Sennheiser IE 300 - Reviews - Head-Fi
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- Create date Create date Jan 12, 2021
- Tags Tags iem mmcx
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Loading…- 4.00 star(s)
- Sep 27, 2021
Fit for purpose If you’re familiar with Sennheiser’s design aesthetic you’ll be right at home with the IE 300’s presentation. A simple, sturdy box, with quality printing of a high-resolution image of the IEMs on the cover, complete with Sennheiser’s trademark black-blue colourway. Nothing fancy, and certainly less elaborate than the tray-lined IE 900 presentation box, but more than acceptable for a brand-name product. Aside from the earpieces, Sennheiser supplies a small selection of custom-made silicone and soft foam eartips, a Kevlar-reinforced (para-aramid, according to Sennheiser) single-ended (3.5mm) cable, a Sennheiser-branded cleaning tool, and user manuals in case you need instructions on how to use and clean your IEMs. I must say the loose packaging of the eartips inside a throwaway plastic packet isn’t quite consistent with the rest of the presentation, but the inclusion of a high-quality, fabric-lined Sennheiser-branded carry case more than makes up for it. The IEMs themselves remind me a bit of the classic stippled finish of Sennheiser’s HD600 over-ear headphones, only nicer, with less marbling and a more nuanced texture. The plastic construction feels very sturdy, almost magnesium-like, and the shape and size are almost identical to the IE 900 (though since the IE 300 was released first, you could say the IE 900 follows the IE 300’s blueprint). 
Either way, they’re super small, super light, and super comfy, with the one proviso being that if you found the IE 900 a less-than-perfect fit, you’ll probably find the IE 300 even less so due it its lighter weight. Once the stock cable – with its thick, memory-wire earguides – is attached to the tiny shells, the cable takes over the weight distribution, so that the earguides end up holding the IEMs in place. For me this works very well, as it did with the IE 900, but if you have very big ears, or aren’t used to the lack of ear-filling heft of more typically sized, ear cavity-filling IEMs, then you might struggle with the IE 300’s penchant to ‘disappear’ in your ears. As with any IEM, I advise you spend some time tip-rolling to find the ideal fit (and subsequently ideal sound). If the stock tips aren’t a great fit (they weren’t for me), then it’s very likely you’ll find other tips more suitable. My current favourites with the IE 300 are the Acoustune AET07 (I use M- size for my smallish ear canals), as I find they seal very well, don’t put any added pressure on my canals, and sound better than the stock silicone tips. I didn’t try the included foam tips as I’m not a fan of the foam tip feel, so your mileage may vary if foam is your preference. Also, while the stock tips include a foam insert to prevent wax deposits from falling into the bores, they’re not a must-have acoustically, despite what you might have read in some reviews. The foam attenuates less than 1dB of treble, which is all but inaudible unless you’re super sensitive to treble, of which the IE 300 has plenty (but more on that later). Bottom line, find the tips that fit best and don’t think you have to use the stock tips to maximise performance. Lastly, since I’ve already mentioned the cable, I’ll just add that I find the stock cable to be very high quality, albeit slightly microphonic. Yes, it takes some getting used to (if you’re not used to the feel of memory wire around your ears, especially with ultra-lightweight IEMs), but it’s made very well, and the mmcx connectors are top-notch, if you’ll excuse the pun. If you do plan to try other cables, take note that the IE 300’s mmcx connectors, while standard, are slightly recessed, so not all cables will work. I know that @EffectAudio ConX connectors work perfectly, so if you’re looking for a higher-end cable option, that would be the first place I’d go. 
Sound impressions Before we deep dive into what you can expect to hear, let’s briefly discuss how the IE 300 does what it does. For starters, the IE 300 uses a derivative of the eXtra Wide Band (XWB) 7mm dynamic driver designed by Sennheiser’s André Michaelis more than 16 years ago to achieve the optimal sound profile in IEM form. This is the same driver design used in previous flagship IEMs like the IE 800 and IE 800S, and similar to the one used in the IE 900 as well, with a coherency that’s rarely found in multi-driver IEMs at any price point, let alone this one. But the driver itself is only part of the smart engineering that went into the IE 300’s acoustic design. The driver sits in front of an acoustic back volume, a small ‘space within a space’ that controls the air movement of the diaphragm and helps with tuning the low-end (bass) frequencies, shaping and separating them from the midrange, and reducing resonance from the enclosure. Sennheiser has also engraved a resonator channel into the driver housing that helps attenuate treble frequencies, which purportedly controls errant treble peaks. Spec-wise, the IE 300 is fairly ambitious, quoting a frequency range of 6Hz to 20kHz, 16 Ω impedance, a sensitivity of 124 dB (1 kHz / 1 Vrms), and a THD of < 0,08 % (1 kHz, 94 dB SPL). These are very similar to the IE 900, although the IE 900 extends further with even less distortion. In practice, I find the IE 300 very easy to drive, although it enjoys as much power as you can give it and will respond to beefier amplification, even though it’s not strictly necessary. To gauge how most people will hear the IE 300, I used the stock cable plugged directly into my LG V30+ smartphone, resisting the urge to switch to a balanced cable and play it off my high-end DAP. While I’ve made some notes of how the sound changes and/or improves with better source gear, keep this in mind as you read my impressions below. I also used a combination of locally-stored FLAC files (both Redbook and Hi-Res), and on occasion, Tidal streaming via UAPP. 
Tonality The IE 300 is not your typical V-shaped IEM, even though bass and treble are emphasised in almost equal measure. I don’t hear vocals as particularly recessed, especially male vocals, though they’re definitely not elevated like they tend to be on many Eastern-tuned IEMs. As such, I’d class the IE 300’s tonal shape as more steep U than pure V, with a warm, pleasant timbre that lends itself to a fairly smooth, though still quite lively listen across most music genres. Bass presence is generally full and warm, with a more-or-less equal emphasis on sub and midbass, but a notable midbass lift that adds extra warmth to most music. Lorde’s Royals kicks off with some bombastic bass drums that punch fairly hard but lack the rumble of more sub-bass-leaning IEMs. Similarly, the bass drop that kicks off James Gillespie’s What You Do isn’t quite as potent as I’ve heard it with some bass-first IEMs, but is still full, warm and resonant, if not overly punchy. There’s some looseness in the IE 300’s bass that actually works in its favour with certain music. On Billie Eilish’s NDA, for example, the looser bass gives the track a cushioned feel that makes it a more laid-back listen than I’m used to. It’s not loose to the point where it loses shape or becomes muddy, but it’s definitely not as tight or textured as more refined IEMs, IE 900 being a good example. It’s probably not the most resolving bass I’ve heard in an IEM, the bass plucks of Feist’s Tout Doucement coming off as one-noteish and a touch bloomy, but again, only by comparison. This is still very high-quality bass, especially for an IEM at this price point. 
Midrange is a mixed bag in that vocals, while not recessed, aren’t particularly forward either, and the less-than high-end resolution in the mids makes some vocals on busier tracks – where bass and/or string instruments dominate – harder to hear than they should otherwise be. Brandi Carlile’s husky-sweet voice on The Storymostly manages to come across intact, but around the one-minute mark, the instrument melee tends to dominate slightly. Paul Simon crooning over Bernadette, on the other hand, comes across clearly, with a very accurate representation of his familiar tone. Instrument fundamentals in the midrange generally have a very natural, life-like timbre, as you’d expect from the tuning experts at Sennheiser. Guitar strings and piano strikes are probably more influenced by the bass lift than any residual treble peakiness, of which there is very little. Annelie’s rendition of Tomorrow, from her solo piano masterpiece Hetrz, showcases the rich, smoky overtones of the sustain pedal rather than the brighter key strikes, and while Joe ‘Satch’ Satriani’s guitar riffs in Always With Me, Always With You are clear and crunchy, they’re also nicely rounded with a slightly warmer edge. Treble is definitely right up there when it comes to emphasis, but not to the point where I’d consider it overly bright. Lower treble rises up and above the mids, but doesn’t add excessive sibilance to poorly-recorded vocals. The shakers and snare drums in Def Leppard’s Love Bites have plenty of bite in them, giving the track a sheen that straddles the harshness line but never fully crosses it. That said, you do hear the brighter instruments more so than anything else on that track, which adds to my impression of the IE 300’s overall liveliness. Jethro Tull’s instrumental intro to The Waking Edge is interspersed with brighter chimes and guitar plucks that shine, but not obtrusively so, with the IE 300. In each case, the bass tones serve to balance out any hardness in the treble, though not completely, if you know what I mean. Where I feel the IE 300 lacks, by comparison, to higher-end (and higher-priced) IEMs, is in its absolute resolving ability, which gives the treble some of the hardness I speak of. More resolution usually helps to smooth out the gradation of treble notes, and while the IE 300’s resonator likely catches the hardest of these imperfections, the triple resonator in the IE 900 does a much better job, again only by comparison. There’s also some faint grain in some vocals, and a hint of sibilance in higher-register female vocals, but these issuesare both more prevalent in poor recordings. 
Technicalities While I wasn’t expecting top-shelf technical ability for $300, the IE 300 doesn’t skimp on technicalities either. Soundstage, for example, is neither out-of-my-head wide or inside-my-head intimate, finding a happy ground somewhere in-between the two. Yosi Horikawa’s Bubbles don’t feel like they’re all dropping on top of each other, with some even edging just beyond the imaginary borders of my ears. The IE 300 also displays reasonable depth with this track, so the effects aren’t entirely one-dimensional. I’d say the IE 300 has very natural, life-like staging, with the bass in particular given space to reverberate around the room, creating a good sense of space with most tracks. Imaging, layering and separation are also fairly good, and very good for such a modestly-priced IEM. The female vocals and male backing vocals on Whitehorse’s Dear Irony are realistically placed dead centre and just left of centre respectively, and also layered ever so slightly apart. Instrument separation is particularly impressive on this track, which is not an easy feat for any IEM to pull off, let alone a so-called ‘entry-level’ IEM. 
Detail and resolution, on the whole, is average. This is not necessarily a bad thing either. Where technical acuity isn’t quite up to top-of-the-line standards, a slightly less resolving IEM papers over more cracks than it exposes. This makes the IE 300 equally suited to playing less-than-perfect pop recordings like Dido’s No Angel as it is masterfully recorded productions like Rebecca Pidgeon’s Spanish Harlem. That said, the IE 300 has excellent clarity regardless of genre, and I’m yet to hear any veil or muddiness in its sound. Dynamic range is also very decent, impressive even, with the IE 300 able to articulate subtle nuances and sudden bursts of volume in equal measure. When Hans Zimmer’s Mountains bursts into life at the 2-minute mark, the emotion communicated through the crescendo is palpable, while all the subtle details and effects in and around the main strings and piano strikes are clean and clear. Likewise, I was impressed by how the build-up to Max Richter’s Winter 1 wasn’t totally obscured, with subtle cues in the opening string instruments loud enough to enjoy, even at lower volume. Overall the technical performance of the IE 300 was better than expected but not quite as advanced as what I’d want (and get) from a high-end IEM like the IE 900. Where this shows up most is on the ‘edges’ of tracks I know well, where minor details are missed (or obscured), or transitions aren’t quite as smooth or refined as I know them to be. For most intents and purposes, however, these deficiencies won’t be picked up by the majority of listeners, particularly more casual listeners who rely mainly on streaming services for their music delivery. 
