[audidym]

I'm with Chris. Amp is fine, get a better dac. Modi would be a nice inexpensive upgrade.

 
 

The FiiO E09K is a good little amp.
First thing I would do is upgrade the DAC.
I found that my iBasso D12 was a much better DAC than an E17 I used to have.

 
Thanks guys....I've ordered Schiit Modi and gonna pair with Fiio E09k -> DT880 600 Ohms. Let see how it goes.

 

[Chris J]

Thanks guys....I've ordered Schiit Modi and gonna pair with Fiio E09k -> DT880 600 Ohms. Let see how it goes.

Good luck, the Modi should be a good choice!

 

[Bill-P]

So... after a full cycle, I'm back with a DT880 600 Ohm in my possession. 

 
Thoroughly enjoying it. I think it's the best DT880 I have heard to date. I just heard a 250 Ohm Pro one a little more than a week ago, and I can't say I was terribly impressed. But this one thoroughly impresses me.
 
A brief comparison to my HE-560 shows that the DT880 isn't really that far behind. I get about 80-90% of the HE-560's sound with the DT880, and the DT880 is just about 1/6 or 1/7 the price of the Hifiman offering. What's more, the DT880 seems easier to drive than the HE-560. Note: I listen to music usually at around 80dB or slightly under so that puts quite some strain on a lot of amps.
 
Overall, this acquisition, which happened purely because I needed something high impedance to test my amp, has reminded me once again how the DT880 600 Ohm is such a good value. Its sound is truly neutral and reference-grade to my ears.
 
Oh, and note 2: I think I understand why people say the Fostex HP-P1 is not ideal for driving the DT880 600. It can get loud... but it sounds slightly strained and compressed at my listening level. Using my DIY amp, which sounds pretty much the same but with more power deliverance, gives a more effortless sound.

 

[pp312]

  So... after a full cycle, I'm back with a DT880 600 Ohm in my possession. 

 
Thoroughly enjoying it. I think it's the best DT880 I have heard to date. I just heard a 250 Ohm Pro one a little more than a week ago, and I can't say I was terribly impressed. But this one thoroughly impresses me.
 
A brief comparison to my HE-560 shows that the DT880 isn't really that far behind. I get about 80-90% of the HE-560's sound with the DT880, and the DT880 is just about 1/6 or 1/7 the price of the Hifiman offering. What's more, the DT880 seems easier to drive than the HE-560. Note: I listen to music usually at around 80dB or slightly under so that puts quite some strain on a lot of amps.
 
 

 
 
Given that so many people, even experienced posters and reviewers, have reported that they hear little to no difference between the 250 and 600 ohm DT880s, I'd be interested to hear more detail about the differences you heard. Indeed, you seem to be indicating the two versions sound like different models, which is a whole new take on the subject.
 
Interesting comparison of the 880 and 560, and nice to hear the 880 does so well in such exalted company (even if only the 600 ohm version--sob). The 880 certainly does represent exception value, probably the best on the market right now--a phone at lower to mid-tier prices capable of near top tier performance under the right circumstances. However, I'm not sure that it's 1/7 the price of the 560. Surely 1/4 is closer to the mark.

 

[MrEleventy]

Given that so many people, even experienced posters and reviewers, have reported that they hear little to no difference between the 250 and 600 ohm DT880s, I'd be interested to hear more detail about the differences you heard. Indeed, you seem to be indicating the two versions sound like different models, which is a whole new take on the subject.

Interesting comparison of the 880 and 560, and nice to hear the 880 does so well in such exalted company (even if only the 600 ohm version--sob). The 880 certainly does represent exception value, probably the best on the market right now--a phone at lower to mid-tier prices capable of near top tier performance under the right circumstances. However, I'm not sure that it's 1/7 the price of the 560. Surely 1/4 is closer to the mark.

you'll have to factor that he picked up the said 880s for 120. Deal of the year right there.

 

[pp312]

It's Christmas already then?
 
Actually I can do better than that. I once bought an HE500 for -$400 (Yes, that's 'minus').
 
How? It was $360 and came with two expensive cables which I sold on. Covered the cost of the phones + $400. I then sold the phones for a further $150 profit. I never did like the HE500. Like listening to the London Symphony in an underground railway. Jerg probably fixed that, but I don't mod $600 headphones, even when I get them for - $$$$. 

  

 

[Syan25]

Ha....that's funny!

