Sennheiser
IE 600 Earphones
$899.95 USDPay Over Time
Split your purchase into easy payments.
Fast approval with Klarna.
Select Klarna at checkout to split your purchase into smaller payments.
Features
Direct, neutral tuning with fast, accurate bass
Select 7 mm TrueResponse transducers optimized to achieve the lowest possible distortion
Exceptionally neutral sound thanks to dual resonator chambers D2CA
Gold-plated Fidelity (+) MMCX connectors for reliable connections
Choice of para-aramid reinforced cables (3.5 mm, 4.4 mm)
Adjustable ear hooks and choice of ear tip adapters
Frequency response: 4 Hz – 46.5 kHz
0.06% THD (1 kHz, 94 dB)
Impedance: 18 ohms
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Bringing you closer to your music
The Sennheiser IE 600 has a neutral yet captivating quality that makes music sound alive and vivid. The balanced and detailed sound is pure and natural, so you hear music exactly as the artist intended. You'll enjoy not just the notes, but the subtle scratch of bow on strings, the faint chirp of fingers gliding across guitar strings, or the nuance in vocals. Bass is fast and accurate, the mid range is clear and nicely tuned, and treble is detailed and sparkly. Hand-finished amorphous metal housing gives the IE 600 a unique look as well as robust protection against corrosion and marks from wear. The The ergonomically designed housings fit snugly in the ear for a comfortable, "barely there" fit.
TrueResponse transducer for a true audiophile sound quality
The IE 600 is a single dynamic driver in-ear monitor. Sennheiser’s TrueResponse transducer is responsible for the extra-wide frequency range and ultra-low distortion of the IE 600. Each TrueResponse transducer is assembled in one of the most advanced production lines of its type in the world. Sennheiser's channel matching makes left-right differences nearly undetectable. And total harmonic distortion to rival anything on the market.
Natural & intimate sound with fast, accurate bass
To achieve a natural sound reminiscent of the neutrality provided by high-end studio monitors, our engineers carefully tuned the acoustic back volume inside the nozzle of the IE 600. This voicing lends a presence and intimacy that brings listeners closer to the music, allowing them to discover new accents and details. However, arriving at this level of poise and naturalness was not without challenges. When similar sounds occur in a track simultaneously, for instance, it can become difficult for the human ear to resolve all the nuances. The IE 600 integrates dual two chamber absorbers (D2CA) which capture and attenuate these masking frequencies, revealing even the finest textures of your music. Soundstage on the IE 600 is intimate, and the music sounds quite close, as if you were sitting close to the stage or recording booth.
Beautiful, durable, unique design
Researchers have worked for many years to perfect amorphous metals for manufacturing. Th wait was worth it — the zirconium alloy from Heraeus Amloy Technologies we chose for the IE 600 has triple the hardness and flexural strength of high-performance steel. Shock-frozen during manufacturing, amorphous metals never have a chance to form a crystalline structure like conventional metals. The result is a lustrous, satiny surface that is extraordinary resistant against corrosion and scratches. The IE 600 housing is fabricated using metal-powder-based 3D printing that can create any shape imaginable within tight tolerances. Chambers and channels form as part of this additive manufacturing process with no milling required. However, cost does limit the potential applications of this new material. One of the only places you’ll find it — besides ultra-high-end products like the IE 600 — is in the drilling head of a NASA Mars Rover where extraordinary resilience in extreme conditions is required.
Automated manufacturing, handcrafted finish
Production of the amorphous metal housing takes place in Germany and includes both automated and manual steps. A computer-controlled laser sinters a thin coat of metal powder, welding the molten alloy to the already hardened material beneath it. Layer by layer, the part builds up to its ultimate shape. A technician then removes any artifacts of the manufacturing process by hand. After thorough cleaning, steel shot blasting, polishing, and sophisticated surface treatment, the housing assumes its final, extremely durable aesthetic. Even daily use leaves practically no evidence in the form of scratches or wear.
A faithful companion on your sonic journey
Each TrueResponse transducer is assembled by Sennheiser and built to last. One of the most advanced production lines of its type in the world, our manufacturing facility has a singular purpose — to exceed the expectations of audiophiles. That’s how we consistently achieve channel matching that makes left-right differences nearly undetectable. And total harmonic distortion to rival anything on the market. All this product quality is cocooned inside extremely resilient amorphous metal, ensuring your IE 600 earphones will remain in mint condition for countless years. With robust protection against corrosion and marks from wear, the IE 600 was designed to keep delivering acoustic — and visual — joy for decades.
