Sennheiser HD 660S2 Review: Audiophile Gaming Headphone Worth It?

I’ve spent countless hours with headphones strapped to my head, from cheap gaming cans to boutique planar magnetics. The quest for that perfect blend of immersive audio for music and pinpoint accuracy for gaming is a personal obsession. Too often, “gaming headsets” are an exercise in compromise, trading sound quality for flashy RGB and a passable mic. This leaves serious players, who also appreciate good music, in a bind.

Enter the Sennheiser HD 660S2. This isn’t your typical “gaming headset” with built-in mics and console compatibility plastered on the box. This is an audiophile-grade open-back headphone from a legendary audio company, now with a new iteration that promises to address some of the minor quibbles of its predecessor. The big question is, can a purist’s headphone truly deliver for the competitive gamer, and is the HD 660S2 worth it for those looking to elevate their entire audio experience?

What is Sennheiser HD 660S2?

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is an open-back, dynamic driver headphone, serving as the latest evolution in Sennheiser’s revered 600-series line. It’s designed for critical listening and enthusiast use, meaning it prioritizes sonic accuracy, detail, and soundstage over features like active noise cancellation or wireless convenience. With a high impedance of 300 ohms, it’s explicitly engineered to be driven by a dedicated headphone amplifier, rather than directly from a phone or motherboard audio jack.

This isn’t a headphone you just plug into your controller and call it a day. It’s a statement product for those who understand and appreciate the nuances of high-fidelity audio. The “S2” in its name signifies an updated tuning, primarily focusing on improving the bass response and overall dynamics compared to the original HD 660S, aiming to offer a more engaging and impactful listening experience without sacrificing the signature Sennheiser clarity.

Key features

• 300-ohm impedance: Requires a dedicated amplifier, ensuring optimal signal delivery and potential for greater dynamic range.
• Open-back design: Provides a wide, airy soundstage and natural sound reproduction, but offers no noise isolation.
• Dynamic drivers: Utilizes traditional moving-coil drivers, refined by Sennheiser for decades to produce their characteristic neutral-warm sound profile.
• Velour earpads: Offers exceptional comfort for long listening or gaming sessions, reducing heat buildup.
• Detachable cables: Comes with both a 6.3mm (1/4 inch) unbalanced cable and a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced cable, offering versatility for different amplifier setups.
• Robust, lightweight construction: High-quality plastics and metal headband provide durability without excessive weight.
• Revised tuning (S2): Specifically tweaked to offer a more impactful sub-bass and mid-bass response, addressing previous critiques of the original 660S.

How it actually performs

Let’s cut to the chase: the Sennheiser HD 660S2 performs like a high-end audiophile headphone should, and surprisingly, it translates incredibly well to gaming. My primary test setup involved a Schiit Modius DAC feeding into a Schiit Magnius balanced amplifier, providing more than enough power to drive these 300-ohm cans.

Starting with music, the S2 iteration definitely delivers on its promise of improved bass. Tracks like “Limit to Your Love” by James Blake reveal a more present and textured sub-bass rumble than I remember from the original 660S, without ever bleeding into the midrange. It’s not a bass-head headphone, but it’s far from anemic. Midrange, a Sennheiser strong suit, is still glorious – vocals are clear, natural, and forward without being shouty. Guitars, pianos, and orchestral instruments all have a natural timbre that cheaper headphones often miss. The treble is extended and detailed but never harsh or fatiguing, making for hours of enjoyable listening.

For gaming, which is often a secondary consideration for audiophile headphones, the HD 660S2 surprised me with its effectiveness. In competitive shooters like Valorant or CS:GO, soundstage and imaging are paramount. The open-back design of the 660S2 creates an expansive soundstage, making it easy to distinguish whether footsteps are coming from left, right, or even above/below. Imaging, the ability to pinpoint the exact location within that stage, is exceptionally precise.

