The King of the Senns? - Sennheiser HD660s Review

Picked up at a set of Sennheiser HD660s a couple of weeks ago. Are these really the King of the Senns?
TL;DR: Yep.
Here’s a link to them on Amazon (where you can sometimes find them open box for $350):
amzn.to/2MAbKMd
Other Equipment Used / Mentioned;
Cavalli Tube Hybrid: drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-alex-...
Schiit Magnius: www.schiit.com/products/magnius
SMSL SU-8: amzn.to/2Z0hHUV
Earstudio ES100: amzn.to/36QiBrG
As usual, I’d also recommend looking for used options at:
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguides.com/

[@brianliu522]

Thanks for your review. I am using iFi Zen DAC balanced connection with HD660s. I find HD660S very detailed, smooth, natural and realistic sound with a touch of warmth and excellent instrument separation. With 150 ohm impedance I never need to turn the volume above 11 o’clock. As they are not heavy, I can listen for a few hours without feeling fatigue. I mainly listen to classical music which I think HD660s is ideal for this genre. No matter it’s Chopin’s nocturne (solo piano) or Schubert’s string quartets or symphonies by Beethoven and Mahler involving 100 + pieces of instruments of varied tones and textures, the HD660s reproduces them with ease and accuracy. With well recorded music, HD660S makes me feel I am sitting right in the the best seat of a concert hall.

[@pandoraefretum]

Hey snap ; same as you, classical, HD 660s, Zen One signature, and Zen signature headphone amp, balanced cables everywhere, and the CD player is a Project CDBox S3. The Japanese SHM CDs sound good, though they are a little expensive.

[@NGCS-ej4lz]

@@pandoraefretum Exact same setup and the sound is absolute dog sh*t. The Hyperx Orbit S sound vastly superior, these sound muffled like mud. Even tried PEACE APO Equalizer with oratory1990 presets specifically for the 660s and it in fact only made it sound way worse and way more muffled.

[@pandoraefretum]

The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is a gaming headphone.. so I presume you mean it's got more punch and zing ? @@NGCS-ej4lz

[@Tripokaridos22]

HD660s is the Swiss knife of Headphones.

[@rashedsaif4759]

cool 😎

[@kentbergstrom3020]

They really comes to life with the latest oratory1990 EQ profile, highly recommended.

[@bandhanjha8563]

Absolutely love these headphones

[@giorgivashakidze4805]

Great review 👌

[@jillanmanaig6288]

an honest review is way better either how its presented.. you just know it.. subscribed👌

[@TheSteve57]

Brilliant review again !!!, you should have loads more subs. I agree about Sundara, mine is going back today. Was going for 560s but I might have to push it a bit and have these. Will be pairing with Zen Dac and Can !!!!

[@MrAyrit]

Thank you for the kind words. I can’t imagine you not enjoying that set up.

[@ArunLakra]

Do you think Zen Can would improve much on Zen Dac + HD660s?

[@MrAyrit]

@@ArunLakra If you can hold that thought for a few weeks, I should have a review of the Zen CAN + the Zen DAC coming in the first part of July. (iFi sent me a Zen CAN, but they are also sending my another Zen DAC with the power supply). I don't have my 660s any more, but I can do some testing with other headphones and give you my impression. Without doing that, my answer is: it will probably improve, but I doubt it will be a gigantic improvement since the 660s is not super difficult to drive.

[@omeletpants]

@@MrAyrit You adore the 660s but got rid of them. WTF

[@MrAyrit]

@@omeletpants nothing stays long in my world. Rotating door of headphones. Sometimes I’ll buy them a second time. A lot of it just has to do with selling something to cover the cost of trying something new. I’ve bought 95% of what I’ve reviewed up to this point.

[@stephannordmann5346]

This ones and the Sennheiser 800 s one of my favorit 👍

[@Randomizer92mx]

These headphones seem balanced in all sound categories. Even the bass where some are complaining, the punch exists but it's not in your face. It's just the perfect amount to keep your ears safe. And it works off a smartphone with a decent DAC (not necessarily LG).

[@MrAyrit]

I agree, they are a great all-a rounder.

[@nashwalker7]

I love these headphones. The clarity and accuracy are out of this world.

[@soulfulfool]

you heard nothing yet :)

[@soulfulfool]

@@EDlT0R-1 dubstep whats that?

