Sennheiser IE 80

Audiophiles have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing a pair of high-end earphones, so new models need to offer something extra special to get noticed in the busy market. And the Sennheiser IE 80 has plenty of such features. Following on from the popular Sennheiser IE 8, the IE 80's deliver a comfortable pair of earphones that provide a supreme sound that cannot be beaten, and also include a few surprises.

Sophisticated earphones such as these are not designed for casual music listeners; they are intended for heavy music listeners who don't mind paying for the very best. As such, the pair do not come cheap. Their excellent build and well-above average sound means they come with a well-above average price.

The design of the earphones is not groundbreaking, but look good enough, with a tough metallic sheen offering a robust feel and Sennheiser logo. The first thing buyers will notice is just how much gear is packed into the box. Aside from the earphones, you'll also get a protective case, different size ear buds, ear hooks, and a sound adjustment and cleaning tool, the kit's most interesting piece. As mentioned above, the IE 80's are for serious music lovers, and this tool proves it, allowing the user to tinker with the sound by decreasing or increasing the bass and altering the mids and highs. Again, users who don't know what these things are or how they affect the sound, yet still want excellent sound, should opt high-end ready-to-play earphones such as Boss SoundTrue Ultra or Focal Sphear. The highly comfortable buds means you can use them all day, while the long 1.2 metre cable ensures plenty of mobility.

People generally invest in these particular earphones for one thing: the sound, which is flawless and will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile. Highly customisable, the earphones' clarity will reveal new aspects of music to the listener. Considered by critics and consumers alike to be among the best money can buy, the professional-grade sound is aided by noise isolation technology, which means there'll be no annoying background ambient noise to compromise the experience. The powerful sound was intended by Sennheiser to be true to life, and they have achieved this goal.

In all, the Sennheiser IE 80's are as close to perfect as money can buy, offering a truly special audio experience that blows away rivals and delights music lovers.