I ran a few rounds in Valorant with the HD 660S2 compared to my usual closed-back gaming headset. The difference was stark. I could reliably call out enemy positions in “Bind” by listening to their footsteps and ability sounds through walls or around corners with uncanny accuracy. For instance, hearing a Sova dart land on the A site, I could tell if it was near lamps or closer to the default plant, purely based on the audio cues. The depth perception is also fantastic; distinguishing between a distant sniper shot and one from a nearby enemy felt more intuitive.

In more atmospheric games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2, the HD 660S2 truly shines. The sound design of Night City comes alive – the distant hum of flying cars, the distinct chatter of NPCs in different districts, the subtle environmental reverb. The improved bass adds a cinematic punch to explosions and gunshots that was somewhat lacking in older 600-series models. Riding through the wilderness in RDR2, the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and distant animal calls all contribute to an incredibly immersive experience that few dedicated “gaming” headsets can match.

One critical point: these are stereo headphones. If you’re relying on virtual surround sound provided by your game or console, the HD 660S2 will reproduce it as intended. However, it doesn’t have any built-in processing. For comms, you’ll need a separate microphone. I used a ModMic Uni, which attached easily and provided excellent voice clarity.

Pricing breakdown

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 sits firmly in the premium headphone segment. It’s an investment, not an impulse buy.

Component	Estimated Price (USD)	Notes
Sennheiser HD 660S2	$599.00	The headphone itself. Often found for less during sales.
Total (Headphone)	$599.00
--- Required Add-ons ---
Headphone Amplifier	$100 - $500+	Entry-level options like Schiit Magni/Heresy, Topping L30 II. Essential.
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter)	$100 - $300+	Entry-level options like Schiit Modi, Topping E30 II. Highly recommended.
Total (Minimum Setup)	$799.00 - $1399.00+	Headphone + DAC + Amp.

This pricing structure means the HD 660S2 isn’t just the cost of the headphones; it’s the cost of building a capable audio chain around them.

• For the budget-conscious audiophile/gamer: You’re looking at the headphone plus a solid entry-level DAC/amp combo like the Schiit Magni/Modi stack or a Topping E30 II/L30 II stack. This will run you an additional $200-$250 beyond the headphone itself.
• For the enthusiast: Many users will already have a DAC/amp. For those upgrading or starting fresh, investing in a mid-tier combo (e.g., ~$500 for a DAC/amp) will certainly let the 660S2 shine even brighter, pushing the total investment towards the $1000-$1200 mark.
• For the existing audiophile: If you already own a capable DAC and amplifier, then the HD 660S2 is a relatively straightforward upgrade to your headphone collection.

The HD 660S2 is positioned as an upgrade over previous 600-series models, justifying its higher initial price tag compared to the HD 600 or HD 650. However, those older models also require amplification, so the total system cost isn’t dramatically different from a full setup perspective.

Who should use Sennheiser HD 660S2?

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is for a specific kind of user, and if you fit the bill, it’s an exceptional piece of kit.

You should consider the HD 660S2 if:

• You’re a serious gamer who prioritizes sound quality above all else. If positional audio and immersive soundscapes are critical to your enjoyment and performance, and you’re willing to invest in the supporting gear.
• You’re an audiophile looking for a versatile, comfortable daily driver. It’s fantastic for music across genres and remains comfortable for hours.
• You already own a DAC and amplifier, or are prepared to buy one. This headphone needs power to sound its best.
• You game or listen in a quiet environment. The open-back design means it leaks sound and lets ambient noise in.
• You appreciate a natural, refined sound signature with improved bass. It’s a step up in low-end impact from previous 600-series offerings.
• You value build quality and long-term comfort. These are built to last and feel great on the head.

Who shouldn’t use Sennheiser HD 660S2?

This headphone is decidedly not for everyone.

