It’s definitely not a typical audiophile or monitoring tuning that’s designed to be more revealing of the recording quality. The problem these days is that recording quality are often sub-par especially with mainstream albums, and revealing headphones get the heat for revealing those flaws (while they should be blaming the mixing engineer instead, or actually the recording company executives). Ultimate Ears is definitely aware of this issue, and instead of going with the usual “transparent and honest” tuning, they opt for a more radical choice that’s designed to give you a great music experience regardless of who mixed your favorite album’s recording.
Compared to the usual Beats and Boses, I appreciate the clarity I hear on the UE9000. Again not mind blowing clarity, but enough to separate the UE9000 from the B&B camp. Bass is plenty though there are times that I feel the bass to be a little fatiguing for long term listening, but I think that may’ve been the Iphones I used as the source at that time. Soundstage while not mind blowing, feels good and with a decent depth that I can still listen to my Classical tracks without feeling nauseous.
Source, Amplifiers, and Bluetooth
Talking about source the UE9000 seems to blend very well with a variety of different sources. So much does it “equalize” the different sources that I don’t really feel the Altmann Tera player to be anything special next to an Iphone, other than the fact that the Iphone has a more pop or v-shaped tonality.
With the Bluetooth transmission on, you do lose some resolution as in some micro details gets erased from the sound, though I don’t find the sound to sound muddier or more congested than if I’m listening through the cable. The most revealing sound is achieved without the internal amp turned on. You lose that loudness boost you get (both in decibel levels as well as the typical loudness contour which boosts the bass levels and pushes the treble section out a bit), and on this format I found that the while the sound is more natural, it can be quite flat and lifeless. My impressions on the paragraphs above are with the internal amp turned on, a mode that I expect the majority of people to use with the UE9000.
I didn’t really use an amplifier with the UE9000. I felt that the internal amplifier with its loudness boost is the right sound for the UE9000. With the internal amplifier off, portable sources does struggle to hit the dynamics and the loudness level. So you either choose to get a portable amp which means bulk, or simply go along with the internal amplifier of the UE9000. I go with option number #2.
End Words
I think Ultimate Ears has hit the jackpot with the UE9000. Though I as a headphone reviewer I don’t really belong to the mainstream segment that this headphone is targeted for, I do think that the UE9000 is currently the best mainstream headphone the market has. I borrowed a lot of different Ipods, Iphones, Walkmans and DAPs just so I can listen to the UE9000 through different music selection and sources, and I find the UE9000 passed that genre-bandwith test with flying colors. Paired with the killer styling (my personal taste, at least), the build, finish and comfort, and it’s really hard to better this UE.
Eric Thompson
Pretty much my thoughts exactly maybe I should be a guest reviewer? lol jk
I wouldn’t mind them not having the amp boost, id still listen to them if it wasn’t there but when its available I feel like I always want it on? I always wonder if it never had the boost if “we” would still think they sound flat and lifeless never hearing them with it on.
So you don’t really think these are the K550 killers that inner fidelity said?
Id love a comparison to the M50’s and the K550 etc (I know I keep asking for a compareo so if its in the works forgive my impatiens) I just want another portable closed headphone and the DT770’s are a little bulky. Like if my friend tells me he wants beats but doesn’t have the cash should I keep steering them to the M50’s or the DT770’s if they don’t car about looks or the XB-500’s if all they want is bass or should I start suggesting these?
Last I think people in general are to hard on Bose and Beats yes Bose gets thrown in due to specifically testing and tuning there products for main stream buyers tastes (smooth but veiled sound, extra upper and midbass richness) but there is a lot worse stuff. Sony, Monster, Skullcandy not to mention all the crazy companies jumping on the $200-$350 bass headphone bandwagon make some really awful headphones, every thing Skullcandy makes under $100 is trash along with most of Sony’s under $50 market (there are some exceptions) and there new big red ugly plastic things. Monster makes good in ears but all there over ears are over priced and sub par.
I’m just saying I would put Bose 1 level above all that junk, there QC15’s are expensive because of the NC but the AE2’s can be had for only about $100 which sound quite nice compared to a lot of other stuff.
Mike
Thanks, Eric.
I think these can be a killer for a lot of headphones, even a HD800 killer, depending on how you look at it. I mean, a good all rounder headphone for the street? Certainly the HD800 can’t compete on that department.
Of course if we try to understand what each headphones are designed for, I then I wouldn’t really say that the UE9000 is a K550 killer (I don’t know what Tyll said on IF). It doesn’t have the wow factor in technicalities that the K550 has. But yes if I’m looking for an everyday walk around headphones then definitely it’s the UE9000.
