[kman1211]

   
The low THD OTL amplifiers like Woo and Schiit have been fine tuned with their circuit design, running the tubes in an optimal configuration providing clean amplification. Opposed to throwing enough voltage at a plate to make it conduct and give a "tubey" sound.

I think their primary factor for using them is because of the open case. You can't put an AC mains power supply into something like that unless the power supply or amplifier is totally enclosed. The power brick ticks all the boxes as they are already UL certified and don't need to provide any high voltage.

What did you find disappointing about the Valhalla 2?
 

 
In regards to the Valhalla 2 the amp lacked headroom and sounded a bit lackluster in body and was a bit too bright and lean in terms of tuning, it sounded quite bad with my T1.2, it was only decent on the DT 1990. It also had this weird grain/haze to the sound I've experienced with most Schiit amps I tried. It wasn't all bad, I thought it had good imaging and soundstage but I just did not like it's sound and it didn't change a whole lot when I changed tubes either. Was a disappointing match with my T1.2, did pair better with the DT 1990 due to the DT 1990's richer and warmer sound, but neither was all that enjoyable of a listen to me. While a hybrid the Lyr 2(which I also owned) was notably better and responded much better to tube rolling. 
 
I'm not saying the Sunrise is a great amp just merely a good amp, it was just better than I expected and it responds better to tube rolling than the V2, I bought it out of curiosity and to tinker with it's output impedance settings, etc. The Valhalla 2 really isn't a good amp, while the design may seem superior on paper it really isn't in practice, not sure if it uses lackluster parts or what. When an amp(Valhalla 2) that can properly power a headphone(the T1.2) sounds worse than an amp(Sunrise III) that can't properly power the headphone regardless of the source, tubes, cabling, etc. then something is wrong with the design of that amp.

 

[devhen]

Well I finally got myself a DT880 Premium 600 ohm. It just arrived and its sounding brilliant. This will most likely replace my DT880 Pro as my daily headphone. There's not a huge difference between the two but this does initially sound slightly more refined with slightly better resolution. In any case, I'm just happy to finally have a 600 ohm. And I got it for a steal at just $178 on Amazon. Its a great time to buy the DT880 & DT990 600 ohm versions.
 
EDIT: Looks like the DT990 600 ohm has gone back up to $249 on Amazon. The DT880 600 ohm is still at $178.

 

[tdockweiler]

   
In regards to the Valhalla 2 the amp lacked headroom and sounded a bit lackluster in body and was a bit too bright and lean in terms of tuning, it sounded quite bad with my T1.2, it was only decent on the DT 1990. It also had this weird grain/haze to the sound I've experienced with most Schiit amps I tried. It wasn't all bad, I thought it had good imaging and soundstage but I just did not like it's sound and it didn't change a whole lot when I changed tubes either. Was a disappointing match with my T1.2, did pair better with the DT 1990 due to the DT 1990's richer and warmer sound, but neither was all that enjoyable of a listen to me. While a hybrid the Lyr 2(which I also owned) was notably better and responded much better to tube rolling. 
 
I'm not saying the Sunrise is a great amp just merely a good amp, it was just better than I expected and it responds better to tube rolling than the V2, I bought it out of curiosity and to tinker with it's output impedance settings, etc. The Valhalla 2 really isn't a good amp, while the design may seem superior on paper it really isn't in practice, not sure if it uses lackluster parts or what. When an amp(Valhalla 2) that can properly power a headphone(the T1.2) sounds worse than an amp(Sunrise III) that can't properly power the headphone regardless of the source, tubes, cabling, etc. then something is wrong with the design of that amp.

 
Wow, you too? I thought I was the only one and I wonder what causes this. I first heard this on the Asgard 1 and then the Asgard 2. The Asgard 1 was pretty good with the HD-600, but not so much with the HD-650. I do remember the Asgard 1 also sounding awful with the K702.
 
Somehow the Bravo V2 has been a better "all-rounder" than every Schiit amp i've tried. It's especially good with the DT-880/990 IMO.
 
Thanks for the impressions of the Valhalla 2. The more expensive Schiit amps have been on my radar for awhile. I've given them more second chances than any other amp company. Not sure why I do this and maybe they deserve it

Maybe i'm too hard on them.
 
I bet the Vali 2 is the first Schiit amp that will really wow me.
 
Oh and of course I was a raving fanboy of the Modi 1. Loved that thing!

 

[kman1211]

   
Wow, you too? I thought I was the only one and I wonder what causes this. I first heard this on the Asgard 1 and then the Asgard 2. The Asgard 1 was pretty good with the HD-600, but not so much with the HD-650. I do remember the Asgard 1 also sounding awful with the K702.
 
