The core distinction separating these two open-back designs comes down to acoustic philosophy and driver dynamics: one is tuned for clinical, transparent reference monitoring with an expansive soundstage, while the other focuses on rich harmonic warmth, intimate midrange presence, and physical sub-bass extension.
Choose the Sennheiser HD 560S if you need an uncolored, highly revealing sonic window for surgical audio production, analytical tracking, or pinpoint spatial awareness. Choose the Sennheiser HD 660S2 if you want an immersive, musical experience defined by velvety vocal warmth, deep low-end resonance, and high-impedance hardware scaling.
Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sennheiser HD 660S2 at a Glance
| Feature | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sennheiser HD 660S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Transducer Configuration | Polymer-blend transducer membrane | 42 mm dynamic transducers with aluminum voice coil |
| Acoustic Design | Open-back over-ear | Open-back over-ear |
| Acoustic Driver Placement | Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) angled drivers | Standard parallel orientation |
| Low-Frequency Extension | Extended low-end reach | 27.5 Hz (piano lows) to 45-60 Hz (bass drums) |
| Electrical Impedance | The listing does not specify | 300 ohm |
| Included Cabling | 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) cable | 6.3 mm cable (1.8 m) and 4.4 mm balanced cable (1.8 m) |
| Supplied Adapters & Storage | Adapter included | 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter and carry pouch |
| Manufacturing Location | The listing does not specify | Germany and Ireland |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 2-year manufacturer coverage | 2-year manufacturer coverage |
| Best For | Reference mixing, editing, and competitive gaming | Audiophile music enjoyment, vocal intimacy, and desktop listening |
Low-End Dynamics and Sub-Bass Performance
Bass reproduction in open-back headphones presents a notorious engineering challenge because the open rear enclosure lets air escape, often leading to premature sub-bass roll-off. When evaluating the HD 660S2 sub bass vs 560S, their acoustic architectures handle bass resonance in fundamentally divergent ways. The 560S utilizes a specialized polymer-blend transducer membrane engineered for highly linear excursion, giving the bottom end a disciplined, quick, and tight response that presents low frequencies without masking the lower mids. It ensures bass guitars and kick drums occupy clear spatial boundaries, which proves critical for reference monitoring.
By contrast, the manufacturer specifically re-engineered the 660S2 acoustic system to achieve deep, tactile low-end extension that is rare in open designs. The product data shows the 660S2 reproduces true sub-bass rumble, tracking piano low notes down to 27.5 Hz and pumping out punchy bass drums between 45 Hz and 60 Hz with substantial force. This gives modern electronic tracks, cinematic scores, and rock rhythms an organic heft and weight. Those curious about how this compares to closed studio benchmarks can read our audio-technica ath-m50x vs sennheiser hd 660s2 comparison to see how open warmth contrasts with sealed bass punch.
If you prefer an accurate low end that never steps forward unless explicitly mixed that way, the 560S provides superior discipline. However, listeners seeking physical impact, rich acoustic resonance, and genuine sub-bass depth will find the 660S2 far more emotionally engaging and dynamically authoritative across modern genres.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 660S2 provides superior low-end reach, reaching down to 27.5 Hz with authoritative sub-bass impact that open-back headphones rarely match.
Soundstage Presentation and Spatial Localization
Soundstage width and imaging precision dictate how realistically an open-back headphone separates instruments in an orchestra or pinpoints audio cues in a virtual environment. In this Sennheiser HD 560S vs HD 660S2 comparison, spatial staging represents one of the starkest operational differences. The 560S incorporates Sennheiser’s Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology, which physically tilts the internal drivers to align with the natural angle of human ears. This mechanical angle projects the sound field forward, mimicking the directional dispersion of free-field stereo studio monitors.
The 660S2 employs a classic parallel driver arrangement that favors an intimate, wrap-around soundstage. Rather than pushing elements far out to the extreme left and right, it pulls the listener directly into the center of the recording. Vocalists sit directly in front of you, while guitars and rhythm sections feel immediate and personal. While some listeners prefer the wider spread seen when evaluating the sennheiser hd 660s2 vs philips shp9500, the 660S2 compensates for its narrower lateral expanse with exceptional depth layering, allowing you to discern front-to-back distance within a complex mix.
When analyzing the HD 560S soundstage vs 660S2, the 560S feels noticeably airier and more spacious. Instruments have distinct air pockets separating them, making the 560S feel open and detached from your head. Listeners who value wide-open spatial dispersion will appreciate the tilted transducers of the 560S, whereas listeners wanting close vocal intimacy will naturally prefer the 660S2.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 560S wins for absolute soundstage width due to its angled Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement driver positioning.
Driver Engineering and Amplification Requirements
The internal motor assembly determines how swiftly a transducer can accelerate, stop, and resolve micro-level details. The 660S2 features sophisticated acoustic hardware built around a 42 mm transducer matched with an ultra-light aluminum voice coil. This light voice coil structure delivers rapid transient recovery, ensuring that rapid percussion strikes and subtle decay trails stop on a dime. However, the driver carries an impedance rating of 300 ohms. A high-impedance motor assembly requires clean voltage swings from dedicated headphone amplifiers or dedicated audio interfaces to reach its full dynamic potential; plugging it into low-output consumer jacks may compromise volume and dynamic punch.
