It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Sennheiser launch, but the well-known German manufacturer has returned to the scene to present the Sennheiser IE 600, high-end in-ear headphones that are made with a new material. The IE 600s have a shells made of amorphous zirconium ZR01. This metal has an atomic structure similar to glass, which gives it triple the hardness and flexural strength of steel high perfomance. It’s the same material used in the drill head on NASA’s Mars Rover, which gives you an idea of how tough it is.
The Sennheiser IE 600 cases are created using a 3D printing process that uses liquid metal that is then frozen to prevent the metal from forming crystals during the cooling process. This creates a metal that is up to 3 times denser than typical air-cooled metal, giving it considerably higher strength and a very different resonance profile than most other metals.
This explains why the case surface looks rough. Polishing this material is not feasible as it will eat away at the tools and make the end product even more expensive. But the good thing about this metal is that it is ultra resistant, both to corrosion and scratchesso we won’t have to worry about them getting scratched or damaged.
Sennheiser IE 600: audiophile sound
To achieve an audiophile sound, the Sennheiser IE 600 equip the Sennheiser TrueResponse transducer, a single 7mm driver. According to the manufacturer, this offers a “tonally neutral, intimate and emotional” sound that should be especially noticeable in vocal performances; in addition to offering a powerful, fast and precise response in the bass.
On the other hand, the manufacturer has used a dual-chamber design intended to mask resonances and thus ensure that higher frequencies are not obscured. Added to this are other details that show that the Sennheiser IE600 are aimed at a demanding public, such as gold-plated MMCX connectors which are recessed into the casing for greater stability.
Also, the headphones accept cable diameters of 4.8 mm and smaller, so a wide range of audio sources can be connected. They do come with 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables, though, as well as two types of ear tips (silicone and memory foam) in three sizes, a carrying case, and hooks for comfort and security.
The Sennheiser IE 600 is something special, as it is the first product launched by the German manufacturer since Sonova, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in hearing aids and medical hearing products, bought Sennheiser’s consumer division (headphones, headphones and soundbars). in mid-2021. Many thought that with this movement Sennheiser would disappear, but nothing could be further from the truth. The new IE 600 are the first step in a new generation of high-end headphones from Sennheiser. Without doubt, good news.
The Sennheiser IE 600 will go on sale on March 8 in Japan and will be available in Europe and America in the second quarter of 2022. Its official price will be $699thus placing it between the IE 300 (priced at $199) and the IE 900 (priced at $1,299).
