mmmm..RS-1 or not RS-1......

DT 880 also colouring the sound.
RS1 and DT 880 are sound nothing alike.

Just a couple of things to consider.

I've heard my friend's DT880 many times and I can't, no matter how hard I try, like it. It just sounds so... boring. The RS1 is coloured, but for some genres they just work. What genres do you listen to?

Go for it

I use to have 03 dt880, then 05 dt880/600ohm .........now have "semi vintage" RS-1.......then added real Vintage RS-1. Most of my listening is Jazz - and the RS-1 are superb for this use (with the flat earpads [RS-1 were designed to be used with the flats]). As a sidelight - the K.I.C.A.S. Caliente amp is easily the best amp for them in the lower price ranges - you will be in for a surprise once you plug in this combo. It is the best choice.....until you're considering going to EAR HP4.
Anyway - would I ever go back to dt880......no, not me. Primarily, my other 'phones include several Darths (Terminator, 3 X-Deeps, and a pair of 32ohm that I commissioned Larry to build) and a couple of others (Grado HP-2, modded k340).

Interesting comparison. I can't say that I've found treble emphasis with the RS-1, but I sure have with the DT880 '05. Haven't heard the '03 880s so I can't speak to their signature sound.

The 880s do well with many genres of music, but the RS-1s excel where they are weak. Nice complementary hp, and if you're able to get that kind of a deal, a relatively cheap experiment to see if you agree. Especially knowing they will be easy to sell here.

DT 880 colours the treble way more than RS 1.

Dude, for that price, get it, and if you dont like it, sell it here!

I have both phones and I would say go for it. It partly depends of what kind of music you are listening and the quality of the recordings.

The RS-1 are much more forward in the upper mids lower treble region that makes electric guitar sound wonderful. I found the RS-1 much more agressive than my DT-880 and I generally listen at it a much lower volume. Tonally the RS-1 sound thin compared to DT-880 but sounds faster. The DT-880 2003 have a more neutral sound balance and offer much lower bass and slightly laid back mids. The kickdrums on DT-880 have much more weight but not as agile as RS-1. The RS-1 soundstage is very narrow compared DT-880 but I feel a slightly better sense of depth with the RS-1 using my Beta 22. I also prefer the cymbals on the RS-1 because they sound more natural to me.

Generally, I listen to RS-1 with older analog mastered recording, they are great with old 70's classic rock like Pink Floyd, Rush, Black Sabbath (NIB and Ironman sound sublime on the Grados!). With more recent and agressive, forward, louder recordings I generally prefer the DT-880.

Finally RS-1 generally sounds better on tubes/hybrids because of their thin and forward sound balance. If you amplifier is SS it may not suite well with grados.

ooh...

I have SR325i coming but but... Hey if I bid and win this, you can borrow them on weekends. Or something.

Arrggh, damn you chinesekiwi. No, WILL NOT BUY! NO! STOP!

<calms down>