Sennheiser HD 660s2 versus Sennheiser HD 650, which is the better Sennheiser headphone for you?

[@paolozafra5499]

I'm loving the fact that your presentation and explanation keeps improving on each video, great review!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

@Paolo Zafra thank you!!! We appreciate you.

[@RobbieKhan]

Nice thanks, have had my 650 since 2014 and tried various other cans from Fidelio X1/X2 to AKG K7XX/K702 etc and always went back to the HD650, there's something "honest" about the sound signature that no other headphone seems to be able to match and a reason why so many people have still got them. I got the itch recently and toyed with the idea of buying some planers (Edition XS or Sundara) but then watching reviews for days I realised that the sound wouldn't be for me, forward mids and rich highs are the opposite of what the HD600 series offer so I'd be wasting my time. Gonna go for a tube amp just for my 650s in the near future now instead and let them scale. the Topping MX3s powers them really well, but I know they are some really scalable cans.

[@LongHoang-ul5uz]

Very high quality videos, some of the best on YT. Didn't know you guys had a large showroom in SoCal. I'll have to check it out sometime!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you.

[@NickRamsey28]

just got the 660s2 for $400 and I paired it with mojo2 sounds amazing

[@pilsberry]

This is quickly becoming my favorite headphone channel. Love hearing you share your thoughts and they align with mine quite well! I absolutely adore my HD650s (don't tell my HD600s). Would be cool to hear you talk about the Sony MDR MV1 if/when you get them in the shop :)

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

@illuwa, we are a Sony dealer; let me ask the store about them! Thanks for your support!

[@LonelyStarOfficial]

​@@TheSourceAVDesignGroupwich one is better for mixing?

[@KryssN1]

I bought HD660S2 and S1 to test vs HD650, completely agree with the review. Subscribed!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thanks for your support!

[@Nephilim-81]

Terrific video as Usual my friend. There really is something seriously magical about the 600 and 800 series of headphones from Sennheiser when paired with a quality tube amp. Definitely one of the top and greatest synergies in all of HIFI. Lastly, I love the shirt!! I listened to ‘somewhat damaged’ off the WA 22 with the original HD 800 and nearly had a heart attack. Incredible depth and attack. 😁

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you, brother!!

[@tomdavis6371]

Of the various headphones which I own there are four Sennheiser models: the HD535, 600,6XX and 660S2. The 535 is a less expensive headphone than any of the 600 series, a model from the 1990's time period of the same time as the introduction of the 600. Without getting into a bunch of deep technical jargon of which I'm not qualified to do nor have an interest in attempting, my take on the 600 series is pretty simple. They are all cut from the same cloth from the standpoint of build quality. It's a time proven design constructed mostly of plastic that just lasts and lasts provided you treat them with a modicum of respect. Don't toss them around like a football, don't walk all over them or leave them out in the elements and they are going to hold up. After that it's just a matter of which sound signature one likes best. In my case it's a simple choice. I much prefer the 660S2's elevated treble as a 62 year old man who doesn't hear like a kid anymore. I feel it cleans up cymbal work so that I can hear it better and that it lifts that annoying Sennheiser veil. It also offers a nice boost in the bottom end which is greatly appreciated. It's not a basshead lovers headphone by any means but it's very much toward my own preference. The 650/6XX is easily the "darkest" sounding of the bunch. I was happy to be able to purchase the 6XX for $70 delivered through eBay from a seller offering them as "not working", with sound only coming from one ear and a simple cable swap solved that. I purchased the 660S2 as an open-box for $400, I like that price point much better. Run any of the 600 series on good electronics and you will be happy with whichever one you choose but I would recommend listening to them all first hand or at least purchase from a good dealer who will accept returns. My chain isn't TOTL but includes Burson and Woo Audio amplification and I'm perfectly happy with it. Very nice review!

[@Mr-Raccoon]

Hi from France. I have both and like them a lot. HD660 S2 are easy to power than HD650 and less amp picky. Great review, keep it up ! ;-)

[@7quidstudio]

Finally a reviewer that talks about actual SOUND QUALITY 👍👍👍

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

😄🙌

[@aceofspades6667]

Yeah this was a fun one.. quite a nice setup with the tubes!

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you @Ace of Spades!

[@michaelsuperstar606]

I am comparing these two head phones. I need a set to go with my Sony WM1aM2 WM1ZM2 to listen to Hemi-Sync tracks. I'm trying to figure out if the price difference is a factor for upgraded tech and if that is applicable to me.