[@RAMII19780529]

That 4.4mm balanced is awesome! I'm so glad it includes that. It lets you plug it in to amps like the TOPPING A90 without having to buy custom wires... but I'll buy custom wires anyhow... That 3m cable is crazy long for me.

[@benegesserit9838]

indeed, i have 660s with a zen dac, i use balanced connexion for more power and is just nice sound...love it.

[@AudioThings]

@@benegesserit9838 I have the 660s with zen dac + zen can. The zen can enabled me to listen with pleasure even at low volume. Overall better experience. The lenght of the cable is just perfect for me. I have it go under the desk and then back to me. This way the cable does not get in my way.

[@benegesserit9838]

@@AudioThings dap, sunt super. pacat ca strang un pic cam mult dar sper ca se mai lasa in timp...am mai tras eu de ele dar totusi...parca-i un pic cam mult. Cablul intr-adevar este de buna calitate si tot asa il tin si eu. pe birou🙂 in schimb design-ul mufei ce intra in casca este absolut oribil, 2 pini ce intra fortat...trosneste de zici ca se rupe ceva😅

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

Jah i glad for that too, its good for the fiioK7 too.

[@quantumcreator8888]

After this review .. now in 2023 ..you still like this headphone MrAyrit .. thank you 🙏 great review

[@MrAyrit]

I still think it’s a good headphone, especially for $200-$250, but the new s2 is better.

[@rrtind]

Hey Drew, enjoyed your review and I’m now very close now to picking up a pair of 660s. I have the 560s and love their presentation, but I sometimes find that their analytical/honest quality can make my harsher recorded songs harder to listen to. Would you say the 660s are similarly analytical/honest? Or can they work their magic without fully laying bare a harsher recording? Thanks and keep up the great work 👌

[@MrAyrit]

660 are definitely much easier to listen to, but there is still a lot of detail if you want to give it your attention. I do not think you'll be disappointed.

[@rrtind]

Thank you Drew, much appreciated and will give it a go.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Hd660s are fast analytical with great sepperation in your head soundstage with none angled drivers annd sound very very natural NOT like SUNDARA OR 560S that sound a little artificial and metalic. So HD660s are in the middle not hursh but NOT smooth amd veiled like HD650. If u need something smooth then get HD650 its the smoothest on all line.

[@rrtind]

Managed to get my hands (and ears) on a pair of HD660s and I also find they’re an easy and enjoyable listen, with good detail retrieval. At normal-to-high volumes they’re less sharp than the HD560s. Where I find the 560s excel over the 660s is with low-volume listening, where plenty more detail still pops out nicely. However I find the soundstage on both the 560s and 660s is crushed compared to say the Sundara. Regarding the Sundara, I recently acquired these and I’m finding them astounding, even more so at their bargain price of 300 GBP! I’m listening to them through an Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt DAC/amp connected directly to an iPhone via a lightning-to-USB adapter (and streaming via Tidal). Without reservation this compact setup comes highly recommended. Via this setup, I’m finding the Sundara is exquisitely detailed and balanced from top to bottom, with the air in recordings coming through impressively. Imaging and soundstage width/arc is excellent too. I’d say the sonic profile is a touch on the darker side, however, after a couple of minutes of allowing my ears to adjust, I find this setup is truly musical, rhythmic and above all believable, allowing me to fully get lost in the music! Worth mentioning that the Sundara sounds horrible straight from new out of the box... give them time to wear in and they’ll work their charms.

[@6643bear]

Hi , interesting video, the hd6xx now comes in a plain box no hinged box and only a 1.8m cable now . Also now made in Romania . Regards mark

[@devsaini7367]

hey! I recently bought these used for mixing and production. I dont know how it works. I have a personus 24c. I have an M1 Pro MacBook too which also has the superior aux jack. What can I do to access high quality music

[@benegesserit9838]

just bought few days ago new hd660s at just 313 euro...very good price in EU also nice sound.

[@MrAyrit]

I’ve been tempted to pick up another set myself. I’ve seen some on the used market for almost $200.

[@cdotwu]

I just got a new pair of 660s and the sound seems extremely closed in. Not getting any sort of expansive soundstage that you described. Did I get a defective pair or do you think it needs some burn in time?

[@MrAyrit]

Definitely give some burn in time. Not sure that i recall them being expansive, but i always felt they had good directional information.

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

And dont forget u need a "good" amp to open the soundstage... the balanced 4.4 opens it more too, so its amp dependant what u get from it. Like, from a laptop dont expect any soundstage.

