What's So Different?
While there is a great new color scheme that is more ideal for my tastes, the true changes lie skin deep. It's really all about the software - the audio software that is.
The Harman/Kardon sound or more so the Clari-Fi software. While it enhances the sound of all media omitted form the HK M8, this is more than just a bass boost. The software's goal is restore the quality of compressed audio thats' usually lost during the transferring/compression. Giving you a true Hi-Fi (high-fidelity) sound to your music + media - for the most part. Sounds great!
It's like bringing Sonos-quality sound to your headphones/earbuds.
Another addition to the software side of things is the LiveStage software. This adds the quality + feel of listening to a live performance of whatever song you're listening to. Of course the effect will sound better on some songs over others. It's all depending on the song's elements (instruments, vocal arrangement, etc.). Not too bad but Clari-Fi is where its at, for me anyways.
AE-S Earbuds
As part of the extra premium you have to pay for the H/K M8, they bundle in a pair of their AE-S earbuds w/ it. The good side: they go hand-in-hand w/ the H/K audio software to enrich your listening pleasure. I used my Apple Ear Pods & other standard ones to get a completely different audio experience.
The bad side: these things never fit comfortably in my ears. I started off using the default rubber tips that came w/ it as they never truly stayed in my ears. Then it got slightly better w/ a small pair of tips but still not a comfortable fit. H/K has a great name in audio and audio solution but this is a rare miss for them.
Only true audiophiles needed for the Harman/Kardon Edition M8.
TG 2 Cents
As awesome as the HK sound enhancements are on this variant of the M8, I can't help but feel for the early adopters of the M8 - especially those on Sprint. Fragmentation at this point is bad for business since this adds an extra $30 to essentially the same device. I would have loved to see Harman/Kardon supply the sound on all M8s at launch. I think that would've been a better approach that would warrant better results. The Spotify edge could help though. Getting the streaming service as single or bundle at a discounted rate is great along w/ the 3 or 6 months free (depending on whether or not you're in a Framily plan or not).
To Buy Or Not To Buy
If you are a loyal Sprint subscriber and a audiophile, then there's nothing to think about. Just buy one. For everyone else, it probably won't make sense to jump ship from whatever carrier you're on to get more-or-less the same phone you can get but w/ better earbuds + audio software. The audio side of things are really that good but not enough to pay more for it or jump ship though.
