Sennheiser IE 600 Review

Sound – Balanced vs Single Ended

The first difference with balanced is that you in single ended configuration get a more intimate presentation, with less space between the notes and an overall less airy presentation. This is especially noticeable in the mid section.

You do get the sense of the IE 600 sounding even fuller, yet less extended in sound stage and notes in SE mode. The second main impact is on the bass, which in single ended mode isn’t as present but it is tighter. It however also is technically less strong.

Third, the top end section is even softer on the ears, with less extension and to me a lower technical level. Treble in SE mode for me is a bit simple and not present enough.

I really do suggest listening to the IE 600 in balanced mode, as it really performs better. You get the best technicalities, with more note extension, airier mid and treble presentation and a wider soundstage.

Sound – Tips

The tip selection as usual is critical. You really need a perfectly sealing fit to get the IE 600’s body and bass presence as it’s supposed to (not to mention the comfort). With the IE 600 that for me means I have to use the medium size memory foam tips that come with the IEM.

The silicone tips that come with the IE 600 for some reason work better for me than with the IE 900. The result of silicone tips on the sound is that you get an increased level of clarity, a slightly less heavy bass presentation and more spicy and energetic treble. 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 actually 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, even though an extra bit of treble energy would have been welcome for my older ears.

Sound vs Sennheiser IE line-up

If you’ve made it till here in this article, you’ll know a lot of references have already been made to the IE 300 and IE 900, but let’s recap it here:

IE 300 (balanced, foam tips with EarMen Colibri)

First thing you will notice when switching to the IE 300 are the extra body from bass to highs as well as the added bass presence and impact. The IE 300 is a much fuller, heavier and warmer sounding IEM, with a closer, less spacious and more intimate presentation.

The IE 300 is very fun and especially bass lovers will find this typical tuning pleasing, but it is far from neutral or the typical reference tuning. The IE 600 is more refined, more neutral and technically stronger. The bass presence and impact still is good but it is much more normal and levelled out. The IE 600 is a great option if you find the IE 300 too heavy sounding and not revealing enough. The IE 600 will give you more clarity and precision, and it still has a pleasing fun but normal kind of bass.

IE 900 (balanced, foam tips with EarMen Colibri)

The IE 900’s tuning is the most reference, neutral and balanced. You get a wider presentation with more air and spaciousness making the IE 900 sound less in your head. The level of clarity and precision is elevated compared to the IE 600, making it a typical high end tuned, lighter bodied IEM.

If you want the best technicalities with a musical delivery, the IE 900 is the IEM to get. It’s quality over quantity here. For some the IE 900 is a bit too precise and neutral and for those ears, the IE 600 will be the ideal IEM as it makes it softer, fuller and a bit bass heavier. It will be more intimate, but it will be softer on the ears.

I think Sennheiser did a great job with these 3 IEMs as they have 3 different tunings/signatures and one of these is sure to please your ears (and purse). For me personally the IE 900 is the very best for my spoiled ears, but I do can enjoy the IE 300 for movies and the IE 600 for on the go where you want a bit more body and don’t need the hyper detail.

Conclusion

Ad perfectum compromissum. That’s what the IE 600 really is, the perfect blend between the reference IE 900 and the super fun IE 300. If you want a bit of both worlds, the IE 600 is the IEM to go for.

The Sennheiser IE 600 is small, very well built, super comfortable and affordable IEM with a tuning that is easy to like. You might not necessarily like the looks of the IE 600 but it will please many ears for years to come.

If you’re in the market for a mid-fi market IEM that keeps it engaging but shows you what a higher end IEM can do, then the Sennheiser IE 600 for sure should be on your short list to audition.

Page 1: Sennheiser, IE 600, Technical Specs

Page 2: Box & Accessories, Design, Build Quality, Cable, Fit, Comfort, Isolation

Page 3: Sound – Intro, General, Classics

Page 4: Sound – Balanced vs Single Ended, Tips, Comparisons, Conclusion