[@electr0pvnch]

thanks for the review, i like how you describe the soundstage and imaging and its what i want in a headphone but what about the separation?

[@MrAyrit]

Separation is good. I don’t think you’ll be dissatisfied.

[@electr0pvnch]

@@MrAyrit thank you, im between the 660s and the 1990 pro, but i think i will enjoy the sennheisers more, and also alot cheaper

[@MrAyrit]

@@electr0pvnch the 660 would be my preference between the two.

[@MrAyrit]

@@electr0pvnch I have a review of the 1990 as well, if you haven’t checked that out yet.

[@gramblor1]

The imaging is what ZReviews liked so much about these headphones. He said they were great for gaming. And I'm glad to hear from another headphone guy that he doesn't especially like the HD 6xx. I owned the HD 650 for several years before having my mind blown by the Audioquest Nighthawk. I always thought they were great, but now I rarely listen to them. I prefer my Audioquest Nighthawk and Nightowl, Focal Elex, and Hifiman HE 4xx. I'm surprised you prefer the 660s over the Sundara, although I've never heard either headphone. Andrew from The Headphone Show really prefers the Sundara for this price category.

[@MrAyrit]

It's not that I didn't think the Sundara was good, I just feel like it didn't immerse me in music the way the 660s does. I also didn't like the way they imaged for gaming.

[@Who-oe7jm]

Iv been using a pair of astro a40tr's for ever and yesterday i bought a vali 2/modi stack, i didn't even have any headphones for the amp and with a low budget i was thinking about the hd6xx and today i bought a new pair of 660s for 380 from offer up im super excited 😄 what are your thoughts on the hd660s with the vali 2 tube amp....also where should i be listening to music? Im super new to everything.

[@MrAyrit]

I think you're going to love them. For music, I'd look for free trials and good deals a d try a couple out before you commit. I currently use youtube music, just because I pay for youtube premium. I also like spotify. I used amazon hd for quite and while, and that was okay too. I didn't really like tidal's interface. I'm not convinced that I can tell the difference between a high quality mp3 and lossless, but I haven't really tried in a while either.

[@MrAyrit]

www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/how-well-can-you-hear-audio-quality

[@GoatMikey]

will the fosi audio q4 work with these for gaming

[@MrAyrit]

I’m not familiar with that amp, but the 660 are easy to drive. I’d think they’d work with just about anything.

[@Rex00o]

Hello I just got These and was wondering if you had a amp recommendation I would like to speed around $200.

[@MrAyrit]

I never found them to be too amp picky. I’d just look for something that fits your use case and has the features you want. Fiio k7 is great for $200.

[@Rex00o]

@MrAyrit Arl thx I'll look into it. Do you happen to know anything about the Schiit Hel 2E or the iFi ZEN CAN?

[@MrAyrit]

@@Rex00o I’ve heard the original hel and the zen can. There should be reviews if you search for them.

[@dougquesnel5613]

So what do you think, are these still holding up for you?

[@MrAyrit]

I still own a set. I still think they are a solid choice under $300.

[@brianliu522]

For many people, the Sentimental appeal and emotional attachment to their older 600 series can be hard to move,

[@Yarnooee]

most people recommending sundara over 660s, but when i tested those two at audio shop, sundara doesn’t sound natural for my taste. actually most recommendation from crinacle sound bit too bright for me. i guess i like sennheiser veil after all.

[@maxdefire]

@@andrewbmxcampbellwhat you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought.

[@johnmerwin5442]

Can these be used with astro a40 mixamp?

[@MrAyrit]

I don’t see why not. They aren’t hard to drive.

[@buttercat1208]

If just powering the 660s straight from a phone or a computer without an amp, does it still sound decent? i had the 560s and it’s pretty good with no dac/amp and only connected to the apple 3.5mm adapter.

[@MrAyrit]

The 660 should be fine with minimal power. Easy to drive and not amp picky in my experience.

[@brianliu522]

I power my 660S balanced with Zen DAC using the 4.4 mm cable, everything sounds better than powering straight from my iPad, especially the bass and timbre

[@akn_9220]

Are these worth it to get if you already have a HD58x?

[@MrAyrit]

I think so. IMO they are more detailed, smoother, and better controlled than the 58x. That being said, I know some people still prefer the 58x. Only one way to find out...

