Sennheiser HD 660S2 guide

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is slightly bassier than its predecessor, but this isn't for bass-heads, and also not for those who need significant treble emphasis. It's not a good or bad thing, it's just a preference issue—but this fact should inform your buying decisions.

Three years after the release of the HD 660S, Sennheiser is back with a refresh: the HD 660S2. Billed as a successor to the original high-end headphones but with a more “relaxed” sound, this new entry have a lot to prove. Does it offer a compelling reason to buy over the rest of the Sennheiser stable?

Sennheiser HD 660S2 review

Will Sennheiser’s latest audiophile headphones become a cult classic? Tested at £499 / $599 / AU$849

The Sennheisers have a charming smoothness to their sound, but their soft bass and lack of dynamic thrust hold them back.

There aren’t many headphones with as much heritage and history as the Sennheiser HD 600. The fact that you can still waltz onto the Sennheiser website and buy a pair, despite the model being well over twenty years old, just goes to show they’re still a respected icon and part of the headphone market furniture.

Over the years, a number of new versions have launched, including the HD 650 and HD 660, not to mention the very latest version we are testing here; the Sennheiser HD 660S2.

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 are the next generation of the Sennheiser HD 660 S and are open-back audiophile headphones. While they look and feel similar to their predecessor, the manufacturer has re-tuned their sound to deliver a bit more thump, punch, and warmth. Their treble range has also received some sculpting, though this change may be a hit or a miss, depending on if you've previously enjoyed the more balanced sound from other Sennheiser headphones like the Sennheiser HD 650. In addition, their impedance has risen from 150 ohms to 300 ohms (with a sensitivity of 104 dB/SPL), so you'll need a powerful amp to drive them effectively.

Disclaimer: The Sennheiser HD 660S2 was sent to us by the local Sennheiser press agency in exchange for this review. Sennheiser is not related to Headfonia in any way.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser has been around since like forever and they’re one of the most respected companies in audio. In the past, Sennheiser has impressed us with a lot of top-quality products like the HD800, the HD 800S and many 5XX and 6xx series headphones. Sennheiser has also upped their IEM game and they have successfully launched the IE 200, IE 300, IE 600 and IE 900 inear monitors.

We’ve of course featured and reviewed Sennheiser products on multiple occasions and you can find all of our Sennheiser reviews here.

In today’s review we’ll be taking a closer look at the HD660 S2, their new full sized, open headphone. The HD 660S2 is the successor of the HD 660S that was launched back in 2018 already, and it’s a direct competitor to the iconic HD 600 and HD 650 as well. Before continuing with the HD 660S2 review, I suggest reading up on the original HD 660S first. You can find that review here:

THE WORDaudiophile is as loaded as they come. Members of this unofficial club span the gamut from those who appreciate the value of a good deal on critical listening gear to those ceaselessly chasing the sonic dragon in pursuit of perfection. For the heaviest addicts, concepts like time and money lose all meaning. There is no price too high to pay for what they think will provide improved performance.

Acclaimed European audio brand Sennheiser has deftly walked the line between those extremes for decades. The company’s HD 600 series of wired, open-back headphones are classics in listening circles both casual and critical. At the lower tier of the scale is the HD 6XX, an awesome joint venture between Sennheiser and Drop based on Sennheiser’s classic HD 650. They are incredible reference cans for just over $200.

Jump up a few steps in the series and you’ll find the new HD 660S2, at $600.