as soon as you said clamp force and big melon, you had me agreeing. I have a big head, and tried the early 109 at canjam london 2022. Also had the chance to try a pair of sennheiser HD600s and they clamped like nobodys buisness. I acctually could not wear them for more than about 10 minutes before my head started to ache. It's a shame, because I loved how they sound, but i just cant get over the CLAMP

do you have an amp/dac?

@@taherjerjissi9853 yes. Hifiman EF400

Where on earth do you find these dealers :)

May I ask where you wwnt to? I live in Tokyo but want to hear them before I make a decision!

@@Awkventurer e-earphone is Akihabara

@@Elm8n thank you!

Has the headphone changed? Why would he re-review it?

@@chrisvanhorn Because he's a more experienced reviewer + has listened to many more headphones since then.

​@@KopfKino901 Why don't you listen to them yourself instead of trusting a KZfaqr? order them from Amazon and send them back if you don't like them.

@@kentbergstrom3020 I own them for a couple of years now. But I don't own/order dozens of headphones like he does. I'm curious to see how they compare to newly released stuff. I also usually agree with Joshua's opinion and taste. Why the negativity ?

​@@KopfKino901 Nah bro, just buy dozens of headphones and return them to Amazon. I'm sure Amazon would totally support 10 headphone returns with opened packages in a 3 month span (spoiler, they won't, that other guys advice is ridiculous)

Hah, that's what these reviews do. They basically make up shit as they go and that creates all these funny contradictions because they forget their previous narratives. I doubt it has to be said but maybe not trust these salesmes...umm I mean..product reviewers.

@@gavin8489 Personally, Josh usually does a good job. But I hear ya. Like any review, it's relative, based on subjective experience, and at the end of the day, up to the consumer.

Tbh Josh seems like a nice guy, but he's more focused on putting out an entertaining, well-edited review than necessarily a very information dense and coherent one. The very fact this video is comparing 2 very popular and newer headphones rather than say a Focal Elex or a dt1990 or anything older says a lot about the limitations of how informative he really wants to be. He'd prefer a 10min, concise video with some information missing over a 25min, thorough comparison between a buncha headphones in the price tier

I own the 660S2 and while solo and small group works sound fantastic, larger orchestral music gets slightly messy due to the very small sound stage it presents: Larger soundstages generally mean better detail and separation of instrument, helpful for reproducing large ensemble works, assuming your source is engineered well of course. They do have a fantastic timbre and instruments sounds incredibly natural, specially in the midrange area. Voices and choir is also pretty rock solid. If the recording is great, the sound production will match. It can be hauntingly accurate when listening to solo mid range focused works. That small soundstage helps to make it sound like you are often playing the instruments yourself, making it feel about as intimate as you can get! Something my speakers, or no other headphone I've heard can do. I suspect for piano on Meze might sound better due to it's increased dynamic range and impact. Drums equally. Also all that extra detail that the Meze is giving you, combined with a much bigger soundstage as well as far better dynamics means the Meze will almost surely destroy the 660S2 when it comes to orchestral reproduction. It might even be the better choice overall but it does cost 2x as much. My bet is on the Meze being the better overall headphone by far for Classical. I don't mind personally as a classical lover because I save the complex works for when I get home and use my way more dynamic 2 channel speaker setup. I see many of these companies will let you try the Meze or Sennhesier risk free for 45-60 days. Pretty much how I bought all of my audio equipment. I've sent a ton of stuff back but I am a pretty big fan of what the HD6 series can do and they do it so well (midrange tube amp superstars, something the Meze has no ability in) that I have 2 in the series. Just take care of the product and packaging incase you don't like them and want to send them back.

