Lots of things in headphone reviews are subjective, so to give you a sense of my reference points and tastes, I have been into mid-fi and hi-fi audio for about 15 years now. I would call myself a "Basshead Audiophile", as the main types of music I listen to are EDM, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop/Top40 - all genres that require a decent amount of bass. I occasionally listen to classic rock and alternative. At the same time, I appreciate the detail, clarity and presentation that comes with a good hi-fi set of headphones.
My current equipment...
Every day use: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, Apple AirPods Pro, Apple AirPods Max
Detailed listening: Ultimate Ears UE11 Pro Custom IEM, Sennheiser IE900, Focal Clear, Audeze LCD-X, Final Audio D8000 Pro, Denon AH-D9200, Fostex TH900Mk2, Fostex HP-A4 (Desktop DAC/Amp), Dragonfly Cobalt (Mobile DAC/Amp)
...As you can see, pretty much all of my equipment, whether low-end or high-end, has an either V-Shaped or U-shaped response curve, and that includes the IE900s. My intention is to use these for detailed listening when I travel, as most of my others are just too cumbersome for that. Now let me get into some thoughts...
First, just on general comfort - for me, these are the most comfortable in-ear earphones I have ever worn, aside from my customs that were 3D printed for my ear. The length of the IEM fits perfectly with the natural curvature of my ears, and the small foam tips fit perfectly into my ears and get a perfect seal. The IEMs are also extremely light, which makes comfort even better. It is easy to forget these are in your ear, and you can easily wear them for hours (and I have). The wire is also comfortable, but I do have to mention that it is fairly microphonic (you can hear when it brushes against objects). The included shirt clip helps with this, but it is a potential issue. I have not used the silicone tips at all because I love the foam ones so much. I appreciate that Sennheiser included three different wires with different sized tips, though I would've preferred that they include at least one longer cable, in case anyone wants to use these for desktop use (as they sure could be used for it). Also, of course, everyone's ears are different, and I have seen some folks on forums that haven't had as good of luck with the fit - and fit is key for good sound from an IEM. No way to know for sure until you try them.
In terms of sound...
Sennheiser is known for lots of different approaches to their sound profiles - all of them extremely well-done. On the consumer/mid-fi side, they have the Momentum series, and these have VERY V-shaped response curves with big, big bass. Then you have their hi-fi line, including open-backs like the legendary HD800s, and these have a very rolled-off bass response, with very forwardly-presented, open highs.
In my view, the IE900s take elements of both of the examples I mentioned above. The overall balance here is definitely U-shaped, with a noticeable but not overdone emphasis in the sub-bass region and a lift in the highs, especially in the detail frequencies and upper mids. The cleanliness and separation of the sound, along with the way the IE900s deliver lows and highs together, results in a low-end that is smooth, fast and articulate, with sparkly details layered on top. It is truly well-done.
It is simply hard to put into words how smooth it is. Even on tracks that have punchy baselines, the IE900s deliver that punch in a way that is relaxed and controlled at all volumes. It is difficult to find an earphone that does bass so well that it is like having a subwoofer WITHOUT it bleeding into the other sounds. The IE900s do this very well. The bass is not boomy or punchy, but it is definitely there, and shines. What it may lack in quantity vs. some other IEMs, it more than makes up for in quality. Now, I have seen in some other reviews here that the bass is better than any headphone, including over-ears. That is simply not true and is an unfair comparison. The small drivers in IEMs (7mm in the IE900) cannot compete with the bass quality of a driver 7x it's size in an over-ear headphone (for example, my TH900s have 50mm drivers). From someone that loves bass, I was not disappointed in any regard with the IE900s. They are outstanding for their product type.
