Beyerdynamic DT880 (600 ohm) - Why wouldn't most choose this version?

That is a pretty extreme impedance, and the reviews are probably based on very powerful amplifiers. It depends on what amp you want to use them with. I'm not sure how well tube designs would push that kind of load.

Also I have much respect for the 250 ohm version for having an almost perfect impedance curve, something that matters with tubes.

HD-650 impedance curve:



DT880:



I'm not sure how well that characteristic holds over on the 600 ohm version, since nobody's measured it yet. It isn't however something that's present across Beyer's whole line, as the new 990's look like this:



Sorry I couldn't graph those all at the same time, different data sets or something causes a little difficulty.

250 ohm are cheaper and readily available both new and used. other than that, i'm not sure. (someone likes colors.)

The 600 ohm units can be a more challenging load for an amplifier.

Because you pay additional money for suspicious benefits

Too difficult to drive.

[QUOTE=NightWoundsTime;3165980]That is a pretty extreme impedance, and the reviews are probably based on very powerful amplifiers. It depends on what amp you want to use them with. I'm not sure how well tube designs would push that kind of load.

Also I have much respect for the 250 ohm version for having an almost perfect impedance curve, something that matters with tubes. [QUOTE]

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Most tube designs would drive the 600 ohm load better than SS. High impedence needs voltage swing. Since these headphones are also lower sensitivity an amp with a generous power output is definitely a plus whatever the amp.

The flat impedence curve isnt as issue if the output impedence of the tube amp is low enough.

The amps ability to swing voltage and the overall power output.

A tube amp with high voltage swing.

...$$$ implication. They need to be driven adequately by a good amp. Basically if you're buying those cans, you're bound to buy a good but expensive amp as well.

I am driving them with an EAR-HP4 out of the high impedance jack and they sound very good...

will essence stx be able to drive these?

Besides the EAR hp4 as mentioned above.......on the other end of the price spectrum there is the wonderful (with NOS tubes) is the beautiful Ming Da MC 84c07 (sells around $385 US). While I had and sold 2003 dt880/250, then ditto 2005 dt880/600..........the Ming Da is exquisite with my 2005 dt990/600 (and AKG k340 modded). Generally, most folks prefer using a tube amp, no matter which version of dt880 they own.