Disclaimer
Tangzu provided me with this IEM for an audio tour, organized by Indranil Mitra. I will be borrowing this IEM for a week and passing it on to the next person. Just to clarify, I am not being compensated to share my thoughts on this product - all opinions are my own.
Price Competition
The current price on Linsoul is $597, while HiFiGO is selling them for $649. Today is 08/05/2014, and at this moment, it is competing very competitively in terms of price. It's important to note that the IE600 is still relevant even to this day. If you're interested, you can check out my review of the IE600 on the Mobile Audiophile website.
The philosophy behind the tuning
The tuning approach of this IEM is a balanced and vibrant sound with a touch of richness in the midrange. The review will reveal how they achieved this, but I must say that this IEM captures the signature Sennheiser sound that I have cherished for many years. Needless to say, I am quite fond of its tuning. To my ears, this IEM resembles the sound of an HD600 paired with a high-quality solid-state amplifier and a lively audio source. Ultimately, this IEM excels in delivering exceptional performance for male vocals and blends beautifully with Indian music genres such as Folk and Contemporary. It's worth noting that this unique tuning sets it apart from other IEMs, making it a must-try for me.
Design
I'm not a fan of the design of this IEM. Firstly, the ear shell is just too big for my ears. Maybe it won't bother you as much if you have average-sized ears. Secondly, these IEMs are quite heavy, making them more prone to breaking if they accidentally fall. I've seen it happen before, so I don't trust them in that regard. Lastly, I'm not a fan of the concave shape of the IEM plate. It makes inserting them feel unnatural and awkward, especially because of their large size. I understand that fitting 1DD 2BA 2EST in a single shell is challenging, but I would have preferred a design that prioritizes depth over width. So, yeah, the design is definitely my least favourite thing about this IEM.
Build Quality
The design of this IEM in the other part is absolutely stunning. The copper colour is truly mesmerizing. However, it definitely stands out in a crowd and demands attention. The wire is noticeably thick and heavy, but the splitters and connectors are top-notch in terms of quality. Personally, this IEM is quite large for me and the ear hook has been a persistent issue. On the bright side, the resin and metal faceplate exude a sense of luxury. Rest assured, this IEM is a true symbol of opulence.
Initial Sound Impression
When I first tried the IEM, it had a nice balance and a bit of brightness. Being someone who loves treble, the brightness was perfect for me but might be too much for others. However, after adjusting the insertion depth, I realized that it can drastically change the treble. The sound will be greatly affected by how well it fits in your ears.
Cable Rolling with Effect Audio Eros S
When I decided to experiment a bit, I decided to connect the Effect Audio Eros S cables to my setup. To my astonishment, it had a significant impact on the soundstage and high frequencies. The previously present sharpness and inconsistencies were eliminated, resulting in a pleasing and refined treble. Additionally, the soundstage expanded in terms of stereo width, creating a more immersive experience. It's safe to say that using the Eros S Cable took my current IEM setup to the next level compared to the default cable.
Tangzu provided me with this IEM for an audio tour, organized by Indranil Mitra. I will be borrowing this IEM for a week and passing it on to the next person. Just to clarify, I am not being compensated to share my thoughts on this product - all opinions are my own.
Price Competition
The current price on Linsoul is $597, while HiFiGO is selling them for $649. Today is 08/05/2014, and at this moment, it is competing very competitively in terms of price. It's important to note that the IE600 is still relevant even to this day. If you're interested, you can check out my review of the IE600 on the Mobile Audiophile website.
The philosophy behind the tuning
The tuning approach of this IEM is a balanced and vibrant sound with a touch of richness in the midrange. The review will reveal how they achieved this, but I must say that this IEM captures the signature Sennheiser sound that I have cherished for many years. Needless to say, I am quite fond of its tuning. To my ears, this IEM resembles the sound of an HD600 paired with a high-quality solid-state amplifier and a lively audio source. Ultimately, this IEM excels in delivering exceptional performance for male vocals and blends beautifully with Indian music genres such as Folk and Contemporary. It's worth noting that this unique tuning sets it apart from other IEMs, making it a must-try for me.