So, briefly:
M-50 remains a very popular entry level audiophile headphone. Don’t think the UE9000 at $399 is going to dethrone that.
M-100: I have yet to hear it, but Edd and Julius didn’t seem to like it so much based on their review.
K550: More technical, full size for home listening.
I think the real competition is more from:
Fidelio L1
Senn Momentum
Senn Amperior
Sony 1R
Eric Thompson
Well I’m kinda throwing the UE6000’s in there as there pretty much the same think for 1/2 the price. I pretty much know how they compare to the Philips and Momentum but the Amperior would be interesting giving your comment about the HD-25-1 above
Danny Utoyo
What about comparison vs old trusty HD25-1 II Mike (fun factor vs technicality aspect)? Thx
Mike
The UE9000 has a cleaner sound, bigger soundstage, more bass. I think overall it’s a better headphone, but of course the HD25-1 is unique.
Danny Utoyo
I think it will be more compelling if you throw another wireless headphone comparison like sennheiser rs220 in it? 😉
Boun Ly
Amperior review! 🙂
Mike
Aside from the different tonality of the Amperior, comments on technicalities I made for the HD25-1 would apply to it too. The two practically have almost identical technicalities.
And yes a review is coming. 🙂
dalethorn
The review says the UE6000 does not have noise canceling, but it does.
Mike
Yes sorry for that. Edited out the error.
Eli
When you choose to listen to the internal amp in both the UE9000 and UE6000, you’re also listening to the shabby internal noise-cancelling circuit. Really tips up & muddles the bass, and tips up parts of the treble (to a lesser extent).
When in passive mode, though, they both sound pretty great to me. A small portable amp will coax out their potential a wee bit more, but they’re perfectly fine driven directly by an iDevice or a good laptop.
I do think that Tyll (InnerFidelity) was right when he said that the K550 had a somewhat artificial sounding treble, in general. Always thought it was rather “tizzy” & unnatural sounding…but still good, compared to most other closed headphones. The UE6000/UE9000 have a much more natural sounding treble to me. Recent entries like the Momentum, MDR-1R & UE6000/UE9000 sound better to me than the K550, the Edition 8, & any of Beyerdynamic’s closed headphones. Just my opinion, of course.
Cool time to be a headphone geek!
Mike
Hey thanks for sharing your thoughts, Eli!
Sent from my mobile device. Sorry for any mistype.
dalethorn
The two UE6000’s I had in passive mode had a really shelved treble. If you should happen to consider a HD800 to be too bright, just subtract 2 or 3 db anywhere on the brightness curve and then compare to the 6000 – the 6000’s treble is still shelved. So in passive mode, it isn’t high fidelity even if you stretch that term way past its limits. I’ve read a lot of comments from people who love the passive mode, but when you look really close, there’s no critical analysis.
BTW, did I miss it in this review, was there an explanation of the difference between passive mode (no noise canceling), active mode (NC set to ON), and Bluetooth mode (with or without NC)?
Eli
It’s treble is absolutely lower than ideal for a high-fidelity headphone, but what treble is present sounds pretty good to me. In most situations, that’s not a bad thing for me. I spend just as much time listening to crappy-quality streamed video & audio as I do higher quality material, so a somewhat shelved down (but well executed) treble ends up being more pleasant to me than a neutral or exaggerated treble response.
eliafant
Hi,
I think dalethorn and Eli really are correct in their judgements as my experiences with the UE 6000 ended up being the same.
Boun Ly
Mike, how’s the battery life?
Mike
Battery life is extremely good I didn’t count but I keep on wondering when the battery will run out whenever I use it.
Ken Stuart
Mike – Interesting Review !
You wrote:
“A great mainstream headphone should possess these qualities:
Great bass
Good clarity
Fun sound
Genre bandwidth
And the UE9000 possesses all four of those qualities.”
And – at exactly the same price point, so does the HE-400 Rev 2 (although the open vs closed difference makes the two headphones suited for entirely different purposes).
Which Is why I keep hoping you will publish L’s review of the Rev 2.
Mike
You are right.
There is a delay with the Rev2 review as they supposedly already have a newer version of the HE-400.
Between the one I reviewed and the Rev2, there is no big change in terms of tonality. I just thought that the Rev2 sounds smoother.
And you are right, the HE-400 has good bass, is clear, fun, and has a wide genre bandwith. It just is not a mainstream headphone though. 😉
antonius wijaya
Where to get UE9000, UE6000 in Indonesia?
