There seems to be a consensus that the HD660s is better than the HD600 but only marginally so, and not so much as to justify the HD660s’s $500 MSRP, which is basically $200 greater than what one should pay for new a HD600.
But let’s talk used models. It’s relatively easy to pick up an HD600 for $200 and an HD660s for $300. I have a tight budget and gave up my Audeze/Focal fantasies and would be happy with an HD600. I’ve owned one in the past and loved it, though it died on me. I want it back. But I’m also inclined to think the 660s would please. Any thoughts on how these things compare once the price difference is brought down to $100?
PS I listen mostly to classical, and I use an Asgard 3. There are no tubes in my future.
they are two totally different headphones…same family / series, but their sound profile are not the same. being you know what the HD600 sound like, if you’re good to turn around and sell if you don’t like them, I’d get the HD660s and see what you think.
I have the onboard dac. I will ay some point invest in a Modius or equivalent. As for tubes, I have very limited space (hence the onboard dac). I simply don’t wish to start collecting amps.
It’s hard to tell from the negative reviews of the 660s if the headphones aren’t good or if the reviewers just can’t get past the price, which inclines them to fall back on ,“naah, just get the HD600.” They expect too much, perhaps, and thus are unfair to the cans.
people poop on the HD6 family because they’re very mature…but old does not mean bad, lacking, inadequate or anything. they still perform as well as they did when released and compete against a lot of the new stuff.
I read a number of reviews that were very critical of all three…but reading others, realize that they are still worthy of consideration even now.
No, there’s a 4490 module installed in the Asgard chasis. I use a USB to my macbook. It’s considered not as good as an external DAC bc of the power implementation, so I apparently an not getting all the power the Asgard offers. I chose it bc of the lack of clutter in the form of a second box, even if stacked on the Asgard.
I will start by saying that everybody hears differently.
Many people will say that the HD600’s and HD650’s/HD6XX’s are the holy grail of headphone listening.
I disagree strongly. I have bought and sold the HD600’s and HD6XX’s twice each. Not because I had any great love for them, but I bought into the “You just need a better amp”, You just need a tube amp" and “You need an OTL amp”.
I have gone through several amps and they were nothing but boring. They never sounded bad, but never sounded great to me.
I tried the HD58X’s and they were a lot fun, but I didn’t find that they scaled particularly well. They did however lead me to the HD660’s which I do enjoy. I find them very clean, natural and maybe transparent. Most of my headphones are fun/coloured headphones so these are always a nice change of pace.
Yes I would and did pay the extra money for HD660’s.
It’s amazing how varied the reviews of the 660s are. 3/4 say it’s the best of the HD6 series, though they might dispute the value proposition. 1/4 say they are a step backward from the hd600.
I went ahead and ordered a 660s used at a decent price. I figured the price difference wasn’t enough in the big scheme of things…
Of course this morning I just received a payment for something I did months ago and forgot about. It’s like finding $500 in a pocket. And now I’m thinking, God damnit had I known I had a spare $500 I might have sprung for an Elex. Lol. I’m sure the 660s will please. I’ll report back when it arrives.