Design
I'm not a fan of the design of this IEM. Firstly, the ear shell is just too big for my ears. Maybe it won't bother you as much if you have average-sized ears. Secondly, these IEMs are quite heavy, making them more prone to breaking if they accidentally fall. I've seen it happen before, so I don't trust them in that regard. Lastly, I'm not a fan of the concave shape of the IEM plate. It makes inserting them feel unnatural and awkward, especially because of their large size. I understand that fitting 1DD 2BA 2EST in a single shell is challenging, but I would have preferred a design that prioritizes depth over width. So, yeah, the design is definitely my least favourite thing about this IEM.
Build Quality
The design of this IEM in the other part is absolutely stunning. The copper colour is truly mesmerizing. However, it definitely stands out in a crowd and demands attention. The wire is noticeably thick and heavy, but the splitters and connectors are top-notch in terms of quality. Personally, this IEM is quite large for me and the ear hook has been a persistent issue. On the bright side, the resin and metal faceplate exude a sense of luxury. Rest assured, this IEM is a true symbol of opulence.
Initial Sound Impression
When I first tried the IEM, it had a nice balance and a bit of brightness. Being someone who loves treble, the brightness was perfect for me but might be too much for others. However, after adjusting the insertion depth, I realized that it can drastically change the treble. The sound will be greatly affected by how well it fits in your ears.
Cable Rolling with Effect Audio Eros S
When I decided to experiment a bit, I decided to connect the Effect Audio Eros S cables to my setup. To my astonishment, it had a significant impact on the soundstage and high frequencies. The previously present sharpness and inconsistencies were eliminated, resulting in a pleasing and refined treble. Additionally, the soundstage expanded in terms of stereo width, creating a more immersive experience. It's safe to say that using the Eros S Cable took my current IEM setup to the next level compared to the default cable.
Objective Sound Impression
Bass
The Bass is powerful and punchy. Some IEMs may have good bass extension, but lack the midbass authority to truly make an impact on the sound. As a result, even if the bass is technically present on the Frequency Amplitude graph, it may not be very audible. Luckily, this IEM doesn't suffer from that issue at all.
The sub-bass is nicely pronounced, without being too overpowering to cause any discomfort. This is especially beneficial for me since my ears are sensitive to lower frequencies. The midbass smoothly transitions from the sub-bass, maintaining its own distinct presence. There is no muddiness or interference from the sub-bass. The gradual and steady increase in mid-bass adds the punch I crave when listening to bass-heavy songs.
Overall, the bass on these IEMs is truly impressive. It strikes a perfect balance - not too overpowering, yet not lacking in presence either. What sets it apart is how it doesn't overshadow every song with bass, only enhancing tracks that call for it. When a song lacks lower frequencies, the bass remains neutral and full, but when needed, it confidently delivers a solid low-end performance.
Midrange
The main emphasis of this IEM lies in its midrange. The mid frequencies are far from being neutral or clinical. Instead, they provide a luxurious and exaggerated sensation. Every sound will be enriched with additional textures, vibrancy, and a radiant quality, all without causing any discomfort when the volume is appropriately adjusted.
The male vocals are the highlight in this range especially. The heft it offers and the grunt it has in the male vocal region is simply unparalleled at this price point. It is not forward or recessed by any means, it sits beautifully in the Amplitude graph as well as my ears. There is a grand feeling in the earthy tones of the male voices. Chest voice sounds wonderful although head voices are portrayed very well but not at the same level as chest voices. Nasally singers don't sound on these.
The male counterparts outshine the female vocals in terms of quality. The main issue lies in the extension of the upper mids and lower treble. As a result, some female singers lack the ethereal and sparkling sensation that I adore. Additionally, while the voices are not of reference grade, they also possess a touch of colouration.