[@6643bear]

Hi an update, I bought the 660s2 open box for only £269, and just a bit better over my moded 6xx , but quite close . Great video. Also been experimenting with 1 1/4” thicker pads to see what the sound signature be like over the stock ones , only because my old hd575 have 1” pads and they sound great . Regards mark

[@chiragdash]

Got the HD 650 for 20k INR (240 USD) from Amazon Sale. Excited

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Killer deal

[@hearmeout0909]

I've just ordered my HD 660S2 for $420 in India, it was on a sale

[@chiragdash]

@@hearmeout0909 Congrats How is the sound quality. I am enjoying the HD 650 so much

[@hearmeout0909]

@@chiragdash Looks like Sennheiser has been taken over by Sanova. They are having issues with Shipping my order so I'm still waiting to get the headphone. Their customer support now sucks!

[@mylifeisbroken34]

Which one is more suitable for playing FPS games and listening to music? I was using HD 700 before and got very good sound in games.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

FPS gaming would be the HD800s imo.

[@DIRECTSOUNDVINYL]

I have senheisser hd650 sinds 2009. I like it.

[@Thevinylhead]

Great review! One, maybe impossible question, what dac do I need for theese? Just bought em, without any listning knowledge. I just love Sennheisers sound. I have a Bluesound Node X and a Marantz Cinema 40. And they sound a little bit bigger on my Marantz. My question here. Can I get them "bigger"? And is the break in really a thing? I like what I bought, but I feel they are lacking something. I know they are not base heavy, that was not what I´m after. But they feel a little fatiguing. Please, someone, give my a tip. Or my wife gonna smash theese things in my face.

[@6643bear]

Hi, great video, I have hd6xx and it's similar to hd650, however I fitted the custom Cans bass mod to 6xx and does more bass at the bottom end, I also have hd660s1 which I also like , I tend to use them direct on my Ifi Zen V2 with the true bass button selected which make them come alive when streaming . Regards Mark

[@vinnydolce541]

Great video!!! Just curious with what stands were you using; black & tan one

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Rooms line audio

[@ROBERT-ml7ml]

What brand are those wood headphone holders?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Rooms Line Audio

[@carminedesanto6746]

My primary headphone is the Sen’s 650😎. Wiim Pro-Topping E50 DAC -Little Bear passive pre amp- Xduoo 604 tube headphone Amp ( I use the pre amp as volume control for the amp..the amp twin volume controls are used as balance) I don’t run anything in your league..but it’s damn nice👍 Great video 😎🍕☕️

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you!

[@tno3748]

Which manufacturer are the stands at 0:40 from? Not the ROOM's Audio Line but the ones with burl wood

[@bernardm3066]

I have had 660S for a few years and it's a headphone that I generally like. Which of the 600 and 650 you think is closer to the 660S? I would like something with a similar sound signature (I like warmer sound signatures in general) to keep in different places for convenience but some variation would be welcome.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

thesourceav.com/products/sennheiser-hd-650?variant=41290830938268 or the thesourceav.com/products/sennheiser-hd-660s2-pre-order?variant=42331146879132 both on sale now!

[@NotInsaneMatt]

What an amazing comparison! If you only had to pick one out of the two, which one would you choose as a daily driver?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thank you @TheCombatMj ! Such a tough choice I really love them both and own them both. It would probably depend on the what amp/dac I was running with them. They are both fantastic and I would be happy with either headphone.

[@NotInsaneMatt]

@TheSourceAVDesignGroup What about a dry solid state like a THX AAA 789? Which headphone would you pair with something like that?

[@javyvelasquez]

Which tube amp should we pair the HD 650s? For the ultimate experience 🙏

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

What price range?

[@mikeg2491]

Darkvoice sounds great with all Sennheisers

[@기록하는민이]

Hi!What do you think of using these for producing music?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Just answered your question on the other video.

[@HiFiInsider]

I still have original HD600 and HD650 from the early days in the retro box. lol... The new HD660 has great clarity but I prefer the original HD600 sound the most from all 600 Series.

[@honzavlcek4021]

You mean grey hard case covered with corrugated paper sleeve?:-) that's a bit different compared to how they package these headphones today:-)

[@injurera]

How to identify the rebadged HD650?

[@srgantong]

It’s the 6XX.

[@injurera]

@@srgantong Oh. Thought so, but wasn't sure. Thanks a lot!

[@matrixmodulator]

how do they sound in the low sub bass compared to planar like he-500? i had the hd-650 a long time ago and i sold them because the low end was poor compared to the he-500 which i don't need a set of speakers to work on my low end when mixing with them but they are so heavy that i'd like to get something else now...