Small size, comfortable fit
The IE 600 packs big sound into a small, ergonomic package. The gold-plated MMCX connectors are recessed in the housing for greater stability and guidance. They support cable diameters of 4.8 mm and smaller, allowing you to plug into a wide range of audio sources as well as hi-fi components with balanced outputs. Choose between para-aramid reinforced unbalanced and balanced cables: 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm are included, 2.5 mm are sold separately. Two different styles of earbud tips — silicone and memory foam — are provided in three sizes to establish a comfortable seal in any ear. Flexible, adjustable ear hooks further enhance the long-lasting comfort.
Features:
- Resilient AMLOY-ZR01 amorphous metal housing, 3D-printed in Germany
- Direct, neutral tuning with fast, accurate bass
- Select 7 mm TrueResponse transducers optimized to achieve the lowest possible distortion
- Exceptionally neutral sound thanks to dual resonator chambers D2CA
- Gold-plated Fidelity (+) MMCX connectors for reliable connections
- Choice of para-aramid reinforced cables (3.5 mm, 4.4 mm)
- Adjustable ear hooks and choice of ear tip adapters
- Frequency response: 4 Hz – 46.5 kHz
- 0.06% THD (1 kHz, 94 dB)
- Impedance: 18 ohms
What's in the box?
- IE 600 in-ear headphones
- Unbalanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 3.5mm connector
- Balanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 4.4mm connector
- 3 pairs of silicone ear adapters (S, M, L)
- 3 pairs of foam ear adapters (S, M, L)
- Premium carry case
- Cable clip, Cleaning tool
- Presentation box with signed customer certificate User manuals
Sennheiser IE 600 IEM Review
Read Time: Approx. 12 min.
A Lifetime of Listening Pleasure
Society loves to joke about the middle child, but being in the middle isn't necessarily a bad thing. At $899.95, the IE 600 — Sennheiser's newest hi-fi in-ear monitor — sits between the IE 300 and the IE 900. But there's nothing middling about the IE 600. The single dynamic driver IEM integrates features from both of its siblings and also takes on features of its own. The result is an IEM that is sure to please lovers of natural, detailed sound. Add in the styling and the comfort, and you've got an IEM that's worth serious consideration.
Sennheiser IE 600 Earphone Review & Features
PROS
- Clear, natural, engaging sound
- Durable, cool-looking earpieces
- Small and very comfortable
CONS
- Not for lovers of full, bassy sound
- Sound can be ear-tip dependent
Design
"With the new Sennheiser IE 600, a lifetime of listening pleasure starts at an atomic level in the specific materials used to create its ultra-tough earphone housings, while meticulous craftsmanship and tuning ensure an exquisitely natural sound."
The IE 600 was designed in Germany and manufactured at Sonova Consumer Hearing's state-of-the-art transducer production facilities in Ireland. (Sonova acquired Sennheiser's Consumer Division earlier this year.) One of the most advanced production lines of its type in the world, this manufacturing facility has a singular goal: to exceed the expectations of audiophiles with the highest manufacturing standards, like industry-leading channel matching.
Sliding the box out of its sleeve, I'm greeted with two tiny earpieces sitting in a block of foam, with everything else tucked nicely underneath. I like this presentation. It's nice to see the IEMs first, by themselves, as opposed to everything crammed in together on first look. The earpieces appear to be the same size as those on the IE 300 and IE 600. The difference is in the material.
Sennheiser did something new and interesting in crafting the IE 600. They used a patented 3D printing process to fashion the housings from ZR01 amorphous zirconium, a metal with a glass-like atomic structure that gives it three times the hardness and bend resistance of high-performance steel. One of the only other places ZR01 amorphous zirconium is used is in the aerospace industry, such as in the drilling head of the NASA Mars Rover, where toughness in harsh conditions is required. Through multiple elaborate treatment processes, a beautiful surface finish is achieved that is highly resistant to corrosion and scratches. To my eyes, the appearance is something like brushed nickel that has been lightly hammered. They look and feel solid and sturdy, but they don't feel bulky or heavy. With ultimate protection against corrosion and marks from wear, the IE 600 was designed to keep delivering flawless acoustic — and visual — joy for decades.
The gold-plated MMCX connectors are recessed for greater stability and guidance. They support audio cable diameters of 4.8 mm and smaller, allowing listeners to plug into a wide range of audio sources as well as hi-fi components with balanced outputs. The IE 600 comes with two para-aramid reinforced cables: unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm. Para-aramid fiber is extremely strong, ensuring that the cables can withstand being bent thousands of times. The cables have a gray/silver coloring and a pleasant amount of flexibility.
