The JBL Tune 660NC Wireless headphones are a solid option for those seeking on-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) features.
They boast a decent sound profile multi-device pairing and a long battery life.
However they come with some compromises particularly in their ANC performance and comfort.
A Closer Look at Sound Quality: A Balancing Act
The JBL Tune 660NC deliver a sound profile that leans towards a slightly V-shaped signature meaning they emphasize bass and treble frequencies.
While this can make music sound punchy and energetic it comes at the cost of a slightly less nuanced and detailed sound than some other options.
Bass: Punchy and Present but Not Always Precise
The bass on the Tune 660NC is definitely noticeable.
You’ll feel the rumble and thump in your favorite tracks adding an extra layer of energy and impact.
However the bass can sometimes feel a bit overbearing especially in tracks with a lot of bass content.
Yo, these JBL Tune 660NCs are okay but not perfect. 🎧 The bass is kinda heavy and the ANC isn’t the best. But the battery life is 🔥, so you can jam all day! If you’re on the fence, check out these other options on Amazon 😏
This can lead to a slight muddiness in the lower frequencies making it harder to discern individual bass notes.
Mids: Clear and Present But Can Be Slightly Veiled
The mid-range frequencies on the Tune 660NC are fairly well-balanced.
Vocals and lead instruments come through clearly and accurately but they can sometimes sound slightly veiled due to a slight underemphasis in the low-treble range.
This means that delicate details in the mids might not be as prominent as they could be.
Treble: Bright and Punchy But Can Be Harsh
The treble on the Tune 660NC is bright and punchy adding sparkle and energy to music.
However the treble can be somewhat harsh particularly in tracks with prominent sibilants (sounds like “s” and “t”). This harshness can be fatiguing during extended listening sessions especially for sensitive listeners.
Yo, these JBL Tune 660NCs are okay but not perfect. 🎧 The bass is kinda heavy and the ANC isn’t the best. But the battery life is 🔥, so you can jam all day! If you’re on the fence, check out these other options on Amazon 😏
Noise Cancellation: A Decent Effort But Not a Game-Changer
The JBL Tune 660NC come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) designed to reduce unwanted ambient noise.
Unfortunately the ANC on these headphones is not as impressive as some of their competitors.
It does a decent job at blocking out higher-pitched noises like conversations or the hum of an air conditioner but it struggles with lower-frequency sounds like rumbling engines or the roar of a plane.
Comfort and Fit: A Compromise for Portability
The Tune 660NC are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to comfort.
They are lightweight and don’t put too much pressure on your head making them comfortable for shorter listening sessions.
However the thin padding on the headband can become uncomfortable during extended use especially if you have sensitive ears.
Durability and Build Quality: A Bit on the Flimsy Side
The Tune 660NC are built from mostly plastic which makes them feel a bit flimsy.
The earcups swivel for easy storage but the overall construction doesn’t inspire confidence in their long-term durability.
Battery Life: A Long-Lasting Powerhouse
One of the highlights of the Tune 660NC is their impressive battery life.
With ANC enabled they can last for around 42 hours making them ideal for long trips or extended listening sessions.
A Few Additional Notes:
- Connectivity: The Tune 660NC feature multi-device pairing allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is incredibly handy for switching between your phone and computer without re-pairing the headphones.
- Call Quality: The integrated microphone on the Tune 660NC delivers decent clarity but struggles with background noise. In noisy environments it can be difficult for the other person to hear you clearly.
- Controls: The buttons on the right earcup are easy to use and provide tactile feedback. They offer volume control playback and call management.
Comparing the Tune 660NC to Similar Headphones
The Tune 660NC face stiff competition in the crowded world of on-ear headphones.
Here are a few direct competitors and how they stack up:
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JBL Live 460NC Wireless: These on-ear headphones offer better ANC a more comfortable fit and compatibility with the JBL Headphones app. However they have a shorter battery life than the Tune 660NC.
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Sony WH-CH520 Wireless: These headphones have a more balanced sound profile and a longer battery life but they lack ANC. The Tune 660NC have better noise isolation and a more comprehensive control set.
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JBL Tune 510BT Wireless: The Tune 510BT are a more affordable option without ANC. They have a decent sound quality and better stability for workouts. However the Tune 660NC have a longer battery life and better noise isolation even with their subpar ANC performance.
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JBL Live 670NC Wireless: These on-ear headphones boast significantly better ANC and a longer battery life but they also come at a higher price. The Tune 660NC offer a more balanced sound profile with a prominent bass but the Live 670NC are better-built and more comfortable.
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JBL TUNE 750BTNC Wireless: These on-ear headphones offer superior ANC performance and a more neutral sound signature. They also have a more stable fit and better build quality. However the Tune 660NC have a longer battery life and a microphone with better recording quality.
Yo, these JBL Tune 660NCs are okay but not perfect. 🎧 The bass is kinda heavy and the ANC isn’t the best. But the battery life is 🔥, so you can jam all day! If you’re on the fence, check out these other options on Amazon 😏
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Beats EP: The Beats EP are wired headphones with a slightly more neutral sound signature. They also have a better microphone recording quality. However the Tune 660NC offer better noise isolation wireless connectivity and more convenient onboard controls.
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Sony WH-XB700 Wireless: The Sony WH-XB700 offer a more comfortable fit better build quality and a more bass-heavy sound profile. However the Tune 660NC have a more neutral sound signature better microphone recording quality and longer battery life.
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JBL Live 650 BTNC Wireless: These on-ear headphones offer a more comfortable fit better ANC performance and compatibility with the JBL Headphones app which allows for sound customization. However the Tune 660NC have a longer battery life and a better microphone recording quality.
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JBL Live 400BT Wireless: The Live 400BT have a better fit and build quality and are compatible with the JBL Headphones app. The Tune 660NC offer a longer battery life and ANC although their noise isolation is still underwhelming.
Final Thoughts
The JBL Tune 660NC Wireless headphones offer a balanced mix of pros and cons.
They are good for everyday listening and offer a long battery life but they are not the best choice for those seeking high-quality ANC a comfortable fit or a premium build.
If you’re looking for affordable on-ear headphones with decent sound and a long battery life they are a good option but it is important to weigh their limitations against your specific needs.