OK I must be crazy, right? I just got the Sennheiser IE 900 since the vast majority of reviews say it’s like the IE 300 (which I love the fit in particular), but next next next level.

So I thought great, upgrade to the 900 and sell the 300… but no matter what I do, I feel like the 300 has significantly more bass and power versus the 900. I thought perhaps my fit is just way off? But I tried with the same tips as the 300 to ensure I’m comparing apples to apples and still felt like the 900 was just… weaker? Significantly less bass? Didn’t really feel like I was getting anything more at all. Not even remotely worth 4x the cost over the 300.

So did I do something wrong or anyone else have the same experience?

Bonus question: I recently sold my Shure SE 846 to get the IE 900 since so many reviewers say the 846 is dated and not great any more… but I have to say the Shure had a MUCH better bass presence without being overpowering. I just could never get the SE 846 to feel comfortable… so anyone else struggle with the comfort and find a way to make it work? Are there magical tips I should try that would do it? (I tried Spinfit W1 and Westone Stars, both eventually were uncomfortable in mainly my right ear after some time).

Also note I’m a drummer so I do prefer a stronger bass presence. Thanks in advance for your thoughts here…

  • AntiwhippyBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I thought the IE300 sounded terrible and I own it lol.

  • blorgBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    IE900 does have less bass than the IE300. IE300 is very big on the bass and warm, with the bass leaking all the way down to 1kHz. It’s then very recessed in the upper mids, which would further accentuate the bass.

    https://squig.link/?share=Crinacle_Neutral_Target,Sennheiser_IE_300,Sennheiser_IE_900

    If you’re used to the IE300 as normal, something that’s a bit more restrained in the bass like the IE900, might not sound so bassy. But the “quality” could be better.

    • DogUsingInternetOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Appreciate the insight. It was not just a little bit different though - it was completely non-existent in relation. I returned the IE 900 this morning, not worth fighting it. Thanks again.