OK I must be crazy, right? I just got the Sennheiser IE 900 since the vast majority of reviews say it’s like the IE 300 (which I love the fit in particular), but next next next level.
So I thought great, upgrade to the 900 and sell the 300… but no matter what I do, I feel like the 300 has significantly more bass and power versus the 900. I thought perhaps my fit is just way off? But I tried with the same tips as the 300 to ensure I’m comparing apples to apples and still felt like the 900 was just… weaker? Significantly less bass? Didn’t really feel like I was getting anything more at all. Not even remotely worth 4x the cost over the 300.
So did I do something wrong or anyone else have the same experience?
Bonus question: I recently sold my Shure SE 846 to get the IE 900 since so many reviewers say the 846 is dated and not great any more… but I have to say the Shure had a MUCH better bass presence without being overpowering. I just could never get the SE 846 to feel comfortable… so anyone else struggle with the comfort and find a way to make it work? Are there magical tips I should try that would do it? (I tried Spinfit W1 and Westone Stars, both eventually were uncomfortable in mainly my right ear after some time).
Also note I’m a drummer so I do prefer a stronger bass presence. Thanks in advance for your thoughts here…
IE900 does have less bass than the IE300. IE300 is very big on the bass and warm, with the bass leaking all the way down to 1kHz. It’s then very recessed in the upper mids, which would further accentuate the bass.
https://squig.link/?share=Crinacle_Neutral_Target,Sennheiser_IE_300,Sennheiser_IE_900
If you’re used to the IE300 as normal, something that’s a bit more restrained in the bass like the IE900, might not sound so bassy. But the “quality” could be better.
Appreciate the insight. It was not just a little bit different though - it was completely non-existent in relation. I returned the IE 900 this morning, not worth fighting it. Thanks again.
I have the IE900 - there’s no way the bass should come off as weak. I’d say a fit or defect issue.
I just got a pair last week and found that proper seal is the key to accurate sound. I know this sounds obvious but some IEMs are a little more forgiving on the seal. I have different sized ear holes and my right ear needs a larger sized tip. I’m still messing with different brands of tips but I need to wait for delivery of more tips to get the right size but the stock tips are working for now.
I thought the IE300 sounded terrible and I own it lol.
Based on the graph I see the IE900 scooped the upper mid. Crinacle said that other than IE 200 and IE 600 they’re not good.
Crinacle said the ER4XR bass was too fast and wrong, But then hyped Stax/Planar HP’s for there bass…despite BA’s being the same. The guy acted like a major ass at the time when It was questioned.
Most reviews are barely anything. Very few people on this entire planet truly review to a level that’s actually useful.
I can’t say much about the Sennheisers. I haven’t used one since the IE8. I’ve never really been compelled to buy anything newer.
The SE846 is one of my favorite IEMs, and it’s technically brilliant. Age means nothing. Most of my favorite IEMs are a decade old.
Comfort is hit or miss based on ear shape. They’re not perfect for my ears either and rest some on my ear causing discomfort with time. You can play with tips to help adjust relative placement, but there’s only so much you can do.
If you want bass geared, take a look at the Sony IER-M9. It’s a nice IEM for a more drum and bass sound. I find the mids and highs a little recessed personally, and the quality of the treble doesn’t match the SE846. The IER-M9 is impactful and short on note, punchy, clean, but lacks some hefty/body. For example the SE846 has fuller bass notes which make strings sound fuller and more narural. But for drums, the IER-M9 is fun to listen to.
I also have some old UM3X IEMs. They were cool for their time but more for stage use than music and needs a lot of EQing for music. But it is another bass geared IEM that’s actually good for drums.
Tell you what, want to give them a listen? I’ll mail mine over and see what you think.
Same with the ER4XR I can get thumping bass with EQ(4db 105Hz low shelf, I’ve got a working ER4P that also great. I love how annoying dense this sub gets with BA drivers since I’m seeing a lot nobodies eating up reviewer BS say avoid them. Many are even admitting they never tried the fucking SE846 yet say the bass is lean…like what???.
The SE846 & ER4XR will blow away the IE900 on everything including Bass speed/detail.
i disliked the most of the ie series with the exception of ie200 and ie600 the rest i cant take it so i think its normal for you. Furthermore you should check the genuine of your iem, might be fake, lot of fake ie900 case these day