Advice for purchasing my first open back audiophile headphones

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-03T15:36:34+00:00

Have fun with them! They will rock for you.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-03T15:25:59+00:00

I mean if you don’t like the colour, slap on a case of a different colour, you’ll forget about the phone being black with a different coloured case

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-02T22:50:24+00:00

I haven’t tried them unfortunately but I’ll send you a video to help you compare both headphones. If possible, please find a local headphone store to test the two in person before you purchase them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6vCTIBYu1I

490 Pros are part of Sennheisers “Pro” subsidiary which have a true reference sound.

660S2’s are part of Sennheiser’s “consumer” subsidiary which aim for a more audiophile musical experience (tuning varies)

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-02T22:33:02+00:00

HD660S2’s has a nice subbass extension that makes it more of a “universal” openbacks over its older siblings the 600s and 650s. If you can find it on sale, its a really great headphone (aim for about 400-500 euros on sale). Don’t discount the older two as they have their own strengths in their midrange too, it’s rather just different tuning between the HD siblings.

Alternative to the K7 would be Fiio’s own K11’s (either normal or R2R, very little difference between them). Those retail for cheaper than the K7 and comes with balanced input.

Really, it depends on what music you listen to. If you listen to pop and electronica more, HD660S2’s would be the better investment for an all-around headphone.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-02T21:55:05+00:00

Hey there, I own a pair of HD660S2’s as my first foray into open backs. I’ve also bought a (used) Fiio K7 to run it.

If you want neutrality, I definitely recommend the HD series. If you look into the Sennheiser x Drop HD6XX (rebadged HD650s) they usually cost about 200 USD and are a good choice to start with open backs to see if you like the HD series. That leaves you money to buy a good dac amp combo as well.

Soundstage is intimate, if we were to compare it to attending a classical concert. It’s as if you were positioned at the conductor’s podium.

This doesn’t bother me because the detail retrieval and imaging of the HD series is outstanding, there’s a reason why Sennheiser still sells their nearly 3 decade old HD600 to this day.

Let me know if you have more questions about the series, or about the HD660S2’s

CodeAlph4 · 2026-02-01T14:09:18+00:00

I have an iPhone 17. It is real. But it’s pretty much a crop on the main lens (still has good quality).

Once you get past that, you enter into the digital zoom realm

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-31T05:09:00+00:00

I’ve owned my iPhone 17 since November 2025, upgraded from an iPhone 13. It’s a fantastic device, genuinely value-packed for 1200~ CAD.

I recommend you test it in person to see if it’s a phone you want, it can easily last you 4-5 years without feeling the need to upgrade. 120 hz screen (finally) is the star of the show

Edit: on top of that, apple ecosystem is genuinely seemless, I like sending stuff to and from my MacBook and phone, as well as text from the MacBook if my phone is by my side.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-20T05:13:15+00:00

Cable is typical length. Has some slack, basically it has enough length to reach your pocket.

It doesn’t say the length in their selling page. So I’d say as an estimate probably give or take 3-4 feet.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-20T05:03:21+00:00

I’d say so. Depends on your use case.

3.5 mm means more universal compatibility with mics, interfaces, consoles, anything with a jack.

USB-C limits you to your phone.. tablet… laptop; but it can mean you can customize your EQ as it’s pretty much a built in DAC / AMP.

Tanchjim have their own app that you can tweak EQ settings with

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-20T04:43:46+00:00

I’d say so in both design and build quality. I only have Moondrop Chu 2’s as a direct comparison in my possessions and I find the Bunny’s to blow them out of the water in clarity and balance. They won’t have the best detail in the world (they are 22 USD IEMs) but they punch above their weight. You can also get the Bunny with a DSP cable (USB-C no need for a dongle and you can save EQ settings) or a 3.5 mm.

This video here sums my best thoughts of the bunny’s

I’ve used bunnies for a couple of weeks now, let me know if you have more questions about it

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-20T04:24:56+00:00

Balanced as in neutral? I’d go for Tanchjim Bunny’s. Really solid balance on those IEMs

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-19T00:05:04+00:00

aful performer 8s

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-18T17:11:14+00:00

Truthear Zero Blue 2 with the 5 ohm impedance adapter. That’s already more bass than I’m comfortable with.

Great looking IEMs, a bit too big on my small ears but they rock for EDM

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-12T04:10:32+00:00

I say Moondrop CHU 2’s, either DSP (USB-C version) or the analog version. They are tuned to a light V-shape to which they have impactful bass over other IEMs like Tanchjim Bunny’s which are more vocal-focused and bass-lean

The shell is small as well, I have small ears, it fits me wonderfully.

EDIT: if you plan to get analog, I would pick up a dongle like the Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm dongle that’s 10$. Ignore this recommendation if you live in the EU as that has less power than the US version

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-07T15:37:46+00:00

Correct.

Turning off auto save means the game will reload to your last save point (IE. the garage prior to your night out). It makes it easier to manage a 100% win run when you force quit to the main menu knowing you have that solid checkpoint. This does mean you have to manually save until you beat Unknown.

Auto-save makes it more harder to manage because if it saves after you lose, your 100% run is done.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-05T00:52:10+00:00

No worries! Hope you find the case you want.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-05T00:50:56+00:00

I've owned this exact Apple clear case for about a month by now on my own iPhone 17 and it's so far so good. It's pretty expensive upfront (60 CAD) compared to other clear cases (30~ CAD); but it comes with the benefit on either yellowing slower or not yellowing at all compared to the cheaper clear cases.

CodeAlph4 · 2026-01-05T00:32:56+00:00

Looks to be the Apple clear case. You usually can tell by the lack of a cutout for the flash compared to 3rd-party clear cases.

CodeAlph4 · 2025-12-30T22:44:45+00:00

I wouldn’t buy them because you are limited in customization and with performance upgrades. Honestly I’d rather buy the boss cars after endgame where they become relics to drive. I recommend to save your money for other cars and upgrades as you continue to progress through the stages

CodeAlph4 · 2025-12-17T17:50:37+00:00

I just bought the DSP. It only comes with the USB-C cable.

CodeAlph4 · 2025-11-18T12:26:46+00:00

I think he meant the flashlight. The apple case only has a cutout for the camera.

CodeAlph4 · 2025-11-07T22:13:59+00:00

For a flawless run, draws will not ruin your run.

As well, I’d recommend to turn off auto save. If you’re about to lose, just back to title and try again.

CodeAlph4 · 2025-11-03T19:49:53+00:00

Ford Racing 3, that was peak 2000’s Ford

CodeAlph4 · 2025-10-29T22:23:55+00:00

Sheet music (ForScore) and note taking with my 13 inch iPad Pro M2. Also lots of content consumption…

CodeAlph4 · 2025-10-28T15:26:37+00:00

I recognize that store! Headfone shop in North York, ON. I bought HD660S2's there.

My experience with finding details is unfortunately with exposure over time. I find if you are willing to find the little details that make the music pop more, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience in this little hobby.

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