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Shanling ME800 is the company's flagship hybrid headphones, which uses a circuit of four custom
Shanling ME800
Flagship 6-driver in-ear hybrid headphones with customizable audio, interchangeable cable and behind-the-ear mount
Soundmag
4 reasons to buy Shanling ME800:
- excellent sound quality;
- the ability to adjust the sound;
- gorgeous detachable Furukawa cable with interchangeable connectors;
- quality assembly, materials and interesting appearance.
2 reasons not to buy Shanling ME800:
- the shape of the headphones is not suitable for everyone;
- high price.
Fast passage:
- What is in the box?
- What does the Shanling ME800 look like?
- How comfortable and what's soundproofed?
- How do the Shanling ME800 sound?
- In the dry residue
What is in the box?
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As befits a flagship model, the kitShanling ME800 is very impressive. The headphones come in a cardboard box that is significantly larger than all modern smartphones. Inside on the first “level” packaging - the headphones themselves, a detachable Furukawa cable (we'll talk about it in more detail below) and a metal plate with schematic instructions for adjusting the sound using switches on the headphones. In the lower compartment there are 11 more pairs of different attachments (including “foam” Comply), replaceable connectors for 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm cables, an adapter for a 6.3 mm jack, a cleaning tool and a leather case.
</ p>What does the Shanling ME800 look like?
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Shanling ME800 housings are made of epoxyresins using 3D printing and have a pseudo-custom design with complex curved shapes. It is alleged that during the creation, casts of the ears of “average” user to achieve an optimal fit in the ears.
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The headphones look beautiful and expensive. The patterns on the outer panels resemble a marble structure and feature golden Shanling logos. The headphones are quite large, but lightweight.
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The sound guides are moderately long and have a standard diameter.With a mesh to protect against dirt getting inside and additional edging for better fixation of attachments. A standard and usually effective design solution. But one of the included tips is made of very soft silicone and remained in the ears a couple of times when the headphones were removed.
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Connectors are used to connect the cableMMCX, which will allow you to easily replace the cable. Although, given the quality of the complete cable, there is no need for this. There is a compensation hole next to the MMCX connector.
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One of the interesting features of the headphonesis the ability to customize their sound. On the back of each headphone, there are two on-off switches for this. As a result, we have 4 sound options.
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The headphones come with a veryQuality 8-core Furukawa monocrystalline copper cable. It is soft, supple and does not tangle. Non-removable silicone eartips, adjustable metal divider. But the most useful design solution is a removable jack, which is easy to replace with the one you need, depending on the connected source.
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How comfortable and what's soundproofed?
Although Shanling ME800were developed using a cast of the ear “average” man, the shape was not ideal. Perhaps for larger snakes it would be optimal. But 30-40 minutes after I started listening, my ears began to hurt in a couple of places. The weight of the headphones is very pleasing: they are light and fit perfectly in the ears. The earhooks hold their shape well and are flexible enough for comfortable use.
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The correct selection of nozzles allows you to achievedeep fit in the ears for very good passive sound insulation. The headphones practically do not protrude beyond the ears; in winter there should be no problems with hats.
</ p>How do the Shanling ME800 sound?
Shanling ME800 is the manufacturer’s flagship model.A 6-driver hybrid configuration is used: four custom balanced armature drivers and two 6mm dynamic crystalline bio-diaphragm drivers. If we talk about the general impressions of the sound, then it is quite calm and neutral, without any sharp corners. It creates a feeling of some softness and streamlining. Perhaps such a calm presentation can “come” not for everyone: if you want crazy drive and vibrant sound sensations, then you should take a closer look at other models. But for cozy listening to not too heavy instrumental music (jazz, classical, old rock music, folk), the headphones are very suitable.
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Now a few words about the settings:There are four sound options. In the photo below you can see how the frequency response changes depending on the selected mode. The difference is really audible, but you should not expect a radically different presentation. I note that in the Vocal mode the voices are indeed more accentuated. For listening to mostly instrumental music of varying severity, I found the Balanced option to be the best.
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Headphones used with Astell&Kern SA700,iBasso DX220, Shanling M6 Pro and a very interesting homemade USB DAC. Shanling ME800 have a familiar and ear-friendly slightly V-shaped frequency response. At the same time, the sound is neutral with a very slight addition of “warmth” due to slightly raised low frequencies and an even more careful rise in the high frequencies. Headphones do not strive to please due to some excessive brightness, playfulness or excessive drive. On the contrary, they try to make the sound cozy, solid, natural and comfortable. Low frequencies are dense, weighty with a sufficient amount of sub-bass, but without turning into hum. The bass is well controlled, has a pleasant texture, excellent readability and a dense, elastic impact. The mids are natural, rich in detail, sound very realistic and full-bodied, without feeling drowned out. Live instruments and, in particular, vocals sound very lively and pleasant. The imaginary scene is well drawn both in width and depth. The tools do not get mixed up, the separation is at a very good level. High frequencies are crisp, clean and very detailed. They add the necessary space to the sound, and also allow strings and wind instruments to sound even sweeter and more natural. At the same time, none of the high settings are observed: there are no cutting or irritating sounds. In general, Shanling ME800 can be safely recommended to lovers of instrumental music of not the heaviest genres, who prefer a cozy and intimate sound. Fans of aggressive and more driving sound should look towards other models.
</ p>in dry residue. Three things to know about Shanling ME800:
- The Shanling ME800 uses a hybrid circuit with 4 custom armatures and 2 dynamic drivers;
- The headphones have the ability to adjust the sound using the switches on the cases;
- Included is an excellent quality detachable Furukawa cable with interchangeable connectors.
Shanling ME800
Emitters
2x6 mm dynamic emitters + 4 reinforcement
Frequency range
20 Hz - 40,000 Hz
Way of wearing
behind the ear
Impedance
16 ohm
Sensitivity
112 dB
Cable type
Detachable 8 Core Furukawa Monocrystalline Copper MMCX Balanced 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm Interchangeable Connectors
Length of cable
1.2 m
For those that want to know more:
- Kinera Nanna review: the company's first hybrid headphones with electrostatic emitters
- Kinera ODIN Review: Song of the Nordic Gods
- Review of Sony IER-M7 earphones: four-driver reinforcing IEMs which will please your ears
- Campfire Audio IO Review: Two-Driver Pepper Ear Headphones
- Campfire Audio Polaris Review: The Brightest Star Among Hybrid Headphones
- Review of Whizzer A-HE03 Kylin: “cozy” in-ear hybrid headphones
- Kinera SEED Review: Universal Hybrid Headphones With A Delicious Price Tag
- Kinera YH623 review: TWS headphones with aptX, moisture protection and driving sound
Thank you
The editors would like to thank the Soundmag store chain for the kindly provided headphones for review.