It would be a side grade. Two different animals. The Edition XS, being a planar, would have faster transients, so a punchier, plucky quality to the sound. Being an Ananda owner, this characteristic is very pleasing to my ears! For instance, when I hear a deep subbass sound on the Ananda, the effect is a well defined, crisp rumble. The XS would perform similarly. While the 109 Pro, being a dynamic driver, would be a bit less punchy and rounder, more natural. It's a little bit difficult to explain, unless you have some experience with the different characteristics of planar magnetic drivers and dynamic drivers. But one would not be better or more improved than the other, it's just what I your preference would be for the sound texture.

@@PhoggHawk I am currently running a HD58X and demo'd a Sundara a while back. The planar characteristics were instantly apparent, the speed and pluckiness, the clarity and eveything was great - exepct for the tuning. To me the sundara had poor bass extention, the midrange felt incredibly scooped and highs felt tinny / artificial. I then did my research and the XS seems to fix those issues plenty and I was dead set on it - and then the 109 dropped. In my country it's almost double the price and I simply cannot decide which I want to add to my collection.

Well, the lower price and the fact that I love the planar sound would sell me on the Edition XS. It's a matter of personal preference, of course.

Lol. Zero. Edition xs is better sounding has more details but meze as always looks prettier so there is your extra 300 bucks

He just nailed it. Tuning might be another story, but technically there is no parth to upgrade from XS, at least below 1k. There is to mention, XS needs definitely more juice to sounds it's best (lows). Nothing crazy needed, but phone or mojo 2 by it's own is not enough.

Edition xs has questionable build but better sound than 109 pro

I wanted to see the s2 vs elex

​@@I_beat_cucks Eh, idk about that. 109 Pro and XS I can see either sounds better than the other. Also for comfort it's not even close, which is a factor that reviewers will gloss over

@@PantsaBear it does not. Edition xs sounds better I have heard both and sent 109 pro back. But, yes 109 is significantly more comfortable and hifiman qc issues are well known. Other than that edition xs is my pick for the best headphone under 1000 dollars. Meze 109 pro is almost 300 dollars dearer than edition xs and a good step back in sound qualities

Ananda costs less than $500 right now.

@@sergeyshorokhov2167 The Ananda Stealth Magnet is $700. The OG Ananda is cheaper

@@JTB-- I'm talking about SM version. The old Ananda is discontinued.

@@JTB-- B stock SM Ananda on Hifimans site $510

@@chrisk3127 Well yeah that's a different story when talking B Stock and Used HP prices. I'm talking brand new the Ananda StealthMagnet is $700. The HD660S2 is $600 and the 109 Pro is $800. Of course you can find all these HP's for lower prices used... but many don't want to go that route which can be risky.

Beautiful set of headphones you got there. Can't agree more, except I didnt really missed the bass of them the most. For me its just total lack of clarity, resolution, depth and spacing in the music of these cans. Overhyped? For me 100%, but thats just my opinion.

You’ve described the Senn 600 series perfectly. They are overrated but people keep hyping them. Just like they used to with (and still do in some corners) the m50s lol

I have the Sundare and i really like it. How is it compare the Ananda Stealth?

@@Nicolas38260 if you like the Sundara that’s great enjoy it … is the ananda stealth better .. I think it has a little more stage and airiness … however, is it spending another 700 dollars better … no….the Sundara is good… everything above it may sound a little better hear and there but I don’t think anything sounds 10 times better than Sundara …. Especially if you eq and add a bit of bass … you’re good … don’t go down the rabbit hole like the rest of us searching for perfection that ultimately may not be there … lol

I havent heard the 660s before but the hd 700 use the same driver as the hd 660s (albeit with a completely different earcup and pad design) and they have a great soundstage.

@@trevor245 thank you very much…

While the tuning is different I'm pretty Shure, you will like Neumann ndh 30. It's super transparent and very spacious. I do own a HD 660s too and love it, but Neumann just delivers in EVERY aspect, even longterm listening. Btw it is developed by the same professional behind HD 600 and HD 800.

@@danielzweipunktnull2670 thanks a million... Is there a way to listen to a pair before I buy them???

