Welcome, audiophiles, to a world where the precision of sound meets the art of engineering. When it comes to headphones, few brands can claim the prestige and quality associated with Sennheiser. With a rich history spanning over seven decades, Sennheiser has consistently provided us with equipment that has reshaped our perception of audio.
In this comprehensive review, we’re focusing on the Sennheiser HD 600, HD 650, HD 660 S, and the HD 660S2. These headphones have been highly praised in the audiophile community, but how do they stack up against each other? Which model should you pick for your specific needs?
Buckle up and get ready for an in-depth journey into the world of Sennheiser headphones. Let’s dive in and get to know these remarkable headphones.
Introducing the Sennheiser HD Series
Background of the HD Series
Sennheiser’s HD series is a range of high-end headphones designed with professional sound engineers, music producers, and audiophiles in mind. Each model in the series builds upon the success of its predecessors, providing incremental improvements in audio reproduction, design, and comfort.
Evolution of the HD Series
Starting with the Sennheiser HD 600, we witnessed a revolution in open-back headphone design. With the HD 650, Sennheiser introduced a warmer, smoother sound profile. The HD 660 S took precision to the next level, and the HD 660S2 comes with further refinements to the well-loved HD 660 S.
Unboxing the HD Series: What’s in the Box?
Each Sennheiser headphone comes packaged with:
- Sennheiser HD headphones
- Detachable cable with a 6.35mm jack
- 3.5mm adapter
- User manual
Design and Build
Classic Sennheiser Aesthetics
Look and Feel
The HD series remains faithful to Sennheiser’s signature aesthetics. These headphones carry an understated elegance, opting for a professional and timeless look over flashy designs.
Color Variations
The HD 600 comes in a speckled blue and black finish, while the HD 650 sports a more subdued dark gray color. The HD 660 S and HD 660S2 opt for a sleek black matte finish, giving them a more modern appeal.
User Comfort and Durability
Materials Used
Constructed from high-quality plastic, these headphones are both sturdy and lightweight. They’re designed to withstand the test of time and long listening sessions.
Ear Cups and Padding
The elliptical design of the ear cups is engineered to follow the anatomy of the ear, ensuring superior comfort. The thick padding covered with velour enhances the comfort, making these headphones perfect for prolonged use.
Headband
The metal headband, with its generous padding, ensures a secure and comfortable fit. It’s also adjustable, accommodating a variety of head sizes.
User Interface and Controls
Being wired headphones designed for professional and home use, the HD series doesn’t incorporate controls into the headphones themselves. The user interface is primarily your audio source – be it your smartphone, digital audio player, or an audio interface.
Core Features
Open-Back Design
Natural Sound Experience
The open-back design of these headphones creates a natural listening experience, simulating the sense of listening to speakers in a room rather than closed headphones.
Soundstage and Imaging
This design results in excellent soundstage and imaging, allowing you to pinpoint the placement of different instruments in a recording with remarkable precision.
High-Quality Transducers
Detailed Sound Reproduction
The high-quality transducers used in these headphones are the heart of their sound reproduction capability. They’re designed to minimize harmonic distortion and produce a smooth, detailed sound.
Difference Between the Models
While all models deliver top-notch sound quality, the HD 650 is known for its smooth, warm tonality. The HD 660 S and HD 660S2, on the other hand, lean towards a more neutral sound with a hint of brightness, providing more detail.
Detachable Cable
Practicality and Longevity
The detachable cable in the HD series adds to their practicality and longevity. If the cable gets damaged, it can be replaced easily without needing to replace the entire headphone unit.
Cable Length and Connectors
The cable length is perfect for home use or in a studio setting. The 3m cable ends with a 6.35mm jack and a 3.5mm adapter is included in the box for compatibility with various audio devices.
Impedance
Powering the Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650 have an impedance of 300 ohms. They will benefit significantly from a headphone amplifier to bring out their full potential. On the other hand, the HD 660 S and HD 660S2 come with a lower impedance of 150 ohms, making them easier to drive even with portable devices, though an amplifier will still improve their performance.
