Sennheiser has just announced two new additions to their IE series - the IE60 and IE80. Judging from the press material, the biggest change seems to be isolation, which is known to be lacking in the old IE series. The new IE60 and IE80 will provide up to -26dB of isolation (a little above average in my book), but both models will keep the overall design of IE6 and IE8. The improved isolation is a welcome change but it also indicates that the new models might change from being opened design to a closed design, which means there is potential for soundstage reduction (from IE6 / IE8). I guess we just have to wait and see. No actual price yet, but don't expect it to be cheaper than IE6 / IE8.
[UPDATE] It seems there is a silence update on Sennheiser website and now the isolation is down to -20dB. So the new IE60 and IE80 are probably as open as the old design.
[UPDATE] It seems there is a silence update on Sennheiser website and now the isolation is down to -20dB. So the new IE60 and IE80 are probably as open as the old design.