The New Sennheiser IE 600 Is Made From Amorphous Zirconium

Germany-based manufacturer Sennheiser isn’t just known for their iconic over-the-ear headphones, but also a slew of production gear and universal fit IEMs. Their latest announcement for that final category is a little earphone called the Sennheiser IE 600. One of the first headphones to utilize ZR01 amorphous zirconium for the housing, the new IEM continues the use of a single dynamic driver along with gold plated MMCX connections to connect listeners to the music.

The Sennheiser IE 600 even includes both a balanced cable and the traditional 3.5mm single ended jack for audiophiles with the proper corresponding source. Single dynamic drivers have been a leading direction for Sennheiser over the years in their IEM lines. You can hear more on the subject of research, history and material choices from long-time Sennheiser product designer Axel Grell in his interview on The Occasional Podcast.

More details from the press release:

EXCEPTIONAL IN EVERY DETAIL
Sennheiser’s new IE 600 breaks new ground for neutral sound reproduction
Wedemark, March 2, 2022 – For sophisticated audiophiles, the tiniest details count. With the new Sennheiser IE 600, a lifetime of listening pleasure starts at an atomic level in the specific materials used to create its ultra-tough earphone housings, while meticulous craftsmanship and tuning ensure an exquisitely natural sound.
Through a patented 3D printing process, the housings of the IE 600 have been crafted from ZR01 amorphous zirconium, a metal with a glass-like atomic structure that gives it triple the hardness and bend resistance of high-performance steel. One of the only other places ZR01 amorphous zirconium is used — besides ultra-high-end products like the IE 600 — is in the aerospace industry, such as in the drilling head of the NASA Mars Rover, where ultimate toughness in extreme conditions is required. Through multiple elaborate treatment processes, a beautiful surface finish is achieved that is extraordinarily resistant against corrosion and scratches. This exceptional resilience ensures the IE 600 can be enjoyed for many years while its distinctive great looks remain undiminished.
The IE 600 also benefits from the meticulous manufacturing process that is the hallmark of Sennheiser’s IE audiophile earphone family. Designed in Germany, they are manufactured at Sonova Consumer Hearing’s state-of-the-art transducer production facilities in Ireland to the very highest standards. One of the most advanced production lines of its type in the world, this manufacturing facility has a singular purpose: to exceed the expectations of audiophiles with the highest manufacturing standards, like industry-leading channel matching. With ultimate protection against corrosion and marks from wear, the IE 600 was designed to keep delivering flawless acoustic — and visual — joy for decades.
“At the audiophile development team, we intently listen to the feedback of our incredibly passionate customers. The IE 600 delivers a neutral reference tuning in combination with our industry-leading miniature transducer technology.” says Jermo Köhnke, Product Manager for Sennheiser Audiophile. “The paradigm-shifting acoustic performance is appropriately clad in highest-performance amorphous zirconium. The IE 600 will be a reference for the most demanding mobile audio enthusiasts.”
Bring your music closer
Just as distinctive is the IE 600’s exceptional sound performance, with an innovative acoustic back volume and precision-molded resonator chambers. This voicing lends a presence and intimacy that brings listeners closer to the music, allowing them to discover new accents and details. The nozzle houses dual resonator chambers that are the key to the earphones’ high- fidelity sound. Precisely formed to tight tolerances, these chambers make even the finest textures of a listener’s music audible by eliminating masking resonances that – in lesser headphones – can obscure higher frequencies.
The IE 600 achieves exceptional, virtually distortion-free reproduction of music thanks to Sennheiser’s TrueResponse transducer, a single 7 mm driver responsible for the extra-wide frequency range and ultra-low distortion of these earphones. Within the IE 600, this system and the acoustic back volume has been tuned for a tonally neutral, intimate and emotional sound. This ensures a true-to-life voicing that is especially expressive for vocal performances. The acoustic system has also been optimized to produce a steep bass slope resulting in a powerful yet fast and accurate low-end response.
A tailored fit
The IE 600 packs big sound into a small, ergonomic package. The gold-plated MMCX connectors are recessed in its housing for greater stability and guidance. They support cable diameters of 4.8 mm and smaller, allowing listeners to plug into a wide range of audio sources as well as hi-fi components with balanced outputs. To allow the choice between para-aramid reinforced unbalanced and balanced cables, both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm sizes are included with the IE 600. Two different styles of earbud tips — silicone and memory foam — provided in three sizes will establish a comfortable seal in any ear, while flexible, adjustable ear hooks further enhance the long-lasting comfort for extended listening sessions.

The Sennheiser IE 600 will be available this Spring/Summer for 699.95 USD (MSRP).

More info: Sennheiser