Somehow the Bravo V2 has been a better "all-rounder" than every Schiit amp i've tried. It's especially good with the DT-880/990 IMO.
 
Thanks for the impressions of the Valhalla 2. The more expensive Schiit amps have been on my radar for awhile. I've given them more second chances than any other amp company. Not sure why I do this and maybe they deserve it

Maybe i'm too hard on them.
 
I bet the Vali 2 is the first Schiit amp that will really wow me.
 
Oh and of course I was a raving fanboy of the Modi 1. Loved that thing!

Yep, honestly not sure why they sound like that, it must be capacitors they use or something, it's rather sad how much better my Sony UDA-1 sounds than the Asgard 1/2 and the thing is an headphone amp/DAC/Speaker Amp combo that can be had for as little as $250-300 and the build quality puts the Schiits to shame. I actually really liked the DT 880 250 ohm on the Sony. The bass(and sound in general) on the UDA-1 is massive and deep and honestly almost overwhelming on my DT 1990(my favorite Beyer, like it more than the T1.2 and Amiron Home) which is capable of bass impact and slam on a different level than previous Beyers. The new Tesla Beyers are honestly fantastic though they do represent a bit of a shift in the Beyer house sound, taking a warmer and darker approach. The DT 1990 to me sounds like an HD 600 on steroids, similar sound signature but much more dynamic, less fatiguing, more articulate, and more euphoric. The Asgard, etc. gets even more depressing when you compare them to Lake People/Violectrics even the cheapest one. 
 
More people notice this than you may realize. I haven't heard some of the newer Schiit amps such as the Vali 2 and the Jot so I'll withhold judgment on those, but I definitely found it the case with the Valhalla 2 and below. I was able to mostly get rid of it on the Lyr 2 but it took tube rolling(took a few tries and those LISST SS tubes made it much worse, ugh) and one of those monstrous power cables and some power conditioning, let's just say those things only slightly helped the Valhalla 2. As bad as the Valhalla 2 was for me, it is better than the horrid Magni 1(worst sounding amp I owned).
 
I've given Schiit a bit too many tries honestly and will ignore them unless one of their newer amps surprise me in a good way in a future audition. After spending time with other amps let's just say I'm not really a fan anymore. 
 
Honestly I disliked the Modi 1, I found it thin, bright, and lifeless. But I like my DACs to sound rich, full, smooth, and dynamic.
 
Though I think I'm deviating from the topic of this thread a bit too much. 

 

[LaCuffia]

I agree about Schiit amps....let's just say the name fits. I don't understand why they have such a good reputation.

 

[Polycentric]

I had the modi 2 (non uber) with my DT880/600s for a while and they did sound slightly thin, brittle, and overly bright. Later I changed to a warmer dac and it helped a lot. It definitely could be better though. 
 
I would say that with the beyers the schiit is good value, but definitely not optimal.

 

[devhen]

In case anyone is curious-- the Beyerdynamic A20 works very well with the 600 ohm Beyers. There is definitely no lack of volume here. With my very quietest tracks (very old recordings etc) I have to turn it up to about 3 o'clock to get it super loud but with typical tracks I stay well under the half way point of the volume knob. In fact, even with my Lake People G109 set to its highest gain setting it requires a higher setting on its volume knob to reach equivalent volumes. The A20 definitely seems to be designed for use with the various Beyer models. Regardless of impedance, typical listening level is always somewhere between 9 o'clock and 1 o'clock. BTW, I'm using it with the HRT MusicStreamer II+ which I believe has a standard 2V RMS output. EDIT: Actually, the specs list it at 2.25V RMS.

 

[addylo]

Hi guys.  I recently bought a pair of Meze 99 Classic for the office and am now in the market for a good pair of open cans for home use.  I had figured on something in the $300 to $400 range but based on what I read on this forum I'm really liking what I hear about the DT880.  I realize that price alone is never a good yardstick but I'm rather surprised at the relatively low cost of the 880's.  And I see that a lot of folks rate them higher than more expensive cans.
 
I mostly listen to jazz, classical, and blues and am looking for balance, detail, and an open soundstage.  I want good instrument separation and placement (obviously dependent on the quality of the recording).  I don't need thumping bass but I do want to feel the bottom registers of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony.
 
I will be pairing the cans with the following components.  At some point soon I'm wanting to upgrade the amp to tubes. 
 - NAD C326BEE int amp
 - Rega RP1 turntable w/ Rega Elys Mk2 cartridge
 - Musical Fidelity V-LPS Mk II phono preamp
 - Musical Fidelity V-PSU II power supply
 - NAD C545BEE CD
 - Logitech Squeezebox Touch (streaming FLAC)
 
So what say you?  Would the DT880 600 be a good fit or should I be looking elsewhere?

