[Freo-1]

I've been a headphone enthusiast for many years.  For what ever reason, I never had bought or listened to the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones. 


I recently corrected this obvious oversight.  Bought a pair of HD 650's recently.  To say I was surprised is a understatement.  I've had headphones costing up to 1500.00 that didn't sound this good.  Easily one of the most neutral sounding headphone I've ever heard.  The only knit against them is that the sub bass is low compared to other headphones.  This is not a big deal for most music, unless you are a bass head, in which case, look else ware.   Otherwise, these headphones may be all one needs to enjoy music for long listening sessions.  They are very light, at 260 grams, and well built.  Many people have owned them for 20 years or more. 


I was so taken with the HD 650, when I saw a sale from Amazon for the HD 600, I had to get them.  They are slightly different sounding, but share a very similar house sound.  The HD 600 is a bit more analytical, whilst the HD 650 is a bit warmer and more forgiving.  The differences are slight, but noticeable. 


The sound can be further improved by using Sonarworks Sound Reference S/W for headphones.  It provides a small amount of EQ for the 600 and the 650.  Combine that with PGGB-RT via Foobar2000, and one can get very high quality sound from a reasonably priced set of headphones.


https://www.sonarworks.com/blog/reviews/sennheiser-hd650-review

[Letitroll98]

Although I've never owned a pair, I've always liked the 600 series Sennheiser phones.  Between these two I agree that I slightly prefer the 650, but would be happy with either.  What I haven't heard is the 660S2 which solely from reviews seems more in my wheelhouse.  Any thoughts?

[Freo-1]

Although I've never owned a pair, I've always liked the 600 series Sennheiser phones.  Between these two I agree that I slightly prefer the 650, but would be happy with either.  What I haven't heard is the 660S2 which solely from reviews seems more in my wheelhouse.  Any thoughts?

Most of the reviews I've come across seem to not like the HD 660 S2 as much as the HD 650.  I have been itching to try them out myself. 


I like the 600 slightly more with Jazz/Classical, and the 650 more with rock music.  The Sonarworks S/W does improve them both, making them almost identical.

[FullRangeMan]

Thankyou for your impressions.
How big is the soundstage?

[Bodhi]

+ 1. The Sennheiser HD 650 cans are sensational value, and will likely be the next headphones I buy.

[Freo-1]

Thankyou for your impressions.
How big is the soundstage?

The soundstage is good, but not overly expansive.  It is very precise with placement.  These headphones do need a quality headphone amp (section) to sound their best.  At 300 ohms, they do require some power.

[Freo-1]

Although I've never owned a pair, I've always liked the 600 series Sennheiser phones.  Between these two I agree that I slightly prefer the 650, but would be happy with either.  What I haven't heard is the 660S2 which solely from reviews seems more in my wheelhouse.  Any thoughts?

Your post piqued my interest.  Have the HD 660 S2 arriving this week.  I'll post some impressions and let you know.

[Bill Baker]

I haven’t heard the 650’s but I have had the HD600’s for a couple years. I don’t get to use them often as they are for testing. I can say I have no desire to get anything else. I want to put together a small headphone setup so I can enjoy them more often. They do very well with both tube and solid state and are very clean and detailed.

[Jon L]

I have way too many $$ headphones but currently own zero "normal" dynamic headphones.  If I had to buy one, I would buy the HD600 and use better headphone cables into a decent tube headphone amp and be done with it.  I have always enjoyed that combo 

[FullRangeMan]

IMO a balanced cable are very important.