Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Agreeable, natural sonic signature
  • Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
  • Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
  • A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
  • Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent

Product Considerations

  • Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
  • The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
  • The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
  • Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
  • Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
  • Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
  • Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
  • Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins

Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.

All

IE 600

reviews

[{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 REVIEW! Endgame within reach","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJtQXRK6dXg","source":"ShortCircuit","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI808WOb6rw","source":"Super* Review","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"The Sennheiser IE600 is NOT for me, but it might be for you.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYaw-Olp00c","source":"Super* Review","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE600 Review - GAMING Perspective","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EACAFpyZkI","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 review: Close to perfection!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY7lovypHpA","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 Earphone Review & Features | Moon Audio","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2u6-PtVErg","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"SENNHEISER IE600 REVIEW (ENGLISH) $700 1DD","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0K7sYG8-hg","source":"The Headphone Show","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE600 Full Review 💎","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHqakMzD46Y","source":"Joshua Valour","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"MY TOP PICK FOR BASS? Sennheiser IE600 review PLUS BIG LETSHUOER GALILEO ANNOUNCEMENT!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RdS8e1v79g","source":"Joshua Valour","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 Review - Luxury Mainstream","link":"https://www.audioreviews.org/sennheiser-ie-600-review-jk","source":"audioreviews.org","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser IE 600 review","link":"https://www.soundguys.com/sennheiser-ie-600-review-87998","source":"soundguys.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sennheiser IE600 Review - Is this Sennheiser's best IEM?","link":"https://headphones.com/blogs/reviews/sennheiser-ie600-review?srsltid=AfmBOoqaZhkGgxZXfS2MWjAuUkurCYG9b1iE_VrEEVXMj4uYptyWRg7M","source":"headphones.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Dynamic, Detailed, and Defined: Sennheiser IE 600 Review","link":"https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/dynamic-detailed-and-defined-sennheiser-ie-600-review?srsltid=AfmBOootppoHlDVJofDOCthrwR2w6E7v2vESUwhQIfVnGh2j_jetcOuW","source":"bloomaudio.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's details

  • Transducer principle: Single Dynamic Driver, Pressure Chamber
  • Frequency response: 4 - 46,500 Hz
  • Sound pressure level (SPL): 118 dB at 1 kHz, 1 Vrms
  • Impedance: 18 ohms
  • THD: 0.06% (1 kHz, 94 dB)
Simply beautiful sound, and the lengths Sennheiser will go to achieve it — that is the story of the IE 600. These in-ear devices not only reproduce the detail and emotion of a recording, they transcend it. Because each earphone is a masterpiece. From the hand-finished amorphous metal housing to high-end audio components developed and made by Sennheiser, everything is manufactured to the strictest tolerances.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:

Sennheiser's hifi range centers on open-back headphones with its own transducers, so music sounds open and natural rather than closed in. The HD 559 is the entry model, with a 3m cable for relaxed listening at home. The HD 600 is the midpoint, with a 300 ohm driver and acoustic silk over the 42mm driver for honest detail from vocals to instruments. The HD 800 S is the top headphone, with a 56mm ring radiator that gives a wider soundstage for analyzing well-recorded music.

  • Start here. Choose the HD 559 if you want a comfortable first pair for easy everyday music, with a long cable that reaches a chair away from the desk.
  • Sweet spot. The HD 600 gives you clear midrange detail that lets you follow each voice in a mix, which the cheaper HD 559 does not claim, at a price under $500.
  • All in. The HD 800 S is a top model priced well above the HD 660S2, and its 56mm driver suits a listener who wants to pick apart layers and space in a mix.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
539
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1945