Two different styles of earbud tips — silicone and memory foam — are provided in three sizes: small, medium, and large. Flexible, adjustable ear hooks further enhance the long-lasting comfort for extended listening sessions. Indeed, I find the IE 600 to be an extremely comfortable IEM. I'm not exaggerating when I say I forget they're there after I put them on. They feel so lightweight and well-fitting that I almost imagine this is what custom IEMs would feel like.
IE 600 Build Summary:
Exceptional Build Quality: ZR01 amorphous zirconium housings ensure incredible resilience and lasting great looks
Unique Manufacturing Process: Patented 3D printing of housings executed using high-precision equipment in Germany
Ultra-resistant to Corrosion: Due to unique glass-like atomic structure of the amorphous metal
Fidelity + MMCX connectors: Recessed design protects the gold-plated connectors to ensure reliability after 500-plus attachment cycles
Para-aramid Reinforced Cables: Able to withstand 8,000-plus sharp bends ensure long use
Ergonomic Design: Small form-fitting housing seats securely in the ear for long-lasting comfort
Adjustable Ear Hooks: They adapt to the natural shape of the ear for a tailored fit and secure feel
Sound
"The dynamic single transducer principle offers the opportunity to bring listeners the full-bodied sound of a complex multi-driver system without the phase complications or durability concerns. Across the range, you will experience brilliant transient retrieval, impressive dynamic range and effortless response throughout the functional range of human hearing."
- Sennheiser
Clear, natural, and intimate with a kiss of warmth. That was my takeaway after several hours with the IE 600. I started out listening to "Hey Nineteen" from Steely Dan, and I was instantly struck by the immediacy of Donald Fagan's voice. It sounded so smooth, so close, and so real. Now, production quality for Steely Dan studio work is amazing — almost to the point of sounding slick. Certainly, that crisp and polished sound came through on the IE 600. Bass had a pleasing thump with what I call a sort of "elastic" quality, but the sound was not overly warm or bassy. Treble sounded pronounced — not to the point of sharpness, but high notes had definite spunk to them. The IE 600 has plenty of detail, but it's not overkill. What do I mean by this? When I listen to tracks I know well, I hear all of the little things I know to exist behind the main music. But they're not shoved in my face in a way that could be exhausting. The music sounds natural, not clinical.
Speaking of high notes, the horn blasts at the beginning of Blood, Sweat & Tears' "Spinning Wheel" woke me right up. But this jazzy and whimsical track was really all about the vocals. David Clayton-Thomas' distinctive gravelly voice was front and center here — that is, until the brass solo. This was actually a bit much for my ears. But man, those vocals: so textured, so emotive. When he says the word "sin," it's like an entire sentence's worth of diction and nuance.
The peppy, Flamenco-inspired "Tamacun" from the classical guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela was absolutely gorgeous, with layers of strings cascading around my head. I got a nice amount of separation and crispness here such that the music sounded pleasant and not "too much." What would "too much" be? Well, on this particular day, when my ears were feeling kind of sensitive, a brighter presentation (too much treble emphasis) likely would have hurt my ears.
Sennheiser touts the IE 600 as having an emotional presentation, and nowhere was this more notable than on Natalie Merchant's "Beloved Wife." This gut-wrenching track lays bare an elderly man's grief (as presented by Merchant) over the loss of his life partner. I've listened to this song on many, many headphones and IEMs, and the "feel" of the song definitely varies. First, there is some bass boom in this track. With a bassy or too-warm headphone, this can be overwhelming, overshadowing not only the vocals but some of the instrumentation. This was not the case with the IE 600. I really got to enjoy Merchant's gorgeous, anguished vocals here as well as the background string detail that I love but don't always hear so clearly.
Soundstage on the IE 600 is relatively narrow (hence the intimacy of sound), but it's got good depth, and the music never feels compressed or cramped. In fact, despite the smaller scale of the stage, instrument placement and separation is really good.
As I had found previously with the IE 300 and IE 900, your choice of ear tip is going to make a big difference in the sound with the IE 600. For me, this meant using foam tips to get a good seal and a better bass response than with silicone tips.