Satrya Adi Pratama
mike can u make a review for sony XB1000 ,, i’m so curious with this headphone, and please compare it with the similiar price headphone,,, i think there is xb1000 in analoghead
Mike
Why don’t you come and listen to it at the store? ; )
Sorry I don’t plan to do a review on it.
Satrya Adi Pratama
cause i’m in makassar,, n your store in jakarta right?? just want to read your review for eXtraBass flagship,, heheheh
Mike
Okay so basically the sound is big and spacious given the size of the driver, housing, pads, etc. Pads are super comfy. Mid and treble are very clear, even comparable in clarity to non bass-labeled headphones. Then below the mid frequencies you have this big bass body that hits quite low, though not so much on upper bass.
Ultimately if you’re looking for maximum bass quantity and punch, I still think that the Pro700Mk2 from Audio Technica is the one you should go for. The XB1000’s bass though there are plenty of bass, is more relaxed.
Hope that helps. 🙂
Satrya Adi Pratama
wow,, its reALly help,, my priority is comfort, and my head is bigger than normal , and my music is K-Pop they need more fun n dynamic mids thanks, the mids by XB1000 is recessed or not?? thanks a lot mike..
Mike
The mids are okay. It’s not recessed but it’s not forward either. Quite neutral.
brian chin
The XB1000’s are discontinued so its impossible to listen to them in the stores
Pepe
Hi Mike,
How do these Headphones sound to you with Classical or acoustical music, since you mentioned these are very good mainstream headphones? I am desperatly looking for a closed Headphone for travels and tried out the Philips L1, which never gave me this kind of “wow” feeling in therms of classical music though, but they sounded nice for Pop or Rock. After them I tried out the Ultrasone HFI 780, but the high’s were way too piercing. I also listened to the DT 660 which sounded really nice with some classical tracks, but the bass was basically non-existent.
I just discovered your side yesterday and after reading your reviews I really would like to try out:
DT 770 LE 32 Ohms
Sennheiser Momentum
UE 6000/9000
I would really appreciate your opinion on which of these you would recommend for a more classical music oriented person, who likes to discover new details in the recording.
Mike
I think the UE9000 is just average for classical.
I enjoy the Fidelio L1 more, but I think the Beyer 770 AE would be the best one on that list.
Mike
If I can recommend something out of that list, I would go for the Sony Z1000.
tand
Hi Mike,,
I was looking to buy the UE 6000 and came across this review. It seems the only difference with the UE9000 is the lack of BT.
My question is with regard to the NC on sound. People complain that the bass will be excessive. But is the quality still good?
I want to combine it with my Godap GD03 that boosts the mids and highs. hopefully it will work out like with my wooduo2.
Second question..how does this headphone compare with the CAL? On paper the CAL seems to have the ideal soundsignature for my taste.
Anyway also want to mention how impressed I was when I stumbled across your store in jakarta. Matter of fact I am planning to post it on tripadvisor.(ps If you don’t want i will cancel it).
I mentioned that in europe there was not a similar store like this. But your website explains why your store is like a headphone nirvana. Not only with the amount of choices available, but also the possibilty to try everything out. An enthusiasts dream. I could easily spend hours there and with so many gear available. I knew I was in danger making a fast climb up the audio ladder.
So thanks for your hospitality. I will be back for sure and maybe you could help me find the right gear for my taste.
dalethorn
The UE6000 bass with NC on is way above even bassy headphones like the v-moda M100, and it’s not a tight or controlled bass – it’s very bloated. But the highs are also strong, so I wouldn’t boost them or they’d fry my ears. I managed to enjoy the UE6000 with a slight upper bass reduction. The quality is OK – good enough for $200.
tand
That’s bad news.Bloated bass is useless.
I have the wooduo 2 and this IEM combines bigtime bass with out it being bloated.
dalethorn
There are much better choices when noise canceling isn’t required.
tand
I am paying 70€/100u$ for the UE 6000. I was actually considering the CAL.
Which headphones would you recommend?
dalethorn
Quality is a real issue at $100, and when the UE6000 is only $100, you’re asking to compare an original $200 item to items that aren’t discounted at $100, which is not a fair comparison. If I recommend a headphone with similar quality to the UE6000 but with better bass, it’s going to cost at least $200. So maybe you’d be happier if you buy the UE6000 for $100 and use some simple bass reduction. But whatever you do, make *sure* you can return the UE6000 for full credit without paying for shipping if need be, since my first two UE6000’s were defective. BTW, my experience was not a fluke. Tyll of Innerfidelity got some UE4000’s to test, and the first was defective, the second was defective, and I don’t think he was able to test the third one (don’t remember). Just don’t take chances.
tand
Thanks for your advice. UE is now part of logitech. And I always have a great experience with their customer service. Not sure i get muy money back, but pretty much gauranteed to get replacement products.
