Sennheiser IE200 Quick Look: A Used Gem

This pair was bought used for 99usd on Amazon.

The IE200 was a set that was heavily hyped on and before its release earlier in 2023. To some the set was like a budget taste of the generally well accepted IE600, and to others it fell flat on its head, those comparisons to the IE600 not being very apt.  On top of that, its tunable bass from the nozzle vent lead to many inconsistencies in listening with stock tips. Regardless to say, I decided not to get one when it initially released. However, it's price has lowered down to 120usd new and 99usd used on Amazon (Sometimes I've seen the used price go down to 89usd), so I decided to take a plunge and try it out for myself. Today we take a quick look at the Sennheiser IE200.

Packaging and Fit

Its packaging and accessories are quite simple. A simple pouch with a twisted cable and some ear tips. There are 6 pairs in total, 3 Silicon and 3 Foam in S/M/L sizes. I found the silicons to be quite bad while the foams were surprisingly nice as I don't tend to enjoy foams. The cable was terrible and very tangle-y. If you're willing to cut off the rings around the connectors, any MMCX cable ought to fit right in. Regardless, I'd recommend looking for an aftermarket cable and tips . Fit on the IE200 is practically perfect. It's very small and should fit very securely on most ears.

Listening Impressions

Moondrop Lan (Left), Sennheiser IE200 (Middle), Kiwi ears Quartet (Right)

This YT playlist is representative of the genres or types of music I listen to when coming up with a review (they are not the specific tracks I use for testing). Any listening was done with M Size Dunu S&S tips or M Size Softears UC tips.  

Overall sound signature on the IE200 is a mild V-shape with some extra treble. Its tonality is reminiscent with the Truthear Hola, though perhaps it is a touch darker. The bass is quite nice, very good quality. It's speed and balance is similar to the 64 audio U4s though no where near as impactful or detailed. Instrument detail was good, bordering on very good, while not being overly pronounced. Vocals might be my biggest issue, sometimes they can sound a bit smooth and not very contrast-y. Treble has no issues for me, very present high notes but never sibilant.

As for some IEM comparisons, this set primarily shared time with the Kiwi Ears Quartet (which I wrote a full review for) over the past week. I can easily say that I prefer the overall tonal balance of the IE200, but the Quartet does have some wins in terms of vocal clarity and detail. I would personally choose the IE200. Additionally, going back and forth with the Moondrop Lan, I think I prefer the Lan in critical listening or when I'm particularly searching for vocal content. Female Vocals in general sounded much better on the Lan, but the IE200 gave almost as much performance with a more relaxed signature and more comfortable fit. I would say they compliment one another quite well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I like the IE200 a lot. Not sure if I'd be as enthusiastic about it at MSRP or even its current discounted price, but, for 99usd used, it's very nice. Works well as a travel IEM or in any case that might take a lot of time since it's very comfortable. It also slots in well as a nice compliment to brighter or more mid-centric iems that you might frequent.