Sennheiser HD 660S2 vs Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Verdict
Sennheiser HD 660S2 and Anker Soundcore Space A40 serve fundamentally different use cases. Sennheiser's wired over-ear design uses hand-crafted 42mm drivers with 300-ohm impedance, requiring a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance and delivering exceptional detail retrieval prized by audiophiles. Anker's compact in-ears prioritize convenience with active noise cancellation, 10-hour battery life on a single charge, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity at a fraction of the price. Sound quality favors the Sennheiser for discerning listeners, but Anker excels in portability and features for daily commuting. Choose HD 660S2 if you have amplification equipment and prioritize pure audio fidelity in a stationary listening environment. Select Space A40 if you need all-day wireless convenience, ANC, and modern features without premium audio aspirations.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sennheiser HD 660S2 if…
- →Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- →Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- →Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
Buy the Anker Soundcore Space A40 if…
- →Incredible value at $79 with ANC, LDAC, multipoint, and wireless charging
- →50-hour total battery with case is best-in-class for true wireless
- →LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio streaming
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Sennheiser HD 660S2
Pros
- Reference-grade sound with improved bass over the original HD 660S
- Both 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced cables included in the box
- Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage
- Lightweight at 260 g for an audiophile over-ear
- Replaceable parts make it a long-term investment
Cons
- 300-ohm impedance requires a dedicated amp/DAC to drive properly
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option
- Open-back leaks significant sound — not for shared spaces
- $499 is steep for headphones that need additional equipment
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Pros
- Incredible value at $79 with ANC, LDAC, multipoint, and wireless charging
- 50-hour total battery with case is best-in-class for true wireless
- LDAC codec supports high-resolution audio streaming
- HearID creates personalized sound profiles based on hearing test
- Compact and lightweight for a secure, comfortable fit
Cons
- ANC is decent but not competitive with Sony or Bose flagships
- Call quality can be inconsistent in noisy environments
- IPX4 rating is basic splash resistance only
- Touch controls are sometimes unresponsive
- Bass can be slightly muddy at default EQ settings
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 660S2 | Anker Soundcore Space A40 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 4.9 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 10 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs total with case |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 42mm dynamic transducer, 300 ohm impedance | 10mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Open-back audiophile design, 300-ohm impedance for dedicated amp/DAC use, Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn cable included, Replaceable ear pads and cables, Handmade in Germany | Adaptive ANC with multiple levels, Transparency Mode, HearID personalized sound profiles, Multipoint Bluetooth, Wireless charging case, Soundcore app with EQ customization |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Sennheiser products or all Anker products. View full details for the Sennheiser HD 660S2 or the Anker Soundcore Space A40.