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Add to SafariWhen comparing Klipsch Image S4i Rugged vs Sennheiser IE80, the Slant community recommends Klipsch Image S4i Rugged for most people. In the question“What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?” Klipsch Image S4i Rugged is ranked 7th while Sennheiser IE80 is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Klipsch Image S4i Rugged is:
Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Crisp treble and solid bass
Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound.
Pro Clear call quality
The built in mic provides a good experience when talking on the phone.
Pro Numerous controls accessed with 3 buttons
The S4i's buttons recognize combination presses, tap patterns and held buttons, allowing access to many features: call answering, voice control, song titles, etc. These controls are intended for use with iPhones.
Pro Very secure fit
These headphones come with four different sets of silicone plug tips, allowing a snug fit for nearly any size or shape of ear.
Pro Built for outdoor and sports use
Klipsch S4i Rugged earphones are designed to withstand extreme conditions in both activity and environment.
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.
Cons
Con Controls are designed for Apple products
The built in controls are only guaranteed to work with iPhone 3GS and onward. (The Klipsch S4a, designed for Android devices, does not have a rugged version.)
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.
