The Silver editions use the same dynamic driver technology and tuning that is in the Gold versions.

As both the RE800 Silver earphone and the RE2000 Silver earphone have not been plated in 24K gold, so the Silver editions are also lower priced than the Gold editions.

The RE800 Silver retails at USD599 which is a saving of USD100 compared to the Gold edition

The RE2000 Silver retails at USD1499 which is a huge saving of USD500 compared to the Gold edition

The team at earphonia.com are privileged to be reviewing both of them.

HifiMan have been producing earphones since 2007 with their RE1 earphone. Since then HifiMan have progressed through an interesting learning curve to now stand shoulder to shoulder with the leading audio industry brands.

Nano scale technology is implemented in the RE2000 and RE800 earphone range, along with a number of exciting claims as to the effect on sound signature, coherence, clarity and distortions.

The documentation supplied with each of these 2 dynamic driver earphones has further details regarding this and can be seen later in the review.

Our excitement is hard to contain, so lets get started on the review.

Specification:

Frequency Response : 5Hz-20kHz

Impedance : 60Ω

Sensitivity : 105dB

Driver: 9.2mm dynamic driver

Driver Type: Topology Diaphragm

Housing: Silver coated

Unboxing:

Opening the box shows the earphones and a small carry case. The case is a little disappointing and does not feel very premium/inline with the product, however it is adequate for general use.

Tip selection is adequate and really can affect signature, so it is recommended you try a number of tips both supplied and aftermarket to obtain your signature preference.

Rubber ear guides are supplied also.

Warranty and registration cards are also supplied. A comprehensive booklet is included also.

The shells no longer have a detachable cable, that was available on the second release of the RE800 Gold earphones, which is a little disappointing.

Manufacturer information:

The Ideal Dynamic Driver
The Topology diaphragm structure used by HIFIMAN greatly reduces the uncontrolled diaphragm distortions, enabling the operational performance of dynamic IEM’s to an approach to an ever superior, trend towards perfect wave control.

What is a “Topology Diaphragm”?
The “Topology Diaphragm” or “Topology Driver” refers to the diaphragm with a special Nano particle coating applied to its surface. The distribution of the coating has distinct geometric patterns. By varying the surface pattern, compound used, the thickness or geometric pattern sound wave formation can be manipulated to achieve the desired audio effect and control. The idea behind the new Topology Diaphragm was inspired by Dr Fang Bian’s Ph.D. thesis that “different Nano materials have differing structures and each of those materials have its own properties”. Therefore, by carefully controlling the diaphragm surface structure you can yield different results in acoustic performance to a degree previously unobtainable.
While Brass made for the perfect housing material for the acoustics, it did not quite convey the fine richness of its audio output.

Smooth flowing contours ergonomically designed to fit you and your ears perfectly.
With our unique Nanotech “Topology Driver”, the technology inside its golden exterior transitions from man’s oldest metal working to the latest technological audio advancements.

Audio
With a rich, silky smooth acoustic sound signature, our newest IEM has all the detail and subtlety you would expect from HIFIMAN. Yet delivers all the exciting dynamics that takes you front and center.  The RE800 Silver offers the perfect blend of rigidity, resonance and musicality.

Build Quality and Design

In terms of design the matt style silver finish has a more refined reserved feel to them and the shells are strong with precise machining.

The RE800 Silver does not have the removable cables as can be found on the Japanese model of the RE800.

It is a shame that HiFiMan didn’t provide the detachable cables to use after market cables for the RE800 Silver.

However I don’t see much chance of breakages as the stock attached cable is well built and seems identical to the RE2000 removable cable in terms of design/cable composition/build quality. The cable has a metal chin slider attached also.

There were no microphonics experienced and the cable has a quality thick feel to it.

The cable has a single ended straight plug jack that was flush and secure on all DAPs we tried.

Specification/Booklet Supplied Information

The RE800 Silver earphone comes with a comprehensive booklet talking about the history of HifiMan and discussing all aspects of the RE800 Silver – below is a scan image of the document.

One of the most interesting aspect is the theory that nano topology of the diaphragm significantly affects and controls the signature.

Dr. Fang Bian has focused research on understanding how the geometric structure at a nano particle level can impact and control the output signature. It is certainly a very interesting statement, as an end user it is very difficult to validate the signature impact of nano topology but what we can say is that the RE800 Silver certainly impresses with its clarity and musicality. We are very interested to try new topology structures in future releases.

Digital Audio Player Pairings

Pairing with the Altmann Tera Player

Altmann Tera Player has it’s classic organic smooth signature style. Vocals sound natural and close. Good pairing with decent synergy.

Pairing with the Astell and Kern AK100II Red Wind Modified

Detailed and a little transparent, one of my classic Astell and Kern players, paired well with the RE800 Silver earphone.

