When comparing Sennheiser IE80 vs Westone Adventure ADV ALPHA, the Slant community recommends Sennheiser IE80 for most people. In the question“What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?” Sennheiser IE80 is ranked 8th while Westone Adventure ADV ALPHA is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Sennheiser IE80 is:
The main reason to get the IE80 is the excellent soundstage that you won't get with cheaper earbuds. The soundstage is wide and balanced with instruments clearly separated, allowing you to easily identify their position. It creates a very immersive sound. The sound signature is great overall with clarity across all ranges. Highs are loud and clear without sibilance. Mids are rich. The bass is slightly emphasized to add more dynamics to the sound, though it does bleed slightly into the midrange. Also, if you wish to make the bass really powerful you have the ability to turn it up even more with a dial on the side of the buds.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Audiophile-grade sound quality
The main reason to get the IE80 is the excellent soundstage that you won't get with cheaper earbuds. The soundstage is wide and balanced with instruments clearly separated, allowing you to easily identify their position. It creates a very immersive sound.
The sound signature is great overall with clarity across all ranges. Highs are loud and clear without sibilance. Mids are rich. The bass is slightly emphasized to add more dynamics to the sound, though it does bleed slightly into the midrange. Also, if you wish to make the bass really powerful you have the ability to turn it up even more with a dial on the side of the buds.
Pro Solid noise isolation
Once you pick the eartips that best fit you, the isolation is solid overall with double flange eartips offering the best isolation followed by other foam eartips and then silicon eartips.
Pro Built to last you a long time
IE80 earbuds use high-quality kevlar-reinforced cables with a thick rubber strain relief and the earpiece shells have brushed metal plating. A strong connector holds detachable cables in place. Additional strain reliefis added by the L-shaped plug. These earphones are built to last and if there are any issues with them, there's a 2 year warranty.
Pro Comfortable for extended periods of time
IE80 earbuds aren't fatiguing and stay in your ear confidently. While they're designed to be worn over-ear, under-ear cable routing works as well. They're also low profile enough that you can lie on your side with them.
Pro If something happens to the cable, you can replace it rather than buy a new pair
Replacement cables are around $20.
Pro Smooth, rich bass
These earphones are known for their excellent bass, and present a balanced sound overall.
Pro Water resistant
Every component with these earphones is water resistant. These have an IPX-3 weather resistant rating, meaning that they are essentially splash proof but shouldn't be submerged.
Pro Replaceable cables
In the rare occasion that the cables break, they can be replaced in a jiffy.
Pro Weatherized magnesium canisters
Magnesium unibody canisters makes these earphones practically indestructible, and treated membranes protect them from weather and other moisture.
Pro Two year warranty
Westone provides warranty against defects in materials or manufacture for two years.
Pro Reinforced over-ear loop
The ADV ALPHA cables loop over the ears to keep the earphones in place. The segment of cable which secures them is stiffened with an additional coating.
Pro Cables covered in low-friction reflective fabric
The low-friction fabric helps avoid tangles and snares, and its reflectivity helps users be seen by cars at night.
Cons
Con Replacement cables are expensive as well
If you need to replace the cables, they retail for about $20.
Con Rather expensive
While these are among the cheapest audiophile-grade earphones, they're still priced at $250. It's a serious investment. And for many, just not worth it.
Con Ear sweat buildup
Users have reported difficulties when using these during exercise.
Con Too much treble
Some find the ADV ALPHA high-end frequency response to be overbalanced.