[Rob80b]

From the better bass technicalities and dynamics to the blacker background with less distortion and excellent micro dynamics.

Believe those were my impressions when first receiving HD660S...so waiting on bated breath.

 

[krenzler]

I have reviewed the NDH-30 and I think that is one of the best sounding and balanced headphones under $1K

Do you have a link to this review?

 

[Ichos]

Do you have a link to this review?

Unfortunately it is not yet available online but I will ask the editor if he can upload it to hxosplus website.

 

[Ichos]

Thanks @Ichos. I do remember those those impressions from your review, I just wondered if you had any technical measurements of the 660S2 driver to compare with the 660S driver (other than FR which doesn't say much about technical ability) which would explain your listening experiences?

Unfortunately I don't do measurements, I don't know if you can find some CSD graphs etc.

Anyway the technical superiority is pretty audible especially with higher listening volumes.

And I am not referring to a 660S vs 660S2 comparison as the differences certainly apply to the 650 (copper modded) as well.

Especially with the latter is like listening to a good vintage speaker vs a modern one of the same caliber.

 

[sebiambrus]

Sennheiser (sonova) must put some serious stuff to the table to impress me. I am a loyal fan thoo. ( I do not want to start a topic but this is an early production (13xxx) SN hd800 . The rumorus says after 16xxx SN the Hd800 drivers were changed to please the crowds ( less technical more bass ) . I settled with this old SN Hd800 after i Had 49xxx Hd800 and new Hd800S I found it superior to all Hp which i had ( Utopia , He1000SE, meze elite, hd800S/old , ATHADX5000, Fostex900mk2) sorry the oldest hd800 got the most big soundstage most dry and analytical sound and most tight base. You can spit on me but I'm waiting for the hd800S2 or Hd900. Also I'm waiting for the hd660S2 . since i have all Sennheiser cans. But my best daily driver is still the almost 15 year old hd800...

 

[ericpalonen]

Just thinking about this again, I would be interested to know why you think the 660S2 driver is more technically capable than the 660S driver (300ohm?) and what differences you think that makes to the performance. I understand that it's a better (more capable) driver than the 650. It should be of course because it was the driver from the HD700, but have they actually improved that driver, or is it more of a retuning that some people will like and others may not? If it's genuinely better, rather than just different, it would be a reason the get the 660S2.

They (660S and 660S2) are indeed different, even though they are closely related. Speed has been increased, thanks to a lighter voice coil. The higher impedance gave us a blacker backdrop as well. There are tangible differences. HD 660S2 in my opinion is a speed demon in the treble. This is not the HD 700 driver, however. It does share some engineering principles with it (ventilated magnet for example) but if you swapped the HD 660S2 driver with the HD 700 driver, neither would sound like their unaltered counterparts.

waiting for your impressions, Since i have all Sennheiser cans.

We appreciate that so much

Mine has shipped now, hoping Australia Post manage to get it here tomorrow

DMS seemed a little meh in his review, will see what my ears think!

Thank you so much and welcome to the #HD660S2Club

Well reading over this thread , and checking most of the reviews for the new 660s2. . ( could have been called a better name ) . Anyway I do enjoy sennheiser, also grado. Been collecting senn since mid 70s . My still great condition hd450 , then the not so good or used radio frequency wireless one. Never used much at all. Still things got better when picked up my also still mint Hd580 in a winter sale for £100. Then lots of more ordinary stuff . Until Grado. But still keeping my eye on Senn. So finally picked up a mint second hand Hd660s just over £200. Which I actually do enjoy and won't sell or upgrade to new s2. Good enough for me. And finally for now bought the new styled hd600 again just over £200 from senn direct the other week. All good . So good luck senn with the new s2 . But not yet for me. Shame they didn't improve maybe the hd700 .

This is an awesome collection from all over the timeline and globe. Thank you for sharing it and for being a great customer!

Well, I did something dumb and bought a 660S2. I’m interested to see how it’ll weigh up to my NDH 30 and HD800S.

Been years since I had a HD 650 so I’m certainly interested as to what flavour sound they will deliver! Might post some impressions and comparisons in the coming weeks.

On the contrary I would consider that a smart move! Lol. Thank you and welcome to the #HD660S2Club!

And for DMS HD650 have better bass extrention than 660S2 so we've got chaos of contradicting reviewers But honestly I guess unit variation as well as different gear people listen to is part of the answer.

Well I don't agree with his take, it is his take and his take only. I would wager any of my gear that unit variation is not an issue. The lengths that Sennheiser goes to ensure that the performance specification is met is ridiculous (in a good way).

Have you compared 660S2 with 660s that has a bass boost EQ, that's what I would like to know.

They're still different animals Even if you try to equalize your signal. The 660S is not as fast nor does it pull you in that extra meter with regard to imaging.

 

[Mike F]

Unfortunately I don't do measurements, I don't know if you can find some CSD graphs etc.

Anyway the technical superiority is pretty audible especially with higher listening volumes.

And I am not referring to a 660S vs 660S2 comparison as the differences certainly apply to the 650 (copper modded) as well.

Especially with the latter is like listening to a good vintage speaker vs a modern one of the same caliber.