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

@Matrix Modulator their sub bass was improved over the previous 660s but I wouldn't say it reaches as low as some planar magnetic headphones in the sub-bass region. Personally if I was mixing and mastering for a living I would look at the Audeze MM-500 thesourceav.com/products/audeze-mm-500 or if budget permitted the LCD-5: thesourceav.com/products/audeze-lcd-5 Here is a video comparing the two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpu1eHiJraiKoKc I can't offer you any thoughts on the he-500 as I haven't compared them directly.

[@matrixmodulator]

@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup mm-500 is a nice upgrade from he-500 soundwise?

[@evshrug]

According to measurements, the HD 660S2 has better sub bass extension than the 660S or 660, but I’m quite impressed with the HD 560S sub bass extension. Check out the HD 560S measurements! However, like Marcel said, your perception will differ from measurements. This is due to many reasons, including the upstream gear used, let’s say the “age” of your ears, and even the shape of your ears and ear canal diameter adds and subtracts emphasis! In the long run, the most important thing is familiarity with your evaluation tools, because eventually you’ll get a sense of how your mastering headphones differ from a car radio, small TV speakers, sound bars, and HiFi stereos. That’s where your audience listens!

[@kibyras]

Hi what is rebadge version please?

[@nazfrags]

i am getting HD650 new from amazon india for USD 217 , is it a good buy ?

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

it is

[@RiffsRhythm]

How do you know if it’s a re batch 650?

[@seephor]

Looking forward to coming down to your store to test out the 600 series. I'm about 45 minutes away which makes it difficult but I'll be there one of these days.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

We look forward to seeing you!

[@mpdx0]

Any particular reason you didn't wanna specifically name the 6xx from Drop? 😆

[@evshrug]

Probably because that’s an exclusive colorway of the HD 650 only sold on Drop. Same sound as current production HD 650 tho. The HD 650 have always had the same target frequency response, however in the course of 20 years of production, Sennheiser was required to source baffle materials from different companies over time… this is a pretty “deep in the weeds” distinction, but the baffle has a minor impact on air impedance and how we perceive the midbass, which in turn has a minor perception influence on the rest of the freq perception. The end result is still more similar than different, and FR curves are still largely similar (also, closely matching the Left and Right drivers is even more prioritized). The HD 650 I also have the metal flake silver HD 650 personally, with silver mesh baffle screen. I was entertained by the way Drop was referenced here, makes sense since they’re competitors somewhat (room for both IMO!), but it reminds me of the way Head-Fi’ers used to refer to Drop as “The Store that Shall Not Be Named” or “Volde-mart” 😂

[@a2raya772]

Name of the headphone stand? At @0:05

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Rooms line audio

[@silence5232]

what is the difference between it and hd800s

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Sennheiser HD 800 S Headphones are they still the King of Soundstage for the money in 2023? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqG6gnmeqdyZe7s

[@CarlosBarron-t8l]

The only question that matters, are 660s2 worth the extra money? 660s2 are 499 right now and the 650 are 349 right now.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

I bought them both when they were on sale. They are both fabulous but have their differences. It will come down to your preferences and what you feel is “worth it.”

[@Rukia_uchiha]

which one is better for gaming ?

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

I would probably say the 660s2 as it sound stages a bit better.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

650 is

[@bernamej]

Hello ! What is the rebadged version of the hd650?

[@larrym5606]

That would be the 6xx from mass drop.

[@bernamej]

And it sucks ?

[@larrym5606]

I am not sure if it sucks I have not honestly tried them, but I highly doubt it sucks. I am not a Sennheiser is the end all be all type, but I haven't heard anything from them that sucks. Some products are better than others. It is all personal preference. I personally find the HD 660s2 to be my favorite, followed by the hd560s. but others swear by the HD600 and/or the HD650. Some say the 6xx is a rebranded 650 some say they are pretty different, depends on who you ask. I personally feel the HD660s2, while a little more expensive, gives the best of both worlds and to me provides the best overall sound of the bunch.@@bernamej

[@bernamej]

@@larrym5606your remarks are much appreciated Larry. Thank you. The 660s2 shall remain on my radar.

[@therealwhite]

The 6xx does not suck! As far as aesthetics go it's an interesting navy color and it's plastic without a finish, but as far as sound quality goes it's absolutely fantastic. I used to not believe in amps until I bought a liquid spark, I think this makes this headphone sound even better. However I used it for years without one and still enjoyed it as my favorite headphone. It's worth a shot before spending $400-600 on an S2.