"To get the best possible fit (and sound) from the IE 300, you really need to find the ideal tips for your ears. Not using the perfect tips results in loss of bass, so if you feel the bass is lacking, check your tips. This is what happened to me: I thought the IE 300 was very thin sounding, but then I realized I wasn't using the right tips for me. The silicone tips didn't work for me; I ended up going with the memory foam. With the silicone, I pushed both of them in and something happened where the tips flared out. Maybe they are too flexible? Sometimes the first tips you try don't give the proper seal, and people get frustrated. 75% of the comfort with a universal IEM are the tips. A bonus with the memory foam tips is that they offer more noise isolation than the silicone tips."
- Sara Schweiger, Moon Audio, IE 300 review
Beloved Wife
By Natalie Merchant
(Tigerlily)
Hey Nineteen
By Steely Dan
(Gaucho)
Spinning Wheel
By Blood, Sweat & Tears
(Blood, Sweat & Tears)
Tamacun
By Rodrigo y Gabriela
(Rodrigo y Gabriela)
Technology
7mm TrueResponse Transducers
The 7mm TrueResponse transducers are the backbone of the Sennheiser IE Series. While some IEMs utilize multiple balanced armature drivers or mixed driver types, the IE Series uses a single dynamic driver, or transducer, that covers the entire frequency range. This gives these IEMs up to 100 times less distortion than balanced armature IEMs. TrueResponse IEMs are able to achieve more accurate sound pressure levels at the lower end of the frequency spectrum, delivering the punch you expect from low frequency, high-energy sources, such as a bass guitar or kick drum. TrueResponse provides stable, balanced sound resolution from low volumes all the way through the maximum SPL, which is 118dB on the IE 600. The TrueResponse driver provides the coherent, artifact-free “Sennheiser Sound” for which full-size Sennheiser headphones are known. A newly developed membrane foil on the driver minimizes resonances and distortion to let details shine.
Dual-Chamber Absorber System
The IE 600 integrates Sennheiser's patented dual-chamber absorber (D2CA) system. This innovation overcomes the "masking effect," where low-volume components of a sound are obscured by much louder sounds in a lower frequency range occurring at the same time. Removing the energy from any masking resonances to prevent unwanted peaks, the absorber system makes sure even the finest nuances of sound become audible – enabling a truly high-end listening experience.
Acoustic Back Volume
A natural, transparent sound with no distracting peaks or troughs requires clear separation of lows and mids. To ensure accuracy across this frequency band, Sennheiser uses what is known as an acoustic back volume. It’s a small chamber within a chamber that has been tuned to manage the slope and amplitude of the bass lift. The way the back volume helps achieve such a clear and natural sound signature is by controlling the direction and overall volume of air as it moves through the transducer system. What you hear is a pleasantly disciplined bass and mid-range experience. Unpleasant resonances and listening fatigue vanish in this small space with a big effect.
Comparisons
Sennheiser has introduced three new IEMs in the last two years, all of which sport the same basic aesthetic. But how do they compare soundwise?
The IE 300 has a fun sound, which is achieved through a lifting of the bass and treble frequencies while slightly recessing the midrange. This creates a sound signature that mimics many consumer-oriented headphones, making the IE 300 suited for pop, rock and roll, and other "fun"-sounding music. The IE 900 is quite the opposite, with a neutral tuning that doesn't emphasize one frequency band over another. Clarity, detail retrieval, and energy abound in the IE 900. The IE 600, meanwhile, has a neutral sound, but it's not as neutral as the IE 900. The sound is smooth with some musicality and a little bit of warmth. The overall effect is quite natural, which makes it suitable for a range of music genres.
