Sennheiser IE 600 Review

Sennheiser IE 600 Review

Sennheiser has cemented itself as a powerhouse in the consumer audio world. This year, they've been steadily releasing a line of In-Ear Monitors at varying price points, the IE line. I had the opportunity to review one of the higher-priced models, the IE 900, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Today, I'm going to focus on the IE 600, which is one of Sennheiser's mid-priced IEM offerings ($699). I'm excited to try these, and Sennheiser has a lofty reputation to uphold.

What’s in the Box

• Sennheiser IE600 IEMs
• Unbalanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 3.5mm connector
• Balanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 4.4mm connector
• 3 pairs of silicone ear adapters (S, M, L)
• 3 pairs of foam ear adapters (S, M, L)
• Premium carry case
• Cable clip, Cleaning tool
• Presentation box with signed customer certificate User manuals

Look and Feel

The IE 600's design is consistent with that of its counterparts in Sennheiser's IE Line. The 3D printed housing looks fantastic and, despite these being very small IEMs, gives them a sense of solidity and weight that helps to ground them. The IEMs themselves are extremely comfortable and seamless to wear. The cable feels well-constructed and features malleable ear hooks, which is a feature I rarely see. As for accessories, Sennheiser includes several, such as a carrying case, a cleaning tool, and several eartips for different listening styles.

Design

The Housing on the IE 600 is a 3D printed AMLOY-ZR01 amorphous metal housing, which gives the headphones both durability and acoustic resonance. The dual D2CA resonance chambers are designed to ensure a neutral frequency response. The transducers are 7mm dynamic drivers of Sennheiser's design. The IE 600's Acoustic chamber is designed to give a near studio-accurate sound response, while still maintaining naturality in the sound character.

The Sennheiser IE600 has a frequency response of 4 Hz – 46.5 kHz and an impedance of 18 Ohms.

Soundstage

The soundstage on the IE 600 keeps with its goal of neutrality. It doesn't overextend itself, yet also still maintains good imaging and width. Sennheiser strived for clarity and natural imaging above all else and they succeeded. The background noise is nonexistent, the airiness doesn't impose, and the dynamic range is fast and responsive. That being said, it isn't dramatic and won't give more than the mix does, but that's part of the intention.

Lows

The low end has impressive impact and good power. The extended frequency response lends itself to bass that is both heard and felt. In keeping with its natural sound character, you aren't going to get absurdly fat bass sounds on the IE 600 the way you might on another IEM, but what you do get is clarity that brings that same impact through. The ear tips also have a considerable effect on how the bass will sound. While I normally prefer a more present bass sound, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the bass on here.

Mids

If the IE 300 is the calm one, and the IE 900 is the energetic one, then the IE600 is the Goldie-locks zone in between both of them. The mids are very flat and don't do much to accentuate or detract from ranges. While there is some light polishing, the IE600 mostly leaves this range untouched and instead lets the resolution and the mix speak for itself. It's a happy medium between overbearingly outgoing and cripplingly shy. 

Highs

The high range is smooth and appealing to listen to. While this range is tuned to make it sound more appealing, it sounds natural and only serves to give more clarity and support to high-range details such as attacks and reverbs. This is what highlighted the mixes for me and made the IE600 such a clear and enjoyable listening experience. The highs were smooth and supportive, which is exactly how I like them.

Overall

Sennheiser has impressed me again with its IEMs. The IE600 is a really solid all-arounder that can accurately and quickly create whatever you're looking for. While its neutrality might be its downfall if you have strong preferences, it still can make anything sound nearly studio-accurate, which is always admirable. I loved this IEM and think anybody looking for a great workhorse should consider the Sennheiser IE 600. I'm highly considering getting these for my own personal listening. I can't wait to see how Sennheiser tops this.

You can buy the Sennheiser IE600 here