Sennheiser IE900 Review, Measurements, & Harman Target Talk

[Digital Enigma]

I’m back!!!!!
After getting sucked into the IE600 Hype upon their release, I ended up selling my original day 1 purchased IE900 and have been very happy with the IE600. In recent weeks though, I kept remembering how addictive and unique the IE900s were, especially the imaging and stage.
They arrived today and after listening for a few hours I can now say, without doubt, they are superior in every single way to the IE600, at least to my ears and my preferences.
Don’t get me wrong, the IE600 aren’t going anywhere and are also outstanding, but the 900s are on another level. The effortless detail and precision is like nothing I’ve ever heard and it’s the first headphone or IEM that I’ve purchased a second time.
I’m going to keep enjoying these for many years to come.

You can thank the harman target zealot minority crew for that. It’s already been confirmed by Jermo that the 900 sell way better than 600.

 

[Soundizer]

How do ie 900 compare to typical full sized equivalent priced headphones such as Focal Clear MG.
For sound quality only:
Base,
Sub Base,
Vocals,
Details,

 

[jsk ksj]

The ie900 are the only iem I have tried that I prefer over the full sized headphones I own, period. The only things thatt they don't compete on, imo, are scale & soundstage width. They are remarkable.

But......make every effort to try before you buy. They aren't cheap, but if they are for you, they might just be that mythical thing ...."endgame"

 

[Stevemitchell]

I searched for "Focal Clear MG vs Sennheiser IE900 sound signature tone comparison audiophile"

Based on my search, here's a comparison of the tonal characteristics of the Focal Clear MG and the Sennheiser IE900:

**Focal Clear MG (Over-ear headphones):**
The Focal Clear MG offers a warm, refined sound signature with powerful bass [Bassjoint](https://bassjoint.com/focal-clear-vs-sennheiser-hd-800s/) . They're known for excellent dynamics and punch, which is characteristic of Focal's house sound. The Clear MG has a warmer treble presentation compared to some competitors like the Sennheiser HD800S [Rtings](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sennheiser-hd-800-s-vs-focal-clear-mg/290/23743) . The overall sound is detailed but with a slight emphasis on warmth rather than clinical precision.

**Sennheiser IE900 (In-ear monitors):**
The IE900 has a clean and balanced sound signature with a "striking affinity for detail" [Moon Audio](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/sennheiser-ie900-earphone-review) . Its general tonality is described as "bright-neutral" with a slightly lean timbre, especially in the mids [Audioreviews](https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie900-review-ap/) . The IE900 features strong sub-bass when called for, while maintaining controlled and low-distortion performance [Audiophile Heaven](https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2023/11/sennheiser-ie900-flagship-in-ear-monitors-orchestral-majesty.html) . Some reviewers note its "dynamic bass heft and texturing" as a standout quality that sets it apart from other IEMs [Headphones](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie-900-review-this-is-the-bass-ive-been-looking-for) .

**Key differences:**
1. Form factor - over-ear (Clear MG) vs in-ear (IE900)
2. The Clear MG has a warmer, more relaxed presentation
3. The IE900 has a brighter, more detailed presentation with excellent separation
4. Both excel at dynamics but express it differently

The choice between them would largely depend on your preferences: do you prefer a warmer, more enveloping sound (Clear MG) or a more detailed, bright-neutral presentation (IE900)? Also consider their different form factors and your listening environment.

Citations:
- [Focal Clear Vs Sennheiser HD800s: Which is Better (2023)](https://bassjoint.com/focal-clear-vs-sennheiser-hd-800s/)
- [Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Focal Clear Mg Side-by-Side Headphones Comparison - RTINGS.com](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sennheiser-hd-800-s-vs-focal-clear-mg/290/23743)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 Earphone Review](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/sennheiser-ie900-earphone-review)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Review (1) - Classical Reinvented • Music For The Masses](https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie900-review-ap/)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Flagship In-Ear Monitors - Orchestral Majesty — Audiophile Heaven](https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2023/11/sennheiser-ie900-flagship-in-ear-monitors-orchestral-majesty.html)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 Review: This is the Bass I've Been Looking For! – Headphones.com](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie-900-review-this-is-the-bass-ive-been-looking-for)

More sources:
- [SENNHEISER HD800S VS FOCAL CLEAR MG REVIEW – The Headphoneer](https://www.headphoneer.com/sennheiser-hd800s-vs-focal-clear-mg-review/)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Review - A major step forward, but is it enough? – Headphones.com](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie900-review)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 review - SoundGuys](https://www.soundguys.com/sennheiser-ie-900-review-58946/)
- [Focal Clear Review | The Master Switch](https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-focal-clear)

 

[Soundizer]

I searched for "Focal Clear MG vs Sennheiser IE900 sound signature tone comparison audiophile"

Based on my search, here's a comparison of the tonal characteristics of the Focal Clear MG and the Sennheiser IE900:

**Focal Clear MG (Over-ear headphones):**
The Focal Clear MG offers a warm, refined sound signature with powerful bass [Bassjoint](https://bassjoint.com/focal-clear-vs-sennheiser-hd-800s/) . They're known for excellent dynamics and punch, which is characteristic of Focal's house sound. The Clear MG has a warmer treble presentation compared to some competitors like the Sennheiser HD800S [Rtings](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sennheiser-hd-800-s-vs-focal-clear-mg/290/23743) . The overall sound is detailed but with a slight emphasis on warmth rather than clinical precision.