I am just curious for your recommendations. My budget is at a hard 250€. About 350$ for one headphone. I dont have unlimited budget so I am not planning to buy a lot of headphones and I hate reselling things that i bought.
After a lot of reading on headfi and a lot of listening I know what is the soundsignature I want. My proble is I dont know if there is a headphone that fits my soundsignature and music taste. A good strong tight low subbass with good mids and highs that sparkles without ever going sibilant.
So I am now slowly working up the headphone price ladder, looking for the perfect headphone.Buying the highly recommended headphones that seem to fit my soundsgnature.
Also looking into the chinese OEM brands…looking for good fits.
Anyway i am always interested in recommendations.
dalethorn
The signature you suggest is the ideal nearly everyone at Headfonia wants. It is extremely difficult to get the strong yet tight bass that doesn’t interfere in the mids or unbalance the sound to a large degree. I’ve found several solutions in that price range, but none are perfect. The B&O H6 is nearly perfect, but when people compare it to others directly it never compares in bass, although heard on its own the bass is quite strong. The Beyer T51p that I have is nearly perfect, but the highs are just a little bit too soft, although you might like it the way it is. The new refresh DT1350 from Beyer may be even better, but I haven’t heard it yet.
L.
And don’t forget the HP100
dalethorn
The HP100 is really great and may be a lot closer than my suggestions. Unfortunately for me it’s gone.
L.
Mine too. weird, it’s a great headphone but for some reason people don’t hang on to it
dalethorn
It’s that comparison and upgrade fever.
tand
Isnt the t51 the new DT1350?
I am not sure about on ears. Sensitive ears that gets hot fast.
B&O…theiir image scares me. You pay a premium for it’s design. Always make me wonder if anything they sell is worth it.
HP100? Is described as neutral. Not sure if it’s up my alley.
dalethorn
The new DT1350 is the same as the old except it’s called “refresh version” and has new pads that should seal better for improved bass. The T51p is the new refresh version of the T50p. I haven’t used these new versions in warm weather, but indoors in 75 degree F temperature, I can wear the T51p all day without any heat or moisture inside the earpads. That may be different outdoors in warm weather with high humidity. The B&O H6 is *very* much worth the $400, if you can accept the midrange sound. The build is great, comfort is the best, and compactness for around-neck wear when not listening also the best. The HP100 is pretty neutral with some good lower bass, but again, it’s the midrange – it was something I got used to and could live with (like the B&O H6 just different sound), so otherwise hard to describe. A great value for the price.
tand
Read your review on the UE6000. Seems our taste in bass is different.lol.
I am testing the UE6000. Have some problems and nigles with it. Mainly that the cable doesnt work well wih my venturecraft.
dalethorn
One the second issue of defects, it helps to understand that my first 2 6000’s were defective, and even Tyll of Innerfidelity received several defective UE’s in a row!! So be prepared for exchanges. On the first issue, I don’t think our taste differs as much as you might expect, since I think we both want the same thing, like a strong yet firm and well-controlled bass that isn’t flabby. The 6000 just isn’t that good, but it is a bargain at the original $200 price, and probably better now! My headphones now are all bass-elevated, except for the v-moda V80 and Bose OE2i – the rest of them (8 or 10 depending on what day it is) have a pretty strong bass well above neutral, but the 6000 is different – maybe get it on a good DAC/amp on a computer and the bass will tighten up a little.
tand
Can you maybe explain what the effect will be if an overear headphone doesnt fit over my ears?
dalethorn
The effect is really different for different people. I don’t remember exactly for the UE6000, but some headphones like the Momentum fit very well (for me they did), and for some people the Momentum doesn’t fit at all. Since the Momentum (just for example) is partly around-ear for me I can make it fit over the top of my ears and then it sits ON the bottom of my ears, which is OK since the bottom of my ears don’t stick out like the top. The V-Moda M100 is another example that doesn’t fit completely around everyone’s ears. My B&O H6 seems to be completely around for most people, same for the B&W P7. The Beyer COP and DT770 fit easily around anyone’s ears I think. So if you don’t get a good fit with over-ears it can be uncomfortable and the sound could be thin.
tand
Thanks…the UE6000 fits like the momentum for you. Semi overears.
