Logitech UE200 (Review)

[rocker95]

Logitech UE200
 
I had recently swapped TDK IEMs for a new pair of Logitech UE200 after the TDK broke for the 5th time... A bit frustrating, yes. I have to begin by saying that I absolutely loved my TDK MT-300. They had a well balanced frequency response, however lacked a bit in clarity. The MT-300 were apparently designed for the 'most discerning listeners'. I would not absolutely agree with that statement. However, they were really good IEMs (especially for monitoring purposes). But in terms of build quality, they were absolutely s*** - as I said before, they failed on my five times before I made the switch to my new UE200.
 

TDK MT-300 (With Bass Boost design)
 
Anyway, onto the review. The first thing I have to say is clarity - the UE200s were a load more clear in terms of reproduction than the MT-300s. They were really sweet-sounding (as the packing promised), and had crisp highs. However, they were a bit recessed in the Bass department - I would suppose I feel that way because I am a Bass-head, and the MT-300s had a 'Bass-boost design', which actually produced loads of resonating bass (for an IEM these were crazy-full-of-bass). However, the bass in the MT-300 were a bit intrusive and muddled with the other frequencies. Even though I had to slide the bass area of my EQ all the way to the top (figuratively), the bass stayed where it was supposed to be and did not intrude any other frequencies. In terms of Mids, they was very sweet. The vocals were precise and put forward. You have to listen to these in order to understand.
 
Onto build quality, as soon as I got the IEMs out of the case, I was smiling, they had a much more solid build compared to the MT-300s and I knew that these weren't going to fail in a while. The cord is relatively thick (not too thick) and was stiff enough to not let the internals break easily. They also have a L-shaped 3.5mm connector, which compared the the straight 3.5mm connector on the MT-300 were loads better.
 
In conclusion, both IEMs are really good (considering their price point around $40). However, having said this, I would prefer the UE200s over the MT-300s. I would suppose that for better build-quality and precise sound reproduction, I am prepared to pay the price of a lack/very little presence of Bass.
 
EDIT: After a few hours of burn-in, the Bass actually comes out more. But I still need to heavily tweak the EQ's lower end.

 

[Sleep Mode zZ]

Quote:

 
The first thing I have to say is clarity - the UE200s were a load more clear in terms of reproduction than the MT-300s. They were really sweet-sounding (as the packing promised), and had crisp highs. However, they were a bit recessed in the Bass department - I would suppose I feel that way because I am a Bass-head, and the MT-300s had a 'Bass-boost design', which actually produced loads of resonating bass (for an IEM these were crazy-full-of-bass). 
(...)
I would suppose that for better build-quality and precise sound reproduction, I am prepared to pay the price of a lack/very little presence of Bass.

I have only budget IEMs. From them, the UE200 have the most pleasant sound - except for its lack of bass. Unfortunately this means that they will not get much use. I also think that they have quite a loud cable noise and for that reason I don't like to use them when I'm moving.

 

[rocker95]

Thank you for your input Sleep Mode zZ. Hope this post helps other budget IEM'ers.

 

[amzies01]

I have the UE 200s.. . .and of course, when you have multiple IEMs, you tend to compare... And I have the MEElectronics CC51 and Brainwavz M3 to name a few... . I think it comes down to preference... . and I love how balanced the UE200's sound. I don't think there is a lack of bass. I think it is enough. It has a detailed sound that isn't too bright and sibilant... . I listen to a wide range of music, from classical to hip-hop.. . The UE 200's perform realy well... . In fact, in my honest opinion, I like them better than the CC51's... . Well, just my two cents. .. . I am really satisfied with this IEM.. . 

 

[Sleep Mode zZ]

Quote:

I have the UE 200s.. . .and of course, when you have multiple IEMs, you tend to compare... And I have the MEElectronics CC51 and Brainwavz M3 to name a few... . I think it comes down to preference... . and I love how balanced the UE200's sound. I don't think there is a lack of bass. I think it is enough. It has a detailed sound that isn't too bright and sibilant... . I listen to a wide range of music, from classical to hip-hop.. . The UE 200's perform realy well... . In fact, in my honest opinion, I like them better than the CC51's... . Well, just my two cents. .. . I am really satisfied with this IEM.. . 

They do have a balanced sound but, for my taste, there is not enough energy in the low bass frequencies. The drop from 100Hz to 30Hz is too steep.
 
Compared to my stereo system with 4 inch speakers or any earbuds, UE200's bass is very acceptable. Compared to other IEMs that I have - JVC HA-FX 22, 35 and 67, Panasonic RP-HJE 140 and 355, Philips SHE 3580, Denon AH-C260 - UE200 lacks in bass grunt.
 
There is probably many quality headphones with a similar frequncy response as the UE200, but my headphones - Koss DJ100 and Creative Aurvana Live! - have more bass substance.  The UE200 are very good - but not for people that like "sub" bass.

 

[amzies01]

That's true... . I'm not a sub-bass type person... .
 

 

[amzies01]

Like I said, it's all about preference. 

 

[djvkool]

Completely agree...in fact, I prefer UE200 than SHE3580

 

[shea2812]

Anyone willing to push a bit for TDK IE500??   They sound glorious for something that cost RM119 retail.   A little on the heavy side due to ceramic construction.  I do have one of those Panas HJ lower end phones that sounds quite nice.... but they  are bowled over by IE500 which just have more 'grunt'.