Mirrors a lot of my feelings, not many are gonna like this take though.

Your opinion is your opinion and thanks for taking the time (and shots you will probably take) to write it up. I disagree with the severity of the negatives BUT I am not a fan of the Sennheiser OEM IEM cables from a useability standpoint, I prefer an end that holds its position (curve around my ear, but this is mitigated mostly by using the cable cinch under my chin) better BUT the sound from the stock cables synergizes well for me.

The IE600 are a great value for the money to me, not as good as the NJ Singularity for a DD Bassy IEM but these are so comfortable they are an 8.9 to the 9.0 of the Singularity. Ordered the FA Spring which are similary priced as the IE600 so will compare them this week. What are you reviewing next?

Agree 100% with your assessment, which is why I sold my IE600. Great IEM with poor cable.

@OneEyedHito my main issue is that the cable actively made the sound worse - breaking tip seal, microphonic, inconsistent due to the hooks changing shape.

It'd be one thing if they had a normal connector, but no... That'd be too basic for Sennheiser.

Was thinking full size cans next. Maybe the Expanse or Atrium Closed.