Like their other owners here, I've very taken with the new Beyers. I've been listening almost exclusively to the 880s since getting them about twelve days ago.

This morning I came back from picking up a batch of CDs and decided to preview them using an EJ1000--Kimber mini/mini--META42--880 combination.

The 880s sounded as fine as I anticipated, and then, since my CD3000s happened to be within arm's reach, I decided to do a very cursory comparison of the two.

As anyone who has heard the 880s can attest, one of their great strengths is their excellent soundstage. I expected both to be on equal footing in this area, but, when directly comparing them, the 3000s' was noticeably better.

The overall tonal balance of both 'phones is exceptionally good, but the 3000s have an almost crystalline clarity and airiness that sets them apart. This didn't surprise me, nor did their similarly outstanding bass response.

Obviously, I'm not trying to make any definitive statement about the relative merits of either headphone, given the level of the equipment used as well as my own limitations in this area.

But the real point, and something that at least a few of those of us less desirous of the label "audiophile" might wish to consider, is that this little half-assed "test" was heavily biased in favor of the 880s.

The Beyers were being driven by a META42 (AD8620/triple buffers) with a well regulated AC power supply.

The CD3000s, OTOH, were driven at equal volume directly from the EJ1000's 5mw/5mw headphone output, something I would ordinarily never do.

I won't belabor the point further except to assure everyone that my intention is not to denigrate the 880s in the slightest. Far from it. They remain among my all time favorite 'phones for a variety of unmentioned reasons.

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Don't you mean heavily in favor of the CD3000? All of your comments are biased towards the 3000's.

Interesting. . . was it the tonal balance that set you in favor of the CD3000s, or was it overall detail? I found the CD3000s to lack natural sound but have an extremely detailed top end and an overemphasized upper midrange to top end. I am not a fan of this sound, but some I am sure love it much more than others.

I reviewed thoroughly the CD3ks vs HD600 on Airhead+sony discman line-out.

Cheers,
Geek

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Not at all, Drewski. The 880s were driven from the EJ1000's line out to a well configured META42. The CD3K was driven directly from the PCDP's rather wimpy headphone output. Doesn't that appear to stack things slightly in favor of the 880s? Would you feel the same had the CD3K been driven by the amp with the 880s relegated to the headphone output?

I own both headphones, so I obviously don't have an ax to grind here.

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Yes, I think I recall that thread. Didn't you use Headroom's CD3Ks, the ones everyone hated on the WOH tours?

Others have said they sounded "tinny" and "boomy," all of which only serves to make me even more content with my old, time-battered hearing.

The point of my comparison isn't to promote the CD3000. Actually, I think the fact that the performance of the 880s closely rivals that of the CD3000s--at less than half the price--is more than a little impressive.

In cases where sensitivity isn't a consideration, I would actually recommend the 880s over the CD3000s. IMO, the CD3Ks are clearly superior to the Beyers. But if cost is important, the Beyer is definitely the better buy.

Hi Spad:
Thanks man, exactly what I was looking for, a direct comparison, between the two guys I was interested in, even when I would like that comparison made in equal conditions and setups, and not in one that seems to favor the Beyers (and even that way, you still preffer the CD3K). Sorry but I have to admit, that I was worried about that new Beyer toy, it was claimed to be one of the finest headphones available, and accordintg to the joelongwood and other reviews, to the date, it seems to be.....
Now I feel more relieved, to go for a new toy after getting the CD3K, was not in my plans at all (considering the general finances of the country now) but....Hey servinginecuador!!!! For now, nothing to worry about, man!!!
I will keep on enjoying the CD3000 in silence then, until my new Gilmore V2 shows up....hurry up antness man, I'm dying of listening it!!!!!

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Thanks for the clearing that up for me! Reading comprehension was never one of my strengths!!!

thanks, Spad. all comments and opinions on any headphone can only serve to provide the Head-Fi consumer with more information so that he or she can be a more informed consumer. as one who would have liked to hear what the meta42/ad8620 combo with a DT880 sounds like, your comments were most welcomed. anyone who owns a HD600, CD3000 or W1000 should not go out and immediately sell their prized possesion and join in a herd mentality or get swept up in a hype frenzy. nor should that person have to defend their choice. the dt880 is a good headphone and should be auditioned alonside all the other good headphones out there.

so what were the 5 cds you used? and will you be giving a fuller review in the future?

Spad,
I'm glad that you still prefer the CD3K over the DT880. My budget ran out on me, and I don't think I'll be buying a new headphone soon...so ...this is a good place to stop, at CD3K.
Thanks for your impression again. By the way, CD3K sounds excellent w/ my portable source as well.

Purk

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The CD3K is a great place to stop. Unfortunately, I'd be willing to bet this will be only a minor pause.

It's true that I prefer the CD3K over the DT880, but only in absolute terms. I would (and do) recommend the DT880 to any serious headphone user, regardless of the models they now own. It lacks the versatility of the CD3K due to its relatively low sensitivity, but in cases where this isn't an issue, it's a killer choice IMO.

Let's face it, despite it's truly superb performance and comfort, the CD3K is a large, bulky and somewhat heavy headphone. (I know, it doesn't feel heavy while wearing.) By comparison, the DT880 is absolutely svelte and its performance is only slightly less--and not enough less to be an issue in my view.

One area where the 880 falls short in the opinion of some is its coiled cable. I've never been a fan of coils, but they do have their place. For example, I'm typing this on a TiBook which is resting on my lap. The 880 is being driven directly from the laptop and I love the fact that there is no excess cable to deal with. Makes for a very tidy little bundle.

The same is true when using an iPod. Even though the 880 requires an amp, the iPod/SuperMini combo still fits easily in a breast pocket. Again, no cord bundle to deal with.

Sorry to ramble on so, but, as you may have gathered, I really like these 'phones.

It's truly one amazing cans that is perfectly tuned for the pop genre...It's realistic expression in female voice w/ little coloration and little bit of air pressure to the ear drum due to it's closed design, makes it really addictive. But when it comes to the symphonies, it's weebit lost it's balance I guess...that's the reason I still don't have it in my collection... And your source:mini-discman is good match to the 3k..when I tried E-01(sony portable) w/ the meta42 setup...I've noticed too much sibilances.....Hmmmmm
Anyway it's top notch cans..I admit it...... that's for sure!!!

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I'm not really sure which headphones you're referring to, Clamchowder. But it really doesn't matter since I think they are both great cans.

I strongly disagree about either of them not being suitable for symphonic music. I listen primarily to classical and jazz and find both to be superb performers. I actually prefer either of them to my K1000-sub set up. Judging from your avatar, I think you'll agree that puts them in pretty "tall cotton."

Spad!!I was referring 3k~~~~
And since every cans have their unique charisma!!!
I gotta love'em all.......


cheers
clamchowder

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Me too! Actually, I'm very easy to please when it comes to headphones. I just want one of each.

Man, why couldn't I just have bulemia or something? At least my insurance would pay for that.

Spad,

Any reason why you didn't use the Meta with the Sonys?