Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 represent two unique areas in the world of headphones. The Sennheiser HD 660 S is an open-back, wired pair of over-ear headphones with audiophile-grade sound clarity and precision.

In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wireless, noise-canceling headphone intended for modern convenience and immersive listening experiences on the go.

This comparison will look at their differences and similarities, looking at things like sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, battery life, and extra features.

Whether you want studio-quality sound or the versatility of wireless noise-canceling headphones, this comparison will help you make an informed selection.

Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5: A Complete Guide

Specification

Feature	Sony WH-1000XM5	Sennheiser HD 660 S
Form Factor	Over Ear	Over Ear
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40000Hz	9 Hz – 41500Hz
Impedance	48 Ohms	150 Ohms
Driver Unit size	30mm	Unknown
Battery Life	30 h	Unknown
Charging Time	3.5 h	Unknown
Bluetooth Range	10m	–
Bluetooth Version	5.2	Not Applicable
Color	Black, Midnight Blue, Silver	Black
Weight	250g	260g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony WH-1000XM5	Sennheiser HD 660 S
Headphone	Headphone
Carrying Case	Pentaccon Plug
Connection Cable	Cable
User Guide	Manual

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to fit and comfort, the Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 appeal to diverse tastes. The HD 660 S is an open-back headphone that provides a unique listening experience but may not be suited for extended usage due to its semi-clamped design.

Its over-ear ear cups are padded with luxurious velour cushions, which are comfy, yet the open-back design allows for natural ventilation, which reduces heat accumulation.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, stresses convenience for mobile customers. It has plush, memory foam ear cups that ensure a secure and pleasant fit even during long listening periods. 

The over-ear design, along with noise-canceling features, produces a cocoon of sound isolation, making it excellent for travelers and commuters. Finally, the decision between the two comes down to whether you choose audiophile sound quality and a semi-open design over wireless ease and all-day comfort.

Design & Build

The Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 have distinct design philosophies and construction. The HD 660 S features a traditional, no-frills design with an emphasis on audio quality.

Its construction is sturdy, with lasting plastic and metal components, and its open-back design is well-known in the audiophile community.

However, because of its open-back design, it lacks the portability and noise isolation of closed-back headphones, making it better suited for dedicated listening in quieter situations.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, has a sleek, modern style that is ideal for adaptability and travel. It is made of high-quality materials and features a foldable, portable design, making it an excellent choice for commuters and frequent travelers.

The velvety, memory foam ear cushions give comfort during lengthy usage, and the whole build seems durable.

In terms of style and construction, the HD 660 S is for individuals who value pure audio quality and don’t mind a more stationary listening experience.

The WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is geared for those on the go, with a blend of comfort, portability, and noise-canceling technology. The decision is ultimately determined by your lifestyle and listening habits.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 cater to distinct needs and listening experiences. The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a real audiophile’s headset, with exceptional acoustic precision and neutrality.

It features a transparent and balanced sound profile with an emphasis on accuracy, making it excellent for critical listening, studio work, or enjoying high-quality music recordings. Its open-back design enhances the impression of space and instrument separation, resulting in a spacious soundstage.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is intended for the modern listener who appreciates simplicity and versatility. It has a more consumer-oriented sound profile, with a focus on providing a satisfying and immersive experience for diverse music genres and video material. 

While it does not match the HD 660 S in terms of pure accuracy, it compensates with features such as configurable EQ settings and superb noise-canceling capabilities.

Finally, the decision between these headphones is determined by your priorities. If you’re a purist looking for uncompromised sound quality and don’t mind a stationary listening experience, the HD 660 S is a wonderful pick.

If you value portability, noise cancellation, and an adaptive sound character, the WH-1000XM5 is a compelling bundle for modern, on-the-go music fans.

Noise Cancellation

Due to their varied use cases, the Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 adopt alternative techniques to noise canceling. Because it is an open-back headphone, the HD 660 S does not have active noise cancellation (ANC).

Its design is inherently more breathable and allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, making it inappropriate for circumstances where seclusion from external noise is critical. However, because of its over-ear design and comfortable ear cushions, it excels at passive noise isolation.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is outfitted with powerful ANC technology that is well-known for its ability to effectively block out external sounds.

It is intended for travelers, commuters, and individuals who require a tranquil listening experience in busy situations.

The noise-canceling characteristics of the WH-1000XM5 are configurable via the app, letting customers tailor the level of isolation to their preferences.

In conclusion, if you prioritize noise cancellation and require a headset for scenarios such as plane travel or a busy office, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the apparent pick.

However, if you prefer a more natural, open-listening experience and do not require ANC, the Sennheiser HD 660 S meets your needs while also providing outstanding passive noise isolation.