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser made the first open-back headphone, the HD 414 of 1968, and the open-back is still the center of its hifi range. The HD 600 has been the reference at its price for twenty-five years, the HD 660S2 is the warmer, fuller step up, and the HD 800 S, built for detailed, analytical listening, is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The HD 820 is the closed-back alternative, and then there is the HE 1, with its high-voltage amplifiers built into the earcups and a chassis cut from Carrara marble.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Sennheiser
IE 900
1699
1699
/
9
Reviews
Sennheiser made the first open-back headphone, the HD 414 of 1968, and the open-back is still the center of its hifi range. The HD 600 has been the reference at its price for twenty-five years, the HD 660S2 is the warmer, fuller step up, and the HD 800 S, built for detailed, analytical listening, is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The HD 820 is the closed-back alternative, and then there is the HE 1, with its high-voltage amplifiers built into the earcups and a chassis cut from Carrara marble.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional bass performance with rawness, texturing, and a sense of dynamics.
  • Excellent treble extension and resolution, delivering sparkle and airiness without harshness or sibilance.
  • Comfortable, small, and lightweight design, making it easy to wear for extended listening sessions.
  • Comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, including multiple cables with different terminations (3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm) and various ear tip options.
  • Provides great sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise without relying on active noise cancellation.

Product Considerations

  • Midrange has a recessed upper-midrange, which can make vocals and certain instruments sound veiled or distant, sounding 'stuffy' due to a lack of vocal presence around 3-4kHz.
  • Proprietary MMCX connector system that limits compatibility with aftermarket cables.
  • Is tip-sensitive, and the stock silicone tips can be slippery and difficult to get a consistent seal.
  • Imaging is average.
  • Treble is close to being too much for some reviewers.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs IE 300: Is better overall than the IE 300, retaining similar sound characteristics but with deeper sub-bass, cleaner bass, and less sibilant treble.
  • Vs Unique Melody Mast: Feels more detailed but has a more v-shaped tuning.
  • Vs Dunu Zen: Has wider soundstage and treble extension, but the Dunu Zen is easier to drive, bassier, and has a spicier upper midrange.
  • Vs Final E5000: Has better treble extension, but the Final E5000 is warmer, has fuller vocals, and is bassier.
  • Vs IE 600: Is more finely woven and has better imaging.

Takeaway: The IE 900 is a comfortable and well-built IEM that delivers exceptional bass and detailed treble, making music sound lively and engaging. The IE 900 could be a great choice for those who want top-notch sound in a convenient package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sennheiser made the first open-back headphone, the HD 414 of 1968, and the open-back is still the center of its hifi range. The HD 600 has been the reference at its price for twenty-five years, the HD 660S2 is the warmer, fuller step up, and the HD 800 S, built for detailed, analytical listening, is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The HD 820 is the closed-back alternative, and then there is the HE 1, with its high-voltage amplifiers built into the earcups and a chassis cut from Carrara marble.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Campfire Audio
Astrolith
2199
2199
/
13
Reviews
Campfire Audio is an American in-ear monitor maker in Portland, Oregon, started by the team behind ALO Audio cables and amplifiers. About ten people design every model there and hand-assemble the wired earphones. Its breakthrough was the Andromeda, five balanced armatures in a faceted green aluminum shell, and the Andromeda Emerald Sea carries the design on today. The Astrolith uses two planar magnetic drivers and is on our Best IEMs list with the Solaris Stellar Horizon, while the compact Axion uses a single full-range silicon dynamic driver and a USB-C connection for portable listening.
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Product Strengths

  • Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
  • Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
  • Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
  • Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
  • Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.

Product Considerations

  • Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
  • Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
  • Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
  • Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
  • The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
  • Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
  • Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
  • Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.

Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Campfire Audio is an American in-ear monitor maker in Portland, Oregon, started by the team behind ALO Audio cables and amplifiers. About ten people design every model there and hand-assemble the wired earphones. Its breakthrough was the Andromeda, five balanced armatures in a faceted green aluminum shell, and the Andromeda Emerald Sea carries the design on today. The Astrolith uses two planar magnetic drivers and is on our Best IEMs list with the Solaris Stellar Horizon, while the compact Axion uses a single full-range silicon dynamic driver and a USB-C connection for portable listening.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
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Product Strengths

  • Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
  • Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
  • Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
  • Very light and comfortable
  • Excellent connectivity and usability

Product Considerations

  • LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
  • ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
  • Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
  • High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
  • Hiss is also present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
  • The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
  • The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
  • The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
  • The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
  • The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound

Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
LETSHUOER
Cadenza
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
LETSHUOER is a Chinese in-ear monitor maker founded by former Panasonic engineer Danny To with industrial designer Jeff Wong. It designs and hand-assembles its earphones in house, and much of the range uses planar magnetic drivers, including the S12 PRO. The DX1 uses a single 11mm dynamic driver with a built-in 5kHz notch filter. The Mystic 8 puts eight balanced armatures behind a three-way electronic crossover. Buyers who want a large hybrid can choose the Cadenza, a 12-driver design with a titanium chassis, which is on our Best IEMs list.
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Product Strengths

  • Praised for its beautiful design
  • Very comfortable, almost expected from an IEM based on resin
  • Easy to drive due to its low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Provides a lot of clarity
  • Has a very natural tonality, even with balanced drivers

Product Considerations

  • Its design might be too fragile and prone to scratches
  • May lack impact and slam for music with a lot of low-octave focus
  • Some amplifiers might not synergize well, needing experimentation

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Moondrop variations, the Cadenza is preferred for its handling of transitions

Takeaway: The Cadenza is a beautiful IEM with great clarity that's also comfortable to wear. It is an easy to drive IEM, with great potential to provide enjoyable listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

LETSHUOER is a Chinese in-ear monitor maker founded by former Panasonic engineer Danny To with industrial designer Jeff Wong. It designs and hand-assembles its earphones in house, and much of the range uses planar magnetic drivers, including the S12 PRO. The DX1 uses a single 11mm dynamic driver with a built-in 5kHz notch filter. The Mystic 8 puts eight balanced armatures behind a three-way electronic crossover. Buyers who want a large hybrid can choose the Cadenza, a 12-driver design with a titanium chassis, which is on our Best IEMs list.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

THIEAUDIO
Monarch MKIII
999
/
Released
2023
At their times, the original Monarch and the Monarch MKII set new standards for best-in-class performance in the global IEM industry. Not only did it redefine the price-to-performance bracket, but it forever changed how IEM manufacturers engineer and tune IEM's. Keeping with the times, the Monarch has undergone another revision to revamp its technical and tonal performance.
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Thieaudio is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, launched in 2019. It grew out of a group of DIY enthusiasts and specializes in tribrid designs that mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in one shell. The Prestige LTD, for example, uses nine drivers of three types and a five-way crossover. The Legacy 2 and Legacy 4 are the entry models, and the V16 Divinity and Valhalla are at the top of the range. The Monarch MKIII heads our Best IEMs list, and the Oracle is on it too.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
  • Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
  • Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
  • The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
  • Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery

Product Considerations

  • The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
  • The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
  • Stock ear tips are just okay
  • Bass resolution could be better
  • Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
  • Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
  • Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
  • Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
  • Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
  • Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio

Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thieaudio is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, launched in 2019. It grew out of a group of DIY enthusiasts and specializes in tribrid designs that mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in one shell. The Prestige LTD, for example, uses nine drivers of three types and a five-way crossover. The Legacy 2 and Legacy 4 are the entry models, and the V16 Divinity and Valhalla are at the top of the range. The Monarch MKIII heads our Best IEMs list, and the Oracle is on it too.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
/
Released
2022
Its six-driver system delivers a balanced, natural soundstage with crisp highs and detailed mids and lows. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the MACH 60
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Westone Audio is an American maker of in-ear monitors, designed by and for musicians. The company says it put balanced armature drivers into custom earpieces for stage monitors in 1989 and worked with Rush and Def Leppard on early custom in-ear monitors. The MACH series brings custom-quality sound to a universal fit, with a light, ergonomic design built for long wear and each model voiced differently. Performers who want to hear the audience and the band on stage can choose the AM Pro X20 or AM Pro X30, Westone's ambient monitors.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
  • Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
  • Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
  • Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately

Product Considerations

  • May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
  • The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
  • Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
  • Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution

Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Westone Audio is an American maker of in-ear monitors, designed by and for musicians. The company says it put balanced armature drivers into custom earpieces for stage monitors in 1989 and worked with Rush and Def Leppard on early custom in-ear monitors. The MACH series brings custom-quality sound to a universal fit, with a light, ergonomic design built for long wear and each model voiced differently. Performers who want to hear the audience and the band on stage can choose the AM Pro X20 or AM Pro X30, Westone's ambient monitors.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
FIIO
FH9
558
/
Released
2021
FiiO's new flagship hybrid IEMs, the FH9, is the result of two years' worth of intense research on how to fully take advantage of the strengths of hybrid IEMs and push the boundaries of what they can sound like. This 1 dynamic 6 BA driver design (7 in total) features a 2nd generation 13.6mm DLC diaphragm dynamic bass driver fully capable of extending to the lowest frequencies with ample punch. Mid and high frequencies are handled by a custom 6 Knowles BA setup that accurately reproduces every last musical detail.
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FIIO's stated aim is hifi with style at favorable prices, spread across portable players, Bluetooth DAC/amps, desktop units and in-ear monitors. The Chinese company was established in 2007, and its name joins the Fi of fidelity with the 1 and 0 of digital. Its portable DAC/amps combine Bluetooth, high output power and a desktop mode, and its control app adds parametric EQ. The K11 R2R uses a 24-bit R2R resistor ladder, and the K17 uses two AK4499 DAC chips. Owners with demanding headphones can look at the K19, built for high current output.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Convincingly balanced sound performance with a slight bass emphasis
  • A wide and deep soundstage
  • High-quality build, using a titanium housing, making it feel robust
  • Good clarity and sparkle in the highs, with a natural and airy treble that feels relaxed
  • Comes with a decorative, braided balanced cable made of silver wire, with interchangeable ends

Product Considerations

  • A larger earbud which may affect the fit for some users
  • A slight emphasis in the bass area and a sober sound, which may be a matter of taste
  • Semi-open design is less isolating
  • High frequencies might be too elevated for some

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs FiiO FH5s: Better bass texture, transparency, resolution, and treble definition, and sounds more cohesive and balanced
  • Vs FiiO FH7: Better design, a better carrying case, more accessories, better build quality, better refinement, more resolution, transparency, treble definition, dynamism, and a wider and deeper soundstage
  • Vs Kinera Norn: Better mid-range definition, tonality, and transparency, the Norn has a more V-shaped sound signature with splashy and aggressive treble

Takeaway: The FiiO FH9 is a well-crafted IEM with a balanced sound signature and customizable options, making it enjoyable for a wide range of listeners. It has excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage that immerses the listener in the music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

FIIO's stated aim is hifi with style at favorable prices, spread across portable players, Bluetooth DAC/amps, desktop units and in-ear monitors. The Chinese company was established in 2007, and its name joins the Fi of fidelity with the 1 and 0 of digital. Its portable DAC/amps combine Bluetooth, high output power and a desktop mode, and its control app adds parametric EQ. The K11 R2R uses a 24-bit R2R resistor ladder, and the K17 uses two AK4499 DAC chips. Owners with demanding headphones can look at the K19, built for high current output.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Kinera
URD
650
/
Released
2022
URD bass uses titanium crystal diaphragm coaxial double dynamic, through careful tuning, the characteristics of deep diving and fast transient response of this unit are brought into play. The high frequency adopts the Sonion new generation EST65DB01 composite double electrostatic unit to make the treble possess stronger ductility. The mid-range is connected by the dynamic driver 11021 customized by Kinera.
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Kinera is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, founded by Aaron Yu, and each of its product lines starts from a mythological or artistic theme, often from Norse mythology. Many models have hand-painted faceplates, so no two pairs look quite alike. The IEMs mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in hybrid layouts, and Kinera develops its own Pulse dynamic drivers. The Imperial Baldr 2.0 combines all three driver types with detachable cables, and the URD is on our Best IEMs list.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, natural, and easy to listen to sound signature that is not fatiguing
  • Impressive and beautiful design, with unique 3D faceplate and premium feel
  • Good build quality and comfortable ergonomic fit for most ears
  • High-quality modular cable with interchangeable plugs (3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm)
  • Full-bodied vocals and a versatile sound that works well with various genres

