The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is on my radar and a recommendation for anyone looking to upgrade from the HD 650, and at $419.81 it’s now $260 off the list price of $679.95. That’s a 38% reduction over arguably Sennheiser’s most successful open-back headphones in this range and puts them in a price range that’s hard to argue with.
What you get
The HD 660S2 is a direct evolution of the HD 650 series, but the most significant change is the bass extension. Sennheiser has redesigned the transducers to reach lower frequencies with more punch, addressing the one area where the HD 650 left some listeners wanting more. The result is an open-back headphone that retains the warm, natural midrange that the 650 is known for, while adding weight to the low end.
Like its predecessor, the HD 660S2 features a 300 ohm design, so you can get the most out of it with a dedicated headphone amp or DAC. However, it scales well with better source equipment over time, making it a headphone worth investing in rather than one to replace. The open construction delivers a wide, natural soundstage that closed designs have difficulty reproducing, and the imaging is precise enough to make it a useful tool for mixing and critical listening, as well as casual use.
Build quality follows the same pattern as the broader HD 600 family: lightweight, replaceable ear pads, a detachable cable, and a headband that evenly distributes pressure during long listening sessions. It’s not a flashy design, but it’s built to last and easy to maintain when something wears out.
Why it’s worth it
At $679.95, the HD 660S2 sits at the high end of what most people would consider accessible audiophile territory. At $419.81, it lands in a price range where the competition is significantly smaller. The Beyerdynamic T1 and Audeze LCD-1 both occupy similar territory, but don’t offer the same combination of bass extension, natural tuning, and repairability as the 660S2. If you already own an amplifier or DAC, this is an easy upgrade decision.
The end result
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 at $419.81 is a rare offering for a headphone that represents the best of Sennheiser. The extended bass response, refined acoustic tuning and open soundstage make for a listening experience that justifies every penny, and the $260 discount makes it one of the most compelling audiophile headphone offerings available today.