Yes, I know the 660S(2) drivers are superior to the 650, just not sure that the 660S2 driver is actually superior to the 660S. It doesn't really matter unless you intend to use EQ of course, but if you do, and the driver in the 660S2 is not actually superior, then you should be able to get a 660S to sound like a 660S2. Interesting for those who have a 660S and can or do use EQ.......

 

[Rob80b]

If you ask me (another reviewers subjective opinion) the sub-bass extension is significant, especially for a HD6.

I hope you are right. : )
Getting a bigger window for the recording is always welcome.
For an example the 4th movement on Stavinsky's "l'Oiseau de Feu" needs that bit of sub extension to complete the picture although it would be welcome for the full performance.
I don't expect miracles but every little bit helps.

 

[Mike F]

They (660S and 660S2) are indeed different, even though they are closely related. Speed has been increased, thanks to a lighter voice coil. The higher impedance gave us a blacker backdrop as well. There are tangible differences. HD 660S2 in my opinion is a speed demon in the treble. This is not the HD 700 driver, however. It does share some engineering principles with it (ventilated magnet for example) but if you swapped the HD 660S2 driver with the HD 700 driver, neither would sound like their unaltered counterparts.

Thanks Eric, you posted while I was replying to Ichos!

 

[ericpalonen]

Sennheiser (sonova) must put some serious stuff to the table to impress me. I am a loyal fan thoo. ( I do not want to start a topic but this is an early production (13xxx) SN hd800 . The rumorus says after 16xxx SN the Hd800 drivers were changed to please the crowds ( less technical more bass ) . I settled with this old SN Hd800 after i Had 49xxx Hd800 and new Hd800S I found it superior to all Hp which i had ( Utopia , He1000SE, meze elite, hd800S/old , ATHADX5000, Fostex900mk2) sorry the oldest hd800 got the most big soundstage most dry and analytical sound and most tight base. You can spit on me but I'm waiting for the hd800S2 or Hd900. Also I'm waiting for the hd660S2 . since i have all Sennheiser cans. But my best daily driver is still the almost 15 year old hd800...

I love this setup! Today I'm doing a lot of HD 800 and HD 660S2 comparisons using a very similar rig. S/N 265 for the 800. Pound for pound, IMHO, The 660S2 is damn close to the 800 in terms of detail, and surpasses it in terms of bass performance (and qty of course). The 800 and 660S2 soundstage are too different to really compare as it is an apples and oranges thing, not better or worse...the 660S2 is thicker than a snicker. The exercise has reminded me how good the 800 still is, but also how analytical it is...the 660S2 is the engaging, life of the party versus the 800 (the social interaction data scientist), and if you are the "get lost in the music" kind of listener, will probably love the S2's palette I hope you get to hear it!

 

[ericpalonen]

Yes, I know the 660S(2) drivers are superior to the 650, just not sure that the 660S2 driver is actually superior to the 660S. It doesn't really matter unless you intend to use EQ of course, but if you do, and the driver in the 660S2 is not actually superior, then you should be able to get a 660S to sound like a 660S2. Interesting for those who have a 660S and can or do use EQ.......

I see what you mean thanks for the reply. In terms of timbre indeed you could nudge one toward the other but probably easier to make the 660S2 sound like the 660S. Between the voice coil and air flow optimizations (nevermind the tuning, which is a whole other discussion) this S2 is better for us in almost every way. Those who liked the lower impedance of the 660S may miss it, but the performance gains in terms of dynamic punch and treble clarity are almost impossible to ignore when you A/B. Time will tell but I hope you get to listen to experience it for yourself.

 

[IXOYE]

This is not the HD 700 driver...

So 660s doesn't have the 700 driver either then as so many claim, Is the driver in 660 series a new design developed from the 700 serie?

 

[Rob80b]

Pound for pound, IMHO, The 660S2 is damn close to the 800 in terms of detail, and surpasses it in terms of bass performance (and qty of course). The 800 and 660S2 soundstage are too different to really compare as it is an apples and oranges thing,

That is very promising although on the Bryston rig the bass on my HD800S is rather good and correct IMHO...but as I probably mentioned on numerous occasions the HD800/S are not the be all to end all for "all recordings"....and I've found the 600 series the perfect alternative, compliment for recordings that demand a different perspective, that being a more intimate and warmer presentation.

 

[ericpalonen]

That is very promising although on the Bryston rig the bass on my HD800S is rather good and correct IMHO...but as I probably mentioned on numerous occasions the HD800/S are not the be all to end all for "all recordings"....and I've found the 600 series the perfect alternative for recordings that demand a different perspective, that being a more intimate and warmer presentation.

I just finished "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell, and it completely solidifies what you just said. On the 800 I am hearing the recording. On the 660S2 I'm engaging with the music. For many of us there's a time and place for both

 

[chesebert]

I am almost sure that no ic opamps are used, only discrete components. I"ll have to check. Judging from the following picture (Linear D II), no opamps in sight on the amplifier part. There could be some on the dac part, however.
'Overpriced", yes can come in mind, but these are far from mass produced and are assembled in Europe (expensive labour).

See the opamp in the upper left corner of the circuit board - it has 8pins (dip8 package)