[TrollDragon]

I can tell you that the E09K will drive the DT880 Pros to a deafening level, I can't see where they don't have enough power... I think its just the FiiO stigma of cheapness that seems to float around these forums... But since you have a couple of hundred pounds to spend others can chime in with better choices.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Chris J]

Hi, after some advice and opinions from fellow 880 users. I produce music with Ableton just as a hobby, bought some 880's (250) and i need a small amp. I use a 2012 macbook pro 8gb RAM SSD. 


 


Really just produce as a pass time and space is a premium so no need for a big tube amp. Would appreciate some recommendations for a small or portable amp that will power these headphones. So far the reviews are mixed on the FIIO's E9 and 10, specifically wether or not they are enough to power these headphones. Not sure what my other recommended options are - i.e what will sound pleasing with these headphones, aware they can be treble heavy.


 


budget wise, happy to spend up to a couple of hundred £ on the amp. 


 


Just in case any one mentions, i know i know.... monitors for production But space just does not allow right now

My FiiO E09K has no trouble driving my DT880/600 and my Q701, the E09K will have no trouble driving your 250 Ohm DT880.
I have used that amp with my 600 Ohm DT880, it sounds just fine.
You have to spend about twice as much to get slightly better sound.
Don't sweat it, man!

 

[devhen]

Hi, after some advice and opinions from fellow 880 users. I produce music with Ableton just as a hobby, bought some 880's (250) and i need a small amp. I use a 2012 macbook pro 8gb RAM SSD. 
 
Really just produce as a pass time and space is a premium so no need for a big tube amp. Would appreciate some recommendations for a small or portable amp that will power these headphones. So far the reviews are mixed on the FIIO's E9 and 10, specifically wether or not they are enough to power these headphones. Not sure what my other recommended options are - i.e what will sound pleasing with these headphones, aware they can be treble heavy.
 
budget wise, happy to spend up to a couple of hundred £ on the amp. 
 
Just in case any one mentions, i know i know.... monitors for production But space just does not allow right now
 
Thanks
 
A

 
The E10 should work. The new E12 is supposed to be pretty powerful so that might be an option too. The E9/E09K is definitely powerful enough but isn't as portable or small.
 
If you want something a little higher end, the HeadAmp pico is very highly regarded:
 
http://www.headamp.com/pico/pico_dac_amp/index.htm
 
There are tons of options out there but you're right you should look for one with a decently powerful amplifier. You may want to checkout the iBasso's as well. Others will have more suggestions. Good luck and enjoy the 880s, I'm sure you will.
 
 
EDIT: Nevermind the E12, I don't think it has a built-in DAC which I would recommend. Also, the E9/E09K doesn't have a built-in DAC either, you have to dock the E7/E17/E07K into it for that.

 

[sinnottj]

Quote:

Hi, after some advice and opinions from fellow 880 users. I produce music with Ableton just as a hobby, bought some 880's (250) and i need a small amp. I use a 2012 macbook pro 8gb RAM SSD. 
 
Really just produce as a pass time and space is a premium so no need for a big tube amp. Would appreciate some recommendations for a small or portable amp that will power these headphones. So far the reviews are mixed on the FIIO's E9 and 10, specifically wether or not they are enough to power these headphones. Not sure what my other recommended options are - i.e what will sound pleasing with these headphones, aware they can be treble heavy.
 
budget wise, happy to spend up to a couple of hundred £ on the amp. 
 
Just in case any one mentions, i know i know.... monitors for production But space just does not allow right now
 
Thanks
 
A

 
I have an E10, and it does a decent job of driving my DT880 600ohms; as such, I'd expect it to handle the 250ohm version fine. If you need more power, you can also just use it as a DAC and run the line out into another amp (I do this with a Matrix M Stage.) The E10 is a great value amp/DAC and probably a good place to start, I'd say.

 

[serbia]

Quote:

 
 
The E10 should work. The new E12 is supposed to be pretty powerful so that might be an option too. The E9/E09K is definitely powerful enough but isn't as portable or small.
 
If you want something a little higher end, the HeadAmp pico is very highly regarded:
 
http://www.headamp.com/pico/pico_dac_amp/index.htm
 
There are tons of options out there but you're right you should look for one with a decently powerful amplifier. You may want to checkout the iBasso's as well. Others will have more suggestions. Good luck and enjoy the 880s, I'm sure you will.
 
