The full review
Sennheiser HD 660 S Headphones Review
First Impressions
As an enthusiast of quality sound, I stumbled upon the Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones over a year ago. I've been using these headphones as my main music solution and never thought of returning to my Audio Technica ATH M50x or my wireless Momentum 4s. Upon my first encounter with the HD 660 S, my initial impression was a blend of intrigue and mild skepticism due to their primarily plastic construction. It felt a tad too 'plasticky' compared to the solid, robust build of the M50x. Nevertheless, I decided to give them a chance, and suffice it to say, that the HD 660 S has surpassed my expectations.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones is something to marvel at. Punchy and detailed, the bass is slightly less compared to Momentum 4s but the overall sound quality more than compensates for it. The real stars, however, are the highs and mids. Having used several headphones that seemed to be harsh and overpowering in the higher frequencies, the HD 660 S sounded more balanced, natural even. For those long gaming sessions or when immersing oneself in high-quality compositions, these cans fit the bill perfectly.
The open-back design was a marvelous addition, introducing a dynamic and expansive soundstage, and pinpoint details that brought my music and gaming experiences to life. The HD 660 S showed its true colors with well-recorded music, reflecting the nuance and subtleties that are often missed with other headphones. Comparing the open-back HD 660 S to closed noise-cancelling sets was an eye-opening experience, both literally and metaphorically.
Comfort and Design
The Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones are the most comfortable pair of headphones I've ever worn, allowing extended periods of use without discomfort. The headband, albeit majorly plastic, has a strong clamp which surprisingly doesn’t cause any discomfort. In fact, over the past year of use, it seems to have either loosened up a bit or my head has adjusted to its moderate clamping force.
The detachable cables although feel slightly unsteady, have stood the test of time. What has been a great convenience is the included 3.5mm jack converter, enabling you to connect your headphones to a variety of devices. Plus, the long aux cord (sometimes a nuisance) came in handy when moving around my personal space.
Performance
Compared to the Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones, which is legendary in its own right, the 660 S headphones shine. The sound is balanced across highs, bass, and mids. The bass is punchy and accurate, the mids exceptional, and the treble presents a fatigueless, milky smooth, and purely magical audio experience. The 660 S had a noticeable increase in clarity and imaging. They pack up to 30% more volume and easily pair with any equipment, making them super easy to drive.
A few Shortcomings
The Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones is not without its flaws. Firstly, the build quality feels inferior compared to its predecessors like the HD 600 and HD 650. The largely plastic construction and lack of swivel in the ear cups leave something to be desired. Secondly, the open-back design might not be everyone's cup of tea, as it tends to leak sound into your surroundings, potentially causing disturbance for people around you, but this is more of a situational con than a product flaw.
Another downside to the Sennheiser HD 660S Headphones is the need for a powerful DAC or sound card to drive these cans to their full potential. If you're planning to purchase these headphones, consider also investing in a decent-spec headphone amplifier or a sound card. This wasn't something that I'd expected upfront and it did take a chunk out of my budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable for prolonged use
- High-quality sound
- Expansive, open-back soundstage
- Strong, flexible headband
- Long aux cord
Cons
- Majorly 'plasticky' build
- Sound leakage due to open-back design
- Requires powerful DAC or sound card
- Expensive
Conclusion
Despite the downsides, I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Sennheiser HD 660 S Headphones so far. Admittedly, they are an expensive range but the comfort, audio quality, and overall experience they provide justifies in my opinion, the steep price tag. The Sennheiser HD 660 S Headphones come with a rich heritage of delivering quality sound and they do not disappoint. For those with a keen ear and a taste for high-end sound, you won't regret this investment.