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Sound – Intro & Ear tips
For our testing we have used a mix of sources such as the Astell&Kern SP3000, the Hiby RS8 and the AK KANN MAX. The IE 200 is easy to drive and really doesn’t need anything special to make it sound its best.
The tip selection as usual is mega important. You really need a perfectly sealing fit to get the IE 200 to sound as it’s supposed to (not to mention the comfort). With the IE 200 that for me means I have to use the largest size foam tips that come with the IEM. When using the silicone tips, I need to use a mix of the large and medium tip.
As you would expect, there is a difference in sound between the foam and silicone tips, even though Sennheiser does not elaborate on that. For this test we’re using the HiBy RS8, with the IE 200 connected with the stock cable streaming music from Qobuz.
The result of silicone tips on the sound is that you get an increased level of clarity, a slightly less heavy/punchy bass presentation and less weight overall. Because of this you perceive the treble as spicier and more energetic. The tips also have an impact on the vocals, which now are more to the front and they have a less smooth but sharper delivery.
The difference in sound between the silicone and foam tips is quite substantial. It’s fuller body, softness, smooth vocals and easygoing treble of the foam vs the clarity, energy, treble spiciness and vocal forwardness of the silicone tips. For me I both in comfort as in sound get most pleasure from the foam tips. I feel they sound more balanced, and with the silicone tips, the vocals don’t sound fully right to me. For my personal preference, an extra bit of overall clarity with the foam tips would be welcome to my older (getting) ears.
Sound – General
The tips used in the description below are the memory foam ones provided by Sennheiser. The Tip position is the standard one, as Sennheiser calls it (the full white line in the FR image).
The Sennheiser IE 200 is dead silent with all the devices I tested it with. As we’re used to from Sennheiser, the IE 200 has a pitch black background. What I really like about the IE 200 is the stereo imaging and the left/right balance. It’s well-done and it makes listening to the IE 200 exciting and engaging.
Looking at soundstage, the IE 200 isn’t the strongest but it certainly is on par with what you expect at this (price) level. The IE 200 is not the widest or deepest sounding IEM, and you do get a more intimate presentation. However, because of a nice amount of mid air and spaciousness, this is no disturbing factor.
The Sennheiser IE 200 is a full bodied IEM from top to bottom. It also displays a good level of cleanness and clarity for the price level. In terms of weight (body) and colouring (warmth/smoothness), I wouldn’t describe the IE 200 as a neutrally tuned IEM. It is full sounding at all times, but it’s also musical, vibrant and very engaging.
Technically, the IE 200 IEM is no slouch. You do get a good level of precision, detail, sharpness and layering (depth). However, note extension and decay aren’t the most impressive. At this price level, we’re not expecting that though. The treble section is nicely contrasting the fuller bass presentation with a crispy and energetic top end, without ever going overboard with the V-shaped signature.
Bass impact and punch are good and bass in the IE 200 is always present (more than neutral). Bass reaches down low, but it isn’t the strongest in sub-bass and precision. The lower end is smooth and has an addictive warmth to it. It’s a lower end that the average consumer will certainly like. It’s engaging, foot tapping bass. Excellent for popular music genres. Do note that the IE 200 is no bass monster either, it’s still civilized.
The part on sound continues on the fourth and last page. Click here to go there directly.
Page 1: Sennheiser, IE 200, Specifications, Box & Accessories
Page 2: Design, Build Quality, Cable, Fit, Comfort, Isolation, Tips, Sound Pt. 1
Page 3: Sound Pt. 2
Page 4: Sound Pt. 3, Comparison, Conclusion
Michael
Is the ie200 better than the moondrop blessing and the 7hz timeless
just fall
Is the sound it delivers up to standard? I want know
Lieven
Reading, it’s not for everyone I guess 🙂
slope
The Sennheiser IE 200 will be available for pre-order globally