[@rubenscheuer519]

Great, detailed review. But I would change that intro screen into something more eye pleasing without a serif font that struggles with the background (0:20).

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thanks!

[@Chilll87]

So, they are different enough from each other to own bith? Because i cant decide 😅

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

I think most people would be happy with one or the other but crazy 😜 people like me have both.

[@miket939]

Extra deeper Bass HD650s2? ........ until you play some modern Electronic or EDM music where the Bass goes as low as is possible musically, in this case there is a easily noticeable difference between the two, the HD650s growls along with nice fast bass (if its there) its very enjoyable hours just fly - the HD650s2 with the same music (at the same volume) the bass now is at least 2 octaves lower and 4db stronger and its still as fast but musically its now on the next level you can easily pick out where the bass drops and rises an octave or 2, whereas the HD650s its just simply not there, this also affects the midrange and the treble by adding a touch of warmth which makes all-night listing easy and non-fatiguing (Listening with Tube headphone amp, in this case with the Genalex Gold Lion 12AU7/Ecc82 which are just gorgeous! and don't distort (unless you get crazy, and even then ...

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Glad you are loving the 660s2 they are superb!

[@evshrug]

Your first impression comment being about the more 3 dimensional soundstage speaks directly to my tastes 😁

[@evshrug]

Also your mention of the upper midrange difference!

[@evshrug]

Ok, just finished the video. Great explanation of differences between them! Great presentation style to let me choose what appeals to me more! Aaaand… that HD 660S2 sounds like it’s RIGHT up my alley 😂😂 I feel like I need to keep my HD 650, but everything you said about the new model appeals to me more 👍 However, can I politely share some constructive feedback? Your info was great, B-too is gorgeous, but I think you could combine the two to take a little more advantage of the video format. Maybe it’s a personal problem, but hearing HD 660S2 versus HD 650 over and over again gets jumbled up in my head. I had to skip back and replay sections to better track which attribute goes to which headphone. On a written review, you need to say which headphone you’re talking about each time, but on video, it might be easier to follow if you indicated which headphone visually and switched to the other when talking about that one. Just an idea, and again it could just be a “me” problem, and overall your video and analytical quality is something to be proud of! 😊

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Thanks @EvShrug for the feedback! That makes sense. I am ordered a pair of both headphones during the sale. I want them both in my stable of headphones.

[@donbrisebois1261]

I bought these headphones based on youtube reviews. These headphones are not good. I had some 1970's sennheisers in the 70's, and they were good. I like crisp definition and punch. These phones are soft and spungy. NOT GOOD!! These are garbage. What are you youtubers doing?? WTF?? These tubers are profit oriented. I learned the hard way.

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

If you want crisp definition in the 600 lineup you need to look at the HD600.

[@arneseth3814]

The drivers that does not pass the QC for the 650 are used in the 6xx. The plastic headband and yokes are made of lesser quality plastic. There is a reasen for the low price.

[@nickkarach76]

False, 650 and 6xx get warm and lose treble energy quick with pad wear, which happens fast on the 600 series. They are the exact same headphone. Anyone who says different must be comparing two different stages of pad wear or is dealing with simple unit variation. Replace the pads and try again. They are the same. I don’t know where you got the whole driver qc thing from lol

[@therealwhite]

I have new 650 drivers that I had to purchase from the UK to replace the ones in my 660s which had channel imbalance. Sounds just like my 6xx. They're not cheaper because they're worse, their cheaper because the 650 is marked up way too dang high to begin with. Not that it's not worth it, but paying $200 for "endgame" (it's not a game?) feels a lot nicer on the wallet!

[@francoisrochette3808]

The current 650 from Sennheiser is 10 grams lighter compare to the 6xx. Headband is not the same. I own both and to my ears they do not sound the same. The 6xx sound exactly like my 2014 HD 650 first generation with silver driver. Of course pads are new on both. DMS had also confirm that they are different.

[@lawpenner]

I returned 6xx and kept 650. The 6xx plastic headband felt cheap and I just didn't love the sound as much as 650. I was trying to save $100 but it wasn't worth it. I am happier with the 650. Pride of ownership is higher. And sounds to me subtly better

[@cxmxc]

None they all suck hd600 for life

[@TheSourceAVDesignGroup]

Haha 😂 there are always camps for each headphone.

[@f7p1764]

they both sux. hd600 is the best from hd series.

[@WhittyWhitts]

The 660s win because they look cooler