The multimedia test of the Sennheiser IE 200 audiophile headphones

2023-05-01 03:51:05

The Sennheiser IE 200

Sennheiser asked us to test its IE200 headphones when they were launched at the beginning of the year, equipped with a mini-jack plug at one end of the cable and MMCX connectors on the other. Intended for audiophiles, they are distinguished by a very neutral rendering that is faithful to the original. Multimedia test.

Obviously, to test this kind of product in good conditions, certain precautions must be taken. So I brought out a Sony Hi-Res Audio Walkman capable of playing high-resolution files. Moreover, unless you go through an adapter, which can affect the quality, current smartphones often no longer have a mini-jack. Technical sheet.

This precaution is not a detail. Indeed, to make the most of such headphones, the digital-analog conversion must be done in good conditions with appropriate electronics. In short, the Sony NW-A35 Walkman seemed to us preferable to the usual smartphone adapters (there are optional quality converters).

Sennheiser IE 200: a special look

Let’s start with the handling and unboxing of these headphones with a particular look. Indeed, the braided cable and the part before the earphones, where the MMX connector is hidden, (see photo gallery) give them an original look. After choosing the right size eartips in the desired quality (silicone or memory foam), they must be placed on the ears.

And it must be admitted that even if the first times you have to find the shot, once in place they not only fit terribly well on the ears, but are very comfortable. As for the passive reduction of ambient noise, it is quite remarkable given a very successful design.

Wide and detailed sound

According to the technical sheet and the manufacturer’s presentation video, these headphones have two modes. One of these is intended for “surgical” listening, that is to say analytical and very detailed listening, while the other aims to reinforce the bass. In fact, these modes are activated by adjusting the position of the tips, which is not necessarily easy to find…

Now comes the moment of listening. It is indeed necessary to position these headphones well to take advantage of all the details they deliver. The sound is neutral, very detailed and ample. It is true that they are almost reminiscent of what we might hear in some over-ear headphones, given the general harmony of the sound.