Westone Audio Mach80 IEM

The MACH80 – professional in-ear musicians monitors

The Westone Audio MACH series™ combines 35+ years of engineering and performance excellence to deliver sound quality the way it was intended to be heard. Every aspect of the MACH series™ was purposely designed for both superior comfort and sound on and off the stage. An ergonomic design allows all day use, with no ear fatigue.

Experience music your way; the Westone Audio way, and celebrate the artist in you.

The MACH80 is fitted with 8 balanced armature drivers

The Westone MACH80 has a 3-way, eight-driver system with dual low, dual mids, and quad highs. Westone Audio technology ensures great quality sound!

Your purchase comes with premium accessories

Linum® Ultrabax™ cable. The Ultrabax cable is a no compromise quad-twisted cable with a super low impedance of .6 ohms. It has been designed to bring out the best in your music without coloring or altering the sound you hear in any way.

Solid case for storage. Protect your MACH80 IEM’s from the elements in a crushproof, watertight and dustproof case from pelican™.

Foam and silicone tips. Five pairs each of Westone audio’s proprietary foam and silicone tips are included to ensure the perfect seal with maximum comfort.

MACH80 Technical Specifications

• 3-way passive crossover
• Eight balanced-armature drivers
• Freq. Response: 5hz – 22khz
• Sensitivity: 104db @1khz
• Impedance: 66 ohms @1khz 

Review Notes: Westone Audio MACH 80

1. Sound Quality

• Tuning & Balance:
• Neutral, reference-grade tuning with a focus on accuracy and linearity. Described as "clinical" for critical listening, ideal for audio engineers and audiophiles seeking uncolored sound.
• Bass is tight, punchy, and extends deeply, though sub-bass rumble is restrained compared to dynamic drivers. Some note a slight mid-bass warmth for natural timbre.
• Midrange is clean and articulate, with Westone’s signature "guitar timbre" adding a subtle sweetness to string instruments and vocals.
• Treble is detailed and airy but smooth, avoiding harshness. However, upper treble extension is slightly rolled off compared to newer multi-BA IEMs.
• Technical Performance:
• Exceptional imaging and layering, with precise instrument separation even in complex tracks.
• Soundstage is spacious and holographic, though depth and width vary by source pairing.
• Criticisms include a "dry" midrange texture and lack of bass dynamics for genres like EDM or hip-hop.

2. Design & Build

• Shell: Compact, lightweight polycarbonate housing with an ergonomic fit. Praised for comfort during long sessions and suitability for side sleepers.
• Connector: T2 system (IP67-rated) replaces MMCX, offering durability and secure connections .
• Cable: Linum UltraBaX cable (0.6Ω impedance) is ultra-thin, tangle-free, and praised for ergonomics, though some prefer thicker alternatives.
• Accessories: Includes Pelican case, foam/silicone tips (5 pairs each), and cleaning tools. The case is noted as bulky but protective.

3. Comfort & Isolation

• Fit: Universally praised for deep, secure fit with minimal ear fatigue. Compatible with various tip styles (e.g., Westone STAR tips, Shure Olives).
• Isolation: Excellent passive noise blocking, especially with foam tips, making it suitable for stage use or noisy environments.

4. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Reference-grade neutrality and detail retrieval.
• Lightweight, ergonomic design with top-tier comfort.
• Durable T2 connectors and high-quality cable.
• Strong isolation and fit stability.

Cons:

• Bass lacks visceral impact for bass-heavy genres.
• High impedance (66Ω) requires higher-quality sources for optimal performance.
• Polarizing tuning: May sound "bland" or "clinical" compared to musical IEMs .
• Bulky Pelican case.

5. Comparisons

• vs. Westone Mach 70: The Mach 80 is more linear and analytical, while the Mach 70 offers a warmer, bass-forward signature .

Verdict

The MACH 80 shines as a reference monitor for critical listening, offering unmatched comfort and a balanced, fatigue-free signature. However, its clinical tuning and restrained bass may disappoint those seeking musical excitement. Ideal for engineers, audiophiles valuing accuracy, and long-term listeners prioritizing comfort .

Rating: 4.2/5 (Highly recommended for niche users; cautious for bass lovers).

SKU: 810074480086
Categories: Universal Series, Westone MACH Series
Tags: IEM, MACH Earphone, MACH IEM, MACH Series, MACH80