Pairing with the iBasso DX200 player

The iBasso Dap sounded powerful with strong staging, decent imaging and precise positioning. Bass region full and deep sounding.

Sound Signature:

Onto the most important part of any earphone review, the sound signature. As these shells are very small, using them over the ear or straight down, the fit for me was well comfortable and secure.

The RE800 Silver tuning contrasted with the RE2000 Silver is certainly more upper region centric, which results in more accentuation on transparency along with treble focus.
Giving a particular lighter weight to the overall signature body. It has a crispness at times but it is not harsh sounding, more related to the speed of decay and attack strength.

Sub bass is smooth with a marginally raised feel, it is unquestionably present yet does not have the same effect as experienced on the RE2000 Silver.
It as not as intensive or depict the awesome depth and resonance of the RE2000 low end tuning character.

Center bass is again tight and has an ample size of body, yet is considerably more laid back sounding and has less impact when contrasted with the RE2000 Silver.
Don’t misinterpret my statement, this doesn’t imply that it is missing, in actuality I am drawn more towards the RE800 Silver signature at times, over the RE2000 Silver because of its more accessible, more forgiving on poorly mastered recordings and less dramatic sounding which makes it an easy goto choice.

The full range of audio styles are well handled by the RE800 Silver, solid bass focused tracks as well as moderate bass centred tracks are both navigated nicely, with ease of transitioning and quick responses. Indicating how adaptable the RE800 Silvers tuning is, able to adapt to all variety of styles and rhythmic paces.

Similarly as with the RE2000 Silver, the RE800 Silver changes into the lower mids with smoothness and no masking or bass leaking across.  Because of the slight tuning dip some lower mid instruments are a little far sounding on occasion.

However most of the instruments in the centre and upper mid areas are well presented and have a natural feel, providing an intimate experience for the listener.

Mids have decent body size and some warmth character, resulting in a very fluid musical experience.

Separation and depth between instruments is well balanced ,vocals are very well focused, clear and with nice emotional content relayed.

Depth of layering is very present, handled with ease but occasionally a little too distinct and bright at times. For me this was not an issue and actually added to the the uniqueness of this type of earphone signature.

Treble control is expertly tuned, showing of the sparkles and shines of the upper end with a good breath of extension. At first some sharpness/spiking was present occasional but after some time this dissipated and resulted in being smoothed out.

Sound stage is wide in nature but not overly dominating, resulting in more subtle blending into the signature.

Comparing the signature to the original Golds models, again as with the RE2000 Silvers there was hardly any difference I could detect. Only a little thinner in the mids and a small level of brightness was present with the Silvers, so the $100 savings over the gold version is a matter of design preference for the most part.

From a pricing perspective the RE800 Silver comes in at $900USD less than the RE2000 Silvers and places it at excellent relative value. We know that there are price/performance diminishing returns in the audio world and many may opt for the RE2000 Silver version irrespective of the price difference.

The team at earphonia.com can certainly recommend both the RE800 Silver and the RE2000 Silver earphones by HiFiMan. Both sound signatures have superb tuning and our advice is to try them both (if possible) to see which aligns best with your personally preferred signature style.

HifiMan RE800 Silver Official Product Details

Specification:

• Frequency Response : 5Hz-20kHz
• Impedance : 60Ω
• Sensitivity : 105dB
• Earphone Weight : 0.95oz (27g)
• Driver: 9.2mm dynamic driver
• Housing: brass silver coating.

The Ideal Dynamic Driver
The Topology diaphragm structure used by HIFIMAN greatly reduces the uncontrolled diaphragm distortions, enabling the operational performance of dynamic IEM’s to an approach to an ever superior, trend towards perfect wave control.
What is a “Topology Diaphragm”?
The “Topology Diaphragm” or “Topology Driver” refers to the diaphragm with a special Nano particle coating applied to its surface. The distribution of the coating has distinct geometric patterns. By varying the surface pattern, compound used, the thickness or geometric pattern sound wave formation can be manipulated to achieve the desired audio effect and control. The idea behind the new Topology Diaphragm was inspired by Dr Fang Bian’s Ph.D. thesis that “different Nano materials have differing structures and each of those materials have its own properties”. Therefore, by carefully controlling the diaphragm surface structure you can yield different results in acoustic performance to a degree previously unobtainable.
Housing
Brass made for the perfect housing material for the acoustics, with silver coating finish.

Smooth flowing contours ergonomically designed to fit you and your ears perfectly.
With our unique Nanotech “Topology Driver”, the technology inside uses the latest technological audio advancements.

Audio Signature
With a rich, silky smooth acoustic sound signature, our newest IEM has all the detail and subtlety you would expect from HIFIMAN. Yet delivers all the exciting dynamics that takes you front and center.  The RE800 Silver offers the perfect blend of rigidity, resonance and musicality.