**Sennheiser IE900 (In-ear monitors):**
The IE900 has a clean and balanced sound signature with a "striking affinity for detail" [Moon Audio](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/sennheiser-ie900-earphone-review) . Its general tonality is described as "bright-neutral" with a slightly lean timbre, especially in the mids [Audioreviews](https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie900-review-ap/) . The IE900 features strong sub-bass when called for, while maintaining controlled and low-distortion performance [Audiophile Heaven](https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2023/11/sennheiser-ie900-flagship-in-ear-monitors-orchestral-majesty.html) . Some reviewers note its "dynamic bass heft and texturing" as a standout quality that sets it apart from other IEMs [Headphones](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie-900-review-this-is-the-bass-ive-been-looking-for) .

**Key differences:**
1. Form factor - over-ear (Clear MG) vs in-ear (IE900)
2. The Clear MG has a warmer, more relaxed presentation
3. The IE900 has a brighter, more detailed presentation with excellent separation
4. Both excel at dynamics but express it differently

The choice between them would largely depend on your preferences: do you prefer a warmer, more enveloping sound (Clear MG) or a more detailed, bright-neutral presentation (IE900)? Also consider their different form factors and your listening environment.

Citations:
- [Focal Clear Vs Sennheiser HD800s: Which is Better (2023)](https://bassjoint.com/focal-clear-vs-sennheiser-hd-800s/)
- [Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Focal Clear Mg Side-by-Side Headphones Comparison - RTINGS.com](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tools/compare/sennheiser-hd-800-s-vs-focal-clear-mg/290/23743)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 Earphone Review](https://www.moon-audio.com/blogs/expert-advice/sennheiser-ie900-earphone-review)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Review (1) - Classical Reinvented • Music For The Masses](https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie900-review-ap/)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Flagship In-Ear Monitors - Orchestral Majesty — Audiophile Heaven](https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2023/11/sennheiser-ie900-flagship-in-ear-monitors-orchestral-majesty.html)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 Review: This is the Bass I've Been Looking For! – Headphones.com](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie-900-review-this-is-the-bass-ive-been-looking-for)

More sources:
- [SENNHEISER HD800S VS FOCAL CLEAR MG REVIEW – The Headphoneer](https://www.headphoneer.com/sennheiser-hd800s-vs-focal-clear-mg-review/)
- [Sennheiser IE900 Review - A major step forward, but is it enough? – Headphones.com](https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie900-review)
- [Sennheiser IE 900 review - SoundGuys](https://www.soundguys.com/sennheiser-ie-900-review-58946/)
- [Focal Clear Review | The Master Switch](https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-focal-clear)

Wow. Thank you so much for taking the time for the post.

This is very helpful to me.

I really appreciate it.

I have the Focal Clear MG which I use with Mojo 2.
My IE-900 is being delivered tomorrow or day after.
In the UK - once opened cannot return.

So i might take the risk and open it.

Based on your fantastic detailed post I think it would be a good contrast to my Focal Clear MG.
I try to avoid sibilance and glad my Mojo 2 has treble eq control.

My main worry was the fit with glasses and those tips.

I like to lie down and listen due ti disability which I cannot do with Focal Clear MG.

MY main genre is Movie Soundtracks via lossless apple music downloaded.

I got to thank you again for the post. I will read the linked articles and reviews.

 

[thang3291]

You can thank the harman target zealot minority crew for that. It’s already been confirmed by Jermo that the 900 sell way better than 600.

That's very impressive, considering the IE900 costs twice as much as the IE600 — not to mention that popular reviewers often complain about the IE900's tuning while praising the IE600 to high heaven. I have both, so it's not a problem for me; the IE600 is indeed an amazing all-rounder, but the IE900 has that special sauce in the bass that I just can't get enough of.

 

[Stevemitchell]

Digital E, that almost sounded just a touch like a snipe. Let's be fair to the "Harman Target" aficionados. To review (for a LOT of us), the Harman Target is a frequency response curve developed through scientific research at Harman International, led by Dr. Sean Olive and building on earlier speaker work by Dr. Floyd Toole. It represents what most listeners prefer in headphone sound reproduction based on extensive blind testing.

