frequency experience without much sibilance. Users found the higher frequencies well-articulated but mentioned that they can occasionally feel less prominent when using wireless mode.
Midrange Clarity
7.5
The midrange clarity of the IE 80 S BT is solid but could be better. Vocals and instruments come through naturally and clearly. However, when using Bluetooth, some users felt that the midrange wasn't as punchy and detailed as they expected from a high-end product, compared to other Sennheiser wired options.
Sound Quality
8.5
The Sennheiser IE 80 S BT delivers an exceptional sound quality that stands out among many other in-ear headphones. The clarity and detail in audio is impressive, providing a well-rounded auditory experience. Users appreciate its ability to offer a listening experience comparable to CD quality, though some noted a drop in performance when using Bluetooth as opposed to a wired connection.
Comfort & Fit
8
Comfort and fit are generally well-received with these headphones. The Comply tips provide a secure, snug fit, making them comfortable for extended wear. However, the neckband design and ear hooks may not be ideal for users wearing glasses or masks, as it can become slightly inconvenient.
Build Quality & Durability
8.5
The build quality of the IE 80 S BT is solid, with sturdy and soft cables and well-designed components. The materials used seem durable and able to withstand regular use. Users also appreciated the included Comply tips and overall craftsmanship.
Soundstage Imaging
8.5
The soundstage and imaging capabilities of these headphones are impressive for in-ear monitors. Users felt a spacious and immersive sound field that enhances the listening experience, making them feel like they are in the middle of a live performance.
Noise Isolation
7.5
Noise isolation is quite effective, thanks to the ear-sealing tips. While not providing active noise cancelation, the passive isolation is sufficient for blocking out ambient noises in moderately noisy environments. It works well in a loud workspace but is not perfect in extremely noisy conditions.
Value for Money
7
Though the sound quality is superb, the high price point of these headphones makes the value for money a bit questionable for some users. Many feel the wired version of the IE 80 S provides better value given similar sound quality. The occasional connectivity issues and average battery life also detract from the overall value proposition.
8.1
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Sennheiser IE 80 S BT provides excellent sound quality with well-rounded audio that includes strong bass, clear midrange, and detailed treble. They offer a good soundstage for in-ear headphones and decent noise isolation. Comfort and fit are generally favorable, although the neckband can be cumbersome for some. Build quality is high, featuring sturdy materials and good craftsmanship. However, the wireless performance does come with some compromises, such as occasional connectivity issues and a slight drop in audio quality compared to wired use. Battery life is another area where these headphones don't quite hit the mark, requiring frequent recharges. Given these factors, the value for money may be the most contentious aspect, particularly when compared to other high-end wired options. Despite these downsides, for those who prioritize high-fidelity audio and don’t mind occasional inconveniences, the IE 80 S BT can be a strong choice.