Sennheiser IE 200 Review

While other big personal audio firms have moved toward wireless, Sennheiser may be the only one to focus on wired audio while developing competitive wireless solutions. This means it’s one of the few big names with audiophile items like wired headphones and earbuds at various price points. The Sennheiser IE 200, priced at Rs. 14,990 in India, is the latest model. The Sennheiser IE 200 is cheaper than the IE 300, yet it has similar features. The Sennheiser IE 200 has 3.5mm wired connectivity, detachable wires, and a single dynamic driver system. Is it the best wired IEM headset under Rs. 15,000? Discover it in this review.

Sennheiser IE 200 Specifications

PROS

• A balanced, accurate sound
• Beautiful braided cable and removable design
• Quite affordable

CONS

• No mic or controls inline
• First-party wires cost a lot.

The design and specs

The Sennheiser IE line of wired in-ear monitors is consistent in design. From the IE 200 to the IE 900, the design is the same, but the colors, textures, and materials vary. The cheaper IE 300 looks fancier than the IE 200, but that’s not a dealbreaker. The earpieces are plastic and weigh 4g without cords, like the IE 300. The cables are detachable and replaceable, and the MMCX connector standard lets you use any compatible cable from other companies.

The bundled cable has flexible ear hooks and twisted wires that look good but feel less sturdy than the IE 300 headset’s solid cables. The cable has a 3.5mm L-shaped stereo plug. As expected for an audiophile IEM headset, the cord lacks a microphone. This fit style is normally difficult to wear and take off, but the Sennheiser IE 200 was pleasant and secure, isolating noise. Six silicone and three foam ear tips in small, medium, and large sizes are included in the sales package, along with a little leatherette carry pouch. The Sennheiser IE 200 offers a 6-20,000 Hz frequency response and 7mm extra wide-band dynamic drivers like the IE 300. Despite using identical drivers, the tuning differs, which affects sound quality.

Weight

The IEIE00s’ braided cable was lightweight and felt like nothing while wearing them. That’s good; however, the cord can’t withstand microphonics and jostling while moving. These IEMs use MMCX connectors like Sennheiser’s other IEMs; however, the recessed connector on the earpiece may cause issues with aftermarket cables. Make sure they’re compatible. Sennheiser calls the IE 200s “exceptionally neutral,” but they are not. A neutral presentation doesn’t excite many average consumers, and these have a V-shaped sound signature like the IE 600s. The bass enhancement on cheaper earphones is mild and never overpowering. Their balanced mids and high treble are well controlled. An enjoyable listen, the IE 200s are expressive and detailed.

Performance

Audiophile-grade wired IEMs focus on sound quality rather than features, unlike cordless and truly wireless headphones priced around Rs. 15,000. Sennheiser’s normal competition in this price class is Chi-fi’ brands like Fiio and Moondrop; thus, the brand’s higher recognition in India and the IE 200’s established product range will help it. This was an ideal combination for handling high-resolution audio files and amplifying the IE 200 to maximize earphone performance. Even without the DAC, performance was decent, but the sound was less dynamic and immersive. The Sennheiser IE 200 was fun with my lightweight setup, Shanling DAC, and Apple Music for high-resolution music. The earphones sound less balanced and neutral than the more expensive IE 300, but their detail-oriented sound lets the mid-range and highs shine. However, the bass had more drive, which I liked with the correct music.

Sound

We connected the IE 200 monitors to an iMac and a McIntosh stereo receiver in a component chain to assess audio quality. We found the sound characteristics balanced and lovely, perfect for analyzing mixes or hearing every detail from your favorite songs. On tunes with heavy sub-bass, like The Knife’s “Silent Shout,” they respond accurately. Sub-bass thuds don’t overrun the mix or compete with higher-frequency sounds.

The third, deepest note in this synth series seems somewhat less full than the previous two (it hits the speakers’ low-end limit), but the earbuds still sound fine. Other vocals on the tune are clear in the high-midrange. The sonic signature is better shown on Bill Callahan’s “Drover,” which has less deep bass. The percussion sound natural and powerful, while Callahan’s vocals have the right mix of low-mid richness and high-mid detail. Acoustic strums are bright, clear, and sculpted-free, while higher percussive hits are snappy.

Verdict

Despite being half the price of the IE 300 (review) earphones, the Sennheiser IE 200 is similar in design, fit, driver size, and detachable cords. However, the IE 200’s tuning isn’t as smooth and balanced as the more expensive earphones, so you’ll notice the difference. It’s still interesting, complex, and fascinating, especially if you appreciate low-end bias. That may not fit the audiophile philosophy of balanced sound, especially because Rs. 15,000 isn’t an entry-level pricing for this product. However, the Sennheiser IE 200 has no objective problems and should be considered a second or third step toward better sound, provided you have the resources to maximize its performance.

FAQs

Has Sennheiser IE 200 a mic?

Despite not being designed to have one, it lacks a microphone. The Sennheiser IE 200 has a 3.5mm socket and a precision-tuned 7mm dynamic driver for rich audio output.

Does Sennheiser sound good?

Apple and Sennheiser make upper mid-range in-ear headphones with premium features, build quality, and strong sound.

Does Sennheiser work with phones?

Sennheiser makes many smartphone headsets. Some Bluetooth®, some in-ear, some over-ear, some on-ear with iconic Sennheiser sound.