First impression of the NuForce NE800M
What's in the box
The scope of delivery of the NuForce NE800M is impressive. The in-ear headphones are delivered with a compact case. At the same time, Optoma includes three pairs of silicone pads in sizes S, M and L, as well as two pairs of comply pads in M and L. The Comply eartips are made of so-called "memory foam", which adapts perfectly to the ear canal, effectively isolating noise and guaranteeing the best possible wearing comfort. A small clip for attaching the in-ear is also included.
Design and workmanship
My first impression of the NuForce NE800M initially only refers to the exterior of the in-ear. Due to the combination of carbon fiber and brass, the in-ear offers an attractive design and is also particularly light (18g).
The 1.37 meter long cable of the headphones is rubber coated and leaves a solid impression. There is no possibility to exchange the cable. A cable remote control with microphone is available and is located on the cable of the left in-ear unit, which means that the microphone is at mouth level when wearing the NE800M. The cable remote control is equipped with a multifunctional button, which can be used to control music playback or to take calls.
The separation between the left and right in-ear unit is clearly marked. There is also a red marking on the right-hand unit for better differentiation. The in-ear is connected via a 4-pin 3.5 mm angled jack plug. The processing of the entire in-ear headphones is not objectionable.
sound quality
The NuForce NE800M in-ear has an 8.6 mm large and titanium-coated driver per unit. In combination with the housing made of carbon fiber and brass, Optoma promises “exceptional sound quality with soft, natural highs and powerful bass”.
When I put the NE800M on for the first time, I immediately noticed the very dominant bass. The middle bass and upper bass in particular are emphasized, but appear anything but intrusive. In short - the NE800M is excellently tuned. The midrange sounds pleasantly warm, the highs seem downright gentle and vocals are delivered crisply and accurately. For example, if you listen to the song “Last Flowers” by Radiohead, the coordination between the background piano and Thom Yorke’s vocals is harmonious and is never rough or layered. The in-ear delivers a suitable sound image for both powerful moments and gentle sounds.
No matter what kind of music you listen to, the NuForce NE800M is an almost perfect all-rounder. Especially with metal and electronic music, the powerful bass and warm midrange are extremely convincing. But even with audio books or films, the in-ear headphones do astonishingly well thanks to the voices that come out well and the high level of detail.
By the way: The NE800M only develops its full potential after a "burn-in" of about 100 hours!
Wired remote control and microphone
The cable remote control regulates the music playback, as well as accepting calls and making them via the integrated microphone. Unfortunately, the remote control does not have a volume control, which is a disadvantage for smartphone users. Entries via the one-button cable remote control were recognized without any problems in the test.
By placing the microphone at mouth level, calls can be made directly without having to adjust the microphone. The recording quality of the microphone is good, but interfering and wind noises are also recorded unfiltered.
comfort
The in-ear can be worn "over-ear" and "hanging". Due to the fact that the cable remote control is placed very close to the sound unit, it is advisable to carry the NE800M “hanging”. The wearing comfort is not objectionable. With the included Comply ear pieces, the in-ear sits perfectly in the ear. Annoying cable noises did not occur due to the rubberized headphone cable.
Optoma NuForce NE800M
Neat scope of delivery
Attractive design and good workmanship
Sound all-round talent
Responsive remote control
No cable noise
Pleasant wearing comfort
Microphone prone to interference
No volume control via remote control
Long burn-in time
The Optoma NuForce NE800M is clearly one of the best all-round in-ear headphones. In addition to an attractive design, a good fit and a proper delivery, the NuForce in-ear headphones also offers a convincing sound. No matter what style of music you hear with the headphones, or whether you use it for an audiobook or a movie, the NE800M in-ear is superbly tuned and shines through powerful bass, a warm midrange and gentle highs.
Sandro
23. May 2017 19 to: 29
Hello, I'm looking for a better in-ear and came across this latest review by chance. I don't want to spend more than € 120. I listen to music all over the place and now and then I also listen to podcasts. I'm mostly on the train, so the headphones should isolate noise well. What about noise insulation here? And what about the brass, does it fog up quickly? I hope you can help me there.
Timo admin
25. May 2017 15 to: 30
Hi, you're not doing wrong with the NE800M. If you really listen to music from every direction, the in-ear is a very good choice here. The noise isolation is really excellent with the Comply ear pads. So you can listen to music / podcasts undisturbed. Brass steams up quickly and it's no different with the in-ears here. Still, I find that looks don't suffer from it.