Microphone or Call Quality

When it comes to microphone and call quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 outperforms the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The WH-1000XM5 features active noise cancellation (ANC) and built-in microphones ideal for voice calls. The microphones excel at catching your voice while suppressing background noise, delivering clear and crisp call quality even in loud surroundings.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 includes innovative features such as beamforming technology, which concentrates on your voice while decreasing background noise, and Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses audio playback when you begin conversing during a call.

The Sennheiser HD 660 S, on the other hand, is essentially an open-back audiophile headset, and while it does come with a cable with an inbuilt microphone, its call quality isn’t a notable feature.

The HD 660 S’s microphone is adequate for casual calls, but it lacks the advanced noise-cancellation and voice-enhancement capabilities found in the WH-1000XM5.

If crystal-clear call quality is important to you, especially in crowded or noisy surroundings, the WH-1000XM5 is the superior choice for managing voice calls and virtual meetings.

Battery Life

In terms of battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 outperforms the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The WH-1000XM5 is a wireless Bluetooth headphone with a rechargeable battery that can provide up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge.

This prolonged battery life ensures that you can listen to music for lengthy periods of time without the need for frequent recharging.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 offers rapid charging, providing up to five hours of playback with a 10-minute charge.

The Sennheiser HD 660 S, on the other hand, is essentially a wired headset and lacks a built-in battery. Its operation is dependent on being linked to a headphone amplifier or source device having a headphone jack.

While this produces high-quality music, it means that the HD 660 S lacks the convenience of wireless listening and the extended battery life seen in the WH-1000XM5.

As a result, if you favor wireless capabilities and extended playback duration, especially for on-the-go use, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better pick in terms of battery life and convenience.

Control System

The Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 control systems accommodate various usage conditions and preferences. The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a wired open-back headphone with a simple control mechanism.

It comes with a detachable cable that has a 6.35mm headphone connector and a 3.5mm converter, allowing you to connect it to a variety of audio sources, including headphone amplifiers, audio interfaces, and audio players. The inline cable remote has a straightforward three-button control for volume and playback.

In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wireless Bluetooth headphone built for all-around use. Its control mechanism is more comprehensive, with touch-sensitive buttons on the ear cups.

With easy motions, you may change playback, skip tracks, adjust volume, answer calls, and activate voice assistants. The WH-1000XM5 also has a programmable button on one ear cup that can be assigned different functions using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

This diversity in control options caters to both music playback and call management, giving the WH-1000XM5 a more feature-rich solution for users looking for wireless ease and control customization.

Connectivity

The Sennheiser HD 660 S and Sony WH-1000XM5 have multiple connectivity options to accommodate diverse user preferences. The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a wired open-back headset, which means it connects via a standard headphone cable with a 6.35mm headphone port.

While this provides a dependable and high-quality audio connection, it restricts mobility and requires the user to be tied to the audio source.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 on the other hand is a wireless Bluetooth headphone that provides the ease of cord-free listening. It supports Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a robust and energy-efficient wireless connection to compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. 

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 supports high-quality audio codecs including LDAC and aptX HD, ensuring a fantastic wireless audio experience, especially when utilized with compatible devices.

This Wi-Fi flexibility allows users to roam about freely while listening to music or accepting calls. The presence of NFC (Near Field Communication) makes connecting the WH-1000XM5 with compatible devices a breeze.

Finally, the choice between these two headphones comes down to whether you value the wired audio quality of the Sennheiser HD 660 S or the wireless comfort and versatility of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

The Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5 support different levels of Bluetooth codecs, which can have a major impact on wireless audio quality.

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a wired open-back headphone that does not use Bluetooth technology and thus does not support any Bluetooth codecs. Instead, it uses the audio source’s built-in DAC and amplifier to deliver high-quality music via the standard cable connection.

In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wireless Bluetooth headset with advanced Bluetooth codec support. It includes LDAC, a high-resolution audio codec created by Sony that enables the transmission of high-quality audio information over Bluetooth. 

LDAC provides a better listening experience, especially when paired with LDAC-compatible devices because it can manage greater bitrates and deliver audio quality comparable to wired connections.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 supports other common codecs such as AAC and SBC, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including Apple products.

Because of its codec adaptability, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is an excellent alternative for individuals who value wireless convenience without sacrificing music quality.

In conclusion, while the Sennheiser HD 660 S excels in wired audio quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides a wireless experience with support for modern Bluetooth codecs, boosting overall wireless audio performance.

Extra Feature

When comparing the Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of added features, it’s important to consider their key use cases and functions. The Sennheiser HD 660 S is primarily an audiophile-grade open-back headphone designed for critical listening in quiet surroundings.