Select comparisons Sennheiser IE 900. I’ve seen and read so many reviews that question the value of the IE 900 because, and I paraphrase, it’s only a subtle improvement over the IE 300 for far more money. Well, I’m here to tell you that as nice as it might be to think you can get almost the same quality of sound for less than a quarter of the price, in the case of the IE 300 and IE 900, that’s simply not the case. If you’ve read my review to this point, you’ll already know I think quite highly of the IE 300. The technology, the design, the fit, are all at a very high level, much more so than the asking price suggests. The sound, too, is really very good, better than most $300 IEMs I’ve heard, and by some margin too. But the IE 900, well, it’s in a different class altogether. Yes, some sound ‘improvements’ are more subtle than others, but on the whole, comparing like-for-like (same cable, same source, same files), the IE 900 represents a significant upgrade in every audible facet, most notably in technical performance. While they may share many tonal similarities, the IE 900 is further refined, and despite their FR graphs looking very similar, the two IEMs sound more different than the squiggly lines suggest. 
For example, the IE 900’s greater bass impact is apparent in the opening salvo of Missincat’s Piu Vicino, where the drums hit harder, deeper, faster and with more weight and texture than they do with the IE 300. This track also clearly shows the larger virtual space the IE 900 creates, and the markedly increased resolution and separation which makes subtle background sounds and effects much easier to hear. Vocals are also quite a bit smoother on the IE 900, with the IE 300 adding a touch of sibilance that’s completely absent with its bigger brother. Lastly, the dynamic swing is larger on the IE 900, with softer sounds remaining soft, louder sounds hitting a higher crescendo, and the overall character of the music becoming more dynamic as a result. Switching to one of my favourite EDM tracks, Armin van Buuren’s Intense collab with Miri Ben-Ari, and the flatter stage of the IE 300 is immediately noticeable, with less space for the notes to decay. Miri’s intro violins have a harder edge to them on the IE 300, not nearly as nuanced as they sound with the IE 900, and as new sounds and effects are added, they tend to overlap with each other far more with the IE 300 than they do with the IE 900. The smaller space also lends less room for the bass drop rumble, which is less distinct and shorter than it is with the IE 900. Similar comparisons can be made between the two IEMs when listening to the beautifully instrumental Trottoby Angels of Venice, a track I use to highlight the realism that’s possible to achieve with simple (indeed mediaeval) instruments. Once again, stage size is larger and more holographic with the IE 900, flatter and more one-dimensional with the IE 300. But the biggest difference is the ability to distinguish subtle nuances in the playback of each instrument: the drums, whistles, flutes and bells, each in their own space. The IE 900 conveys a much richer and more life-like sense of the surface texture and size of each instrument, especially when they strike together. To use an analogy, this track shows better than most the difference between the 720P of the IE 300 and the 4K of the IE 900, not only in resolution but also in richness, contrast, and dynamic range. All that said, is it even fair to compare the two siblings, given the $1000-plus price difference between them? Of course not, but also yes at the same time. Whether or not the quality difference of IE 900 is worth the extra money is a very personal choice, especially since the IE 300 is, despite the stark comparisons I made above, a very capable performer. It easily stands up against IEMs that cost more, and I can’t think of any IEMs that I prefer that cost less. But to say the IE 900 is an incremental upgrade is false economy at best, downright inaccurate at most. That doesn’t mean everyone will get the same benefit from the upgrade, or even prefer it. Listen to compressed, lossy or poorly recorded music, and you might actually be better off with the less resolving IE 300. And of course, the IE 300 represents much better value if you’re not inclined to invest four figures in an IEM. So while the argument for and against can be made either way, the truth remains that sound-wise, the IE 900 will scale higher, sound better, and deliver a much more technically astute and tonally refined performance. 
Sony WF-1000XM4. Here’s another one you might think is an apples versus oranges comparison. But look closer and you’ll start to see the similarities and overlaps. Both IEMs retail at around the $300 mark, and while their technologies differ (the Sony obviously being a self-contained, true wireless Bluetooth IEM), they’re really aiming for the same market: audio-loving consumers who want the best sound quality at an accessible price, with maximum mobility thrown into the bargain. It’s true that the IE 300 will sound slightly different depending on the source – be it a smartphone, computer, DAP or desktop sound system – and that the Sony should essentially remain consistent because all of its amplification and sound smarts are internal. But given the same playback device (in my example, an LG smartphone), and it becomes more a case of which sound signature you prefer, and how many features you need from your IEMs. It’s stating the obvious, but the IE 300 can’t compete with the Sony feature-for-feature. There’s no active noise cancellation, no built-in bone conduction microphones for calls, no inline volume and playback controls, no water resistance, no ambient or speak-to-chat functionality. So if all of these features are essential to you, stop reading right here and buy the Sony. But if you can live with having most of those features in the phone itself and focus purely on sound quality for music playback, the choice becomes much harder. Normally I’d say the IE 300, as a wired IEM, is a shoe-in for sound quality. But true wireless technology has advanced to the point where IEMs like the Sony XM4 are quickly catching up to their wired counterparts, especially if listening is going to be less critical and more casual, like during the workday, for example. Arooj Aftab’s gorgeous rendition of Baghon Main catches almost all the subtlety of the music and pristine vocals with the XM4, but even though the IE 300 sharpens the focus somewhat, I don’t feel like I’m missing anything, and indeed the Sony is probably the smoother of the two when I change focus from the music to writing this review. With its easy transitions from bass to mids, and a slightly rolled treble, the Sony is both warmer and softer, but no less engaging and entertaining than the IE 300 with this and similar music. The IE 300 pulls away when it comes to pure detail retrieval, where its higher resolution compared to the Sony is telling on tracks like Rosie Thomas’s Why Waste More Time. I’ll tell you why, because switch sources from a smartphone to a dedicated DAP, and the IE 300 benefits from the jump in source performance, whereas the Sony sounds exactly the same. If you know you’re going to use a higher-end source, even a basic external audio dongle, chances are the IE 300 will reward you with a jump in sound quality above what the Sony can offer, despite its obviously excellent audio hardware. Today the choice between the Sony and Sennheiser comes down to convenience versus quality, but I can see a time in the not-too-distant future where wireless technology will evolve to the point where wired IEMs don’t make much sense below a certain price point, for music lovers and purists anyway. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re not as far away as I used to think we were. 
Closing thoughts Sennheiser’s IE 300 wasn’t exactly what I expected it to be coming into this review. Everything I’d heard about it to that point was prefaced on it being the ‘baby brother’ of the more mature IE 900, but aside from the name and obvious family resemblance, I don’t think the IE 300 really lives in the same city, let alone neighbourhood. None of this is a slight on the IE 300. As an IEM designed to bring home some of Sennheiser’s trademark sound at a price point favoured by more casual consumers, it delivers much more than that. Not only does it take its design cues from on-stage IEMs, with its fold-over, over-ear aesthetic, but the driver and technology inside the shell also have a storied history of innovation and manufacturing precision. The IE 300 has an easy-going sound that’s neither too laid back nor overly intense. It’s a warm sound balanced by sparkling treble that, on occasion, gets close to my tolerance for zinginess, but somehow always seems to play nice with just about any music I’m in the mood for. I like how Sennheiser has managed to produce a beefy IEM with plenty of bass that doesn’t sound too bassy, and one with plenty of treble that doesn’t sound harsh or strident. Best of all, vocals are generally really well done, sounding clean, clear and natural, with only minor issues borne mostly out of poor recordings rather than poor performance. Of course, the IE 300 isn’t going to win any technical awards, with its average resolving power (compared to higher-end IEMs anyway) and moderate stage size, but neither is it dull or cramped, and there’s more than enough detail to satisfy all but the most ardent listener. It’s also very well made, and assuming you find it as comfortable as I do, it can easily be worn for longer listening sessions throughout the day. 
So who is this IEM for? Anyone who’s new to IEMs and wants maximum sound quality from a trusted brand for starters. Also, anyone who needs a small, light, easily-carried IEM with stellar sound quality for commutes, shift work, and light exercise will find much to like in the IE 300. And if you’re someone who’s had your fill of Eastern-tuned IEMs and want to hear Sennheiser’s take on a fun-reference tuning, the IE 300 could be just the ticket. It has a big sound that’s immediately impressive, is easily driven from any source, comes with top-grade accessories, and carries a two-year worldwide warranty, so while some corners were necessarily cut to make it all work (it’s made in China rather than Germany, for example), you’re still getting far more than it says on the tin. In fact, at the current retail price of $249, I believe the Sennheiser IE 300 to be one of the best-value IEMs regardless of price, and exceptionally competitive for what it offers in its price range. Last edited: Jun 13, 2022 
GRIFONE1973 Beautiful review congratulations! I love my Sennhy Ie900, but curious about this point to try the little sisters as well 
N Ninja Theory Really well written review! Thanks for this @gLer - I don't need an IEM and you've somehow managed to peak my interest 
capetownwatches Every time I read one of his reviews I feel the same way! 
I have little interest in mobile gear and own 1 set of (cough) "cost effective" KZ IEMs. I'll always take the time to read a gLer review however - top class. - 4.50 star(s)
- Jul 7, 2021
ShreyasMax Hello! A review and sound comparison with IE80S would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance! ShreyasMax @Sennheiser - It would be nice if a demo or listening session at any place can be arranged locally as I’m looking to purchase the IE300. Sennheiser has been the brand that got me into high fidelity headphone audio in the first place more than a decade ago. Unfortunately there are practically no outlets (to my knowledge) here in my hometown of Calicut, Kerala, or even in the entire country (In Delhi & Mumbai combined I’ve found probably less than five) that let customers demo higher-end Sennheiser headphones before buying. I am keen to try out and compare both the IE80S and the newer IE300, hopefully before buying. Here‘s hoping for a positive response from your end. Thanks in advance, Cheers! 