 

[393699]

  Hi guys.  I recently bought a pair of Meze 99 Classic for the office and am now in the market for a good pair of open cans for home use.  I had figured on something in the $300 to $400 range but based on what I read on this forum I'm really liking what I hear about the DT880.  I realize that price alone is never a good yardstick but I'm rather surprised at the relatively low cost of the 880's.  And I see that a lot of folks rate them higher than more expensive cans.
 
I mostly listen to jazz, classical, and blues and am looking for balance, detail, and an open soundstage.  I want good instrument separation and placement (obviously dependent on the quality of the recording).  I don't need thumping bass but I do want to feel the bottom registers of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony.
 
I will be pairing the cans with the following components.  At some point soon I'm wanting to upgrade the amp to tubes. 
 - NAD C326BEE int amp
 - Rega RP1 turntable w/ Rega Elys Mk2 cartridge
 - Musical Fidelity V-LPS Mk II phono preamp
 - Musical Fidelity V-PSU II power supply
 - NAD C545BEE CD
 - Logitech Squeezebox Touch (streaming FLAC)
 
So what say you?  Would the DT880 600 be a good fit or should I be looking elsewhere?

I have heard many headphones in the 200-250 price range. Without any doubt, the DT880 is the best you can get for 250 or less. They are articulate, detailed, analytical, and precise in their sound signature. The music is very well presented. They offer a similar sound to a high quality pair of bookshelf speakers. In my opinion, you can't beat them for the price. I love my pair, and mine are the DT880 Premium 250 Ohm.

 

[gefski]

Hi guys.  I recently bought a pair of Meze 99 Classic for the office and am now in the market for a good pair of open cans for home use.  I had figured on something in the $300 to $400 range but based on what I read on this forum I'm really liking what I hear about the DT880.  I realize that price alone is never a good yardstick but I'm rather surprised at the relatively low cost of the 880's.  And I see that a lot of folks rate them higher than more expensive cans.

I mostly listen to jazz, classical, and blues and am looking for balance, detail, and an open soundstage.  I want good instrument separation and placement (obviously dependent on the quality of the recording).  I don't need thumping bass but I do want to feel the bottom registers of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony.

I will be pairing the cans with the following components.  At some point soon I'm wanting to upgrade the amp to tubes. 
[COLOR=A52A2A] - NAD C326BEE int amp[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Rega RP1 turntable w/ Rega Elys Mk2 cartridge[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Musical Fidelity V-LPS Mk II phono preamp[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Musical Fidelity V-PSU II power supply[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - NAD C545BEE CD[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Logitech Squeezebox Touch (streaming FLAC)[/COLOR]

So what say you?  Would the DT880 600 be a good fit or should I be looking elsewhere?

They are a rarity among mid-fi priced cans in having the ability to keep scaling up with improvements to the source components (analog or digital). They seem to become more neutral, with no glaring aberrations.

IMO
YMWV

 

[xinghui0711]

Hi guys.  I recently bought a pair of Meze 99 Classic for the office and am now in the market for a good pair of open cans for home use.  I had figured on something in the $300 to $400 range but based on what I read on this forum I'm really liking what I hear about the DT880.  I realize that price alone is never a good yardstick but I'm rather surprised at the relatively low cost of the 880's.  And I see that a lot of folks rate them higher than more expensive cans.

I mostly listen to jazz, classical, and blues and am looking for balance, detail, and an open soundstage.  I want good instrument separation and placement (obviously dependent on the quality of the recording).  I don't need thumping bass but I do want to feel the bottom registers of Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony.

I will be pairing the cans with the following components.  At some point soon I'm wanting to upgrade the amp to tubes. 
[COLOR=A52A2A] - NAD C326BEE int amp[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Rega RP1 turntable w/ Rega Elys Mk2 cartridge[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Musical Fidelity V-LPS Mk II phono preamp[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Musical Fidelity V-PSU II power supply[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - NAD C545BEE CD[/COLOR]
[COLOR=A52A2A] - Logitech Squeezebox Touch (streaming FLAC)[/COLOR]

So what say you?  Would the DT880 600 be a good fit or should I be looking elsewhere?

DT880s have been on the market for decades and were considerably pricy back then. It's stupid cheap now because no R&D is currently involved & batch sale.

 

[CJG888]

Your "use case" seems to be ideal for DT880-600s....

 

[FritzS]

Your "use case" seems to be ideal for DT880-600s....

My HA - WNA-MKII - spend only about +- 8 ... 9 V peak. I think it's to few to drive them.
For my current headphones it's enough.

 

[FuzzyD]

I couldn't pass up this deal to join the DT880 club. These are new too.
 

 

[Xyrium]

Nice Fuzzy, congrats!