There are a few subtle differences when comparing them side by side, but my conclusion was that Dark Saber is not really an upgrade from the S8, but rather a side-grade. It’s like a mixture of Variations and S8 but not in a perfect way. (But I ended up keeping the Dark Saber over the S8 and Variations)

First, the sub-bass region of the Dark Saber is definitely an improvement over the S8, possessing that DD-like texture and decent thump. However, I feel like in the other regions of the bass, The S8 is not bad at all. Sometimes the presence of bass is more prominent and enjoyable in the S8 than the Dark Saber, and it was hard to say that the 2DD bass of the Dark Saber was that superior, especially at the sub 1k price bracket. I am not a bass-enthusiast so this wasn’t really important for me.

Mid, I think the S8 is ever so slightly more shouty compared to the Dark Saber, but if you chose the S8 over variations or other IEMs, this would be the selling point rather than a deal breaker. The Dark Saber still possesses that likable trait of the S8. An intimate presentation of female vocals with superb detail retrieval. The subtle difference was coming from the technical performance (mainly sound stage and separation) that the Dark Saber was marginally better than the S8.

Highs, I think they are both well-extended and exciting yet not sibilant or fatiguing. I personally don’t like the est, thus Variations was placed last. The S8 had a tad more aery(?) feeling to it, but they are very close, and you won’t be able to tell the difference unless you listen to them side by side for a long time. (Or if you just read the Fr graph and pretend like you can hear the 0.1dB 0.3dB difference like many reviewers out there)

The shell size is just so much larger than the S8. Just think of it as a slightly larger-sized blessing 2. If you were fine with B2’s fit, then I think you’d be okay.

It’s not that Dark Saber’s fit is terrible. The S8 just has that “custom-like” perfect fit for my ears.