They’re all aiming for readability, however very similar to digital camera makers, every high-end headphone model places its personal taste on the expertise. Fans love Sennheiser’s HD 600 sequence not just for their exceptional definition and dynamics, but additionally for the refined method by which they specific these revelations. Unlike some headphones that may sound extra “clinical” or sharp and chilly, there’s a smoother grain to the midrange and treble, whereas nonetheless permitting for full distillation of all frequencies. (The claimed complete frequency response is 10 Hz to 41.5 okayHz.)

The 660S2 construct on that sound with an additional drop of amber within the sound, for much more saturated coloring that’s most pronounced within the low finish. The bass often is the greatest cause to think about these over extra inexpensive fashions within the sequence. Dropping the needle on hip-hop and digital tunes unleashes an added rush of foundational energy, and it may be a whole lot of enjoyable to take heed to.

The most important groove in Biggie’s “Hypnotize” is a laser stick of thump with distinctive stability. It’s a funkier sound than the increase you’ll get from low-cost bass bombers, virtually rewriting the general really feel with a jazzier taste. Similarly, Too Short’s “Money in the Ghetto” has a candy, push-button punch to the principle kick that’s expertly articulated. Those aren’t my common go-to tracks for these sorts of headphones, however they helped to set the stage and sounded nice doing it.

The Chemical Brothers’ “Go” is an much more intriguing check, once more showcasing the 660S2’s bass abilities whereas additionally highlighting their lightning-fast transient response. The track’s kick drum is carved with a deep texture of echoed reverb that expands like a bubble on the heart picture. The glorious instrumental spacing permits you to roam freely by means of the dimensional soundstage, from the synth that sweeps by means of the stereo picture forward of the refrain to the build-up on the instrumental breakdown that appears like an imminent rocket launch.

Even the kick drum in Maxwell’s Silver Hammer has some further thump to it, offering a extra raucous, but nonetheless refined experience than you’ll get from others within the HD 600 sequence or past. I want the 6XX’s extra impartial take for such tracks, but it surely wasn’t a detriment to the expertise.

Elsewhere, you’re getting the identical form of lyrical readability and refinement that first endeared me to the HD 6XX. Reverb tails echo into oblivion; piano tracks allow you to estimate each the room measurement and mic placement—the nerd in me was asking, “Was that an open-lid close-up of a grand summed down with the room mic?” (I feel it was). The distorted guitar in ELO’s is so textural and visceral, it provides me the chilly fibrous crunch of biting right into a popsicle.

Even podcasts are extra richly portrayed, letting you hear not solely how shut the voices are to the mic beat by beat, however deeper particulars like whether or not Sean Hayes had dairy forward of the Smartless Jon Favreau interview (he positively did).

It’s all, in a phrase, wonderful. But to my ears, the HD 660S2 aren’t a lot an enchancment over different headphones within the sequence as a barely completely different take. Fabulous headphones all, I’m most fascinated about the very best worth. As I write this, you may get the unique 660S at $320, to not point out the shockingly inexpensive 6XX at $219. What’s extra, I discovered the 6XX to be the comfier of the 2 I’ve tried, which is a significant consideration for prolonged listening periods.

If you’re excited concerning the further bass, the richer saturation, and even the tighter flex in your noggin, there’s audiophile surprise available within the HD 660S2. Whether that’s price the additional coin is as much as you and your pockets.