 

[chambermusicman]

Hi -- I'm amused by this lengthy discussion of 600 ohms v. 250 ohms models.  I guess it would depend in part on your tastes and how you are using them, I think.  I'm a classical musician primarily interested in classical and other acoustic music -- at least, that's the kind of music where I seriously care about sound quality.  I've long found studio monitors to be the best choice for me.  I want the utmost clarity, detail and neutrality, period.  I don't want 'smooth', 'lush', or rich low bass, enjoyable as that can be for certain music.  But studio monitors have often been heavy, uncomfortable and closed design where I prefer open.
I got the 250 ohm DT 880 Pro.  Can't say I've listened to the 600 ohm model enough to say what the sound difference is.  But I need the lower impedence so they can be used with a variety of equipment.   A bit heavy, but comfortable, with breathable velour cushions and not those hot leather ones.   And I can use them with my iPod Classic and Fiio E11.  Ironically, the Fiio E11, though it is light and small and gives amazing performance for its low price, does have the smooth, lush bass I don't want, even with EQ set at zero.  When I upgrade from the iPod to a portable that's compatible with FLAC files, I'll probably upgrade my portable amp, too.
But the DT 880 Pro has excellent clarity, detail and neutrality without excess bass. 

 

[DR650SE]

Hi -- I'm amused by this lengthy discussion of 600 ohms v. 250 ohms models.  I guess it would depend in part on your tastes and how you are using them, I think.  I'm a classical musician primarily interested in classical and other acoustic music -- at least, that's the kind of music where I seriously care about sound quality.  I've long found studio monitors to be the best choice for me.  I want the utmost clarity, detail and neutrality, period.  I don't want 'smooth', 'lush', or rich low bass, enjoyable as that can be for certain music.  But studio monitors have often been heavy, uncomfortable and closed design where I prefer open.
I got the 250 ohm DT 880 Pro.  Can't say I've listened to the 600 ohm model enough to say what the sound difference is.  But I need the lower impedence so they can be used with a variety of equipment.   A bit heavy, but comfortable, with breathable velour cushions and not those hot leather ones.   And I can use them with my iPod Classic and Fiio E11.  Ironically, the Fiio E11, though it is light and small and gives amazing performance for its low price, does have the smooth, lush bass I don't want, even with EQ set at zero.  When I upgrade from the iPod to a portable that's compatible with FLAC files, I'll probably upgrade my portable amp, too.
But the DT 880 Pro has excellent clarity, detail and neutrality without excess bass. 

Have you thought about Rockboxing your iPod? If you do then you can play FLAC files on it. I have my 5.5G iPod rockboxed. Thought to be honest since I don't have an iPod classic of the 6 or 7 generation, I'm not sure what the Rockbox status is on it. But I'm pretty sure there is a Rockbox version for your iPod.

 

[chambermusicman]

Thanks for the suggestion, DR650SE, but it looks like Rockbox doesn't run on the iPod Classic, at least not yet.  And in my experience these iPods only last about 5 years, so before long I'll have to replace it anyway.  Most of us in the classical music world have patiently stuck with our CDs, waiting for good high-rez streaming/download services that are now finally beginning to appear.  But when it's all here, I'll already have good headphones.

 

[DR650SE]

Check out this page.

http://beyondwind.duckdns.org/?page_id=147

It was linked from this thread. My guess is that you don't have to have an SSD for Rockbox to work. If nothing else it's worth looking into.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/733028/rockbox-for-ipod-classic-6g-7g-msata-ssd-mod

 

[chambermusicman]

Thanks, that's interesting!  I'll have to ask a friend who is more attuned to these issues about this.  Funny how DIY audio used to be about soldering irons, now it's just as much about software programming.

 

[DR650SE]

It is. Mine is an iMod with some soldering work to use the Line Out and bypass much of the motherboard. But I also swapped the HDD for an SD card. the iMod sounds awesome with my DT880s.

I've been thinking of getting another and putting together an mSata iPod. Some of the guys have created 1TB iPods with mSata drives. Great if you need more space.

here is where most of the knowledgeable people hang out and feel free to drop in and ask questions!

http://www.head-fi.org/t/566780/official-ipod-video-classic-5g-5-5g-6g-6-5g-7g-ssd-mod-thread/3450

 

[Deltron 3030]

How well does the 600 ohm version handle Bach organ music? Would their "slowness" be a negative? Also what amps can be paired with them for under $200 (preferably closer to $100.) Maybe with amping limited to that pricerange I would be better off with the 250ohms? Would the Schiit Magni or O2 be a bad choice? Would I miss anything my old Denon ahd2000's paired with a fiio e 11 offered me? Would mostly be listening to classical with vocal and organ music both being important subgenres to consider.

 

[HaVoC-28]

How well does the 600 ohm version handle Bach organ music? Would their "slowness" be a negative? Also what amps can be paired with them for under $200 (preferably closer to $100.) Maybe with amping limited to that pricerange I would be better off with the 250ohms? Would the Schiit Magni or O2 be a bad choice? Would I miss anything my old Denon ahd2000's paired with a fiio e 11 offered me? Would mostly be listening to classical with vocal and organ music both being important subgenres to consider.

 
Beyers are not particularly known to be "slow"

. Magni or O² are ok it depend on user tastes , some would say that it will be too bright and will recommand some tube amp with high impedance output etc .