Westone W80 In Ear Headphones Review
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sound quality
- Comfort
- Soundstage
- Balance
- Heritage of Westone shines in every facet
- Fatigue free, reference level, immersive sound
- Accessories
Cons:
- Price
- the leak sound a bit
Introduction
Westone – a brand with a rich legacy, they have been around for many years (1959 to be exact) and they have produced in-ear monitors for Shure and Ultimate Ears in the past and have a very successful custom in-ear range themselves with some of the best musicians in the world using their CIEMs on stage. Here we talk about their latest flagship the Weston W80.
The Westone W80 has 8 drivers in each ear piece.
Manufacture’s Specifications
•Type: Sound Isolation earphone (IEM
•Drivers Size:
•Drivers Type: 8 balanced armature drivers with a 3-way crossover (dual bass, dual mids, quad high)
•Frequency Response: 5-22000 Hz
•Sensitivity: 111 dB SPL @ 1 mW
•Impedance: 5 Ω at 1kHz
•Microphone sensitivity:NA
•Maximum Input: NA
•Cable Length: 132cm
•Weight with cable: 12.7 g
•Connecter: 3.5 mm with 90 degree jack
•Warranty: 2 Years
Design
What has changed form the previous flagship W60? Well, these are STILL one of the comfiest in-ears ever. They are smaller (!!!!) and still house two more drivers now than the W60 to reach the 8 driver per ear count. Pretty impressive engineering feat. The 8 drivers in each ear come with a 3 way crossover. The drivers are in the following configuration: 2 for the bass, 2 for the mids and 4 for the treble. The design plates (color) can be exchanged so you can give the W80 a more unique look or match it to your outfit.
Build quality
They are light and they feature a replaceable cable. Everything feels sturdy and light. Comfort, usability and sound quality are the top priorities for Westone. That’s why they chose a robust plastic construction over a metal one. They are never uncomfortable to touch and once inserted they “disappear”.
Comfort
These just slip into my ears and after seconds I can honestly say that I don’t feel them anymore. These can be worn for hours a without any complaints. You can even sleep with them and lay down on your ears with them. I have not experienced any other in-ear to do that with besides my custom in-ears. They are like small beans that just slip in your ears. They sit well and are super comfortable.
Read:Shure SE846 in ear headphones Review
Supplied accessories
In the Box: Exchangeable silver, gold, red, and new blue color faceplates are included with secure attachment. Five sizes of patented STAR™ silicone ear tips and five sizes of premium True-Fit™ comfort foam ear tips, MFi three button cable, a ALO Audio cable, Premium Deluxe Carrying Case, Premium Small Carrying Case, cleaning tool and cleaning cloth.
All accessories are top notch – lovely well design small and extra large carrying case, you even get the ALO Audio Reference 8 Cable in addition to the Made for iPhone microphone and remote cable. It is pretty much the “all you need” package.
Sound
Now. The one tiny weeny complaint I had with Westones in the past was the slight lack of treble sparkle. Ok, it was very easy to just boost the treble slightly with the help of a equalizer but I would have preferred it right in “standard” mode. And voilà – the W80 do exactly that. They have the same full and organic bottom end – the lush mids and now as well absolutely natural treble that is still fatigue free but has the sparkle that I like.
Sound Stage and instruments separations
Like the W60 before, the balance of everything is perfectly balanced. The two sound engineers (twin brothers) that worked for years on this flagship earphone have really created a masterpiece. the soundstage is realistic and wide, it’s reference level and organic. It’s liquid gold in your ears.
Read: Westone W60 Signature Series 6-Driver Earphones Review
Conclusion
No other in-ear is as comfortable. The accuracy of the sound reproduction is absolutely terrific. The soundstage is extensive without being artificial.
In comparison to the W60, which still remains in the line-up, you gain: more energy, more clarity, smooth organic sound, and even more detail. I wouldn’t call this the most analytical in-ear. It’s meant for musical enjoyment and does not have the absolute brutal honesty of some very analytical earphones. The soundstage is wider than the W60, bass is more “tight” overall the sound is a bit more forward than the W60.
Yes, they are pricey. But are they worth it? Yes. If you goal is to get the best universal in ear with the most organic and true to life music reproduction, plenty of accessories, a beautiful upgrade cable from ALO audio in the box (that is quite microphonic though), in-ears that are comfortable and were created by a company with a heritage of 50+ years that really knows what they are doing.… This is it.
how is the sound of W80 compare to Audeze isine 10 ? in detail please
can you compare with se846 the sound quality?
…A small input – I’ve auditioned the 846, I own a pair of W50. The 50 alone sounds better than the 846. After reading the very good review, I can only speculate the W80 sounds better than the 846. From sub-bass, mid-bass, voice, treble and upper treble. Soundstaging surely the 80’s are better. Voice for both male and female have 3d holographic imaging I believe since the W50 has this trait. Most probably scale is larger on the 80…
The W80 sound much better than the Isine20. I don’t know how the Isine10 sound, but I had the Isine20 for a week or two and wasn’t crazy for them. I bought the W60 had them for a few days and was blown away with the amount of detail I heard and clarity, so I returned them right away and picked up the W80, because they were the newest and from the reviews, I was reading I had to have them. I am glad I bought them, because I have to say they sound incredible. The W80 I could hear the clarity, sound separation, the treble everything I want to hear in a $1500 earbud/headphone. These said much better than most over the ear headphone, it’s amazing how a little tiny earbud could pack such a punch.