The 560S listing approaches transducer dynamics from a different perspective, leveraging a modern polymer-blend diaphragm designed to keep distortion low through linear mechanical travel. The product listing does not specify the exact impedance rating for the 560S, but its overall package is geared toward versatile studio and desktop integration. Its included 1/4-inch cable and adapter setup connects seamlessly into studio hardware, mixing consoles, and external DACs without fuss. The transducer responds cleanly across the spectrum, revealing artifacts without demanding an exotic amplifier stack.
Understanding the HD 660S2 impedance is vital before purchasing. If you already own high-grade desktop amplification or a balanced DAC capable of driving 300-ohm loads, the 660S2 rewards you with smooth treble control and dark, distortion-free backgrounds. If you want a headphone that operates reliably from standard studio interfaces without worrying about specialized high-voltage drive, the 560S represents the lower-friction choice.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 560S offers greater setup flexibility, avoiding the rigid high-voltage amplification demands of a 300-ohm voice coil.
Studio Mixing and Analytical Reference Accuracy
Professional mixing engineers and audio editors require a transducer that tells the brutal truth about frequency imbalances, sibilance, and stray noise floor. In any thorough Sennheiser HD 560S review, its flat reference tuning takes center stage. The polymer membrane is tuned for neutral transparency, presenting an even mid-range and an extended, crisp treble response. When equalization errors, harsh vocal peaks, or flawed edits exist in an audio project, the 560S pushes them to the foreground so you can address them immediately.
Choosing between the HD 560S or HD 660S2 for mixing highlights two distinct monitoring approaches. The 660S2 delivers rich mids and smooth, detailed highs that eliminate listening fatigue during eight-hour mixing or mastering sessions. However, its warmer low-end calibration and forgiving top-end presentation can lead an engineer to under-compensate for sibilance or over-carve the bass frequencies. Those balancing open-back analytical tools against tracking headphones often explore the sennheiser hd 660s2 vs beyerdynamic dt 770 pro to gauge closed-back isolation against open reference clarity.
Because accurate reference monitoring depends on ruthless honesty rather than euphony, the 560S stands as the superior mixing tool. It exposes flaws without sugarcoating the source material, ensuring your equalized audio translates consistently to car speakers, soundbars, and consumer earbuds.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 560S delivers flatter tonal neutrality and uncompromised mid-to-treble clarity, making it the better tool for audio engineering.
Gaming Performance and Spatial Positional Cues
Gamers shopping for open-back headphones demand precise directional cues to locate footsteps, reload animations, and vehicle positions across 3D soundscapes. Choosing between the HD 560S or HD 660S2 for gaming depends on whether you play fast-paced competitive esports or sprawling, cinematic open-world adventures. The angled drivers of the 560S excel at competitive spatial orientation. The widened soundstage and crisp upper register make footsteps, weapon switches, and directional gunfire pop clearly above ambient background chaos.
The 660S2 provides a vastly different gaming experience focused on atmospheric realism and cinematic weight. Because it can produce true low frequencies down to 27.5 Hz, battlefield explosions, structural collapses, and orchestral video game soundtracks land with visceral presence. Its breathable plush ear cushions ensure zero fatigue during marathon gaming sessions, while its sound isolation specs help manage subtle room distractions. To see how Sennheiser’s premium open gaming sound compares with competing German open-back drivers, read our analysis of the sennheiser hd 660s2 vs beyerdynamic dt 900 pro x.
For high-stakes competitive shooters where hearing an enemy flank through a wall determines victory, the 560S holds the tactical advantage due to its angled stage and analytical treble focus. For rich, narrative-driven single-player titles where deep bass and immersive voice acting create cinematic joy, the 660S2 takes the lead.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 560S wins for competitive spatial gaming, while the HD 660S2 takes the lead for cinematic immersion.
Build Craftsmanship, Cabling, and Accessories
When assessing long-term ownership, build quality and included accessories play a significant role in determining whether a premium model warrants the investment. In any comprehensive Sennheiser HD 660S2 review, the craftsmanship immediately stands out. The 660S2 is crafted with expertly selected materials in Germany and Ireland by Sonova/Sennheiser. It features oval earcups with breathable plush ear cushions, an ultra-light aluminum voice coil assembly, and robust chassis engineering designed to withstand years of daily use.
Furthermore, the 660S2 provides a notably richer package of connectivity options straight from the factory. The box includes a 1.8-meter 6.3 mm unbalanced cable, a dedicated 1.8-meter 4.4 mm balanced cable for balanced headphone amplifiers, a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter, and a soft carry pouch for safe storage. In contrast, the 560S ships with a standard 1/4-inch cable, an adapter, and an owner’s manual, omitting both a balanced cable and a protective carry pouch. Those who evaluate alternative studio staples often check our comparison of the sennheiser hd 660s2 vs akg k371 to see how desktop packages compare to portable folding headsets.