@@mzeeshanch It's simple to do in Germany, thanks to return policys. Think you have to figure out, how it works out in your region, buddy. Good luck.

meze 109 or 6xx?

@@reign2027 Right now, I'm leaning towards the 109 Pro, due to sound profile and comfort. But, then when I go back to the 6XX, I am not disappointed and do enjoy it. Overall, I just still find the 109 Pro to have the weight that I want with my sounds, and the 6XX is just a tad thin. So, sometimes, it comes down to the style of music and listening that I will be doing. Not to be wishy-washy, if the price difference wasn't a factor, 109 Pro all day, but the value of the 6XX makes them very, very desirable. Sound only...109 Pro.

I received the 600 S2 this last Monday. I am very surprised how much I like them over 650 which I have owned for 2 years. The 660 S2 just hits a sweat spot and I’m blown away as surprised. Lots of reviews and opinions out there.. based on my experience with them - highly recommend

@@bryansheridan6434 That's the tough, but also awesome thing about Audio. As Josh and other good reviewers do, they will try and compare the devices against other products so that we, the readers/viewers, can have something to judge and guide us towards. As you found out, the sound signature is something that works well for you. That's awesome!

@@bryansheridan6434 how it compares to Focal Clear and HD800 ? S2 got good techincals ?

Yeah, and do it in a blind test m8🙃

I still wonder up to this date if that burn in rlly is a thing, especially on headphones. Making it more smooth/richer overall, like bringing the whole FR more harmonic together.. and cutting some of the weird high frequencies. But maybe its just a Placebo by getting used to them.

​@@auro8649 well the difference is in decimals. AKG also mentioned that their headphones need burn in. The difference hasn't changed so it's considered a placebo effect. My ears is sensitive so I had a headphones that had a metalic sound to it, and it got brighter over time, treble was sibilant

It is real very easy to spot the differences.

I feel like burn in happens pretty quickly. Usually within 2-8 hours. I own the HD600s and when I got the HD660S2 in they sounded terrible for like 5 mins. Kind of tinny, veiled mid-range with a slight grain/distortion and muddiness on the bass. Got slightly worried but after 15 mins they started to sound pretty good and in 2 hours they sounded just like I expected them to sound: Just a little more bass and treble, more detail and slightly bigger soundstage than the almost identical HD600s that my ear were already very well tuned too. I also own a set of Polk L600 tower speakers. Same thing happened. I turned them on and they sounded terrible. Tinny with terrible bass and somewhat muffled mid-range. I had to go to work so right after I set it up I just let it play for 8 hours until I got home. When I returned the sound was refined, clear and the timbre almost lifelike. The bass had opened up with greater detail, speed and impact. My ears and brain didn't get a chance to get used to it. Being that I had to go to work, I was forced to worry about if I had made a bad purchase and would have to send another set of large tower speakers back, but as soon as I got home that worry went completely away. Next I have some Sony Xtra Bass headphones that I kept getting for free because I would warranty them out at a big box store super often. These headphones actually sounded really great for 50 bucks but for the first day or 2 they sounded just terrible, making you question your purchase. After 2-3 days they would start to "sweeten up" and just knock my socks off with their extremely decent SQ and clean bass. I went through 3 pairs because of a mic issue, and it was always the same. To me if feels like Amps have far less burn in time. Usually takes less than 1 hour and they all sound as intended, for better or worse. I've unboxed more than a few and they all react about the same way. As far as cables I seriously doubt it applies. You have a good cable and connections or you don't. Amps often have capacitors and a variety of other electrochemical and electrical parts that could in theory have some burn in need/time to get right. Speakers are mechanical so some tolerances are bound to change over a period of time.

is that how that works? u essentially "break them in" and that reduces the sharpness of the treble?