OceanPoet And I thought my musical tastes were eclectic. Great review! - 4.50 star(s)
- Jul 4, 2021
Disclaimer: I have received as part of review circle sent from the brand itself in exchange of honest reviews. All impressions of sound are subjective to my own listening and my sources and is based on my experience with IEMs of similar hardware configurations and price range. Sources: For this review the unit has been paired to A&K SE100 (ES9038 Pro) and Shanling M6 (AK4495EQ) without any other amplification on portable setup. And, it has also been paired to Schiit Vali2+Mutibit Stack in terms of desktop setups which I personally enjoyed more on this IEM 
Highs: The Highs are very well implemented, the frequency response is clean, transparent and full of energy giving a very musical experience. The upper treble extension is very good and not at all sibilant or peaky. The lower treble has bit peaks although and at times feels quite thin. This can easily be experienced while listening to Guns N' Roses - "November Rain" where all the instruments come up with nice crisp micro detailing and a very immersive experience thanks to the good imaging capabilities, the electric guitars, flutes, violins, upper notes of piano, rest all bells and whistles made it a very amazing experience with lot of chills at various parts of the track. Never at any point of time it became sibilant or piercing. Mids: There is a lush and warmth in the mid region. Instruments like saxophones, violins and cellos sound very deep and lush and has a nice body to the notes. Lower mids have some warmth in them and has a presence factor carried by bass impact as a result the male vocals have a very nice thick presentation with an soothing warmth in them. Listening to Eric Clapton singing "Wonderful Tonight" had a similar impact and was very much enjoyable. Coming to upper mids the story changes drastically, the notes turn drastically towards bright signature. The upper mids becomes bit leaner and sharper giving an impact of increased sharpness in the overall signature. Although the musicality here loses its charm but added brightness makes things more vivid and transparent which is not a bad thing if one enjoys that kind of signature. So if one is listening to Rebecca Pidgeon in "Spanish Harlem" the presentation becomes very much vivid and open, and the vocals sound bit angelic at times. 
Lows: The bass is the area where IE300 shines the most. Its robust, deep and huge and instantly sets you up in a groovy mood. The decay is slow with quite thick notes makes it a very pleasurable experience. The sub-bass production is way more refined then most of the IEMs in this price range; it was full of texture and the rumbles just feels awesome. Mid-bass does follow the same lead, with a nice texture representation and a thick slow decay punch. The V-shaped signature complimented this bass response very nicely. Although the bass is extensive still at any point of time is feels getting out of control nor fatiguing but created an overall musical experience one craves for. I have tested this more on bass-oriented tracks and it didn’t fail even for a single time to give me a wow factor by initiating an instant groove from its punchy bass response and sets up an instant dance mood where in no time I feel my hands up in the air. The hip hop and gangsta music sounded outstanding over it. Listening to “Bass Rani” album by Nucleya was such an awesome experience - what a rumble on all the bass drops, it was entirely fun listening to each track. Similar experience was there while listening to “KVSH -Tokiyo drift remix” – The Presentation of bass response was outstanding and the feel one has while anticipating for the drop was damn amazing. it didn’t lose the wow factor; not even for a single drop. Technicalities: IE300 has a very good depth in it and very good imaging capabilities; Although as a result of which the soundstage suffers a bit giving an average width and quite decent height. Listening to Bassnectar – Reaching Out and Dream Catcher has similar impacts with very good bass response, imaging and instrument separation but fails to give a holographic presentation but the overall tonality and presentation is amazing that hit on the soundstage doesn't even come to notice if not listened critically. Again coming back to Guns N' Roses - November Rain, it was an amazingly enjoyable experience with all the depth, micro detailing and the overall intimate tonality that it doesn't fail to give me the goosebumps and chills. 
Final Verdict: Ie300 has a very well-tuned V-shape sound with mild elevation in bass and treble. The bass has good texture and has full authority both in quality and quantity. The treble is also very clear and detailed but not fatiguing at all. The mids on the other hand are bit recessed. The layering and separation is very good and scales with the sources. The overall presentation and tonality is natural and intimate. In terms of soundstage it has very good depth and imaging with average height. It has a very small footprint and is extremely comfortable to wear with musical nature makes it an extremely enjoyable IEM in this price range. Last edited: Jul 4, 2021 
Evshrug Nice review! Love all the song references and listening notes, I think they back up your conclusion pretty well. 
abheybir @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2: sure will try that out someday, frankly speaking I have not listened to it! By the way what do you like more about ie100 pro? abheybir @Evshrug : Thank you for your kind words, I am glad you find the review helpful and were able to connect with it!! - 4.00 star(s)
- Jun 7, 2021
Disclaimer: The unit has been sent to me from Sennheiser India as a part of a review circle. I am not working or affiliated to Sennheiser and I am not being paid or influenced otherwise to say anything positive or negative about this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Note: Please note that my opinions and ratings are based on price, category, market competition and personal expectations and are subjective in nature. Build Quality and comfort The retail box looks good, it comes with a set of silicon and foam tips, a cleaning tool, a carry case and the IEM with the cable. The build quality is excellent for the IE300. The shells are beautifully finished, small and very lightweight. They sit comfortably in the ear and doesn’t cause any fatigue. The earguides on the cable are something I am not a fan of, they don’t sit well on the ear. The cable however is decent and is flexible, the build is decent and looks like will offer good durability. Score: 9/10 
Sound Impressions: IE300 sound signature is V shaped, with mildly elevated lows and highs, recessed mids. The lows have good texture and good impact. They don’t bleed into the mids. Mids are recessed on the IE300. They also lack clarity and are unappealing in nature. The treble is detailed with mild peaks in the lower treble region. There’s energy in the treble region which does bring out an exciting sound signature. However I feel treble could have bit more extension and air. Soundstage is good on the IE300, it has good width and depth. Layering and separation is good too. I didn’t notice any congestion on any track, instruments can be distinctly identified and can be located across the space. Score: 8/10 Drivability and source matching I have used Cayin N6ii with A01 module. IE300 is pretty easy to drive, it can be driven off phone but I would suggest using atleast a dongle or a player for best experience. Tonality wise it may sound a little bright on some tracks, so smooth warm sources will pair well the IE300. 
Conclusion Sennheiser’s IE300 is one of the most comfortable IEM I have ever reviewed. Its so lightweight and sits comfortability in ear, one would just forget about it and can just enjoy the sound. The tonality is more on the commercial side and most people will enjoy the IE300’s V shaped fun sound signature. Along with that the beautiful build and Sennheiser’s brand name are good enough reasons for audio enthusiasts to try the IE300. 
- 3.50 star(s)
- Jun 5, 2021
Features: - German-made 7mm TrueResponse transducer – for natural balanced sound
- Resonator chamber to remove masking resonances
- Newly developed membrane foil for minimized natural resonances
- Para-aramid reinforced cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors and a 3.5mm plug
- Adjustable flexible ear hooks and a choice of ear adapters incl. memory foam
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Frequency response: 6 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.08 % (1 kHz, 94 dB)
Build and Fit: This was the first aspect of IE300 that got me really interested in them. The form factor is pretty unique and small, extremely comfortable, snug fitting inside the ears. I haven’t used a more comfortable iem before. It just disappears inside the ears. Props to Sennheiser for that. Although the build is hard plastic, the quality inspires confidence. The matte finish surface and colour is also very unique. The nozzle is pretty shallow, hence I had to use L tips from the stock tips, but not for long. \ 
Source: Laptop+UP4 in USB-DAC Phone+UP4 
Sound: Initially, when I put on the stock tips and started using it, I instantly hated it. It was all about bass and sharp treble, mids are scooped out, too far away. The sound signature was sharp V, trying to sweep the listener off his/her feet by powerful bass and stabbing him/her mid-air with spiky treble. Enchanting with mids seemed like an alien concept to Sennheiser. I tried it a few times, and finally, getting irritated, I swapped the eartips with BGVP E01 tips. And suddenly, it wasn’t sounding so bad any more! Really, Sennheiser, what’s the point of putting such shackles on an otherwise not bad iem? Beats me, totally. 
Low: This is IE300’s strongest suit. It has the most emphasis among the rest of the spectrum, and my god does it reach deep! I haven't had such a subwoofer like experience in quite a long while! Very deep, very strong, and substantially voluminous bass literally hits you like a truck and makes you go WOW! Subbass has a very strong emphasis here, and reaches sufficiently deep. Sennheiser has successfully managed to produce a substantially physical subbass out of these tiny 7 mm DD (Looking at you, Unique Melody, ahem ahem). The slow decay enhances the feeling ever so more. Textures are reproduced with thick notes and strong presence. Midbass has a similarly thick and substantial punch. Textures are produced a bit cleanly, but still have thickness in the notes. In music with above average bass, it clearly takes dominance but does not smother other frequencies. There’s an almost guilty pleasure to its warm, thick, strong, big, and bold bass, which also surprisingly has a faint sense of control. Even though the bassline takes the front stage, it never goes out of control to the realm of discomfort. Steven Wilson - Pariah has a beautiful bassline towards the end of the track that sounds quite full-bodied and textured and absolutely snatches your attention while it’s in play. Listening to Metallica - The Four Horsemen, the fast kickdrum surprisingly grabs your focus here, which on other iems almost always sits alongside the vocals and other instruments. Kickdrum loses a bit of its speed here in exchange for a thicker body and frontal presence. In The Dark Knight - Why So Serious, from 03:25, the subbass rumble gets very physical here. I could almost feel it in the atmosphere outside my head. The feeling was something special indeed. Battlestar Galactica Season 2 OST - Prelude To War has big drums that fill up the stage nicely when they come in to play. These almost have an atmospheric effect as well. 
Mids: “Not Impressed.” Yeah that’s what came to my mind. Mids are at the bottom of the V. Lower mids have the obvious warmth carried forward from the bass. Notes are on the thicker side, but not smeared. Cellos sound sufficiently heavy and even violin notes have good body. Male vocals have a very addictive warmth and weight that sounds extremely pleasing. Textures are produced well, but the thickness may prove to be a slight hindrance. But the main caveat is: all of them come from a distance, which compromises the engagement factor. However, in spite of the warm lower mids, snare notes were not thick and dull, rather had enough crispness. This was a pleasant surprise. Battlestar Galactica Season 2 OST - Prelude To War has an abundant amount of cello which play with thick and deep notes, whereas the snares sound crisp, although significantly back in the mix. Leonard Cohen’s voice in Hallelujah is absolutely captivating with its weighty notes and emotional presence. Upper mids are another story. Strangely, the warmth isn’t carried forward any more, and the upper mids are bright! Recessed, but notes are on the leaner and sharper side. While it enhances the perception of clarity to a noticeable extent, sometimes it feels out of balance with the rest of the spectrum. Female vocals and electric guitars have their sharpness enhanced. Rhythm guitar sounds transparent but notes lacks their musicality. In short - musicality is definitely compromised here in favour of transparency. In Silversun Pickups - The Royal We the electric guitars sound quite harsh and uncomfortable. The vocals are thin in general and can become sharp on occasions. Metallica - The Four Horsemen has thin vocals again, which sound coming from a distance, although textures are well reproduced. Rhythm guitars sound more precise and less musical. Yao Si Ting’s voice in Scarborough Fair has quite a lot of energy along with sharpness. There is an abundant amount of sizzle in her voice in this track which are emphasised in IE300, making her voice piercing on occasions. 