The resultant frequency response curve aims to make headphones sound like good speakers in a good listening room. It features several key characteristics:

• A relatively flat midrange response
• A bass boost that mimics how rooms naturally enhance low frequencies, mebe 80-90 Hz and below
• A gradual downward tilt (about 6 dB) across the audible spectrum.
  • The "gradual downward tilt (about 6 dB) across the audible spectrum" means that the frequency response curve gradually decreases in amplitude as the frequencies increase.
  • Lower frequencies (bass) are reproduced with more energy, whether current-operated or voltage-operated
  • As you move toward higher frequencies (mids and treble), the volumes at these frequencies progressing higher, continue to decrease gradually in energy
  • From the lowest audible frequencies to the highest, this reduction totals approximately 6 decibels.
• An upper midrange and treble boost that accounts for how our ears naturally process sound (Remember "loudness compensation" from the 70s?)

The Harman Target isn't rigid, and probably doesn't stand up to really stoic evaluation - research still shows it satisfies about 64% of listeners across different demographics. Dr. Olive has acknowledged that individual preferences vary, suggesting "preference bounds" might allow for ranges in bass, midrange, and treble to accommodate different tastes. ME? In my non-Tinnitus-afflicted days, I was an orchestral bass-head, low string bass, low brass, organ, and of course percussion, with a slight tweak around 8kHz or so.

This "preference" curve has been influential in headphone design because it provides manufacturers with semi-objective criteria to work with instead of purely subjective judgments as a practically impossible target. It established a scientific approach to what makes headphones sound natural and pleasing to most listeners. However, there is no concrete indication that Sennheiser used the Harman Target as a design goal in the IE900's sound design. The IE900 actually follows Sennheiser's own house sound philosophy, with reviewers noting its "suppressed upper-midrange" and U-shaped sound signature. One reviewer even mentioned using EQ to match the IE900's midrange to different target curves, indicating it doesn't natively follow popular targets like Harman. When comparing the IE900 to devices that do follow the Harman Target, it's clear that Sennheiser pursued, and continues to pursue its own tuning philosophy rather than trying to match the Harman curve. Sennheiser has historically maintained its own distinctive house sound for its premium audio products rather than conforming to industry-wide target curves. The IE900, as their flagship IEM, continues this tradition with a tuning that prioritizes technical performance, detail, and a specific sound signature that aligns with Sennheiser's design philosophy.

 

[Digital Enigma]

That's very impressive, considering the IE900 costs twice as much as the IE600 — not to mention that popular reviewers often complain about the IE900's tuning while praising the IE600 to high heaven. I have both, so it's not a problem for me; the IE600 is indeed an amazing all-rounder, but the IE900 has that special sauce in the bass that I just can't get enough of.

My opinion is just treat the reviewers/influencers as entertainment.

Harman target isn’t one size fits all even though it’s treated like it is, if anything deviates from that target then pitchforks start to come out.

IE600 was pushed hard by reviewers but that change in the ear gain region means that to a lot of people it’s too forward, shouty and fatiguing compared to IE900.

 

[Soundizer]

Can anyone help identify the correct SPIN FIT tip that fit the IE900?
I can purchase from Amazon uk website.

Is it the SPINFIT CP100?


So it seems Spinfit CP100 plus is more popular as a tip from reading through many posts. Unfortunately only small and extra large are available on amazon uk. They have medium for CP100.



Ie900 Just arrived and unboxed. The cable ends that plug into the iem is gold ended not black or silver. Is this fake? I thought they r supposed to be black.

 

[pietcux]

This is my unused 3.5mm spare cable from 2021. I got an early one for 1299€. I never regrettet that money. It is the IEM to end my search for other IEMs.

 

[Stevemitchell]

Indeed. I ended all searches as well, but still kept my A&K BD T8iEs

 

[Soundizer]

The foam tips are not suitable at all. They slowly slip out.

I tried the silicone and it changes so much by just applying a bit of pressure.

So it seems Spinfit CP100 plus is more popular as a tip from reading through many posts. Unfortunately only small and extra large are available on amazon uk. They have medium for CP100.

 

[new entry]

The ie900 are the only iem I have tried that I prefer over the full sized headphones I own, period. The only things thatt they don't compete on, imo, are scale & soundstage width. They are remarkable.

But......make every effort to try before you buy. They aren't cheap, but if they are for you, they might just be that mythical thing ...."endgame"

I can fully agree. For me, it's one of the best audio purchases I've made in over 40 years. I've never had such a sound experience with any over-ear headphones. I sold nearly all my overears after I bought the IE900.

It was more of a coincidence that I came across the IE900 and even tested IEMs. Never expect that I will be happy with any IEM.

The stage width and depth are really great for an IEM...I don't miss anything there.
Of course, tastes differ but for me it is really endgame…..For months, no thought of buying and trying out something new - I just listen to music and before that I was constantly buying and selling

No expensive amplifier is another benefit. And this is the first headphone I like without EQ!

 

[Edon]

Hello

I'm looking for some better cable (than stock one) for IE900. What is best option that suits without connector modification?

 

[Tybot]

Hello

I'm looking for some better cable (than stock one) for IE900. What is best option that suits without connector modification?

Brise Audio