​@@Sinsanatis meze said it themselves

@@cyb huh. i didnt know it worked like that. i guess maybe i do remember my headphones being a bit sharp when i got them

@@Sinsanatis Its a myth. Same with "burn-in". They say it so you would miss the refund deadline while "burning in"

@@Sinsanatis That's just your ears getting used to the headphones lol. Burn in is just a silly myth. It doesn't make sense to buy a pair of headphones and then not use them for a few days.

How is the Ananda Stealth compare to other heaphone you have/had?

@@Nicolas38260 I've owned the Senn 660, the Ananda is miles ahead, better in all categories (soundstage, details, bass presence), period. I have the Focal Elegia (I know, it's a closed back) and once again the Ananda is the clear winner, even if the Elegia has a better slam in the lower range, it's not enough to compete. A friend of mine came last week with his Kennerton Thekk which costs 3000 usd and even him was amazed by the Ananda performance and recognized that the Ananda, mostly because of its big pads that envelop the entire ear, had a more credible soundstage and overall presence. And to be honest, when I heard his headphone a year ago I was very impressed by it but not so much since I've had the Ananda and to be honest, I wouldn't trade my gear for his. I'm not working for Hifiman and I gain nothing to say this, but the Ananda, at 600 usd is a freakin steal, if you didn't yet, go and try it.

​@radinan i would have gone deeper into Hifiman but the risk of ChiFi is rough for anything above the Sundara. Sennheisers and Beyers can survive hell. So can Grados. Hifiman can't. Not that i plan on breaking them but its in the back of my mind

@@MrAhuraMazda Well, 8 months later the Ananda is still here and it's still working like a charm and I use it very often with my DAP,. But to be honest I've upgraded my desk system and also bought the Arya SE which is of course better, as you can see I'm now a big Hifiman fan and I hope you're not right about long term resistance, we'll see.

I know the feeling. I'm heavily invested into a 2 channel setup that stays on until everyone goes to bed. It makes you feel like you're there and the music is all around you. I'm extremely thankful to have really cool neighbors! 😀 That being said maybe look for a pair of headphones with a great soundstage. I was testing the HD599s from Sennheiser for a bit but the SQ wasn't quite there for me. It did however have a nice big sound stage that was very pleasing and made me feel like the music was all around me and not right at me. I know there are other options with even larger sound stages and decent SQ out there, so I'd research which ones have the best. I own the HD600 and HD660S2 and they are on the right-at-you side of the scale (small soundstage), with the S2 having a slightly bigger soundstage and better separation but they are among the worst headphones for stage size. . Tube amps and some solid state amps can extend it but not by much. I'm just addicted to the very realistic timbre and mid-range accuracy of these headphones (for the price). I use them to talk on the phone because it's so intimate and accurate/natural sounding that it feels like the person is in the room with me: assuming they have an iPhone or phone with a good mic.

Hello my friend, did you reply to the message? Is this official or a fraud?

I also feel the same way.

Have you personally heard the 660S2?

Yep. Don't pay more. In fact wait until it gets even cheaper if you aren't in a hurry!

I wouldn’t be. Meze’s are extremely well built and user serviceable. Plus their customer service is top notch.

I found the review helpful. Josh's description of the type of music and the emphasis on accurate timbre makes my decision to listen to the 660S2, among other headphones, much easier. His choice of contrasts and comparisons resonates with what I look for in a headphone. I get full soundstage when listening through my 2-channel system, and am looking for a more intimate, in-my-head experience with headphones - with lush, realistic mid-range reproduction of "real" instruments recorded in small, intimate spaces. Small ensemble jazz, blues, alternate music, early music, string quartet, piano, esoteric culture-specific instruments, instrumental duets, vocals & vocal harmonies....with only the odd classic rock track thrown in. I'm looking to be swept up in the musicality of the headphone, and am not interested in analytic highs or emphasized bass response.

HD 800

@@vladpogorelov5033 kinda over budget, but thanks

​​@@kellyoung9684 Hd600 with Oluvs eq kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eJ5iaZuUz9ubnqc.html

now a days you could buy ananda stealth for 350$ that destroy them both in price and performance

@@soulfulfool I don't know, their products are known to have Build Quality issues.