The highs here also shine as a standout, which is not surprising given Sennheiser reputation with detail in the highs. What is great about these is they are meant to be for long, comfortable listens. The highs on these are definitely elevated, and it is immediately noticeable. They are not overly bright overall, but I would say that Sennheiser has taken the highs right up to one notch below too much. This, for me, is a good thing. The highs really shine against the elevated sub-bass, and these do a better than decent job at detail retrieval and layering, so that extra treble emphasis brings out the intricacies of the high end - and thankfully, it is never grating or overly harsh, even at volume - it is another piece of that overall smoothness of the sound.
The mids are interesting. Given these are a Sennheiser flagship, the mids overall are VERY good, my comments are getting into the nitty gritty nitpicking. The upper mids are slightly elevated as I mentioned when discussing the highs. This gives female vocals an absolutely superb energy and feel in the mix. They tend to have a nice energetic shine on them. Male vocals, only by comparison to the female vocals, are slightly less energetic. I would not say they come off as recessed, they are just not quite as energetic as the female voices. All of the other action in the mids comes off to me as properly balanced, never congested, and able to keep pace with any genre of music without getting any pieces bleeding into each other. What really makes the mids shine is the positioning, so lets get into spatial presentation and performance.
What shines about the IE900s spatial presentation is the positioning. The soundstage itself is not particularly large. The sound goes from ear to ear, no further, and definitely retains what is traditional of IEMs, which is having an "in your head" type of soundstage. What IS impressive about the presentation is the HEIGHT of the soundstage and the positioning of the sounds within that stage. I would say the IE900s produce a soundstage height from about the mouth/chin up to the forehead, and that extends ear to ear. The way the IE900s handle each individual sound and detail within this space is superb. The entire sound plane is utilized. Often with headphones, you get a sense that everything is either coming from the left, right or center - not so with these. You can point to and hear exactly where each sound is coming from, and the layering of the sounds is outstanding for an IEM; this gets back to what I mentioned about the mids. It's not the tonal balance of the mids that shines on these, it is the way they are positioned in the mix to be silky smooth, articulate and detailed. So, while the soundstage size on the IE900s isn't particularly impressive in its size (though I would say it is perfectly acceptable for a IEM), it does get an A+ from me in the way it utilizes the soundstage it creates.
Overall, very glad I added these to my collection. While they don't match the performance of my over-ear flagships, that should not be expected. For the moments when I want a hi-fi level listening experience on the go, these are my new go-to IEMs, replacing my custom UE 11 Pros. To quickly compare those two, the UE 11 Pros are actually intended for band members and DJs, and while they produce strong sound, that sound is far more flat and analytical in its delivery, which a much more constructed and in your face soundstage. It is immediately evident the difference in tuning the IE900s bring, and they are clearly meant to be a more engaging listening experience. Now enough writing for me and back to listening :)
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From the brand
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We are audio experts and music lovers who’ve been striving for the best audio experience. Through the craft and precision of German Engineering we create innovative products to reinvent the future of audio with remarkable audio experiences that you don’t just hear – but feel. That is what the Sennheiser brand has represented for more than 75 years.
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Intense Science
We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference, by constantly rediscovering the needs of our customers.
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Intense Sound
Our ability to redefine sound has continued to set the norm, allowing music lovers worldwide to experience sound in a new dimension.
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Intense Emotion
As audio fanatics we strive for a remarkable sound you not only hear – but feel. We measure our success by the goosebumps on your skin.
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We invite you to discover our wide variety of premium audio products, which are divided into the following four categories: Premium Headphones, Audiophile Headphones, Hearing Solutions and Soundbars.
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Premium Headphones
Offering a wide selection of headphone styles from True Wireless to Over-Ear for premium music enjoyment no matter where you are.
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Audiophile Headphones
Continuously striving to define new industry standards with headphones for both home and mobile listening.
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Hearing Solutions
Seeking to provide market-leading enhanced hearing products from TV listening to situational hearing.
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Soundbars
Providing outstanding immersive sound experiences for home entertainment by a single device.
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From the manufacturer
Sennheiser IE 900. Every Detail Matters.