IE 300
Fun, consumer-friendly sound
- Ergonomic & lightweight housing for universal fit & comfort
- 7 mm TrueResponse transducers
- Single resonator chamber technology
- Exciting tuning with great bass suited for vocals, pop & ACG animation, comics, and games)
- 3.5 mm cable / MMCX connector
- Carry case
- Designed & engineered in Germany
IE 600
Natural and expressive sound
- Ultra-Resilient ZR01 amorphous metal housing, 3D-printed in Germany
- Hand-picked & matched 7 mm TrueResponse transducers
- Dual-resonator chamber (D2CA) technology
- Exceptionally versatile with a neutral tuning & fast, accurate bass
- 3.5, 4.4-mm cable / MMCX connector
- Carry case
- Designed & engineered in Germany
- Signed certificate of authenticity
- Made in the Sennheiser Audiophile Production facility in Ireland
IE 900
Clear, natural, reference sound
- Sophisticated one-piece aluminum housing, precision milled in Germany
- Hand-picked & matched 7 mm TrueResponse transducers
- X3R Triple–resonator chamber technology
- Extraordinary treble detail and soundstage well suited for classical music
- 2.5, 3.5 and 4.4-mm cable / MMCX connector
- Premium carry case with metal serial no. plate
- Designed & engineered in Germany
- Signed certificate of authenticity
- Made in the Sennheiser Audiophile Production facility in Ireland
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon IEM Cable for Sennheiser (MMCX)]
There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure your audio cables are not afterthoughts.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
Verdict
The Sennheiser IE 600 is a great option for audiophiles who want an IEM with a small footprint and a natural, detailed sound. The IE 600 is not as neutral or detailed as the flagship IE 900, but it's pretty good on both of those counts. The sound is relatively intimate, as you'd expect with an IEM, but the IE 600 still does a pretty good job with imaging and keeping various instruments and vocals in their respective places. While appropriate for a variety of music styles, the IE 600 works especially well with vocals, acoustic music, folk, blues, Americana — anything that calls out for a natural yet expressive presentation. I enjoyed it with stringed instruments, and I especially enjoyed it with vocals. Some might prefer a bigger, wider sound for genres like classical or jazz, but the IE 600 is more than up for the task of making your music sound fantastic with a more intimate presentation.
Featured Products
Related Videos
Sennheiser IE 600 Earphone Review & Features
Sennheiser IE 900 IEMs Review
Dragon MMCX IEM Cables: Everything You Need to Know
What's in the Box
- IE 600 in-ear headphones
- Unbalanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 3.5mm connector
- Balanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 4.4mm connector
- 3 pairs of silicone ear adapters (S, M, L)
- 3 pairs of foam ear adapters (S, M, L)
- Premium carry case
- Cable clip, Cleaning tool
- Presentation box with signed customer certificate User manuals
Specifications
Transducer principle: Dynamic, Extra Wide Band (XWB)
Transducer size: 7mm
Frequency response: 4-46,500Hz
Frequency characteristic: Diffuse Field Equalized
Impedance: 18 Ohms
Sound pressure level (SPL): 118 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): <0.06% (1 kHz, 94 dB)
Attenuation: -26dB
Cable: Oxygen-free copper cable, para-aramid reinforced, ear hooks: TPU-coated gold plated
Connectors: On the earphones: MMCX connectors On the device: Stereo jack plugs 3.5mm unbalanced, 3-pin; 4.4mm balanced, 5-pin
Weight: 6g per ear
Weight, with 3.5mm cable: 22g
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Housing | ZR01 Amorphous Zirconium Housings 3D Printed in Germany |
| Weight (without cable) | 6g Each |
| Ear Coupling | Ear Canal |
| Cable Length | 125 cm |
| Connector | Fidelity (+) MMCX |
| Warranty | Global 2-Year Warranty |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Transducer Principle | Single Dynamic Driver, Pressure Chamber |
| Impedance | 18Ω System Impedance |
| Technology | Unique Dual-Chamber Absorber System |
| Attenuation | 25 dB |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Frequency Response | 4 - 46,500 Hz |
| Sound Pressure Level (SPL) | 118 dB at 1 kHz, 1 Vrms |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 0.06% (1 kHz, 94 dB) |
- JJonathonVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agoIE 600 Earphones
Absolutely love this iem. I’ve sold off all of my collection since getting this. Highly recommended!
- JHJared H.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars2 years agoLeft earbud dies after some weeks. Upgrade ear tips to get amazing sound.
Purchase went well. At first, did not like the sound signature, but I tried swapping the eartips for SpinFit W1s and fell in love with the sound. Unfortunately, soon after, the left ear bud became faint in sound until it completely died. Judgin from other reviews, this is an extremely common problem.
- JHJared H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoHave become addicted to these.
At first, the sound signature was not to my liking. I thought it sounded thin and maybe a bit harsh. But certain choices in my chain have made it exactly to my liking:- Using a Fiio K7 or KA5 dongle (balanced connection) gave a much fuller and warmer sound- using Spinfit W1 eartips. Extremely comfortable! Now I no longer experience fatigue. Sound signature also feels a bit richer/mellowerAfter making these choices, I love em! Dont expect an apple dongle to light these up.
- SASuhail A.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 years agoBest IEM Period!
I was lucky enough to have used and owned several audiophile headphones/ IEM including Utopia, Clear, Hd800s/820, Meze emperean, 64 audio u12t, Shure kse 1200. This IEM is one audiophile device i would recommend to anyone. If someone looking for an end game IEM/ Headphone look no further. IE 600 is surprisingly good!