wkc5657
New Head-Fier
some impressions from bloomaudio on the hd660s2 vs sr3 :
https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/hifi-reference-evolution-sennheiser-hd660s2-review
https://bloomaudio.com/blogs/articles/hifi-reference-evolution-sennheiser-hd660s2-review
For comparison, the first, most obvious choice is the HD 660S. The other is iBasso’s recent entry into the $500-$1000 headphone market, the SR3. What’s the best use of your budget right now: catch a HD 660S on the cheap? Upgrade to the HD 660S2? Or check out what iBasso brings to the table?
From a build perspective, the HD 660S models are essentially identical, while SR3 has more of a high-end audiophile look, with more of a distinct style, and some more premium feeling materials – though I don’t know if aspects like the hinges will demonstrate the same longevity as Sennheisers. SR3 is also the king of comfort, with a soft, relaxed fit that feels less fatiguing than the HD 600 series tighter grip on your ears.
In terms of sonic performance, it’s a slightly different story. I’m sure there will be mixed reactions from various corners of the audiophile community, but I find HD 660S2 to be a clear hands down improvement over the original HD 660S. The differences are relatively small, and are most noticeable in the bass, but after letting my ears “burn-in” to the HD 660S2, the original sounds a bit thin, as it’s missing the low end support that completes HD 660S2’s sound. The original HD 660S also doesn’t seem to derive any advantage in spaciousness or definition from its slightly brighter sound, making HD 660S2 the clear winner to my ears. HD 660S does have the advantage of being more efficient though, and may still be preferred for users with lowered powered devices.
It’s a different story with iBasso SR3, because there’s a wider spread in the tuning between the two. While HD 660S2 is still very much of a detail and clarity focused, reference headphones, SR3 maintains a neutral sound, but with a much more relaxed signature. SR3’s treble is clearly smoother with less air, while HD 660S2 has a little more bite. SR3 is also somewhat wider than HD 660S2, giving a more spacious sound, but without the Sennheiser’s more tactile holographic feeling imaging.
While a side by side comparison really demonstrates the improvements of HD 660S2 over the original, SR3 is more of a toss-up. For critical listening, or more intense, focused sessions, Sennheiser has an advantage, but if you’re just kicking back and relaxing to listen to some tunes, I’d grab the iBasso.
From a build perspective, the HD 660S models are essentially identical, while SR3 has more of a high-end audiophile look, with more of a distinct style, and some more premium feeling materials – though I don’t know if aspects like the hinges will demonstrate the same longevity as Sennheisers. SR3 is also the king of comfort, with a soft, relaxed fit that feels less fatiguing than the HD 600 series tighter grip on your ears.
In terms of sonic performance, it’s a slightly different story. I’m sure there will be mixed reactions from various corners of the audiophile community, but I find HD 660S2 to be a clear hands down improvement over the original HD 660S. The differences are relatively small, and are most noticeable in the bass, but after letting my ears “burn-in” to the HD 660S2, the original sounds a bit thin, as it’s missing the low end support that completes HD 660S2’s sound. The original HD 660S also doesn’t seem to derive any advantage in spaciousness or definition from its slightly brighter sound, making HD 660S2 the clear winner to my ears. HD 660S does have the advantage of being more efficient though, and may still be preferred for users with lowered powered devices.
It’s a different story with iBasso SR3, because there’s a wider spread in the tuning between the two. While HD 660S2 is still very much of a detail and clarity focused, reference headphones, SR3 maintains a neutral sound, but with a much more relaxed signature. SR3’s treble is clearly smoother with less air, while HD 660S2 has a little more bite. SR3 is also somewhat wider than HD 660S2, giving a more spacious sound, but without the Sennheiser’s more tactile holographic feeling imaging.
While a side by side comparison really demonstrates the improvements of HD 660S2 over the original, SR3 is more of a toss-up. For critical listening, or more intense, focused sessions, Sennheiser has an advantage, but if you’re just kicking back and relaxing to listen to some tunes, I’d grab the iBasso.
