Sennheiser HD 800S vs Sennheiser HD 660S2

Name: Sennheiser HD 800S vs Sennheiser HD 660S2 — Comparison Review
Item: Sennheiser HD 800S vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
Rating: 9
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 15 by Billy G.

Verdict: The Sennheiser HD 800S outperforms in soundstage and detail with its 56mm ring radiator and 4 Hz–51 kHz response, while the HD 660S2 provides excellent value at $599 with 104 dB sensitivity and 2023 refinements. Both share 300-ohm impedance requiring amplification. The HD 800S wins for reference listening per its extended specs and build quality.

Sennheiser HD 800S lists at $1,699 while Sennheiser HD 660S2 lists at $599 — Sennheiser HD 660S2 undercuts Sennheiser HD 800S by $1,100 (184%).

Winner: Sennheiser HD 800S

Sennheiser HD 800S: 9/10

Sennheiser HD 660S2: 8/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Sennheiser HD 800S	Sennheiser HD 660S2
Type	Open-back dynamic	Open-back dynamic
Driver	56mm ring radiator transducer	Dynamic driver
Impedance	300 ohm	300 ohm
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 51 kHz	8 Hz – 41.5 kHz

Sennheiser HD 800S

What works

Exceptional soundstage and imaging from the ring radiator design
Extended high-frequency detail up to 51 kHz
Premium build quality with current status since 2016

What doesn't

High 300-ohm impedance requires dedicated amplification
MSRP of $1699 limits accessibility

Sennheiser HD 660S2

What works

Strong value at $599 MSRP with refined tuning
104 dB sensitivity for easier driveability
Updated 2023 design with improved comfort

What doesn't

Narrower frequency extension than the HD 800S
Less expansive soundstage compared to flagship models

Bottom line

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800S. It edges out the alternative on exceptional soundstage and imaging from the ring radiator design. That said, Sennheiser HD 660S2 still wins on strong value at $599 msrp with refined tuning — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.