Sennheiser IE 900: Reference In-Ear Headphones with X3R Technology
The IE 900 wired in-ear headphones are a premium model that Sennheiser has called the new benchmark for portable audio. The new product implements X3R technology: a 7-mm transducer (in other words, a speaker) TrueResponse with a specially designed foil membrane received a complex acoustic design from three Helmholtz resonator chambers. Together they work on the acoustic vortex nozzle.
Thus, according to the developers, it was possible to minimize the masking effect when the sound at the lower frequencies interferes with the upper frequencies. Three resonator chambers smooth the frequency response at high frequencies from 6.5 to 10 kHz for clear sound in the high frequency range.
Sennheiser uses a single driver system for a reason. It avoids the problems of phase mismatch and unwanted distortion inherent in multiband systems.
The results are reflected in the parameters of the novelty: its frequency range is 5–48,000 Hz. At 94 dB at 1 kHz, the headphones showed a THD better than 0.05%. An impedance of 16 ohms allows you to use almost any signal source.
The intricate shape of a miniature acoustic device, the “heart” of the headphones, is realized in a milled aluminum part made on precision equipment. The IE 900s are then assembled (and matched in pairs) by hand at Sennheiser headquarters. Serious attention is paid to ergonomics – the headphones are said to fit well in the ear.
The owner of the Sennheiser IE 900 offers three options for a para-aramid armored cable: two balanced, with 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm connectors, as well as a common unbalanced version with a 3.5 mm plug.
Sizes S, M and L are available in silicone and memory foam. Do not forget the cable clamp, tool and cleaning cloth.
It all fits in a premium case with a metal plate engraved with the kit’s serial number. The headphones are packed in a presentation box with a signed certificate and user manuals. IE 900 will be available for purchase from next month.
In the US, the Sennheiser IE 900 will be priced at $1,300.