High: The high energy and thin notes are carried forward into the highs from upper mids, and in general they do not contribute to a very musical experience. The highs are quite airy, and have good extension. Lower treble region is relatively more pronounced. Minute details are brought out clearly. The tonality is slightly cold here. And it kind of sounds off-balance. And this was my biggest gripe. While I understand the treble emphasis was required to balance the intense bass and add some clarity, it was done in a very...flamboyant way. I would have expected a bit more finesse from an eminent brand like Sennheiser. Upper treble extends nicely and I never had a feeling of missing anything there. Treble sparkles are presented clearly. It will be a very nice experience for treble-lovers; however, on tracks with sharp treble, highs can get piercing very easily. The biggest victims here are the cymbal crashes, which, depending on track, can either add to the sparkle or put a pin through your eardrums. Even though the highs are quite airy, detailed, and are not coarse, they still are a bit flamboyant, and the thinner notes which contribute to the extra clarity also fail to portray an image of realism. Metallica - The Four Horsemen has some really intense treble, and those are brought to the front effortlessly. But, the cymbal crashes sound thin and piercing, and slightly off-balance. The same happens with Steven Wilson - Pariah. While the background high notes portray a beautiful airy atmosphere, the cymbal crashes again sound piercing and uncomfortable. Technicalities: IE300 portrays a soundstage that has quite good depth, good height, but width was average at best. Hence, it was kind of a tunnel-like stage, which fails to envelop you, but also does not sound congested. Separation between different instruments was quite good - nothing overlapped. However, imaging was impacted negatively due to the less width of the stage. Not bad, but nothing notable either. Comparison: Vs. Unique Melody 3DT - The only upper hand IE300 had over 3DT is the bass. 3DT sounds seriously bass light in the face of IE300. However, that’s where the superiority ends. 3DT has a much cleaner and brighter presentation of mids, however, still sounds very much mature so that no grains or uneven notes are detected. Highs of 3DT are also bright, but has more warmth, the notes have better body, and more realistic presence. 3DT sounds just much more balanced overall. Also, 3DT has a much more wide soundstage that exhibits superior imaging and a more engaging experience. Conclusion: Yeah, it is quite evident that I wasn’t exactly thrilled at the performance of IE300. While it really had an excellent bass, mids were too much recessed and highs were too much emphasised. It genuinely felt like Sennheiser was aiming for a crowd pleasing iem. Although I haven’t heard any other Sennheiser audiophile grade iem so I am not sure if it is their house sound. But all I could understand was the driver had tremendous potential, which were tapped unused in the current tuning. If the bass was a tad bit less, mids were a tad bit forward, and highs were given slightly less emphasis with slightly more body - it could have been an outright winner. Because in this price range, there are other popular and noteworthy contenders which far outclasses IE300, and that’s a shame. - 3.50 star(s)
- May 27, 2021
It comes in a decent phone like package which slides out slowly like an ice cream melting from the cone YUMMY. Inside we find the Iems in their bed waiting to be awoken and a cable attached to them slowly receding into another box. Inside the other box, oh my , 
- There’s a Hard-shell case ( fabricated on top ) and damn looks and feels great (more on it later)
- Few paper work
- The Cable terminating into a rather uninspiring 3.5mm right angled connector . Then, I wondered where did the tips go haha, on opening the hard-shell case, lo and behold, I see
- Small semi opaque paper bag (Environment conscious Sennheiser NICE) containing three SML sizes silicon tips and three SML sizes Foam tips
- An iem cleaning tool.
Now coming on to the accessories- - The three silicon Tips SML sizes are soft and comfortable and somehow have a foam inside them . Now I did not find a seal at all with those silicon tips( I am an M size guy mostly but not even L gave me a good seal but it was super comfy) , but the seal is subjective so have your own pick of tips.
- The three foam tips SML sizes are a whole different story, these are one of the best foam tips I have ever seen , super comfy , easily comes back to its original state and gave a perfect seal . But they also had a foam inside them , which leads me to think Sennheiser did some extra tuning with these foam inserts added. Hope you can see the foam inside in the pic
- The earphone cleaning tool seemed nicely built of plastic and looked great.
- The Hard-shell case is really tough , can really take a beating and protect the iems even if its the END OF WORLD scenario and its small enough to fit my stingy formal wear pocket (Blackberry clothes company are stingy with their formal wear pocket sizes
) which means it will fit everyone (water might leak into it though and I did not want to test that , for obvious reasons).
BUILD OF THE IEMS AND THE CABLE 1) Cable- The terminations- 1)It’s a gold plated, right angled 3.5mm connector on the source side. Now paying 299 bucks for this, at least an option should be provided for 4.4mm or something else and the plastic build of the connector doesn’t inspire much confidence into the longevity of the connector. The impact though won’t be much in the daily life of an audiophile but it might not last long..2)Recessed MMCX connectors on the iem side. Now these are solid, yet very easy to remove and reattach too. They inspire a good deal of confidence and hopefully they will last a long time. But being recessed none of my mmcx cables work with this which is a bummer as I can’t cable roll and you have to buy this specific cable for the iem otherwise it won’t work unless your 3rd party cable makers make it.3)The cable itself- can’t say its thick but its not bad either given the fact I don’t know how many cores it has but it feels great. It is light weight and completely covered in plastic or some kind of elastic material making it super flexible and easy to use. The T connector is quite big and shaped like a rocket per se (ELONS INFLUENCE haha… JK) and then goes into to form a long ear hook. These ear hooks are made of thick plastic and retain shape once you wear the iem and press onto the hooks. I am not a fan of ear hooks but this is comfy so its a okay in my book. But the earhooks give a constant reminder that its there which is not felt with the iem . The cable slider is really good though , its smoooth and yet retains the place where it is left. The cable is microphonic though a tiny bit. 2) IEM- now the iem is made out of plastic but wow Sennheiser even with their plastic built feels so solid that I could run a jeep on it easily and it would survive (please don’t do that LOL). But somehow with this shape Sennheiser has cracked the code of comfort, it just vanishes once its inside the ear. This is by far the most comfortable iem I have ever tested period. I love the black colour and few sprinkles of multiple colours dots, this makes it really beautiful.. 
NOTE- 1) My testing equipment- N6ii with T01 module, BTR5 and LG G8x on the portable side Topping D50 and topping A30s (modded with burson v5i) on desktop side. 2) Ear tips used - Since the stock ear tips did not give me a good fit and they had foam in them (somehow which made the iems too much bassy and less wider) , I changed to BGVP E01 tips and Azla Sedna Xelastic tips. 3) These are my subjective opinions so your mileage may vary. POWAHHH REQUIREMENT 
- This having a sensitivity of 124db and impedance of 16ohm , even my LG g8x was enough but I did run it through N6ii for most of my review and then with my desktop stack again to see if any changes comes, it didn’t so this is a easily drivable iem. Pick your source weapon haha !! Let’s jump on to the sound analysis- 1) OVERALL SOUND SIGNATURE- With stock eartips- Its a V shaped FUN and WARM sound signature. With the stock tips its a V shaped signature with mids being too recessed for my preference and too much mid bass which seemed artificially enhanced and the timbre was a little off and also the Treble seemed artificial. Tonality wise it accurate like a kingfisher. With AZLA Sedna Xelastic / BGVP E01 tips- The mids come back to life , not too far away now and the vocals have regained a sense of energy unlike the stock tips where they felt a little mean and dry in comparison. The midbass becomes more controlled and treble seems less artificial now. The Iem becomes wider with these tips but this is very minute, no changes I could hear in depth or height of the soundstage. 2) BASS AND SUBBASS- Nycteris- Hans Zimmer And James Newton Howard- From 0.32min you really hear what the subbass is like if you have a home speaker setup with a subwoofer. This iem didn’t disappoint, I felt the rumble in my ear and that was really satisfying. It had the texture and depth to make it reach your soul. It also had good reach and had a shelf that didn’t go into the other bass segment and kept the whole spectrum clean. The only thing, I missed in this subbass is the decay which I felt is a little too fast and needs to prolong more for much more effect. Los Angeles- BLINK-182- The drums were my representation for bass here. The bass is really well done , its dynamic, thumping and has that DD feel but it seemed a bit overdone. There was many instances where I felt like that’s too much bass and it felt like it’s been artificially enhanced. Bass shelf is good so it doesn’t enter the mids (which I found in some tracks with stock tips). The decay is absolutely fine though, a little slower decay would have added a good realistic feel to the hits but then that’s my personal preference. 3) VOCALS and MIDS- FEMALE VOCALS-Tonight Tonight- Celestee & Skyfall - Adele - The vocals here are really good, I did not feel any sibilance at all with them. They were taught, had the same thickness from beginning to ending of the note and were neither lean nor lush but balanced. They had wonderful texture with her sometimes throat sounds coming up at the end of her breath is also felt. The only thing I missed is the energy, I felt the vocals lacked a bit of energy but then again, it’s all personal preference here and it’s a V shaped IEM so it’s to be expected. MIDS- These are a different thing. The lower mids are good not great. They have faster decay but enough travel to make them feel real life notes. Dynamics are really good, they aren't thick or lush but balanced like the vocals. The starting edges of the notes are really nicely defined (in both Piano and Guitars) but the ending of the notes gets mixed a bit or rather I thought so, giving more focus on them makes the differentiation pronounced (my brain works wonders I guess LOL). MALE VOCALS- Fireflies- Owl City- The male vocals are really where they make me feel like yeah this isn’t a dark iem, it somehow brings them to more emotional level than the female vocals. They are well textured, have the weight of his voice (Use Frank Sinatra any song here) and feels brilliantly expressed. This still needs a little more energy here but given the upper mids and treble are nicely presented, you kinda ignore the flaw and go with the flow of music. 3) TREBLE- Champions - James Blunt, At Dooms Gate- MIKE GORDON and DO IT AGAIN- STEELY DAN- These iems have somehow a better definition in treble range, the instruments are easily seen/ felt different from others. They aren’t bright per se but do have that energy that makes you wanna enjoy it. Its smooth for sure and really more transparent. It has better dynamics here too. It’s not metallic in nature but seems like a little artificially enhanced a bit mostly the hihats and the trumpets is where I felt this more. 4)SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING-The soundstage is neither wide nor tall but given the depth, it makes you feel a spacious presentation. Imaging also helps in this regard and given the great transparency of this iem , it is really good in busier tracks like Fever- Bullet for my Valentine. The treble resolution is good but still not great. SUMMARY- This is a really good iem , Sennheiser hit the ball out of park with the comfort of this iem. The sound signature is not that different from typical Sennheiser brand but with a lot of warmth added in the lower end and mids pushed a little further back than HD6 series (depends on what tips you use imo). This is a great fun warm iem where you can enjoy music for hours but for critical / analytical listening its okay but there are better options. Sennheiser has now cracked the code for best comfort in a iem now they need to adjust the tuning more and they have a GEM sitting right Infront of them. 