[@akn_9220]

@@MrAyrit very tempting haha. Got a chance to listen to one recently and it did sound a bit different

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Are there any headphones at this price point that do the midrange wrong? Or any headphone, at any price point? I know this question might come across as flippant. But , seriously, does midrange challenge manufacturers at this point in driver technology?

[@MrAyrit]

I mean, there’s definitely some that do it better than others.

[@marklindh2117]

They are AMAZING balanced through the Aune X7S!

[@hdihiiehei]

660s or sundara? which is better

[@MrAyrit]

Better is a difficult question. I can tell that my preference is with the 660s.

[@funnyboy250]

Is the 58x as good as the 660s?

[@MrAyrit]

I don't think so. I'd recommend you take a look at my 58x review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fai8m2qKjNSGjpY

[@richboii6597]

Completely agree. Idk why some people hate on 660s but praise the 560s, especially now that it’s ~$300 new. Imo the 660s hands down does everything better than the 560s. Not even close

[@milesgenaro1308]

🙌🙌

[@SujitJadhavIN]

You won't get sound like HD 660s anywhere too, which makes it choice.

[@kjg_95]

compared to the Sundaras?

[@MrAyrit]

I never had them both at the same time. But my pick would be the 660s. I felt the Sundara’s did a lot of things well, but it just didn’t come together on a cohesive sound for me. I felt the 660s was pretty great all around.

[@kjg_95]

@@MrAyrit but they cost a lot more than the Sundaras in my country.

[@MrAyrit]

@@kjg_95 can I ask what you are using now? Do you currently have a DAC and amp?

[@kjg_95]

@@MrAyrit I have a Fiio K5 Pro, Earmen Eagle and Shanling UP2

[@MrAyrit]

@@kjg_95 what headphones have you already tried? What did you like / not like?

[@Tripokaridos22]

I have hd5 and hd6 line and i have to say HD660s are the best for me.

[@ecohangout4481]

Should I buy the 560s or 660s?

[@Tripokaridos22]

@@ecohangout4481 If u need neutral cold sound 560s , if u need Smoother , more warm and organic sound then 660s.

[@ecohangout4481]

@@Tripokaridos22 which do you believe is better for enjoying music?

[@Tripokaridos22]

@@ecohangout4481 HD650 and HD660s

[@TheColorization]

@@Tripokaridos22 what Amp/dac do you use for hd660s and 650 ? And is balanced important ?

[@FabioKasper]

The HD660S is indeed really competitive at the discounted price of 400 bucks. Not for the treble-heads out there though.

[@Ninjjadog]

What do you mean by the treble heads?

[@FabioKasper]

It means it has a somewhat dark sounding to my ears.

[@DibsonAlexaBliss]

It has no treble. Even less than 650.

[@j1nftw1n]

4.4mm cable is to run the headphones balanced 😏

[@MrAyrit]

It just seems like 4pin is more ubiquitous, although I have come around to the 4.4.

[@j1nftw1n]

@@MrAyritit's becoming the new standard for balanced. Btw appreciate the comparison between this and the 560s, I found the 560s too bland for my taste. Getting my 660s today and can't wait to try it out!

[@MrAyrit]

@@j1nftw1n yeah, I found out after this video that 4.4 can be both single ended and balanced, which is cool.

[@STF_YVR]

Is there a 4.4mm to XLR adapter from Sennheiser?

[@Tripokaridos22]

@@MrAyrit how is it possible for 4.4 to be unbalanced ? Did u find any adapter ?

[@coalregionrider6525]

I bought these last week and wasn't impressed at all with them I actually ended up giving them away. Wayy to flat for me. Barely any bass at all

[@MrAyrit]

Thanks for sharing. What are you listening to instead?

[@coalregionrider6525]

@ MrAyrit Orignal momentums I love them as I can use them hardwired or use bluetooth with my apple tv when watching shows and movies. They work great with the dragonfly cobalt that I bought to. With the 660s and the dragonfly paired with my 12 promax I had to turn the volume up to about 75% it just didnt work to well. They are to flat for me.

[@MrAyrit]

@@coalregionrider6525 thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ACFUN34]

The HD 660 S need to be eq-ed to sound good !

[@coalregionrider6525]

@ SKY I still think my momentums sound better. I thought 600 $ headphones would have sounded better then they did.

[@daciai2201]

Any one think king, which should be a queen. There is no king, just queen. The king not walk in headphone, he is in DAC ralem.

[@MrAyrit]

Queen of the Senns then? It would be interesting to switch the title and see how the video does.