Product Considerations

  • Can be considered large and thick, protruding from the ears
  • Bass can lack definition, separation, and impact for some listeners
  • Stock cable may not unleash the full potential of the IEMs, and an upgraded cable is recommended by some reviewers
  • Midrange separation could be better for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs. the FiiO FH7: The URD is less aggressive, more charming, and has a wider soundstage, the FH7 has faster, more controlled bass but can be fatiguing
  • Vs. the DITA Audio Twins Fealty: The URD prioritizes weight, soft tonal balance, and timbre density, the Fealty emphasizes amplified resolution and detailed texture

Takeaway: The Kinera URD is a beautiful and comfortable IEM that offers a smooth and natural sound, making it a great choice for long listening sessions across many music genres. It stands out with its design, accessories, and non-fatiguing sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Kinera is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, founded by Aaron Yu, and each of its product lines starts from a mythological or artistic theme, often from Norse mythology. Many models have hand-painted faceplates, so no two pairs look quite alike. The IEMs mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in hybrid layouts, and Kinera develops its own Pulse dynamic drivers. The Imperial Baldr 2.0 combines all three driver types with detachable cables, and the URD is on our Best IEMs list.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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LETSHUOER
Mystic 8
989
/
Released
2025
The Mystic 8 features eight balanced armature drivers from Sonion and Knowles. After two years of meticulous tuning, this driver array delivers exceptional tonal density and details, showcasing a powerful and dynamic sound. The eight-driver configuration allows each driver to focus on its specific frequency range, resulting in incredibly precise sound.
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LETSHUOER is a Chinese in-ear monitor maker founded by former Panasonic engineer Danny To with industrial designer Jeff Wong. It designs and hand-assembles its earphones in house, and much of the range uses planar magnetic drivers, including the S12 PRO. The DX1 uses a single 11mm dynamic driver with a built-in 5kHz notch filter. The Mystic 8 puts eight balanced armatures behind a three-way electronic crossover. Buyers who want a large hybrid can choose the Cadenza, a 12-driver design with a titanium chassis, which is on our Best IEMs list.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality with a CNC titanium alloy material shell, giving it a premium feel
  • Many reviews praise the natural and well-tuned midrange
  • An airy and sparkly treble region that is not fatiguing or offensive
  • The fit and comfort are excellent due to its smaller shell and ergonomic design
  • The packaging and accessories are nice and extravagant, contributing to a premium unboxing experience

Product Considerations

  • The bass response is underwhelming, lacking mid-bass emphasis and sub-bass authority, and may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
  • The stock cable is often considered flimsy and not up to par for a flagship-level IEM, and lacks modularity
  • The unique design of the faceplate may not appeal to everyone
  • Some reviewers mention a lack of pneumatic pressure relief, leading to pressure buildup in the ear canal for some users
  • Some dryness in the treble region

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Moondrop S8, the S8 does not have the same contrastiness, but offers more microcontrast and texturing in vocal content
  • Compared to 7th Acoustic Supernova, the Supernova has better imaging performance and adds more mid-bass
  • The Mystic 8 reminds reviewers of the Cadenza 4 (particularly the midrange)
  • Vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12, the Cadenza 12 has more bass volume and depth, superior dynamics, imaging, and staging, but the Mystic 8 has more open mids

Takeaway: The Mystic 8 is a well-built IEM with a balanced and natural sound, making it great for critical listening and those who appreciate a mature and refined sound signature. Comfortable and technically proficient, it is a great choice for those who prioritize clarity and detail retrieval over emphasized bass.

Video review

Our take on the brand

LETSHUOER is a Chinese in-ear monitor maker founded by former Panasonic engineer Danny To with industrial designer Jeff Wong. It designs and hand-assembles its earphones in house, and much of the range uses planar magnetic drivers, including the S12 PRO. The DX1 uses a single 11mm dynamic driver with a built-in 5kHz notch filter. The Mystic 8 puts eight balanced armatures behind a three-way electronic crossover. Buyers who want a large hybrid can choose the Cadenza, a 12-driver design with a titanium chassis, which is on our Best IEMs list.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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