For buyers wondering is HD 660S2 worth it from a hardware standpoint, the inclusion of the 4.4 mm balanced cable, European manufacturing pedigree, and protective pouch offers a distinct physical upgrade over the utilitarian, plastic-chassis design and single-cable bundle of the 560S.
Edge: Sennheiser HD 660S2 provides superior build origin in Germany and Ireland, dual premium cables (including 4.4 mm balanced), and an included carry pouch.
Pros and Cons
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Linear polymer-blend transducer control
- Angled drivers create spacious soundstage
- Transparent reference-grade frequency balance
- Includes quarter-inch cable and adapter
Cons
- Listing omits specific impedance rating
- Lacks balanced connection cable out of box
- No dedicated carry pouch included
View Sennheiser HD 560S on Amazon
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Pros
- Sub-bass extends down to 27.5 Hz
- Precision 42mm transducers with aluminum coils
- Includes both 6.3mm and 4.4mm balanced cables
- Manufactured in Germany and Ireland
Cons
- Demanding 300-ohm impedance requires dedicated amplification
- More intimate soundstage width than angled alternatives
View Sennheiser HD 660S2 on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Choose the Sennheiser HD 560S If
- You mix, master, or edit podcasts and need uncolored, transparent reference sound that reveals source flaws.
- You play competitive online multiplayer games that benefit from angled E.A.R. drivers and wide soundstage imaging.
- You want open-back performance without committing to high-impedance 300-ohm desktop amplification hardware.
- You prefer a lightweight, analytical listening profile over heavy low-end sub-bass resonance.
Choose the Sennheiser HD 660S2 If
- You already own or plan to purchase a dedicated headphone amplifier capable of driving a 300-ohm load properly.
- You crave authentic sub-bass extension down to 27.5 Hz without abandoning open-back acoustic airiness.
- You want a complete audiophile cable package featuring both 6.3 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced terminations.
- You value premium European craftsmanship built in Germany and Ireland with plush, fatigue-free ear cushions.
Final Verdict
For most desktop listeners, studio creators, and competitive gamers, the Sennheiser HD 560S stands as the smarter and more versatile open-back investment. Its linear polymer transducer, angled acoustic positioning, and ruthlessly honest tonal calibration provide extraordinary reference clarity. It presents wide, open soundscapes without demanding exotic balanced cables or high-voltage amplifier setups, making it the practical choice for day-to-day audio production and spatial tracking.
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 emerges victorious for dedicated audiophiles who crave physical musicality over clinical analysis. By delivering genuine sub-bass depth down to 27.5 Hz, velvety vocal warmth, premium European construction, and a 4.4 mm balanced connection out of the box, it solves the historical bass roll-off of open designs. If you possess a capable headphone amplifier and want an intimate, emotionally captivating listening station, the 660S2 justifies its elite status.
FAQ
Can the HD 560S run directly from a standard laptop or smartphone jack?
Yes. While the listing does not specify the impedance rating for the HD 560S, its polymer-blend driver assembly is engineered for easy integration, and Sennheiser includes an adapter to accommodate standard consumer 3.5 mm jacks alongside its primary 1/4-inch studio connector.
Why does the HD 660S2 feature a 300-ohm impedance rating?
The HD 660S2 impedance is rated at 300 ohms to optimize voice coil control and magnetic damping using its ultra-light aluminum voice coil. This high-impedance design minimizes distortion when paired with dedicated high-voltage headphone amplifiers and studio audio gear.
Does the Sennheiser HD 560S include a balanced 4.4 mm cable?
No. The HD 560S listing specifies that it comes with a single 1/4-inch cable, an adapter, and an owner’s manual. If you require balanced 4.4 mm connectivity, only the HD 660S2 includes a 1.8-meter 4.4 mm balanced cable in the package.
Is the sub-bass significantly more audible on the HD 660S2 than on the HD 560S?
Yes. The HD 660S2 is specifically tuned for powerful low-end performance capable of reaching piano lows at 27.5 Hz and deep kick drums from 45 Hz to 60 Hz. The HD 560S provides extended low reach with linear control, but it is tuned for flat reference accuracy rather than physical bass resonance.
Where are the HD 560S and HD 660S2 manufactured?
The HD 660S2 listing confirms it is crafted in Germany and Ireland by Sonova/Sennheiser using premium materials. The official product data for the HD 560S does not specify its country of manufacture.
Which headphone has a wider soundstage for competitive gaming?
The HD 560S provides a wider lateral soundstage due to its Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) system, which physically angles the transducers toward the ears. The HD 660S2 features a more intimate soundstage with excellent depth layering, making the 560S the preferred pick for competitive directional awareness.
What accessories are included in the box with the HD 660S2?
The HD 660S2 comes fully equipped with the headphones, a 1.8-meter 6.3 mm cable, a 1.8-meter 4.4 mm balanced cable, a 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter, and a soft carry pouch.