 
EDIT: Nevermind the E12, I don't think it has a built-in DAC which I would recommend. Also, the E9/E09K doesn't have a built-in DAC either, you have to dock the E7/E17/E07K into it for that.
 

Thank you for the reply taking a look at the Head amp now.
 
I'm a bit off put by having to dock another unit in to the E09 to get full sound. taking in to account pricing of the E09 and and E07. Really just after an all in one plug and play type unit which works off the bat.
 
Contrary to my original post I may even opt for a bigger unit and just keep my HD25's (only 80 ohm) for use on the go.
 
The combo below seems to be recommended and just works (02 plus ODAC), nothing else needed which appeals. Have read other producers on here recommend this unit with the 250 880's. Any comments appreciated. Thanks
 
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48

 

[serbia]

Quote:

 
I have an E10, and it does a decent job of driving my DT880 600ohms; as such, I'd expect it to handle the 250ohm version fine. If you need more power, you can also just use it as a DAC and run the line out into another amp (I do this with a Matrix M Stage.) The E10 is a great value amp/DAC and probably a good place to start, I'd say.

Thank you for the response, appreciated.
 
reassuring that the E10 does work/is powerful enough as a stand alone. 

 

[serbia]

Quote:

My FiiO E09K has no trouble driving my DT880/600 and my Q701, the E09K will have no trouble driving your 250 Ohm DT880.
I have used that amp with my 600 Ohm DT880, it sounds just fine.
You have to spend about twice as much to get slightly better sound.
Don't sweat it, man!

Thanks Chris if the sound quality to £ ratio is off i'm tempted to just opt for E09K as stand alone. Sounds like it could be a case of diminishing returns as far as putting more £ in is concerned at the stage i'm at.
 
cheers
 
A

 

[serbia]

any opinions on the audioengine D1 24 bit. It's a DAC and amp in one small unit so that appeals and has a couple of good reviews on amazon from people in similar situations (producers on MBP, with 250 880s). This one...
 
http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-digital-to-audio-converter/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
 
Thanks 

 

[genclaymore]

You might be able to find a used Cheap Audio-GD NFB12 in the F/S section around 150-160 if your lucky, which would be another good choice.

 

[TrollDragon]

any opinions on the audioengine D1 24 bit. It's a DAC and amp in one small unit so that appeals and has a couple of good reviews on amazon from people in similar situations (producers on MBP, with 250 880s). This one...

http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-digital-to-audio-converter/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thanks 

I had the D1 at first but you need to have the volume control at 80% to get a reasonable volume level out of it for the 250 ohm DT880's. Supposedly a good DAC just a weak amplifier for high impedance cans. Mine went back to B&H an hour after opening it...

 

[GaryPham]

The Magni modi combo works very well. This combo powered my 600ohm 880s to loud levels at around 40-50 percent knob turn. The Audinst mx1 on high gain mode is also more than enough for the 600ohm Beyers.

 

[Chris J]

Thanks Chris if the sound quality to £ ratio is off i'm tempted to just opt for E09K as stand alone. Sounds like it could be a case of diminishing returns as far as putting more £ in is concerned at the stage i'm at.

cheers

A

For example,
I have a Matrix M Stage, for twice as much money, it sounds a bit better than the E09K!

 

[samthegreat4]

Remember the guy that was in here some time ago that first ordered the HD600 and then ordered the DT880 just because I couldn't help myself and wanted to compare. 
 
Well, guess what: I can't ******* decide now. THANK YOU VERY  MUCH AUDIO GODS! 

 

[samthegreat4]

The DT880 seems more clinical, a bit more sterile, but with (at least that's what I think I noticed for now) a more clear soundstage (or maybe I'm just thinking that because everybody here's saying that). It seems like the DT880 is more suited for the more modern music genres and for recording. The HD600 however is just so warm and nice, and the mids sound fuller than on the DT880. The treble is a bit more attenuated in respect to the DT880. But I think I prefer listening to classical and jazz on the HD600 because of its rest, its warmth and full mids. However listening to classical and jazz on the DT880 is also very cool because you can hear for example the growl of a saxophone better on the DT880. Damnit..
 
I'm left undecided...

 

[MrEleventy]

That's why a lot of us end up having both...

For me, head time is about 75-25 (DT880s-HD600) but HD600 compliments the 880s so well, that I can't justify selling them. I've thought about it but the internal struggle of knowing I'll regret doing so has kept me from going through with it. lol