As a result, it lacks many of the added functions available in consumer-oriented headphones. Its primary goal is to provide excellent audio quality and comfort.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, on the other hand, is a wireless noise-cancelling headphone designed for adaptability and simplicity. It has a number of extra features to improve the user experience. 

Touch-sensitive controls for playback and calls, adaptive noise reduction that adapts to your surroundings, and speak-to-chat technology that pauses playback when you start speaking are among the features.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 comes with a companion app that allows users to configure sound profiles, alter noise cancellation settings, and fine-tune the listening experience.

Another major feature is the incorporation of 360 Reality Audio compatibility, which provides a more immersive and spatial audio experience when streaming compatible material.

While the Sennheiser HD 660 S excels in pure audio quality and simplicity, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a broader range of extra features designed for on-the-go convenience and versatility, making it a compelling choice for users who value both audio quality and advanced functionality in their headphones.

Which is the Winner?

The decision between the Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes down to your unique demands and goals. If you are an audiophile or someone who values flawless sound quality above all else and frequently listens in controlled conditions where noise isolation isn’t a factor, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is the clear winner.

Its open-back design and wired connection provide superb audio integrity and a wide soundstage, making it an excellent choice for critical listening.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 takes the lead if you want adaptability, mobility, and the comfort of wireless listening with adaptive noise cancellation.

It caters to consumers who appreciate both sound quality and advanced functionality in a headset with a variety of extra capabilities, including touch controls, speak-to-chat technology, adjustable sound profiles, and compatibility with 360 Reality Audio.

Finally, it comes down to your use case. If you value pure sound quality over portability and noise isolation, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is the clear victor. However, if you value a greater variety of capabilities, wireless simplicity, and good noise cancellation for everyday use, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the superior pick.

Alternative Options

There are various intriguing alternatives to the Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5 to consider. For audiophiles looking for great sound quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a superb open-back design with precise and accurate audio reproduction, making it a strong contender in the high-end headphone market.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a popular choice for noise cancellation. It has outstanding noise isolation, a comfortable fit, and strong sound quality, as well as a premium design and straightforward touch controls.

For those who value mobility and adaptability, the Sony WH-1000XM4, the predecessor to the WH-1000XM5, remains a good candidate. It provides comparable noise reduction, great sound quality, and a feature-rich experience.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a wireless in-ear solution, the Sony WF-1000XM4 offers excellent sound quality, great noise cancellation, and a tiny form factor suited for on-the-go listening.

Finally, whether it’s top-tier sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, or wireless convenience, your option is determined by your unique demands and tastes. These alternatives provide a variety of features and capabilities to accommodate various use cases and listening patterns.

Sennheiser HD 660 S vs Sony WH-1000XM5 – FAQs

What are the main differences between the Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5?

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is an open-back wired headphone developed for audiophiles that focuses on delivering great sound quality.

In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wireless noise-canceling headphone aimed at a broader consumer market, emphasizing portability and active noise cancellation. The main distinctions are their targeted use cases, sound characteristics, and functionalities.

Which headphone is better for audiophiles, the HD 660 S or the WH-1000XM5?

If you choose pure sound quality over wireless convenience, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is the better option. It has an open-back design, which often results in a more natural and spacious soundstage, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles who appreciate critical listening.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a wired alternative for audiophile use?

Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use them in wired mode for better sound quality. However, keep in mind that their primary design focus is on wireless and noise-cancelling features.

Which headphone has greater noise cancelling, the HD 660 S or the WH-1000XM5?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in noise cancellation, built to efficiently filter out ambient sounds, making them a good choice for travelers and commuters. Due to its open-back design, the Sennheiser HD 660 S does not feature active noise cancellation and may not separate external noises as efficiently.

Can I use the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for critical listening and audiophile purposes?

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 has great sound quality and adaptability, it may not please audiophiles looking for maximum precision and detail. While its closed-back design and noise-canceling functions are useful to many users, they do introduce some compromises in soundstage and transparency when compared to open-back audiophile headphones like the HD 660 S.

Final Thoughts

The decision between the Sennheiser HD 660 S and the Sony WH-1000XM5 comes down to your unique demands and goals.

If you’re an audiophile looking for the pinnacle of sound quality for critical listening and are ready to forego wireless convenience and noise cancellation, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is the clear victor. Its open-back design provides a large soundstage and excellent audio fidelity.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 shines, though, if you need a multipurpose headset for on-the-go use, travel, and immersive noise cancellation. These wireless headphones offer outstanding sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and a slew of current technologies, making them suited for a wider spectrum of users.

Finally, your decision should be influenced by your listening preferences and how you intend to utilize the headphones. Whether you desire audiophile-grade sound or the ease of wifi and noise cancellation, both models provide excellent qualities within their own realms.