• Casual gamers looking for an all-in-one solution. If you just want to plug a single USB cable into your console or PC and have a mic and decent sound, look elsewhere.
• Anyone on a tight budget. The headphone itself is expensive, and the necessary supporting equipment pushes the total cost significantly higher.
• Users in noisy environments (offices, shared rooms, travel). The open-back design means everyone around you hears your audio, and you hear everything around you.
• Bass-heads who want skull-rattling low end. While improved, the bass is still refined and accurate, not exaggerated.
• Anyone who needs active noise cancellation or wireless convenience. These are strictly wired, passive headphones.
• Console gamers unwilling to invest in an external DAC/amp and separate microphone. You’ll be severely limiting its potential.

Alternatives worth considering

While the HD 660S2 carves out a nice niche, there are strong contenders that might suit different preferences or budgets.

• Sennheiser HD 600/HD 650: If you’re curious about the “best audiophile headphones for gaming” on a slightly tighter budget, these are legendary. They offer a very similar, albeit slightly leaner, sound profile to the 660S2 for less money, especially the HD 600. The HD 650 is often praised for its warmer, musical presentation.
• Hifiman Sundara: A planar magnetic alternative at a similar price point. The Sundara offers incredible detail, a very wide soundstage, and lightning-fast transient response, which is excellent for gaming. It can be a bit more demanding to drive than the HD 660S2 and some find its treble a touch brighter.
• Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohm): A significantly cheaper open-back option, often recommended for gaming due to its wide soundstage and sharp imaging. It’s less neutral than the Sennheisers, with a noticeable V-shaped sound signature (boosted bass and treble) that some find fatiguing over long sessions. Still a solid choice if budget is paramount.
• Audeze Maxwell: If you absolutely need a wireless solution for gaming, the Maxwell is a fantastic option with planar magnetic drivers, excellent sound, a great mic, and long battery life. It’s a closed-back design, so the soundstage isn’t as expansive as the HD 660S2, but it’s an incredible all-in-one package for consoles and PC.

HD 660S2 vs HD 600 and HD 650: A Quick Comparison

The question of “HD 660S2 vs HD 600” or “HD 660S2 vs HD 650” is a common one, and it boils down to refinement and preference.

Feature	Sennheiser HD 600	Sennheiser HD 650	Sennheiser HD 660S2
Sound Signature	Neutral, analytical, slightly lean bass	Warm, lush, musical, good bass	Natural, refined, enhanced sub-bass/mid-bass
Soundstage	Good, but not expansive	Good, slightly wider than HD 600	Wider and more expansive
Imaging	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent, precise
Bass Response	Tighter, less extended	Warmer, more mid-bass presence	Deeper, more impactful, better sub-bass
Treble	Smooth, detailed	Smooth, slightly rolled off	Smooth, extended, non-fatiguing
Impedance	300 Ohm	300 Ohm	300 Ohm
Price (approx.)	$300 - $400	$350 - $450	$599
Gaming Suitability	Excellent (with amp)	Excellent (with amp)	Superb (with amp)

The HD 660S2 takes the best of both the HD 600’s clarity and the HD 650’s warmth, then adds a welcome dose of well-controlled bass and a slightly more expansive soundstage. For many, it’s the most complete package in the 600-series line, especially if you want that extra low-end impact for music and cinematic gaming moments. If you’re primarily listening to classical or acoustic music, the HD 600’s purity might still appeal, but the 660S2 offers more versatility.

Final verdict

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is an exceptional pair of headphones that manages to bridge the gap between audiophile purity and serious gaming performance with remarkable grace. It’s not a “gaming headset” in the traditional sense, and its price, coupled with the mandatory investment in a DAC and amplifier, places it firmly in enthusiast territory.

However, if you’re a gamer who truly values every sonic detail, from the rustle of leaves in an open world to the precise direction of enemy footsteps, and you also want a headphone that will make your music collection sing, the HD 660S2 delivers. It’s comfortable for marathon sessions, built like a tank, and offers a natural, engaging sound that few competitors can match at this price point. The improved bass response makes it a more well-rounded performer than its predecessors, especially for modern media consumption.

For those willing to invest in the complete audio chain, the Sennheiser HD 660S2 is an outstanding choice that will elevate your entire listening and gaming experience. If you’re serious about sound, you can find it for purchase through most reputable audio retailers.

Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5