Last edited: May 27, 2021 Evshrug 
Nice review, and I really liked that you included song tracks to illustrate your points. Speaking of illustration, I have to admit I found your colored lighting really fun in your photos... and isn’t fun what this is all about?? Elon Musk influenced, LOL! 
SHOOTINGTECHIE Thanks man!! I really loved the comfort of these iem and what fun to review and use them all together !! Thanks a lot for this opportunity !! A little Fun in reviews make them woderful to read haha !! - 3.50 star(s)
- May 1, 2021
Amp Needs : At 16 ohms, 124 dB/V it is very sensitive, no external amp needed. A phone is sufficient to get these going. 
Sound Quality : IE300 has an adamant "V shaped" tuning, which is quite uncommon of Sennheiser products which aren't aimed for the bog standard commercial crowd. There is a tasteful subbass shelf here that does not bleed into the upper bass or lower midrange. The subbass is dynamic and detailed and the bass impact almost classifies as a slam here which is also surprisingly controlled leaning a tad bit on the "overdone" side for my personal taste. But that's about it, everything up to the upper midrange feels scooped out. The entire midrange is considerably distant and lacking emotion, detail and body. This left me perplexed as this is Sennheiser we are talking about, who are known to prioritize a natural sound. Male and female vocals are distant and recessed, and there is a general lack in the midrange quality. If you value vocals or listen to music that focus on midrange, look elsewhere. The response seems to pick up in the lower treble which unfortunately seems to introduce sibilance. It isn't too bothersome but instruments centered around that region will be prone to, if not outright show sibilance. The upper treble is boosted but smooth and not overdone and it doesn't sound too off to my ears; it isn't "treble murder", in fact it adds to the airiness to the sound. The headstage is quite spacious, not that wide but an all encapsulating one. I think it is also due in part of the scooped out midrange but don't quote me on that. The headstage is nicely spread out in front and not intimate or closed in. Think of it like a pill shaped stage and you're on the periphery of it A spacious stage tokens the instrument separation and layering and the IE300 is no exception. Good amount of air in between the instruments, none of which appears mushy or congealed. Unfortunately, the imaging does take a hit and is pretty much fuzzy throughout, bummer. 
Conclusion : If you live for the V, go for it. It's tremendously comfortable and has a small form factor. It might even be the most comfortable IEM you will ever wear. I would however suggest you to buy an aftermarket cable to rid yourself of the janky memory wire. This harkens to a commercial grade tuning which will go well with most modern music specially those that take advantage of accentuated bass and treble. Last edited: May 1, 2021 
DiMenezes You mentioned this is about one of the most comfortable IEMs you have used. Does it still stand? What I have been reading about is frequency certainly isn't for me but I'm willing to let it go this time if it is indeed this comfortable as I do plan on getting a really comfortable set to read/study mainly listening to Lo-Fi, White Noise or Nature Sounds (pretty much nothing that clinical, just ambient sounds to read and not get distracted). Good review! - 3.50 star(s)
- Apr 19, 2021
Purchased from Amazon for $299.95 DAP : Hiby R5 Music : Various top 40 80's music, Heavy Metal playlist, and Squirrel Nut Zippers. Comparisons : Sennheiser IE800, Sennheiser IE40 Pro. Let me start by being up front. I'm a Sennheiser fan boy. Always have been. I've owned every Sennheiser IEM from the CX150 through the CX215 and CX300 II all the way up to the 880, IE80, and finally the IE40 Pro and IE800. I also own the HD599 and owned the HD600, 58x, and HD280 PRO, so I know my Sennheiser sound. With a few hours into these newest IEM's, the IE300, I can emphatically say they are the best Sennheiser IEM's they've ever produced. Yes, even better than the IE800, which remains their flagship earphone. Apparently, Senn took the 7mm XWB found in the IE800 and IE40, and refined it? From the sound of it, YES THEY DID. These are a very refined listen. They remind me of the sound coming from my HD599 cans more than they remind me of any previous Senn earphone. They have much more controlled highs than the IE40, and are as refined as the IE800 highs. Where they separate from the IE800, aside from crushing it in in fit and comfort, is the pinpoint imaging. The soundstage is as wide, but the imaging is world class. Better than just about any IEM i've ever heard, and i've heard over 100 from $5.00 to $1,000. With great air and instrument separation, the placement of instruments in their place is just a revelation. What a treat! Mids are balanced, but not forward. These are mildly V shaped, with present bass that's never bleeding into the mids, but that have weight, impact, presence, and moderate speed. As I mentioned, there's have a very 3D presentation, with plenty of depth and height. These are very refined and mature sounding. The Sennheiser veil isn't very present here at all, certainly not like the IE800. The mids are more forward than the IE800, and the bass a touch less. Above average air and instrument separation. Timbre is also above average, but not what i'd call world class, but that's because the treble, though very refined and present, isn't overly extended, and there's no peaks, that would give the illusion of overly transparent highs or weighty timbre. It's just right. Extension is excellent and so is timbre, and realistic (don't listen to those who said the timbre isn't realistic..they are WRONG). It's just not overdone and very tasteful. The cable is so much better than anything else offered by Sennheiser. Why oh why did Sennheiser not use this cable on the IE800?! or even the IE40 pro or it's siblings? If they had, they might have had an earphone as popular as the CX300, which put Sennheiser on the IEM map in the early 2000's. Comfort is supreme. The components are attractive, well built, and smallish. I'm really impressed with the build quality here. The sound is fun, coherent, clear, refined (have I mentioned that yet? lol), with strong bass response. Ok, time to go listen to more 80's music with these! Later! 
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Evshrug Thanks for sharing your perspective, glad that it sounds like you’re having fun! I think your description of how it was tuned and where things were emphasized will add to the consensus, and people will appreciate that you touched on soundstage and imaging in an IEM as well. I’ve never heard of Squirrel Nut Zippers before, I’ll have to check them out. Rock on 
D Doctordoom16 sold my 3dt when i got the senn I300. The 3DT are not in the same class. The IE300 have a special tone to them that make clasic rock so much better than the 3DT. IMO that is 
NoBordersAudiophile lol, just big intense LOL. the best. ya. ya. guys, its all subjective, especially when we talk tonality. everything i read above underlines this. - 3.50 star(s)
- Apr 10, 2021
IE 300’s shell is made of thermo-plastic resin material and it’s of small size, in turn providing excellent fit and comfort. Even though the earpieces are made of plastic, they feel solid and premium with neat design to go with. Provided cable is just okay though. Cable connection at IEM end is of MMCX type. MMCX port is quite recessed, and one can only use Sennheiser made cables for now. Cable noise and movements are pretty much audible even while playing music. 
IE 300 uses a German made 7mm XWB-transducer. It’s rated at 16 ohms with THD<0.08%. It can be driven easily by a smartphone, but a dongle DAC minimum is advised to bring the best out of it. Gear Used Cayin N6ii DAP with E02 module was used to test IE 300. 
Sound Impressions Bass IE 300 has excellent bass performance both in quantity and quality. Right from the start of music playback to the end, you are presented with a full bodied and rich bass. Bass goes deep, has good texture and thicker notes, has faster attack speeds and slow decay. Sub bass is good and has decent rumble with slight lack of details. Mid bass is good and overall sounds punchy and well controlled. All my bass test tracks including Lorde’s Royals, Julia Michael’s Issues sounded punchy and well controlled. Mids Mids sound natural and lush. I found mids to be slightly recessed. Upper mids lack extension. Tonality and timbre are clean and natural. Female vocals sound natural and slightly lack energy. Same goes for male vocals. Male vocals sound full bodied, clean and natural. Detail retrieval is good. Diana Krall’s “Sway” and “Let’s Fall in Love” sounded very good, though I wish her voice could have been slightly forward and with more energy. Soundstage Soundstage has very good width and good depth representation. Imaging is very good. Instrument separation is very good, though thicker notes result in compromise in layering. Layering isn’t as pronounced as it should be, giving an impression of slight congestion in busy tracks. Soundstage isn’t an out of head experience, but wide enough to be not called as an intimate listen. Overall detail retrieval capabilities are very good. Soundstage width and depth has been portrayed good in songs like TOOL’s “Chocolate Chip Trip”, Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams(2001 Remaster)” and Anette Askvik’s “Liberty”. Treble Treble is very well extended in IE 300. It doesn’t sound harsh or fatiguing. In my testing I felt it had little less energy and sparkle than what I like. Cymbals sound natural, crisp and clear. Laurie Anderson’s “Born, Never Asked” sounded very good, but with less energy and sparkle. Overall, sound quality is very good, but lacks that oomph factor that can make this IEM a stand out offering from Sennheiser. It has the typical mainstream v-shaped sound signature. Comparisons Vs Drop x JVC HA-FDX1 
FDX1 is a very popular single DD IEM offering from the collaboration of Drop and JVC. JVC offers three filters for FDX1 to alter its sound. The changes in sound are minimal in nature, largely taming its shouty upper mids and metallic nature, which is the case with its default white filter. I used the blue one, which has the most dampening. Pitting this against Sennheiser IE 300, immediately shows the different tuning methodologies used by JVC and Sennheiser. JVC is very neutral sounding IEM compared to the warmth of IE 300. FDX1’s bass lacks that punchiness of IE 300’s bass. FDX1’s bass is just above neutral and clean. Whereas IE 300 is full bodied. Detail retrieval, imaging, layering and instrument separation are slightly better on FDX1. Mids are on warmer side with IE 300, with thicker and richer notes compared to FDX1’s clean, natural and forward mids. Upper mids extension is better on FDX1. Soundstage is wider in IE 300 and slightly deeper in FDX1. Both FDX1 and IE 300 have very good treble extensions, but FDX1 wins in having that extra bit more energy and sparkle. Overall, if you like a neutral, clean sounding IEM, then FDX1 is hard to beat in its price range, and if you like to have an engaging, and fun sounding IEM, Sennheiser IE 300 is a very good one at it and in fact can be a very good companion IEM for any neutral IEM. Verdict Overall IE 300 is quite an engaging IEM, with very good bass, lush mids, and well extended treble. Even though it performs well enough in all things that matter, but it still lacks that wow factor. Sound signature is on safer and on little laidback side, may suit casual audience more than impressing audiophiles who are spoiled for choices in this price segment. Yes, price is on little higher side, $300/INR 29,990, but for that you are getting arguably one of the better, if not the best IEM in fit, and comfort, apart from having good overall sound quality. So, in the end, do I recommend it wholeheartedly? Yes, for pure fun listening sessions, totally keeping technicalities and critical listening aside. - 4.00 star(s)
- Apr 6, 2021
disclaimer: I was approached by a Sennheiser representative about doing a review of the new IE300 and also helping to create a playlist of songs that showcase the IE300’s strong points. I have no financial interest in Sennheiser or any of its resellers, nor have I been compensated (other than the earphone being provided) for the content of this review. If you have an interest in the IE300, please visit Sennheiser’s site, or they are available now from most better resellers. Because of the playlist request, this review is a bit longer than some. I have tried to keep the format the same as my standard with the exception of the playlist section that details the tracks I recommended be added to it and the reasoning for each. Unboxing / Packaging: The Sennheiser ie300 comes in a lift-top box with a large graphic of the earpieces on front and some of the marketing points on reverse. Lifting the lid reveals the earpieces with cable attached in a foam surround at top and the bulk of the cable and case in a cutout in the lower portion. The rest of the kit is hiding in the case with 6 pairs of tips (3 each SML silicones and foams), a cleaning tool, cable tie, warranty card, and manual. Overall, its a fairly complete kit and the case is nice and solid so should provide good protection. The inside of the case also has a mesh pocket for keeping spare tips and the cleaning tool handy without having them fall out every time you open it. 
