Sennheiser makes some of the best wireless earbuds, and the brand has a rich heritage of enthusiast audio. The HD820 continues to be the benchmark for high-end headphones, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. While the brand has focused on the wireless segment in recent months, including the Momentum True Wireless 3 and Momentum 4 Wireless, it has paid less attention to his IEM market, which has changed with the introduction of the IE600.
Priced at $699, the IE600 falls below the $1,499 IE900 and constitutes a mid-range offering. There’s also his IE300 priced at $299, and Sennheiser has rolled out his budget-focused IE200 for $149 in early 2023.
The IE600 is available for less than half the cost of the IE900, but I think these are the best IEMs in Sennheiser’s portfolio at the moment. I’ve been using his IEMs for the better part of 6 months now, but here’s why you should pay attention to the IE600 if you’re interested in upgrading your earbuds.
Sennheiser IE600: Pricing and Availability
Sennheiser launched the IE600 in March 2022, followed by IEMs shortly thereafter.They are available on Amazon for $699 (opens in new tab)all major audio retailers, and Sennheiser’s own website.
In the UK, the IE600 is available for £599 ($726) and the IEM is available in India for £59,990 ($726).
Sennheiser IE600: design and fit
The design is what immediately stands out in the IE600. It’s considerably smaller than most of his IEMs on the market and as a result the fit is phenomenal. The amorphous metal housing is made of a zirconium alloy, which Sennheiser says is three times as hard as steel and naturally resistant to corrosion and scratches.
What’s interesting is how the IE600 is made. Sennheiser uses his metal powder-based 3D printing to create the shells at its Ireland-based manufacturing facility, which are then hand-finished to remove artifacts. The IE600 uses a dual chamber design that suppresses resonance within the shell.
As for Sennheiser’s scratch-resistant claims, I’ve been using the IE600 for the better part of six months and didn’t care much for the included case. Still, it’s clear that IEMs are like new and built to last.
The combination of sleek design and small size sets the IE600 apart, making them the most comfortable IEMs I’ve used. Designed to fit the ear canal and stay in the ear without pressure. The snug fit in the ear provides excellent isolation and is comfortable to wear all day long. Each shell has Sennheiser branding and below it vents for the driver.
The IE600 uses standard MMCX connectors and the angled design makes it easy to connect and disconnect cables. In that regard, Sennheiser bundles two cables in the package: a single-ended 3.5mm cable and a balanced 4.4mm cable. Both cables are para-aramid reinforced and feature channel markings on the connectors. is applied. Also, like the shell, it is durable.
Sennheiser also bundles suitable ear tips with the package, including silicone and foam variants.The I-foam option offers better isolation and fits the ear a bit more snugly, so I went with that. The package also comes with a travel case, and the hard shell design ensures your IE600 is well protected while on the move.
Sennheiser IE600: Sound Quality
Sennheiser uses a 7mm TrueResponse single dynamic driver inside the IE600, and it’s refreshing to use the IE600 in an era of IEMs that pack six or more drivers into their shells to provide better sound. Sennheiser did a really great job with their drivers before filling the lead here, and the IE600 is one of the best IEMs I’ve used to date.
The IE600 delivers Sennheiser’s signature neutral soundstage, but what I like about it here is the low end is a little more bumpy. This allows the IE600 to deliver a vibrant and captivating low-end, and listening to bass-focused tunes with the IEMs is a joy. The bass is well-balanced, the mids don’t bleed through, and vocals come through with plenty of character and clarity.
The high register has good extension and there is no sign of sibilance. The soundstage is wide and detailed with good separation between instruments and vocals. Sennheiser knows what it’s doing, and the IE600 makes listening to different genres thoroughly enjoyable.
With 18Ω and 118dB SPL, the IE600 is less demanding and can be easily driven by a decent source. Primarily used with Fiio’s excellent M11s audio player, paired with Galaxy S23 Ultra and Fiio BTR7 to try it out.
Sennheiser IE600: Competitor
If you’re looking for IEMs in the sub-$1,000 category, you have plenty of options. Thieaudio’s Monarch MKII sets a high standard. The MKII version features a redesigned soundstage, and the hybrid driver design plays a big role. It’s more expensive than the IE600 at $999, and its larger size makes it less comfortable to wear.
Sennheiser IE600: Should You Buy It?
You should buy this if:
- I want the best sounding IEMs under $1,000
- A comfortable fit that does not cause fatigue even after long periods of use is required
- Requires a durable shell and cable
- Need a balance cable in the box
- If you want an IEM with a neutral sound signature
Do not purchase if:
After using the IE600 with the likes of the Fiio FA7S, Audeze Euclid, and various budget plane options, I can say that it’s one of the best sounding IEMs I’ve ever used. Sennheiser has done a fine job with his 7mm drivers, and the balance and tonality make the IE600 suitable for many diverse genres.
The neutral sound signature combined with the slightly exaggerated sub-bass is utterly charming, and best of all is the fit. These are without a doubt the most comfortable IEMs I have ever used. One of the main reasons the IE600 is in my daily rotation is the fit.
Other than that, the IE600 is a masterclass in its category and I’m looking forward to seeing how it stacks up against the flagship IE900. More on this in a moment, but if you’re interested in upgrading your IEMs and want something that fits and sounds great, the IE600 is the one for you.
(opens in new tab)
The IE600 has a neutral sound signature that works well across genres, and the comfortable fit lets you enjoy your favorite tunes all day long. These are one of the best sounding he IEMs I have ever used and I am sure you will love the audio quality on offer here.