Treble
This IEM has a slightly subdued lower treble, which makes it perfect for fatigue-free listening. However, there are some drawbacks to this. The female vocals and treble-focused instruments are the ones that are most affected by this deviation. Despite that, everything sounds smooth and there are no overwhelming peaks to be found.
This IEM has a slightly subdued lower treble, which makes it perfect for fatigue-free listening. However, there are some drawbacks to this. The female vocals and treble-focused instruments are the ones that are most affected by this deviation. Despite that, everything sounds smooth and there are no overwhelming peaks to be found.
The upper frequencies are skillfully managed, with the EST drivers leading the way. They truly expand the air quality of the sound. Every sound is filled with plenty of air. The speed and crispness are remarkable, with excellent transience. The peak at 11K (or 15K on B&K 5128 Coupler for in-ear) greatly contributes to the IEM's capacity to effortlessly display microcontrasts.
Timber
The quality of the timber is exceptional considering its price. However, there may be some inconsistencies in the lower treble range. The violin produces a pleasing sound with the desired transient nature and low end. The guitars have a textured and snappy tone. Wind instruments also perform above average, thanks to the EST drivers in the IEM. As mentioned earlier, the male vocals have an earthy and grunty tone, which adds character but may not be neutral. On the other hand, the female vocals, while not as good as the male vocals, do not sound unnatural and never become shrill or fatiguing.
The timber reproduction of this IEM is far from natural, so it's not recommended for critical listening. However, if you're looking for an IEM that enhances the sound of music and does a great job at it, this is a very tasteful option to consider.
Subjective Sound Impression
Resolution
You won't be left wanting more resolution with this IEM. It resolves just as well as Studio 4 (A/B Tested). The subtle nuances and micro details, largely due to psychoacoustics, contribute to an overall very resolving sound with this IEM. (My friend even mentioned a slight resemblance to Performer 8, hinting at its quality).
Imaging
The stereo imaging is impressive, although it lacks pinpoint accuracy. Occasionally, it can sound holographic when the albums require stereo imaging rather than full positional cues.
Soundstage
The soundstage with the stock cable is quite average. However, the soundstage usage is quite impressive. The vocals are centred in the head, while the instruments create a nice ambient effect.
Drivability
Driving it is quite manageable, although it does demand a bit more power to really bring out its best sound. It operates well with a volume level similar to my HD600, only with a slight difference of +4/5db in amplitude. It works smoothly with 4V and 200mw Dongle Dacs.
Comfort & Fit
The comfort and fit of these IEMs are not up to par. The Cable is quite weighty and bulky, and the ear hooks on the cable are not well-designed for my ears. Since my ears are on the smaller side, it could be just my problem, but the ear hooks kept slipping off. It would be wise to consult someone with medium-sized ears for a second opinion.
The shell size is quite large for my ears, and I struggled to achieve the correct insertion depth with the stock cable. Believe me, GATE needs a proper insertion depth. If not inserted correctly, this IEM can sound sharp and harsh occasionally.
Comparison
IE600 - The only contender at this pricepoint worth comparing to, in my experience.
- IE600 has better sub-bass
- GATE is more thumpy in mid-bass
- Mids are better on GATE
- Lower Treble is better on IE600
- Upper treble (>12Khz) is better on GATE
- Resolution is better on IE600 by a slight margin
- Soundstage and Imaging is also better on IE600
- The mids tonality and timber are better on GATE
- GATE is more musical and suited for most genres I listen to.
- IE600 is leagues ahead in comfort and fit.
Given a choice, I would have chosen GATE 7 out of 10 times over IE600 in a day because of its unique and personally preferred tuning philosophy. But fit would get me worried every time.
Conclusion
To sum up, this IEM has been an incredible find for me, mainly due to my extensive music collection. I've never experienced anything quite like it before. Whether it's the distinctive design or the way the drivers are set up, every time I listen to this IEM, I'm blown away by the exceptional quality of the lower mids and treble tuning.