Build/Fit: The earpieces are small-mid sized and made of a thermo-plastic resin with an outer shell, an inner plate that covers the rear portion of the shell and a round nozzle/driver housing that fits into the front section of the outer shell. The outer shell has a raised plate with the Sennheiser logo and a single vent to the rear of the logo. The right earpiece has a red ring around the mmcx to identify it and the left has IE300 cast into the inner plate. Nozzles have both a forward and upward rake which helps with insertion depth but isolation is only average with silicones and foams offer a bit of improvement in isolation but change the signature enough that I preferred the silicone tips. I did have a tough time finding a tip that fit well. Luckily the nozzles are standard sized with a pronounced lip so choices abound. I ultimately settled on the Azla Sedna M/L which gave a more consistent seal than the tips provided. Once the seal issue was worked out, these are a comfortable iem for long wear with the caveat that the cable transmits a lot of vibration directly to the earpieces and I can’t recommend these for gym use without at least a cable swap. I have seen no information on waterproofing on this model so it may be best that gym use is avoided anyway. 
Internals: True to their roots, Sennheiser uses an updated version of its 7mm extra wide band dynamic driver they have made famous in previous in-ears. The current version is rated at 16Ω but remember that Sennheiser rates their sensitivity at 1kHz/1Vrms so the 124dB rating is not the equal of the dB/mW rating used by a lot of other measurements. In my own testing I found the IE300 sensitivity to be roughly 103 dB/mW. (Remember the margin of error on my calculation is ±4 dB as my system is pretty rudimentary compared to some). Still the important thing regardless of how its measured is that the IE300 is easy enough to drive that it does well when paired to things like Hiby R3 pro Saber or the 1st generation Cayin N3, and should be usable with a smartphone or tablet although a dongle may help here to give a bit more potency. The driver also sports a rear resonance chamber designed specifically for it to help prevent unwanted reflections. A helmholtz resonator in the nozzle assembly is also used to tame unwanted resonance according to Sennheiser documentation. 
Cable: The cable starts with a 90º jack of the type I prefer with a good strain relief and a heavy para-aramid (generic name for Kevlar) coating on the single strand that exits. The splitter is brushed aluminum with a plastic V relief on the lead in and matching black plastic chin slider above the splitter. Perhaps oddly, wires above the split retain the same size and weight of the single wire below rather than going to a smaller lighter design. Cables terminate with heavy earhooks with memory wire and mmcx connectors in black plastic housings with R and L marked on the side of the housing. I’ll say it right up front. I’m not a fan of this cable. It is very durable for sure, but trades pliability for durability and the resultant product has a bad habit of transmitting every bit of movement directly to the earpieces despite the over-ear design. Part of this is also due to the memory wire ear-hooks that are always loosening up over time and fail to hold their shape. I wore the earpieces for 2 hours and had my wife help me measure from rear of the earpiece to the front of the base on the earhook and over that 2 hour period it had loosened up by 6mm. This was tested during a period where I was seated, and walking inside the house, not strenuous exercise so I have to think this is going to be accentuated by higher activity levels. 
Sound: 
Let’s set the stage appropriately before we go into sound details. This is the replacement for the ie80s with its tunable bass and is not a pure reference in-ear. Those looking for this to be the ruler flat frequency response of a true reference can quit reading now. This is a shallow V with emphasis in the sub-bass and lower treble ranges much like its predecessor when set to its most bass heavy setting. The good news is it distorts less than the ie80s on its most bass heavy setting and has more detail comparatively. Bass: Sub-bass is emphasized with a center point at roughly 45Hz and roll-off only evident below about 25Hz. Sub-bass textures are good, but not great as some minor detail is lost in its delivery in favor of quantity. From that peak, mid-bass drops back fairly quickly and loses all emphasis as it crosses into the lower mids. Mid-bass textures again are good but not class leading and driver speed shows a slower decay than attack which contributes to warmth but does make the bass bloom on pieces where the bass is a little loose anyway. I found the bass tuning good for pleasure listening but a bit too warm and a little boomy for critical listening. One of the criticisms of Sennheiser has been the lack of bass on many of their models. That was clearly something the IE300 was designed to address as if anything, it has a bit more than absolutely necessary and is certainly a departure from what many have grown to expect from the “Sennheiser House tuning”. Mids: Lower-mids flow well from the mid-bass without any obstruction and only minor mid-bass bleed and even with the lack of emphasis, the lower-mids don’t sound recessed and deeper vocals have good note weight and timbre without the classic Sennheiser veil. Guitar growl is good with enough ragged edge to be believable as well. True mids follow the same pattern, good detail and clarity with enough energy to be well voiced if not emphasized. For an in-ear tuned more toward popular genres, the IE300 does well with string quartet pieces and piano concertos where mids are dramatically emphasized. The IE300 isn’t mid-centric, but does a good job of handling pieces that are with good energy and speed. Female vocals are on the same plane with lower voices and both cut through the instrumentation without the feel of an artificial lift that so often comes with that. Treble: Unlike a lot of the Vs in this price range, the lower treble shares the same lack of emphasis with the mids and we only see the climb back foward begin as we leave the lower treble and move into the 4-5kHz range. Lower treble has enough energy to provide good detail but is non-fatiguing and fairly polite. While true treble is emphasized, there is a drop off before we reach the 9kHz range that keeps the IE300 from getting really fatiguing. Snare rattle is good with crisp edges but cymbals need a bit more energy than provided some of the time to be completely realistic. This is a tough balance as with sparkle comes fatigue most of the time. The move of the boost from lower treble to true treble does create a little brittleness in higher vocals at times so tracks that are a little on the hot side anyway may show this and mild sibilance as a result. Final roll-off is above the limit of my hearing (roughly 14kHz) and does give the IE300 an open top-end with no feeling of being closed in or limited. Soundstage / Imaging: Soundstage is wider than deep with some sense of height and is on the intimate side which shouldn’t be a shock for a closed back in-ear model, but what will surprise is how good the instrument separation and imaging is. Seating the orchestra is very straight forward with clear positions and no overlaps or missteps. Movements around the stage are easily identified and positions are tightly defined so this might even be an in-ear gamers would find usable. I found no big donut hole in the center stage like most iems and even sounds directly from the rear are represented well. Layering is quite good as well with compression only evident on extremely complex passages and then only in the lower mid-bass range and sub-bass. Playlist: This was a neat idea to put together a playlist that accentuated the good points of the ie300. You’ll find a lot of strings and vocals in my contributions to the list as those are the things I find the ie300 does with great aplomb. First up on my list was tracks that feature the dynamics of the ie300 as well as its string tonality. For this I chose two pieces (3 movements) that I think really exemplify what the ie300 is capable of. The Peer Gynt recording of Edvard Grieg’s “In the hall of the mountain King”. This piece has more dynamic range than most and gives the ie300 a chance to really show off the distance between the quiet passages while retaining detail and the elevated passages without loss of control of the low end. The Pentatone recording of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an exhibition” (Carlo Ponti and the Russian National Orchestra) movements 14 (The Hot on Fowl’s legs) and 15 (The Great Gate of Kiev). Here again, soaring highs and nearly dead quiet lows in the passages give this work a lot of range and a lot of complexity of strings to show off the timbre and texture of the sound as well as the black background the ie300 can deliver. Next up was timbre and tonality with the previous Mussorgsky piece lending itself well to show off strings. The Telarc recording of Rufolf Serkin, Beethoven Piano Concerto #1. Serkin is among the world greatest pianists and a joy to listen to on a good system as he can coax every last bit of power out of the stronger passages and still make the quiet moments nearly inaudible. If the piano doesn’t speak to you in this piece, it likely never will on that device. For male vocals, I moved to more popular genres and settled on Lindsey Buckingham’s “Go insane” from Fleetwood Mac’s The Very best of collection. This song was originally on Lindsey’s album of the same name, but I much prefer the stripped down acoustic version found on “The Dance” DVD and later released on “The very best of Fleetwood Mac” collection. This version lets the vocal really shine and the acoustic guitar tonality is on full display was well. For female vocals, I picked another powerful vocal from Beth Hart. I could have used any number of her recordings but ultimately settled on “Damn your Eyes from the “Black Coffee” recording with Joe Bonamassa. Having Joe playing guitar never hurts, but Beth’s vocal’s and the orchestration play as big a role in making this track special as anything contributed by Joe. This tracks until about 3/4 of the way through to really see the vocal range into the upper octaves so may not be appreciated if you only listen to the first minute. The good news is Bonamassa’s guitar will keep most involved to that point. “Lullaby of the Leaves” off the same album is another powerhouse vocal and could have easily taken this spot as well as it shows off her range and has a more gentle tone. Looking back, I’d probably have been better off using Lullaby, but…. My last two contributions are tracks that show off stage depth and both are tracks I use for reviews quite frequently. The first is Keith Richard’s “Runnin too deep” off Main Offender. This album is largely forgotten today which is a shame as it represents Richard’s at the height of his career and creativity and didn’t do well on the charts probably due to poor marketing and the selection of the two weakest tracks as singles. Runnin too deep shows off Richard’s at his finest and has a depth to the stage that few studio tracks can match. The other song I use was recorded in a cathedral using a binaural mic so we expect to hear all the echoes off the walls. The track of course is one I’ve used as long as I can remember, the Cowboy Junkies “So lonesome I could cry” from the Trinity sessions. Thoughts / Conclusion: The $300 price bracket is arguably one of the most hotly contested spaces in the market so the IE300 enters the ring with more than a few challengers vying for the same dollars and some of them are quite good so why should one consider the IE300 in this mix? The Sennheiser name will do it for some as they have an enviable reputation for quality builds and excellent customer service. The IE300 is well built and with the cable using what amounts to Kevlar in the coating, it should last extremely well. For those more interested in sound than build, the IE300 offers a shallow V with good musicality and enough detail to keep your interest without a lot of fatigue or harshness. The biggest thing that would make me select the ie300 over others though is its excellent imaging. A lot of hybrids struggle to keep movements synced as different drivers contribute parts of the signature and this is where the single dynamic has a distinct advantage. The IE300 presents a very cohesive sound with movements being easily pinpointed and tracked and a very wide stereo separation really contributes to the overall enjoyment of the music more than some will realize until they try something with above average imaging and separation like the IE300. The latest from Sennheiser is a worthy successor to the IE80s in many ways and while it lacks the tuning options of the ie80, it has a better more listenable base signature that helps offset the need for those same options. Bass - 7.5/10 Mids - 7/10 Treble - 6.5/10 Soundstage - 7/10 Imaging - 8/10 Evshrug Very thorough review, I think people will appreciate the detail and research you put into this. I’m personally absolutely chuffed that you included song recommendations! I added them to the TIDAL and Spotify playlist here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sennheiser-ie-300-synergy-playlist.956900/post-16261491 
DJ Core Got mine in and loving them especially the fit. Needed something fun and this covers well. most impressive is even at high volumes,the sound doesn't break up and change. I'll use it on stage as well. sound sig is the same as the 400 Pro. 
