Of course I say that somewhat tongue in cheek, but I always see praise, feedback, or comparisons to the HD600, 650, and 6XX. Very rarely does the 660S come up in those same discussions.
I feel like the 660S addresses some (many?) of the "flaws" of the other similar versions mentioned above. Just as resolving with fuller bass, etc...not as analytical as the HD600...more fun.
What gives? Were they just not a good seller? Too close to the others to differentiate?
Hmmm, one reason may be that the sonic signature of the Sennheiser HD 660 S is very close to that of the HD 650, but costs more, so there is one data point. Clearly the Sennheiser HD 660 S represents a newer design.
Hmmm, one reason may be that the sonic signature of the Sennheiser HD 660 S is very close to that of the HD 650, but costs more, so there is one data point. Clearly the Sennheiser HD 660 S represents a newer design.
I think the cost aspect of the 660s in the US is the biggest reason. I think that it's probably the best technically out of the 600 family but tonally a lot of people either prefer the more neutral sound of the HD600 or the more laid back signature of the hd650/6XX. Also throw in the fact that the 600 and 650/6XX with the 300 ohm drivers play better with OTL tube amps
In the end though the $500 retail price of the 660s hurts it when you can typically get a new 600 for about $300 and the 650 can often be found for $350. Then take into account you can get the 6XX for $200ish. The 660s might be a slight improvement in technicalities to some listeners over the other phones in the family, but to many the improvements are not worth the price increase.
Diminishing return is certainly a factor I suppose, but they’re hardly mentioned at all when simply discussing the technical aspects of the headphones in this “family” compared to others. If it’s simply a price thing, ok…
what is your basis for, 'love,'? 660S are widely seen as great headphones overshadowed by cheaper, 'close enough,' brethren. I've never seen its prowess as a headphone called into question, myself.
what is your basis for, 'love,'? 660S are widely seen as great headphones overshadowed by cheaper, 'close enough,' brethren. I've never seen its prowess as a headphone called into question, myself.
I just mean that they don’t seem to garner the same attention the other models mentioned do in terms of recommendations, etc. They are well reviewed for sure, but just rarely seem to come up in discussions compared to the other 6 series headphones. I have them and personally love them so a bit of hyperbole on my part.
One reason 660S are mentioned a lot less is simply because of when they were introduced, versus the ~20 years the HD650/600 have been around and experiences shared.
Of course I say that somewhat tongue in cheek, but I always see praise, feedback, or comparisons to the HD600, 650, and 6XX. Very rarely does the 660S come up in those same discussions.
I feel like the 660S addresses some (many?) of the "flaws" of the other similar versions mentioned above. Just as resolving with fuller bass, etc...not as analytical as the HD600...more fun.
What gives? Were they just not a good seller? Too close to the others to differentiate?
It didn't help that there were rumors when it was released that the 650 would be discontinued and replaced in Sennheiser's lineup with the 660. Obviously that didn't end up happening, but there was definitely talk at the time that made people defensive
I had the HD-660s, after several tests I came to the conclusion that the HD-650 are more resolutive. My HD-650 (2013) have a wider and deeper soundstage, which makes the tracks easier to analyze.
At the time of the product introduction, Tyll didn't like them at all and was perplexed with their tuning compared to the rest of the 600 line. At the time, Tyll was THE go-to headphone reviewer on YouTube. His opinion carried a lot of weight and unfortunately his review was a "buzz kill" for the new product. I love my 660s and highly recommend them. But when a friend asked what a good Senn would be for his first foray into the product line, I recommend the 6xx due to the price difference between it and the 660s.
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