Sennheiser HD660S2 - The New Reference Standard Under 1k? - The Honest Audiophile

The Sennheiser HD660S2 is a neutral reference open back headphone. Is it the new referene standard under $1,000? How does it compare to the og HD660s or the HD600?

I purchased the HD660S2 with funds provided by patrons, YT members and my own bank account. A BIG thanks to all my supporters, much appreciated.

Purchase:

Chapters:
00:00 INTRO/SPECS
00:38 BOX/HI-RES STICKER/CONTENTS
02:05 DESIGH/BUILD
03:15 REPLACEMENT PADS
03:50 COMFORT/ISOLATION
04:30 SOURCE PAIRINGS
05:55 SONIC IMPRESSIONS
06:05 BASS
07:35 MIDS
08:45 TREBLE
09:50 TECHNICAL ABILITIES
12:50 VS HD660S
13:48 VS HD600
14:45 CONCLUSION
15:23 OUTRO

I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.

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[tomdavis]

I had purchased a pair of Audeze MM100 last spring and had them paid off but I got tired of all the delays and so I was going to cancel the order until I found an 660S2 as an open box unit for the same $400 price. I now own the 600, 6XX and 660S2 and the S2 is my favorite of the 600 series. By a wide margin. I enjoy the added kick in the pants out of the bass performance as well as the extended upper frequencies. My 62 year old ears really appreciate the added sizzle and clarity up top. My modest system consist of a Burson Conductor 3 Performance Combo on the solid state and a 1st Generation Woo Audio WA-6 on the tubes and these beauties sound just excellent to my ears.

[scottlowell]

I got some this year. They totally invalidated my Focal clears and HD800S. Sold them both. The HD800S are overrated. While the HD800S have more "space", the 660s2 have everything else, and better bass. The 660s2 scaled up with better dacs and amps. They have all the strengths of my old HD600, but with much improved bandwidth. They come across as about as natural and neutral as necessary.. Very articulate and detailed and all-day listenable. They also made me notice how some headphones really lack bass in order to sound "cleaner" or more detailed. These are balanced and have accurate bass. Don't let anyone even dream that these have a veil, they absolutely do not. They are my go-to primary headphones.

[juqual]

These are on sale for 400 bucks brand new now which is a reasonable deal. Snatch them up while you can.

[jaxhx]

I appreciate the review. Pulled the trigger on these for Black Friday to become my main mixing/mastering headphones.

[martyn_g]

Tested a heap of headphones under $1000. To my ears these were clearly the best. (Including the 650 etc., )

[ginom]

Thank you Dave for another Great Review! I need to hear these...

[TheVeganVicar]

My bank manager won't like the fact that I watched this video, Dave. :D

[zzezzobike]

Dave❤please don't miss understand the heart😂
but seriously, this is the only 660s2 review anyone interested should see.Period.
Every word you said is 100% correct.
Specially about coherency, bottom to top, tottaly ballanced sound.
I gave them a listen in our local store on Sennheiser 820 dac/amp through both 6, 35 and 4, 4 pentacon cables Ballanced is an absolute must for 660s2 as it brings the last % of detail .
In a way it reminds me a lot of my beloved 650 but better, enough so that I am finally selling 650 and bying 660s2.
Thanx a lot and you are always 100% spot on the sound reviewsGood ears and good knowledge of real music Dave.
Regards from Finland

[argo]

You are my favorite audio reviewer! I completely agree with your thoughts! Very few people talk about the excellent imaging and the detail and clarity of the 660s2. I don't know why DMS says the details are about the same on 660s2 and 650/6XX. To me the 660s2 seems more detailed and extended, as well as being clearer.

[ImAWSMDanny]

I rarely even use headphones and I've yet to come across anything that makes me have any interest in upgrading from my HD 600. Thanks for the thorough review Dave, I appreciate your work.

[Tripokaridos]

To all people Want to buy HD6 line Headphones, JUST SEE his Reviews its SPOT ON.. i have all hd6 line and what he said is exactly what u get with honestly and not sponsored or 2-4 hours listening and then review.

[Peaehod]

Thank you for this video. I recently got into audio, and this video helped me with my purchasing decisions, especially since they are on sale right now. Very informative without coming across as a sales pitch.

Do you have a DAC and amp combo that will work great with S2s? I have a $2000 budget and I'm willing to spend all of it, but I also like a bang for my buck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[colddish]

Wife had been on the lookout for her HD599 replacement for the longest time and when she had the chance to audition this she was floored and ordered immediately. I must admit it does sound better than my HD6XX in each and every way.

[Juacosh]

I've just got my new hd660S2 for $400. I really recomend it they blow up my mind when I listent to with my cheap tube amp.I can only imagine when I upgrade my amp.

[cowboyflipflopped]

I agree completely with your impressions. It's a big upgrade from the 6XX for me.

[ESO]

just got them brand new for 350usd and i love them, thanks for the review, it confirmed my decision of getting them

[imabeliever]

Still looking forward to trying these. I really like my HD 600 with my FiioE12 amp with the bass boost on.

[ermanotorresable]

Glad i came upon this review. I purchased this set as my 1st high end headset because a friend recommended them and they were on sale for Black Friday lol. Seen a few reviews that made me second guess myself. A few of the comments also made me glad i did purchase these. Now my problem is finding a dac amp to run them 😅

[drewmorg.]

Probably the most excited I've ever seen Dave about ANY item he's reviewed lol ! NIce!

[pooriapouria]

Can't wait to watch your MM-100 review once you get your hands on them.