Sennheiser says that its HD 660S2 is the result of heeding customer feedback from owners of the previous HD 660S model. We're told this has been used to help shape the sound quality of the German-designed, Irish-made HD 660S2.

The resulting design tweaks have seen Sennheiser improving the airflow around the 38mm driver via a new vented magnet system. As a result, the latest version apparently reduces distortion and helps deliver a more dramatic and dynamic listening experience. In addition, the new headphones drop the resonant frequency of 110 Hz (original HD 660S) down to 70 Hz for "hefty kick drums that move with ease".

Furthermore, the open-backed HD 660S2 uses a lighter aluminium voice coil than the previous generation, while impedance matches Sennheiser's HD 600 and HD 650 models at 300 ohms.

According to Sennheiser, the S2 has greater depth and nuance of low-frequency passages. At the same time, "improved impulse response brings hyper-realistic textures to the forefront of any performance reproduction", adding that "the overall experience is smoother and warmer than the original HD 660S".

Jermo Koehnke, Sennheiser Audiophile Product Manager, told StereoNET:

With precision and power like no other and new sensitivity across all frequencies, listeners will hear details they've never heard before, especially at the lower end of the spectrum.

The HD 660S2 features plush ear cushions for comfort while, aesthetically, they sport an attractive jet-black finish with bronze accents.

The new Sennheisers come bundled with a storage pouch and two 1.8m (5.8ft) detachable cables, one with a 6.3mm single-ended stereo plug and the other with a 4.4mm balanced plug.

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 are available to pre-order now and will be on store shelves from February 21st, priced at £499/ €599.

Visit Sennheiser for more information