No kidding with the defects. never had such weird defects or so many in just one headphone. Scares me to keep it.
BUT what is it a fun headphone. You are getting two headphones for the price of one.
We all know how highly people praised the passive mode. But the NC active mode is not to be underestimated.
Actually i will come straight out it´s quite awesome tom me. It´s making it a fun headphone for any music with a beat in it. Bass is over the top. But some music are simply asking for it. And the bass still knows it place. Never bloated or bassbleeds. If there is no bass in the music, you will not hear it. But if it’s there..it will do it’s best let you feel it.The boost in the highs is actually more noticeble, but here is where the shelved highs is paying off. Even with the boost it doesn’t get irritating or piercing.Definitely no sibilance.
Compared to my Wooduo it leads to a less fatiguing fun headphone.
Anyway it’s definitely more vshape sound, But the seperation is still great. Vocals is good enough that you will have no problem listening to songs where vocals is more important. Even though Adele is a bit overpowering with NC on.
Matter of fact in passive mode other headphones is beter or it’s equal. But with NC active…this headphone comes closest to my amped wooduo as a fun basscentric listening experience.
Now I just need to find a defect free headphone. thankfully logitech support is the best around, Just make sure if you can to buy it straight from them.
dalethorn
I gave the UE6000 a good review because I could accomodate it with some simple bass reduction for an enjoyable sound. I avoid the term ‘fun’ because some reviewers use it and there’s no standard of reference for ‘fun’.
Mike
Hi Tand,
Thanks for helping to post the store on Tripadvisor, I really appreciate it.
So the question is with the UE9000’s bass? I don’t think the UE9000 has excessive bass, but it’s a dark sounding headphone that’s for sure. I think they want to make it safe for modern recordings and that means a sound that’s darker than the CAL. The CAL is a good headphone, actually I think the bass is a bit more boomy on the CAL, compared to the UE, and the CAL also has reverbs that intrudes the midrange. However overall it’s a musical headphone. Fun and great for the price. The UE9000 on the other hand stands at the near premium end of the portable closed headphone spectrum but of course it’s a better headphone overall.
Chriso89
Hi mike. How is this compared to the sony mdr-1rbt? I listen to Kpop and pop music. Mostly female artist and need powerful sound and good bass response
Daniel Chirvasuta
Hi Mike, Thanks for the review. I recently got the UE 6000 and so far I like them, but not necessarily love them. I was thinking would the Philips Fidelio L1 be better for EDM, Rap, Rock, and Metal (in no specific order)? I love the looks of the L1 and would actually benefit from the semi-open design (I’d like to hear when people try to talk to me). You mentioned the technicalities of the L1 are better but as far as a listening experience which did you find are better? Also as a broke 15 year old my price range is under $100 (I got the UE 6k for $60 and can get the L1 for $85) and I can’t afford an amp. Thanks
dalethorn
The L1 is fantastic for $85 – get it before it’s gone. The UE6000 has decent potential, but physically and sonically it’s nowhere near the quality of the Philips. Especially the bass, which is thick and loose in the UE6000, is obviously better with the L1. Hopefully that L1 is the genuine item.
Daniel Chirvasuta
Thanks. I’ve posted comments like this everywhere and you’re the first to give me decent advice (not recommendations for headphones well over my price range). I’ll get the Philips as soon as I sell my UEs to a friend that wants them. As for them being genuine, they’re from a semi-reliable seller on ebay but he offers returns.
dalethorn
Good deal! When you get discontinued items (current headphone is the L2 I think), there are great bargains even at Amazon. Sometimes they even have specials on current items that have been sitting for a long time.
Daniel Chirvasuta
Yeah! I never get anything full price lol. The L1 is $130 on Amazon and the UE 6k are $108. Open box deals on ebay are even less. Have you heard the monster inspiration? Was also thinking of those
dalethorn
I had the Monster Inspiration – OEM’d to Tumi. It was a decent and balanced sound – a little crispy on the top end, but not bad. At the $300 Monster price there are better choices, so it depends on what discount you find.
Daniel Chirvasuta
On ebay the anc version is $100 open box directly from Monster! My sister is considering those or should she get the UE 6K? She listens mostly to claudication and wants over ear closed
dalethorn
The Inspiration is much better physically and sonically than the UE6000.
Daniel Chirvasuta
Thought so. Thanks so much and sorry for the countless questions