Ie600 is out of this world especially when you paired them with good amp/dac like Questyle M15. I haven’t heard anything under 1500 usd that sounds better than ie600 no matter IEM or OTE.

ieams need no amp. When you compare and iem with a hp with the same price and you have a realy good amp the hp will smash the iem. If you have no amp the iem will smash the HP

@@sebanambrus9265 agree. There is almost no power needed in case to bring iEM's to life. But yes, im sure a great DAC does improve its qualities tremendously.

@@sebanambrus9265 you are talking about raw power I’m talking about sound quality and sound signature. You will always need a good dac (no matter IEM/HP), without good dac, you’re burning your money if you rely on phone/PC dac (most of them). And you need amp for IEM also, it is true that you can run them without, but it’s like in car if you put better quality fuel it will run the engine smoother and maybe bit faster ;) And believe me you will have to spend at least twice as much for better sounding HP and if you put the adequate amp/dac for HP in equation probably you will triple the price to better the sounding of IE600.

IE 600 was $480 on Drop exactly 1 week ago (as of this post) for about 6 hours until Drop stopped the 20% code from working lol.

this is a good thing right?

sub bass and treble is like sugar in drink. Go sugar free for a while and when you get a regular drink one days it is extremely sweet and not as good as you remember. when you stop listening to V shape EQ for a long while and go back to those V shape EQ headphone you relized how unrelistic it sounds

@@GG-zv9ku Having audible treble and subbass is neither linked to a v-shaped sound signature nor unrealistic.

Exactly, they ahould compete with the Sundara and the 300 dollar audio technica headphones i forgot the name of

I agree, sub bass extension was underwhelming, vocals not being as forward is a step back in why people enjoy the 600 series. The direction they went with them I would get a sundara at that point

Straight facts.

I suspect this might be Sennheisers new ownership either being greedy, or testing the waters to see how much they can get away with

Have you heard it already?

@@soldierofgodrick2445 Well the thing is, I think alot of people would enjoy the 660s2 over the other 600 line up, but these shouldn't be priced more than the 650s, the 650s do some things better, and the 660s2 do other things better, but I think you are right, advertise this headphone as like a step up from the 650, If that was the case, personally I would buy them (knowing my price to performance is bad). That is not the case though. It's just a different flavor

he didn't say one of the best, he said one of the most popular. don't put it in quotes if youre not gunna actually quote it correctly

@@iNoYT when i wrote my comment, it was still in the thumbnail - go figure. And even though - how can a brand new version of a headphone be "most popular"? ( i doubt that the 660 even is one of the most popular in the 600-line) and my main point still stands (valid comparison).

I wouldn't consider the Meze109s overpriced. Yes an argument can certainly be made that the Edition XS sounds better overall, but also comes with the QC and build issues of Hifiman. Sound to sound, absolutely, the 109s are not 800 dollar headphones, but you must also factor in the production costs of Romanian workers, better materials, repair-ability down the line, and the included case (though the case was unnecessary IMO). I think they are fairly priced, and though planar magnetics are generally better bang for the buck. As a complete product, there isn't really anything wrong with their pricing. And they certainly don't sound bad.

All that money for the Ananda. The ugliest headphone on the planet. Probably broken within 3 years too.

@@brendangood1052 ugliest headphones? better looking than trash 660s lols

@@a2raya772 " lols" what are you 15? Sennheiser built to last 10-20 years. Heard about Hifiman qc issues on even their very expensive models ?

@@brendangood1052 what are you a 🤡? Seems like it. Sen built to last 15 years 🤣... I know few who had em for few years then has problems.. even my R70x blows them away using a better high end cables with Zen Dacs..

@@a2raya772 Oh, high end cables. Ok. Now I understand

I agree, I would never buy either of them even if they were half the price

Compared to what the question would be

yeah like u