AK T8ie mk2

Understood, I thought before you were comparing original and mk2. What has your experience been with earphone/headphone changing over time?

 

Sorry, not really sure with the question. You mean quality control? Since I start with measurement, I saw many IEMs has inconsistent tonality between units or even left and right driver.

After more comparison and measurement, I conclude the new unit of AK T8iE Mk2 that I bought has channel tonality imbalance. Measurement result of the left channel has around 4.5 dB drop around 1-2 kHz area, in comparison to the right channel. Definitely not acceptable. While the demo unit has consistent left and right channels. I'm checking now with the distributor for their advice.

 

Been using my mk2 for a couple of days, definitely some welcomed improvements are there, the most noticeable ones is the feel of having some kind of veil from mk1 is gone and the bass bloat is gone.

 

Whoa, I'm sorry I missed this comment!

The Mk2 seems to be holding up with really little to no issues (there are always some small issues, it's the systemic problems to look out for).

Hmm, if there's no veil, and the bass is clean, that's a very, very good sign. Maybe I'll pick it up, after all!

Between this and a new Lyra 2.0, things are looking up!

 

Report back when you make a decision, I'm also looking for an ergonomic TOTL Dynamic earphone.

 

Looks like Beyerdynamic is coming out with their own version http://www.head-fi.org/t/779847/ast...t-impressions-from-ifa-2015/885#post_12881999

 

Nathan (shigzeo) has a review up on headphonia where he puts the T8ie over the Andro!
http://www.headfonia.com/review-astellkern-akt8ie-mkii-age-of-consent/2/
That's a very interesting conclusion, given that the Andro is very good.

 

Note that Nathan is in the camp that mainly listens to electronic, i think he prefers an energetic treble section and strong bass. Still hoping the Beyerdynamic(non-ak) variant of this earphone is well priced.....

 

http://north-america.beyerdynamic.c...ticle/xelento-remote-new-at-the-ces-2017.html
The Non-AK collaboration version of the T8IE has been announced, 999 eur though yikes.

 

A review on the Xelento and comparisons to the AKT8IE: http://www.headfonia.com/review-beyerdynamic-xelento-remote-anthem/ 999USD after all, hmmm.

 

799 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Astell-Kern-...8&qid=1490601638&sr=8-1&keywords=ak+t8ie+mkii

 

https://www.0db.co.kr/xe/index.php?mid=REVIEW_0DB&ckattempt=1&document_srl=41756

measurements of the two

 

@Kunlun, did you ever end up hearing these? @La Cenric just rated them as his his personal favorites in the A tier over at HF, and for USD 800 they're a pretty good deal for near TOTL, if indeed they are that.

I haven't found reports of QC issues and indeed people are saying that AK fixed the issues with later iterations of MK1. Maybe it's because most people seem to have gone for the Xelantos? Kunlun, where was it that you saw tell of QC issues on these?

 

Hi there, thanks for asking. Dynamic driver iem discussion is always welcome.
I wouldn't buy a mk1 t8ie for any price. iemorons often post stuff immediately after buying but say little a week or month later when things fall apart. Or the guys saying their set is fine are selling... I seem to remember on hf a guy with a late mk1 saying his was fine until there was a brief comment that his had failed. I'm not looking it up, though. Get the mrk2, it exists for a reason.

Or, don't get the mrk2, I didn't because of comments that its clarity wasn't what I was looking for.

I can't comment on lacenric's list. Respect and goodwill to him, but I don't hear iems quite in alignment with his measurements and I wouldn't rate iems with the same scores as his (which is totally fine, just that he's not on my radar, again goodwill all around).

Just put in my order for the ie800S, btw. I will comment a bit when I hear them.

 

I was referring to this - I wasn't able to find indication of the mkii also failing. I know the mki had issues.

Anyway looking forward to your IE800s impressoins.

 

Oh, on hf somewhere. Doesn't look like it was a trend.