Sennheiser’s IE range of audiophile in-ear monitors gets a somewhat more affordable headset, the Rs. 14,990 IE 200. With detachable and replaceable cables and a single-driver setup tuned for balanced sound, is this the best wired IEM you can buy under Rs. 15,000? Find out in this review.
While most mainstream personal audio brands have pivoted towards a wireless future, Sennheiser is perhaps the only major brand to continue earnestly on its wired audio portfolio, while also working on competitive wireless products. This also means that it’s among the few big names with products made for audiophiles, including wired headphones and earphones across price points. Among the latest in the company’s range is the Sennheiser IE 200, which is priced at Rs. 14,990 in India.
The Sennheiser IE 200 has a similar form factor and feature set to the IE 300 earphones, but is considerably more affordable. With 3.5mm wired connectivity, detachable cables, and a single dynamic driver system, is the Sennheiser IE 200 the best wired IEM headset under Rs. 15,000 that you can buy right now? Find out in this review.
The Sennheiser IE 200 uses the universal 3.5mm plug for connectivity
The IE line of wired in-ear monitors from Sennheiser maintains impressive consistency across the range, particularly when it comes to design. Everything from the IE 200 to the top-of-the-line IE 900 has the same general design, with the differences apparent only in the colours, textures, and materials used. The IE 200 comes across as looking a bit more plain than the more expensive IE 300, but that isn’t a dealbreaker by any means.
The construction material is the same as on the IE 300 (the actual earpieces are plastic), and weigh the same at 4g each without the cables attached. Usefully, the cables are detachable and replaceable, and the use of the MMCX connector standard means that you can swap in any compatible cable from other brands as well. The included cable has flexible ear hooks and twisted wires that look quite nice, but feel less durable than the solid cables on the IE 300 headset. The connector on the cable is a standard 3.5mm L-shaped stereo plug.
As expected for an audiophile IEM headset, the included cable does not have a microphone. While this type of fit style is usually a bit complicated to wear and take off, I found the Sennheiser IE 200 to be quite easy to handle and comfortable to wear, with a secure, noise-isolating fit.