fablestruck Do you own the 400s as well? No difference to the 300s? - 4.50 star(s)
- Mar 31, 2021
What I Hear While I don't agree with marketing materials in that the IE 300 delivers a balanced sound, I will agree that is is very refined. The IE 300 doesn't shy away from treble or bass and delivers listeners with a bombastic, high energy presentation. Not until you step up to the 500 USD Polaris II from Campfire Audio have I found another v-shaped earphone that is quite as smooth and detailed as Sennheiser's newest. The IE 300's treble feels very nimble and light with a somewhat lean weight. Notes are very tight and well controlled with excellent definition. The upper ranges of this earphone are free of splash, looseness, and any general sloppiness that can be very distracting on King Crimson's “Cat Food”. The IE 300 has plenty of upper end emphasis that gives it a very shimmery, sparkly presentation. Despite being quite bright, it somehow manages to avoid crossing the line into discomfort, retaining a refined smoothness that is quite uncommon in my experience. Dropping down into the mids, you're greeted with solid detail retrieval amidst a similarly lean presentation as the treble. It fills out the deeper you go resulting in full-bodied male vocals, especially apparent if you use the IE 300 for podcasts and commentary-based content. The IE 300 is fairly revealing and not particularly forgiving with poor quality and/or flawed material. A satisfying warmth is present keeping both male and female vocals sounding natural, and an accurate timbre presentation that permits the accurate delineation of specific instruments. Sibilance is well-managed with tracks like The Crystal Method's “Grace” and Aesop Rock's “Blood Sandwich” seeing their more aggressive moments tamed. My only issue with the mids is that they are recessed and could benefit from some EQ to bring them more in line with surrounding frequencies. The IE 300's low end is quite strong with plenty of emphasis in the mid- and sub-bass regions. The presentation carries notably more warmth, weight, and density than the treble and mid regions, yet remains quite quick and punchy. Visceral feedback on the deepest notes is aplenty, while mid- and upper-bass regions carry gobs of punch thanks to this little 7mm driver's excellent control. It is very articulate with quick bass lines and has no issues keeping up with the rapid double-bass found throughout Havok's album, 'Time Is Up'. Texture isn't half bad either with the IE 300 finding a welcome balance of refined smoothness and raw detail. Another strong point of this earphone is the sound stage. From my first listen, I have been enamoured with the way the IE 300 envelops you in sound, be that music, movies, or video games. Vocals sit away from the ear by default, pulling the staging with it. From there effects and instruments expand. Even with a fun EDM track that doesn't really do much with imaging and spatial cues, such as Metrik's “We Got It (ft. Rothwell) (S.P.Y Remix)”, the IE 300 manages to surround you with the track, completely avoiding the 'in-the-head' feel provided by other products. Pitting the IE 300 against something more dynamic, such as Supertramp's “Rudy”, you get a feel for it's accurate imaging and excellent channel separation. Instruments are effectively separated and busy tracks are well-layered. I find the staging is wider than it is deep which does limit the IE 300 slightly with heavy instrumentals, such as the Witcher 2' s OST or Gyakuten Meets Orchestra (orchestral renditions of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney tracks). Overall I'm quite pleased with the IE 300. I like that while bright, it's not particularly tiring. While bassy, the mid-bass presence isn't overwhelming and everything is handled well. Although the mids are recessed, vocals and instruments sound natural and aren't drowned out by surrounding frequencies. On top of that, it is technically competent and has a fantastic sound stage. Those wanting a more neutral and/or balanced sounding earphone should look elsewhere while anyone wanting a refined v-shaped sound in this price range should have these on their radar. Compared To A Peer (volumes matched with Dayton iMM-6) ADV GT3 w black filter (299.00 USD): The single dynamic GT3 also has a v-shaped sound, though one that is less exaggerated than the IE 300. Bass out of the IE 300 is slower and warmer with more mid-bass emphasis. It provides just as much, if not more visceral feedback on the deepest notes along with additional punch and weight to the mid- and upper-bass. The GT3 pulls ahead in terms of texture and control. Leading into the mids, they are slightly more present and weighty on the GT3 but have a cooler tone which puts it on the back foot when it comes to sounding natural with proper timbre. Treble out of the IE 300 is skewed towards the brilliance region which has notable more shimmer than the GT3. The ADV lacks in brilliance, making up ground in terms of raw detail and clarity. The GT3's sound stage is positively intimate in comparison. The IE 300 is wider and deeper with more space between notes. Even so, I found the GT3 to more accurately image while giving up little to nothing in terms of separation and layering. If you're looking for a technically impressive single dynamic and don't mind a less natural sound, the GT3 will probably be a better fit. A tuning setup that doubles down on this doesn't hurt. Otherwise, I found the IE 300 a more enjoyable, versatile listen. BGVP DM7 (299.00 USD): The 6 armature DM7 is more balanced with a midrange that sticks out more thanks to reduced emphasis in both bass and treble regions. While I do enjoy the mids of both products, they accomplish this in different ways. The IE 300's is warmer and more natural but gives up a significant amount of presence and detail to the DM7. Bass out of the BGVP is notably leaner and less prominent. It lacks the visceral feel and punch of the Sennheiser's single dynamic, though it provides more texture and is even more capable when it comes to rapid, complicated passages. Treble out of the IE 300 is leaner and more airy with a lot more shimmer and energy. They go head-to-head on detail and clarity with the DM7 having an edge. The sound stage presentation on these two is quite different. While the DM7 is no slouch in terms of staging size, the Sennheiser feels quite a bit wider and more open, though it falls behind in depth. Imaging accuracy is more precise out of the DM7 and it does a better job of layering busy tracks, while the Sennheiser keeps up just fine when it comes to ensuring individual instruments remain clean and coherent. If you're looking for a balanced, solidly technical earphone with a small boost to the low end the DM7 would better meet your needs than the IE 300. If that sounds boring and you prefer big bass and sparkly treble set within a wide stage backed by good technical capability, go with the IE 300. 
In The Ear The IE 300's shells are plastic but they in no way look or feel cheap in the hand. From the initial product photos I figured the reflective specks within the plastic would look chinzy, but in real life it gives makes the IE 300 look like a modern, professional piece of audio equipment. Not unlike the impression I got from the glorious matte black paint Dunu used for the DK-3001 Pro. The three part design (nozzle, rear panel, and main body) is well put-together without any ill-fitting pieces, rough edges, or other such imperfections that would suggest cost costing or low quality materials. The face of the earphone contains a single pinhole vent set beside a recessed, gun-metal chrome Sennheiser logo. On the inner face the right earpiece is completely blank, while the left has the model name moulded into the plastic. Up where Sennheiser has opted to use MMCX instead of the proprietary 2-pin system from the IE80s, you find a red plastic band indicating the right channel. On the left is a black band with a small bump to aid those with a visual disability in determining channel. Overall the build quality is fantastic leaving the IE 300 as one of the best built, plastic bodies earphones I've used. The cable is nice save for one notable flaw. On one hand, I really love the brown sheath which has a distinctly old-school look to it, hearkening back to the types of cables that were common in 2014 when I entered the hobby. While stiffer than many of the multi-strand braided cables offered with competing products, the cable included with the IE 300 is extremely resistant to tangling, doesn't retain memory of bends or kinks, and is topped off with memory wire that actually works. You bend it, it stays. It's great! I still prefer preformed ear guides, but memory wire that actually nails the 'memory' portion is pretty cool. Rare too. The other hardware is solid as well, from an extremely tiny, well-relieved 90 degree angled jack to the classy aluminum wrapped y-split and plastic chin cinch, something that would have been a sin to omit. Why? Well, if I didn't use that cinch to tuck the cable tightly around my chin, cable noise was very intrusive. While sitting it wasn't much of an issue, but go for a walk or jog and every bump or rub came through loud and clear unless that cinch was being used. Comfort is a huge win for the IE 300. That plastic shell is quite small and slim, very lightweight, and thanks to the low profile design, unflappable during heavy movement. The memory wire is quite effective in keeping the cable neatly wrapped around the ear without worry of it bouncing up and over, something that can be an issue with lightweight and/or stiffer cables if they're lacking such wire or preformed ear guides. The IE 300 is one that I can comfortably wear for pretty much as long as I want without any risk of hot spots or general discomfort settling in. Isolation doesn't quite fare as well, at least with the silicone tips in place. When using the IE 300 in noisy places, like the local coffee shop, added volume was needed to drown out those chatting around me. Thankfully the added bass and treble Sennheiser baked in works wonders in such an environment so even with some sound leakage, you still have a good listening experience. That said, I recommend swapping over to the foam tips if isolation is key since they improve the experience a notable amount. Overall a very premium feeling, well built earphone with excellent ergonomics and comfort. It's let down only by below average isolation with silicone tips and a noisy cable, though you can mostly address both of those concerns with the included foam tips and chin cinch. 
