These are the latest iteration of Sennheiser’s long-running HD 660 line of open-back reference headphones, the brand-new HD 660S2. They’re a bit of a set of ‘grail headphones’, especially given their cost, which I should probably get out of the way now – it’s £499 in the UK or $600 in the US. For most mere mortals, it’s an incredible price, but then again, their reputation precedes them.
Sennheiser has been making the HD 600 line in one form or another since the mid-1990s, and over the course of the last 25 or so years, its design has remained largely unchanged. Of course, that’s for good reason – so many professionals and audiophiles love these cans. The new HD 660S2 offers the same iconic open-back design and sturdy plastic construction that go a fair way to justifying their high-end price tag.
With this in mind, the soft, velvety padding around the earcups makes them a comfortable fit, as well as the ample padding on the headband. However, the clamping force offered by the HD 660S2s was a little tight for my liking, especially as the headband seems to be quite stiff. Their lightweight 260g frame means that they’re not too uncomfortable though, and the clamping force should reduce slightly over time.