The new IE 900 from Sennheiser sets a new benchmark in portable audio fidelity through technical innovation (X3R technology), meticulous attention to detail, and an uncompromising demand for perfection.
Every aspect of the IE 900 has been engineered to work in harmony to achieve the desired acoustic tuning and to reduce resonances and masking effects. Its acoustic design ensures brilliant, natural high-end sound reproduction and reveals even the finest details in the music.
Introducing the X3R technology
Innovative X3R technology, unique to the IE 900, unites the German-made 7mm TrueResponse transducer with specially developed membrane foil, triple-chamber absorber system and acoustic vortex for an intense listening experience.
What refines the X3R technology is its three Helmholtz resonator chambers and acoustic vortex which smoothens masking resonance. The three resonator chambers are precision-drilled into the elegant aluminum chassis of the IE 900 and placed between the diaphragm and the nozzle.
This complete harmony of systems is at work to unlock the details buried within every track.
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German-made 7mm TrueResponse Transducer provides extra wide frequency extension and ultra-low distortion for exceptionally natural sound. The drivers in each pair of IE 900s are matched during our automated transducer manufacturing process to practically eliminate variance. |
The specially developed membrane foil used in the transducer diaphragm delivers rapid response times for pristine, clear audio across the entire frequency spectrum, even at atypical volume levels. |
The triple-chamber absorber is a sophisticated system of three Helmholtz resonators milled into the solid aluminum housing. These tiny channels eliminate resonance peaks which can color the sound signature and alter the feel of your music. |
Milled directly into the nozzle, the acoustic vortex is a complex structure which swirls acoustic energy in these frequency bands to smooth out peaks. |
Ultimate precision & craftsmanship
Designed, engineered, and made in Germany the one-piece housing is precision-milled from a single block of aluminum on an avant-garde 5-axis-CNC machine.
The demanding milling process takes 40 minutes for each pair of IE 900. Components are hand-assembled by a specialist team at Sennheiser's headquarters with meticulous attention to detail.
A precise fit for precise sound
The secure form fitting lightweight high-strength anodized aluminum housing offers exceptional resistance and long-lasting aesthetic beauty. Adjustable flexible ear hooks and a selection of silicone and memory foam ear adaptors in 3 sizes (S/M/L) adapt to the natural shape of your ear for a tailored fit and high noise isolation.
Let’s take a look at the specifications...
- Transducer principle: Closed-back single dynamic driver, pressure chamber
- Transducer size: 7mm
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 48,000 Hz (-10 dB)
- Impedance: 16 Ohms
- THD: <0.05% (94 dB, 1 kHz)
- Cable connector: Gold-plated Fidelity+ MMCX Connectors
- Weight: 4 g (single earphone); 24 g (earphones with cable)
Compare with similar items
This Item  Sennheiser IE 900 Audiophile in-Ear Monitors - TrueResponse Transducers with X3R Technology for Balanced Sound, Detachable Cable with Flexible Ear Hooks, Includes Balanced Cables, 2-Year Warranty |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $799.00 | $229.99 | $269.00 | -33% $39.99 List: $59.99 | -50% $7.49 List: $14.99 | $899.00 |
| Delivery | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Bass quality | ||||||
| Sold By | Opus-Equipment | S-Waves Electronics | Amazon.com | Linsoul Audio | Amazon.com | AUDIO EQUIP |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired, Wireless | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | In Ear | Over Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | 2.5mm Jack | 2.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3 5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack |
| noise control | sound isolation | — | active noise cancellation | sound isolation | — | sound isolation |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack, 2.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack, 2.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Retractable, Detachable | Tangle Free | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable |
Reviews with images
Amazing IEM
