Sennheiser IE200 Impressions
Price: $150
Configuration: 1DD
Headphones.com review unit: https://headphones.com/products/sennheiser-ie200-in-ear-headphones?_pos=1&_psq=sennheiser+ie+200&_ss=e&_v=1.0#looxReviews
The single-DD market is dominated by a very specific type of sound signature that falls along the lines of the Harman in-ear target with some extra warmth. It’s a simple, tried-and-true formula that caters to a majority of listeners which is why so many companies try to emulate it:
But Sennheiser has always had other ideas about how to tune their IEMs. Most of their past IEMs would be best described as “colored”, a description often realized through a recessed upper-midrange region and copious amounts of mid-treble. In the past, this has made them polarizing listens; I was a fan of Sennheiser’s IE900 but knew that it would not be for everyone. Beginning with the IE600, however, Sennheiser took a dramatic shift to tuning their IEMs.
The IE200 seems to embody a lot of what Sennheiser has learned from the IE600. The most impressive part about the IE200 would no doubt be its treble response. Single-DDs are often synonymous with poor treble extension. Of course, there are some recent outliers, like the CCA CRA+, but these would best be described as more uncontrolled in the upper-treble and artificial sounding. Sennheiser’s own IE900 is possibly one of the best examples of a “controlled” treble response wherein it makes use of resonance chambers in the shell to tastefully fine-tune the mid-treble while maintaining extension. The IE200 doesn’t quite measure up to the IE900 in this regard - it lacks some intensity at 5kHz to the initial crack of snares, and it’s a little more splashy - but it comes pretty close for being a fraction of the cost. It also does away with some of the treble glare that I found harsh on the IE600.
Other aspects of the IE200’s tuning are less praiseworthy, but quite reasonable for $150. The bass shelf of the IE200 is sharply sub-bass focused for a clean response. I do find it somewhat dry-sounding; most of this sentiment would be baked into the elevated treble response which neuters overall perception of bass decay. The midrange of the IE200 is somewhat unique amongst most single-DDs in that it does indeed sport a more relaxed 3-4kHz region in typical Sennheiser fashion. However, it is not done egregiously, and I almost find myself wishing there was either 1) more warmth in the lower-mids or 2) more recession from 3-4kHz to counteract the IE200’s treble emphasis. As it stands, the IE200 can surprisingly come across somewhat thin-sounding in the midrange.
Technicalities on the IE200 are impressive. The more reserved presence region and excellent treble extension encourages listeners to listen more closely to vocals, for which trailing note edges are easily picked-up on. The IE200, irrespective of its price, is easily in the running for being one of the more detailed sounding single-DDs I’ve heard. Comparatively, imaging is mostly average wherein the soundstage of the IE200 does not expand outside the shells despite relatively good distinction between individual instruments.
In the end, the IE200 is neither a slap in the face to the existing landscape of sub-$200 single-DDs, nor does it entirely put Sennheiser back in the good graces of IEM enthusiasts. However, it does offer a flavor of tuning that you won’t find at a cheaper price, and I think it’s well-worth a listen if you’re looking for a break from the increasingly homogenous budget market.
Bias Score: 6/10
All critical listening done with the stock cable and stock medium silicone tips (I am aware of the extra vent).