Wired IEMs
Sony MDR-EX800st
62Average
$300
Full review dataSony MDR-EX800st vs Ziigaat Horizon: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Ziigaat Horizon comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Ziigaat Horizon - Great overall at around $329.
Wired IEMs
Ziigaat Horizon
83Great
$330
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Ziigaat Horizon leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Sony MDR-EX800st
- Ziigaat Horizon
HearWiki score
62
83
Sound
7.5
8.6
Value
6.5
8.2
Price (USD)
$300
$330
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Ziigaat Horizon is 15 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 15 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- MDR-EX800st2010
- Horizon202515 yr newer
Specifications
MDR-EX800stHorizon
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $330
- HearWiki score
- 62
- 83
- Released
- 2010
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 16 mm dynamic
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL tribrid
- Driver type
- dynamic
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1DD + 2BA + 2PL
- Driver size
- 16 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 5
- Impedance
- -
- 24 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 108 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 7 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Sony MDR-EX800st
The Sony MDR-EX800ST is a professional-grade wired in-ear monitor crafted for stage use, born from a collaboration with a major recording studio. Its 16 mm dynamic driver delivers a clear, accurate sound profile suited for live performance monitoring, while the detachable cable and lightweight build (7 g) offer practical durability and comfort for musicians on stage. With no active noise cancellation, it relies on a secure fit to isolate sound, making it a specialized tool for audio pros rather than casual listeners.
- Pro:Accurate, monitor-style tuning ideal for critical listening
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended stage sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or customization
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise may intrude
- Con:Open to the elements and not built for rough handling
- Con:Pricey for those not needing professional-grade monitoring
Ziigaat Horizon
The Ziigaat Horizon is a wired tribrid IEM that delivers impressive technical performance for its price, featuring a spacious, holographic soundstage and strong detail retrieval. Its W-shaped tuning balances clarity and engagement, though its energetic treble and lighter bass impact may not suit everyone. While the sound quality is a standout, the build and accessories feel less premium than the audio performance.
- Pro:Excellent technical ability and detail retrieval
- Pro:Large, holographic soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Well-executed W-shaped tuning that balances fun and precision
- Con:Treble can become fatiguing or slightly sibilant for sensitive listeners
- Con:Mid-bass punch is limited, with bass more technical than physical
- Con:Build quality feels somewhat cheap for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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