I am an audiophile and have bought a lot of IEMs including much more expensive ones. I never met an IEM could provide such deep bass and extended highs except IE900. The taste is warm and soundstage is pretty wide. Maybe the performance of Vocals is not as good as other expensive flagship IEMs, but it is much better than the predecessor IE800 and also AKG N5005.BTW, there are many fake IE900 on the market. I bought this IE900 from a third-party seller named Brandswalk. It is on the list of sennheiser authorized dealer, so I don’t worry about any possible counterfeit products.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
Other worldly- unmatched bass quality! Better bass than any full size headphones ever- AWESOME!⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
The IE 900 has superb-sound quality, it’s mid range and highs are precise, perfect, and crystal clear, they’re super clean-sounding, with an unsurpassed, highly detailed treble response presentation—of 48 kHz, it’s quite remarkable. The added new bump up in bass, is hands down! the best in the audiophile earphones business, It’s extremely powerful, and meaty, incredibly- tight, and fast, with superb-unreal quality. The IE 900 bass presentation, has been unattainable, until now! It’s punchy, boomy, and powerful, and of the highest quality available. It possesses “Buttery Beautiful, deep contoured Bass” besides the already highly touted, award winning! Sennheiser detailed trebled highs. The Sennheiser IE 900s award winning! detail retrieval- along with its best in class, bass presentation, is why you should pull the trigger/buy The IE 900 iem. For bass lovers/bass heads The IE 900 can’t be beat! Again it’s extremely great- full meaty, tight, fast, powerfully booming! and of the highest quality bass possible, perfect bass has finally arrived. It’s truly almost-unbelievable. All reviews (99.99%) on the internet, of the IE 900, are 5 stars. The IE 900, has already won some audio earphone iem awards! Plus on YouTube, The IE 900 has received the highest praise, and accolades. The old model IE 800 series, has won numerous audio earphone iem awards, for its highly detailed treble. The new Sennheiser flagship IE 900 is a step up! mainly because of It’s highly touted bass presentation. The vastly improved bass, lends to a larger soundstage etc. and completes- is icing on the cake. The Sennheiser new flagship IE 900 iem, is an unheard of until now, buttery beautiful, unmatched,-not even close! I can’t say enough, super high quality! tight meaty-bass Monster! with-the highest quality possible! blow you away, power and boom. I highly recommend this set, it’s wear all day long comfortable, it’s aluminum housing is indestructible, with three perfect non tangle free- cables. I love everything about The IE 900. I wish the rating went to 7 stars-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you can’t possibly afford The amazing IE 900 earphones, the next best thing to do, is to buy a pair of audio award winning Sennheiser IE 800 earphones, buy used on EBay. Make sure the front of the box has a yellow Hi-rez sticker on it, and the order number located on the back is 505484.
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
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Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Daniel Mendoza
Sublimes
Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2024
Daniel Mendoza
Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2024
El año pasado compré el IE 600 ya que aparentemente TODOS lo recomiendan como el “IE 900 refinado”, y ahora que tengo el IE 900 puedo decir con certeza que es un producto muy malentendido.
Sí, el IE 600 tiene objetivamente un mejor material, un mejor precio y un sonido más neutral y timbre correcto pero en el aspecto técnico está MUY por detrás de su hermano mayor.
El IE 900 es más amplio, más holográfico en su presentación sonora y mucho más rápido en la respuesta de transientes.
Los bajos pegan rápido, retumban y decaen de manera natural. Las voces tienen un aire y definición adicional que les añade un gusto excepcional. Los altos son súper bien articulados, presentes e infinita mente más claros que los IE 600 sin llegar a ser sibilantes o molestos.
El IE 900 es verdaderamente excepcional como logran mezclar rendimiento increíble con un sonido divertido, envolvente y disfrutable.
NO son audífonos de estudio 100% neutros y aburridos para mezclar, son todo lo contrario y me hacen sonreír al escuchar música; la cual disfruto como cuando compré mis primeros audífonos decentes hace 20 años y eso es muy raro y especial para mi.
Recomendado si aprecian la ingeniería alemana y tienen buen oído, si no los IE 300 les darán 70% del rendimiento a 1/5 del precio.
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