Sennheiser HD 660S2

Let's be clear: the Sennheiser HD 660S2 isn't a headphone for casual listeners or those seeking a do-it-all solution. At $599, you're entering a realm where musical fidelity is paramount, and Sennheiser has certainly delivered a refined experience here. While not a radical departure from its predecessor, the S2 tightens up the low end and offers a more engaging, less rigidly neutral presentation that many will find utterly captivating. The soundstage remains impressively wide for an open-back, allowing instruments to breathe and details to surface with remarkable clarity. If your goal is to truly dissect and appreciate the nuances of your favorite recordings, to get lost in the depth and texture of the music, these are a serious contender.

However, as the critics have pointed out, the HD 660S2 is decidedly not for everyone. Its 300-ohm impedance means you'll want to pair it with a decent amplifier to truly unlock its potential – your phone's headphone jack simply won't cut it. This is an investment in a specific listening experience, one that prioritizes immersion and sonic exploration over convenience. If you're the kind of listener who finds joy in rediscovering familiar tracks, who craves that sense of being "in the room" with the musicians, and who understands the value of a carefully curated audio chain, then the Sennheiser HD 660S2 might just be the cult classic you’ve been waiting for.