Sennheiser CX 300 II Precision Review | 93 Data compared

The Sennheiser CX300 II is a budget-friendly pair of in-ear monitors (priced under $40) that surprisingly performs better with light, serene music than the heavy, bass-centric genres it is marketed for. On the positive side, the earphones offer a comfortable, reliable plug-and-play fit that stays securely in the ears, outperforming several more expensive competitors. In terms of audio performance, they deliver impressive soundstage, clear instrument separation, and highly detailed, natural acoustic rendering for acoustic tracks, light vocals, and solo piano pieces. However, the earphones suffer from noticeable flaws when handling complex or heavy tracks. The advertised "enhanced bass" lacks depth, resulting in flat, tinny bass drums rather than a rich, punchy low-end. Furthermore, the mid-range is recessed—which flattens vocals—and the treble becomes aggressively harsh and sibilant whenever complex layers or snare drums kick in, creating a muddy and sometimes ear-grating listening experience. There are also long-term durability concerns cited by online users, though the physical unit initially feels solid.

The Sennheiser CX 300-II in-ear headphones offer a solid audio performance for their price, delivering very low distortion, even channel tracking, and a strong bass response that balances out their overall sound quality. They feature an asymmetrical cable design best slung around the back of the neck, thick nozzles that tightly grip the ear sleeves, and durable cord guards on the earbuds and bent plug to protect internal wiring. Testers found them highly comfortable for both short-term and extended use up to six hours, as the thin plastic sleeves exert minimal pressure on the inner ear. Additionally, the headphones excel at controlling sound leakage, achieve a high maximum usable volume without losing clarity, and do not require annoying battery power to operate. However, the CX 300-II headphones do come with a few notable drawbacks. Their noise isolation capabilities are only average compared to other in-ears, struggling specifically to block out low-frequency bass sounds from the surrounding environment. In terms of customizability and accessories, the packaging is bare, lacking a carrying case, adapters, an adjustable neck split, or in-line controls and...

The Headphones Lab review gives the Sennheiser CX 300 II Precision Enhanced Bass Earbuds an editor rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, describing them as high-performing yet structurally flawed. On the positive side, the review highlights their exceptional, bass-heavy audio profile and non-fatiguing performance, which becomes highly accurate and fast after 30+ hours of burn-in time. They feature an airy soundstage, detailed high frequencies, and accurate vocals that accommodate long listening sessions. Additionally, they provide great passive noise isolation and come with a 2-year warranty, a carrying pouch, and three sizes of soft silicone ear tips.

The Sennheiser CX300-II earphonesGo review highlights them as a valuable budget-friendly upgrade to the stock earbuds typically bundled with MP3 players. Priced between £30 and £40, they earn a 8/10 rating for delivering noticeable, incremental improvements in audio clarity and depth over the original first-generation model. The pros center around their small, highly comfortable in-ear design, which comes packaged with a selection of sizing sleeves to ensure a tight, custom seal. This fit provides excellent passive noise isolation, effectively deadening everyday outside distractions like street, bus, and train noise. Sound-wise, the earphones excel at producing a rich, non-tinny acoustic performance that beautifully complements mellow, acoustic artists like Tracy Chapman. However, the review outlines several prominent cons regarding their design, price hike, and audio limitations. A major annoyance is the implementation of an asymmetric cable design (a short lead for the left earbud and a longer one for the right), which frequently gets caught in outerwear or forms an awkward, chin-level loop. From a sonic perspective, the earphones struggle with dense or rockier tracks, like music from Muse, where the sound...

The Head-Fi review of the Sennheiser CX 300-II highlights a warmer, less fatiguing sound with tighter, less boomy bass and improved, "airy" instrument separation compared to the original CX-300. While receiving an 8.5/10 value score, the review notes that mids could still be fuller and highlights significant user complaints regarding severe cable microphonics and an awkward, asymmetrical "J-cable" design.

The Sennheiser CX 300-IIGo earphones offer a budget-friendly, "fun" sound signature characterized by a punchy, deep bass response and solid sub-bass energy. Pro-level performance for budget bassheads is achieved through the driver's strong response to equalization, which keeps mid-range frequencies and vocals clear and energetic without harsh, rolled-off treble. Conversely, the review notes significant mid-bass bleed that can cause lower vocals to sound muddy on tracks with high bass output. Additionally, while equalization helps, over-adjusting can create an artificial, "echoish" quality and push the higher mids into harshness.

The Sennheiser CX 300-II Precision in-ear headphones are an incredibly affordable option that delivers a warm yet detailed sound signature. Upgraded by Sennheiser to feature high-quality dynamic speaker systems, they offer improved clarity and dynamics without the premium cost of custom-tuned armature drivers. They are particularly well-suited for rock, dance, and jazz music, bringing a lively, fun energy to the listening experience while unearthing hidden musical details. Additionally, they provide a comfortable fit and decent passive sound isolation using the three included sizes of plastic ear plugs.

The Sennheiser CX 300-II is highlighted as an exceptional "bang-for-buck" upgrade for users looking to replace standard bundled earbuds, such as the original Apple iPod buds. The review praises their lightweight, comfortable design and a soft cable that minimizes microphonics (crackle) during movement. Sonically, these earbuds deliver a meaty sound with powerful bass and clean vocals, offering a significant performance boost over entry-level alternatives despite missing modern features like a microphone or playback controls. While highly recommended for their superb value, the review identifies some trade-offs in audio refinement. The pros include great overall audio quality and a sturdy, angled jack connection. On the downside, the cons note a slightly flabby bass and unrefined treble when compared to high-end models, as well as an asymmetrical cable system that some users might find inconvenient. Ultimately, they are described as an accomplished, budget-friendly choice for listeners who prioritize solid sound over premium features.

The Sennheiser CX 300-II wired earbud review by What Hi-Fi? highlights these headphones as a significant, high-value upgrade over standard-issue bundled earbuds. Tested at £30, the earbuds earned a 2010 Award for the best in-ear headphones up to £50. While the reviewer notes that the CX 300-IIs require a few hours of running in to perform at their absolute best, the final sonic delivery provides crisp, fresh high frequencies paired with a disciplined, dextrous bass performance. The review attributes a perfect five-star rating to the product, emphasizing its sensational overall value. On the positive side, the explicit pros listed for these comfortable in-ear buds include great clarity, advanced levels of detail, and excellent texture across the board. Conversely, the review identifies absolutely no cons of note, cementing these affordable headphones as a highly recommended, effective upgrade for any portable media player.