Sound Quality
Frequency Response
All models in the HD series have a wide frequency response, from 10 Hz to 39,500 Hz. This extensive range ensures that they can accurately reproduce deep bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs.
Bass
HD 600
The HD 600 is renowned for its well-balanced and tight bass. While it’s not boosted, it’s sufficiently deep and never overpowers the mids.
HD 650
The HD 650 offers slightly more bass extension than the HD 600, adding a touch of warmth to the sound.
HD 660 S and 660S2
The HD 660 S and HD 660S2 offer a lean and accurate bass that is precise, yet not lacking in depth and extension. They are highly detailed, allowing you to pick up subtle nuances in the lower frequencies.
Mids
The HD series is renowned for its outstanding midrange reproduction. Vocals, guitars, and other mid-centric instruments are rendered with a lifelike naturalness that few headphones can match.
Highs
HD 600 and HD 650
The HD 600 and HD 650 have a smooth high-frequency response. The treble isn’t overly bright, ensuring that the headphones remain easy on the ears even for extended listening sessions.
HD 660 S and 660S2
The HD 660 S and HD 660S2 are a bit more detailed in the treble region. While not overly bright, they provide a slightly more analytical listening experience compared to the HD 600 and HD 650.
Comparing with Competitors
Sennheiser HD Series vs. Beyerdynamic DT Series
Sound Signature
While the Beyerdynamic DT series is known for its detailed and analytical sound, the Sennheiser HD series provides a more balanced and natural listening experience.
Comfort
Both series offer supreme comfort for long listening sessions, but some users prefer the Sennheiser’s oval-shaped ear cups over Beyerdynamic’s round design.
Build Quality
Both Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic have excellent build quality. However, Beyerdynamic’s extensive use of metal may appeal to those who prioritize durability.
Sennheiser HD Series vs. AKG K Series
Soundstage
AKG’s K series is well-regarded for its expansive soundstage. However, the open-back design of the Sennheiser HD series also provides excellent spatial imaging and depth.
Sound Signature
AKG’s headphones generally have a slightly brighter sound signature compared to the smooth, balanced profile of the Sennheiser HD series.
Comfort
Both brands offer comfortable headphones with adjustable headbands and plush ear cups, ensuring long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions.
Consumer Feedback
What Users Love About the HD Series
Customers appreciate the natural and balanced sound of the Sennheiser HD series, along with their comfort and build quality. Many users also like the open-back design for its ability to produce a wide soundstage and detailed imaging.
Common Criticisms and Concerns
Some users feel that the HD series lacks a bit in bass impact, especially compared to closed-back headphones or models with a more ‘V-shaped’ sound signature. The high impedance of the HD 600 and HD 650 is also a concern for some, as these models may require an additional amplifier to reach their full potential.
Analyzing Customer Reviews and Ratings
Despite some minor criticisms, the Sennheiser HD series holds high customer satisfaction ratings for its sound quality, comfort, and overall performance. They are often praised as some of the best open-back headphones available in their price range.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Safety Features and Precautions
The Sennheiser HD series isdesigned to be safe for extended use, provided you maintain an appropriate volume level. Remember that prolonged exposure to loud volumes can damage your hearing. Always start with a low volume and gradually increase it to a comfortable level.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sennheiser is committed to environmental sustainability. Their products are designed to be long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement and minimizing waste. Moreover, Sennheiser encourages recycling and offers instructions on how to dispose of their products responsibly.
Conclusion
From the well-rounded Sennheiser HD 600 to the rich and warm HD 650, the highly detailed HD 660 S, and the refined HD 660S2, each model in Sennheiser’s HD series offers its unique take on audio perfection.
These headphones may not be for the casual listener, but if you appreciate high-quality sound reproduction, value comfort, and desire a balanced and natural sound, the Sennheiser HD series is well worth considering. Their impeccable sound quality, coupled with a high level of comfort and premium build, ensures they remain competitive in the audiophile world.
As with any high-end audio equipment, your choice will ultimately come down to personal preference. We recommend testing these models if possible, to find the one that best suits your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your high-fidelity audio journey, the Sennheiser HD series is sure to deliver an extraordinary listening experience.