Sennheiser IE200 earphones aim for wired clarity

Wireless music is convenient but it does have its drawbacks. Breaks in transmission and loss of quality are the primary concerns, especially for audiophiles intolerant of what they consider pure listening pleasure.

German audio legend Sennheiser has extended its in-ear range of products with the IE200, showcased at the consumer electronics show (CES) earlier this year and now on sale in India. The company is offering this audio device as an alternative to today’s avalanche of wireless earbuds at ₹14,999. There is a higher-end IE600 that is in another league with a price of ₹59,990. The IE200 in ear monitors are an affordable alternative with similar tuning. There are other in ear monitors in this series.

Although the IE200 earphones come out of a modest familiar package, Sennheiser doesn't mean them to be considered in the same category as everyday wireless buds. In the package, you’ll find the earphones and a minimal little case to store them in. The first thing you'll notice is that the earphones have a highly textured braided cable connecting the earbuds to each other and to the 3.5mm jack these earphones use. To make them work with today’s smartphones you would need to get a converter dongle. These are easily available, of course, but if you don’t want to degrade the sound quality, you’ll need to choose a high-quality one. The cable doesn’t necessarily feel particularly premium, even though it does feel strong. It is a longish cable and tangles easily but disentangles almost on its own just as readily, but it’s so very plastic and a thorough turn-off. You tend to hear the sound of the cables hitting whatever is in the way (usually you) and this is a bit disconcerting as it introduces microphonics.

The earbuds themselves are on an angled arm which may present some people with a positioning issue. In fact, they are to be worn a particular hooked way around and over the ear. The case referred to earlier contains ear-tips in foam and in silicon that one should try out to get a good seal. The buds are small and light and nice and comfortable for those who do find the right fit. Care has to be taken while putting in the ear-tips as they have two positions one of which affects the bass response.

The earphones are powered by a single 7mm driver. The sound is clear but there’s an immediate temptation to turn down the treble, for which one will have to hunt for a equaliser on the playback device. There’s detail but perhaps not the depth that many look for. But the soundstage is balanced and neutral, if that’s what one is looking for. These earphones are not configured to skew towards a specific set of frequencies.

These earphones are strictly single-purpose. They don’t have a microphone, on board controls, a battery that needs to be charged, active noise cancellation and smart features. Consider them if you’re looking for beginner level audiophile experience but if you’re more fond of energetic and punchy sound profiles, look elsewhere.