The Sennheiser IE 900 is one of the most expensive wired earphones I have reviewed. Retailing in Singapore at S$1999, Sennheiser has further refined their signature sound to be even more pleasing to listen to. While many of the pricier earphones in the market boast elaborate premium materials or multi-driver components, the IE 900 exhibits pure engineering feat, true to the German spirit.
As I always mention, I generally do not indulge in the marketing messages that are crafted to promote the products. What matters is the real result. The IE 900 aluminum housing is precision-milled and anodized with a five-axis CNC machine to achieve precision cuts with a single block. The XWB 7mm TrueResponse transducer driver is improved, and the all-new X3R technology, which comprises of a triple-chamber resonator absorber system, is the heart of the audio magic that you will hear on the IE 900. Apparently, the tiny channels eliminate resonance peaks which, in less advanced products, can color the sound signature and alter the feel of your music. A complex structure in the nozzle of each earphone – the vortex – swirls acoustic energy in these frequency bands to smooth out peaks. Then there is also the acoustic back-volume – a chamber within a chamber – to control the direction and overall volume of air as it moves through the transducer system.
With so much audio engineering invested into the earphones, how good does the IE 900 sound? I don’t want to go into all the audiophile jargon here, but the IE 900 is clearly – pun intended – outstanding. Anyone who loves the sound of crystal-clear audio reproduction will instantly be attracted to the sound signature. Now, it’s not just the ability to make the earphones sound transparent or sparkly, but to be able to deliver the sizzle without the harshness and fatigue.
Sennheiser IE 900 vs. IE 300
- Bass – 8.5/10. Punchy tight bass without too overpowering.
- Midrange – 7.5/10. Clean upper midrange that remains full and detailed.
- Treble – 9.2/10. Outstanding treble that sparkles with extension.
For the full review by Music Photo Life, read here: Sennheiser IE 900 Review: Sparkling Flagship Earphones