In The Box The IE 300 arrives in a fairly large lift-top cardboard box adorned with Sennheiser's familiar blue and grey colour scheme. On the front you find an image of the IE 300 itself along with the usual branding and model information. Down the left is a list of contents and specifications, on a the right a QR code, while the back contains a list of features and product highlights in six different languages. Removing the lid you find the IE 300's earpieces, with cable attached, neatly and safely stored in a large foam insert, half of which is covered by a cardboard flap. Lifting the flap you find the rest of the cable neatly wrapped alongside a hard, clam shell carrying case. Lifting out the cardboard flap you find one of Sennheiser's typically dense user manuals. In all you get: - IE 300 earphones
- MMCX cable with 3.5mm plug
- Single flange silicone ear tips (s/m/l)
- Foam ear tips (s/m/l)
- Cleaning tool
- Carrying case
- Frequency Response: 6Hz – 20,000Hz
- Sound Pressure Level: 124dB (1kHz, 1Vrms)
- Impedance: 16ohms
- THD: <0.08% (1kHz, 94dB)
B9Scrambler @ericpalonen Thank you sir 
zombywoof Well done. As is your usual practice, your have presented a clear, well prepared review. 
ajlolo Nice review - 4.00 star(s)
- Mar 30, 2021
I’ve never had the chance to try any of Sennheisers IEMs other than the IE 80. I honestly didn’t like the way those sounded so I was interested to see how the new IE 300 sounds compared to a rather saturated market when it comes to IEMs in that $150-500 range. While I have good things to say about the IE 300, I also have some grips as well. The IE 300 is using a single dynamic driver. It also uses a recessed MMCX connector like Sony uses on some of their high end stuff. The IE 300 retails for $300 USD. Quick shoutout to @Evshrug and Sennheiser for sending the IE 300 to test and review. While I always appreciate the chance to test and review products sent in from manufacturers, it never affects the rating of my review. The IE 300 can also be picked up from the Sennheiser’s store here: https://en-us.sennheiser.com/ie-300 Onto the review of the IE 300! My personal preference is a dynamic hybrid iem where I get good hitting bass and have a detailed treble with decent mids. When it comes to an over ear headphone I prefer a spacious sound with a deep low end, the mids to be more forward and the highs to be a little bright with some sparkle. I listen to a lot of genres but I hover in the classic rock, blues and edm music with some rap here and there. Gear Used
IPhone 12 pro with headphone adapter, iFi hip dac, Lotoo PAW S1, iFi micro iDSD Signature, SMSL SU-9 feeding the SP400 amp.Looks and fit
The color scheme of the IE 300 kinda reminds me of the older HD 600 full size cans. I like the looks honestly. The fit is fairly nice and while I couldn't get a proper fit with any of the included silicone tips, I had no issues tip rolling and finding something that worked. I didn’t try the included foam tips but I’m confident they would work just fine. The IE 300 is really lightweight so I ran into zero comfort issues for longterm sessions.
Packaging and accessories
These come in a nice retail packaging that feels very “big brand name”. Inside the box are the IE 300, stock cable, user guides, IEM cleaning tool, hard fabric travel zipper bag and some tips inside said bag. This is fairly standard and I had no complaints.
Sound(overall)
These final impressions were done off a mix of the iFi hip dac and the SMSL SU-9 connected to the SMSL SP400. These are what the IE 300 sounds like to my ears. This was also using the CP360 eartips from spinfit. Things like ear tip selection and DAC/amp selection will produce different results and impressions vs what my ears hear on my specific gear. The low end of the IE 300 is definitely elevated and comes in deep with hard impact. It doesn’t sound overly bloated but it does creep into the mids more than I prefer. I would say the low end is one of the main selling points of the IE 300. With some music genres I really enjoyed the low end focus. Yet on some others I found myself wanting just a hair less bass. The mids sound fine for the most part. I’ve unfortunately been testing these along other IEMs such as the ZEN/EST 112 from DUNU which has a better balance overall. I think the mids sound a bit recessed but I believe this to be something that has to do with the soundstage depth. While I had no real complaints with vocals, I felt at times they sounded a little veiled with the overpowering bass. The lower to mid treble is fairly boosted like the low end. Everything sounds super splashy yet I can still hear some decent detail retrieval up top. I’ll admit I can be a little treble sensitive vs others but I found myself in constant situations where I had to lower the volume as I was hit by what felt like a sibilance cannonball. I do believe the main reason for this has to do with the ear tips. The stock silicone and foam tips actually have what looks like thin foam at the opening where the nozzle would end. I wasn’t able to get a good seal with the silicone tips and I tend to not bother with foam tips normally as they lower the treble for me anyways. I’m taking a guess these possibly may not come off as bright if a good seal on the stock tips can be made.Soundstage/Imaging
So the soundstage came off a little strange at first to me. It sounded like a wide and deep stage at first but after listening for a while I noticed the width was about average but the depth gave off a sense of a big stage. This was against other IEMs that I knew had wide staging. I think this sounds fine though some things like vocals and instruments can sound recessed at times.Cable rolling
I do love cable rolling but I instantly ran into probably my biggest complaint about the IE 300. This uses a “recessed” MMCX connector. So none of my MMCX cables fit and I had to use the stock cable. While I get the concept of the recessed MMCX connectors(recessed 2 pin is my favorite) I don’t see a need for it when it comes to MMCX. Fortunately for the IE 300, I’m fine with the IER-M9 from Sony using recessed MMCX(Sony fanboi) so I can’t give Sennheiser crap for doing the same thing. So I ended up having to use the stock cable for my review which is my next big complaint.Stock cable
The stock cable IMO is junk. It’s super thin, the connector sleeve looks like it will break or short from normal daily use and I personally don’t like memory wire in my ear guides. It could simply be that I’ve been pampered by Chi-Fi cables but I was confused when I saw the cable that came with the IE 300. While the cable is fine, I think with the competition in the $300 range, the cable shouldn’t look and feel this cheap. Because of the recessed MMCX connectors, it’s not super easy to get new cables should these break or someone wants something that looks better cable wise.
Tip rolling
I mentioned earlier that the stock tips and stock foam tips have a bit of dampening material that may help with the splashy treble. I rolled a few tips and found the CP360 spinfit tips to be my favorite pairing. Wide bore calmed the low end but made me want to die from sibilance and the small bore stuff made things too bloated.IEM comparisons
THIEAUDIO Legacy 4
I had planned to compare the Legacy 5 since the price was the same. I however like the tuning of the Legacy 4 and don’t see a point in the Legacy 5 still being available. The Legacy 4 had a better balance overall when I did side by side comparisons. I’ll admit I had more fun listening sessions with the IE 300 however. I think the difference between these two will come down to whether you want a mid focused sound with better top end and lowend control(Legacy 4) or a thumping bass IEM with a splashy treble(IE 300). I think both do well at their price points but I think I would choose the IE 300 over the Legacy 4 if fun tuning is what you seek or you have some balanced sounding IEMs already.
IKKO OH10
The OH10 is still one of my favorite IEMs to this day. The OH10 has a thick and thumping bass like the IE 300 though the OH10 sounds a little better detailed with less bleed into the mids. I enjoy the mids and decently detailed highs of the OH10 over the IE 300 personally. I find it hard to beat the OH10 for my personal preferences honestly. Both do low end well but both handle the highs differently. Staging is also different between the two. Wider stage on the OH10 but better depth on the IE 300.DUNU EST112
The EST 112 absolutely walks all over the IE 300 in terms of technical performance and tuning overall IMO. The shells on the EST 112 are huge and make for a chunky and difficult fit sometimes. The IE 300 wins when it comes to long term comfort. The IE 300 still wins in terms of bass, but the 112 has better control and speed when it comes to the low end. Mids sound much better and I enjoy vocals on the 112 over the IE 300. Treble is the biggest difference between the two. The treble is smooth and detailed on the 112 and I pick out things easier. The IE 300 sounds more intense but with less detail retrieval. I would say for the extra $190, the EST 112 is very much worth it over the IE 300. If you need something super lightweight and easy to pop in and out of the ear, the IE 300 is a much better choice over the EST 112.
DUNU ZEN
The comparison of a single DD $300 IEM compared to a $700 single DD might come off as unfair but I still found the comparison interesting. The ZEN shows better detail retrieval and better control from the lows to mid treble. Where the ZEN sounds like a flagship IEM, it lacks that upper treble sparkle. The IE 300 does blast you with treble but It’s fairly obvious that the ZEN sounds way better when I A/B the two. I would still pick the ZEN over the IE 300 any day. That being said I feel more comfortable walking around outside or in the office with the IE 300 since it doesn’t cost nearly as much and I enjoy the fun tuning.
Amping Combinations
*The IE 300 isn’t hard to drive and I didn’t see a real need for anything powerful to run these.*Lightning headphone adapter
This was actually a pretty good pairing. Things sounded around the same vs being amped. I still think a small portable would do well with the IE 300 however due to the added amp sound “flavor”.iFi hip dac/ Lotoo PAW S1
Both the hip dac and S1 bring different things to the table in terms of their “house sound” before any EQ or device specific “boosts”. I found that the Legacy 4 and IE 300 pretty much used the same amount of volume when paired with both portable amps. As such I’ll be repeating the same thing I said in my Legacy 4 review. The hip dac pushes out more power but the L4/IE 300 really doesn’t need the extra power and I only made it to about 11 O’clock via single ended before it was too loud. The S1 has a much wider range in volume so going up or down a few numbers in volume doesn’t change things drastically. I’m pretty confident that I could easily murder both the L4/IE 300 off the hip dac if I accidently hit the high gain button or accidently adjusted the volume too high. Something to think about if looking for a portable source dongle. The hip dac has a slight warmth with better dynamics. The S1 gave the warmest sound with a nice wide stage. Both are great options for the IE 300.
Amping thoughts
This was easy to drive and it didn’t scale at all past the portable gear I had. As such, I’d say something like a Lotoo Paw S1/other portable device or a desktop “stack” in the $200 and under range will feed the IE 300 extremely well.
Overall thoughts
So do I like the IE 300? It’s a mixed bag. I’m fairly neutral overall on the IE 300. I think I would call this sound signature a mix of safe/fun tuning and I honestly have no issues with the way the IE 300 sounds at $300. Plus I’ll admit I’m using the IE 300 at work in a lab and outside for walks due to the fact I can pop these lightweight IEMs in and out of my ear without issue or re-seating annoyances. I will be giving the IE 300 a recommendation as long as a fun tuning is what you’re seeking. Those looking for something that has a neutral sound or that plan to hunt for something that punches above its price tag will wanna look elsewhere. I enjoyed my time with the IE 300 and I think this a good release for Sennheiser. While I would have preferred something that tried to compete with the upper Mid-Fi IEMs, I think this will do well sales wise for them. I hope that later revisions or newer IEM releases come with better stock cables. Thanks for reading! Last edited: Mar 31, 2021 DJ Core "Doesn’t attempt to shoot above its price point." I have to disagree, with stock tips, IE300's treble is very refined to my ears and sounds like something in the $700-1000 range. With AZLA Xslastic tips, things get even more interesting in the bass, mids, treble, and wider-deeper soundstage. Most impressive is, I was able to max out the volume on my work computer (onboard sound) and the sound sig doesn't break up. Very impressive. 
corgifall To my ears, it doesn't compete with things like the DUNU EST 112 which is about $200 more. It sits closer to something like the IKKO OH10 competition wise. Everyone will have different opinions of course ajlolo Nice review - Home
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