Sennheiser IE 600 Vs IE 900 Comparison Review

Recently I have been able to analyze two of Sennheisers top IEMs, the IE 600 and IE 900, The IE 600 is the most recent release from the brand, while the IE 900 is their flagship for this series. When I reviewed both of these IEMs I was impressed by the fantastic quality shown by both products. Even though they’re in vastly different price ranges, I think these IEMs are definitely comparable. In fact, in my review for the IE 600, I compared the two sound signatures directly, so a dedicated comparison review is warranted to delve deep into which IEM is more worthwhile.

What You Get

Look and Feel

The IE series introduced this design with the IE 300, and it has continued on the 900 and 600. Some will not love this style of housing as it is very small and narrow, much like you would see from a Westone IEM. I have never had an issue with the IE series style of build, so the 600 and 900 are good in my book when it comes to comfort. You might think that the more expensive IE 900 is made from a higher-grade material than the 600 but the 600 is actually comprised of amorphous metal, while the 900 uses anodized aluminum. Both earphones are built with strong materials, but it is surprising to see them so matched up considering the price difference.

Design

TrueResponse dynamic drivers have been present in a majority of Sennheiser’s in-ear products, and it has been a winning system. 7mm units are present in both the IE 600 and IE 900, but use different resonators for their desired tuning.

Soundstage

Sennheiser does soundstage like not many others, and both the IE 600 and 900 are great examples of that. They have considerable differences, but on the whole, these IEMs both display exceptional layering abilities which open up the spatial imaging significantly. Separation and air stick out the most with the 600 and 900, but the 900 goes above and beyond with how much space it can exude. I don’t expect anything less from Sennheiser’s flagship IEM, but the first time I heard the IE 900 I was stunned by the sheer size of its stereo properties. You can definitely tell the difference when hearing the 600 and 900 back to back, but the 600 still stacks up to its flagship counterpart quite well. The 600 uses its roominess on only a little bit smaller of a scale. It honestly might actually appear the most realistic of the two, as I feel the 900 might present its sound elements as being bigger than they might have been recorded. You could say that the 900 is a more theatrical experience than the 600, with the 600 being the closest to how the mix might actually be portrayed.

Low End

Both the IE 600 and 900 apply a heft helping of bass to their output. They could appear on an equal playing field at first, but I think a few key details stick out that subtly differentiates the two earphones. Each IEM delivers its low-end with a hearty impact, but I think the 600 is just a bit quicker with its transient response. The IE 900 has a great punch to it, but the 600 is quicker on the draw, getting to the details in a more persistent manner. That being said, the IE 900 has a greater abundance of sub-bass that textures the response.

Mids

A fast transient response goes a long way, and the IE 600 features that well with its midrange extension. The IE 900 also has a clean and detailed timbre, but in terms of drive it is not as impactful as the lows and takes on a more natural response. Instrumental and vocal clarity are incredible on both IEMs, but in terms of tonal richness, the IE 600 has a bit of an advantage over the 900. Some might actually prefer the 900’s more subdued performance in its midrange, as I think less aggression here balances the frequency response in a way that makes a more specific sound profile emerge. One that might be more dynamic that the constant force of the mids on the IE 600.

Highs

You’ll get the most emphasis out of the IE 900’s treble response, as it features a greater presence than the IE 600. The 900 sticks out more with its accentuation, adding a substantial bite to the sound signature without feeling harsh. It appears more like a tonal flavor than a polarizing response. In comparison, the IE 600 is a lot smoother, with a bit more air added for enhanced height.

Summary

I think if you’re absolutely set on going for Sennheiser’s top-end, then the IE 900 is a fantastic investment. Obviously, if you don’t quite have the budget for their flagship product, then the IE 600 won’t leave you disappointed either. However, if the price isn’t an issue for you, it is going to be very difficult to decide which IEM is right for you since they are so close to each other in terms of sound quality. After testing both for a significant amount of time, I believe that the IE 600 is the best option if you’re looking for the most uncompromised detail. It’s an IEM that leaves everything out on the table, and with a quick definition, while the 900 is more concerned with heightened immersion and large imaging. No matter which one you choose, these are currently two of the best IEMs on the market and should be at the top of your list when considering what to buy.

The Sennheiser IE 600 and IE 900 are available at Audio46.