Which DT880 for gaming?
Jan 7, 2011 at 11:55 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20
Bojamijams

Bojamijams

Headphoneus Supremus
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I'm looking to get a pair of DT880's for gaming as I've heard they're the best (but also do a respectable job as stereo music headphones)
 
Question is, should I go for 32,250 or 600ohm?  I have the essence STX sound card which these will be used with so it won't have a problem driving 600ohm but if the 32ohm are just as good as the 600 for gaming purposes, then I might as well go for them.
 
Thanks.
 
 
 
 
Jan 7, 2011 at 1:21 PM Post #2 of 20
As an addendum, Would the 990's be a better choice? They're fully open versus semi-open like the 880 (which leads me to believe they'd have an even bigger soundstage).  They also have better bass from what I understand.  Is there some particular reason why the 880's are the best headphones for gaming or would the 990 be just as good/better?
 


 
 
Jan 7, 2011 at 1:28 PM Post #3 of 20
I'd say the 990s are better for gaming. The soundstage is bigger, there's considerably more punchy bass, and has better synergy with Dolby Headphone. The DT880s lacked a little in the rear depth department in comparison.
 
Consider the 990s the more fun 880s. If you want more immersion, the 990s will be better.
 
Jan 7, 2011 at 1:50 PM Post #4 of 20
880 vs 990 is more or less, pure personal preference.
 
Realism vs Home Theater.
 
The bass is better on the 990, but the highs can be harsh for some. That's about it.
 
Also, let me just say that your STX sound card is not enough to drive the 600 ohm version alone. Maybe the 250; and the 32 ohm shouldn't be a problem. The 600 ohm version will need some form of separate dedicated headphone amp. Impedance ratings aren't everything, and in some cases, mean nothing at all.
 
Jan 7, 2011 at 2:50 PM Post #6 of 20


Quote:
bojamijams said:
Trough enough.. I just remembered  that my STX maxes at 300ohm, not 600ohm. That would've been annoying.
Click to expand...


The STX maxes at 600ohm... I just bought my STX and DT880 Pro 600ohm a week ago. I get decent volume with the volume knob of the STX set at 50%.
 
Not sure about the sonic qualities though, have yet to do a test of the STX+880's with and without a headphone amp.
 
Jan 7, 2011 at 2:53 PM Post #7 of 20
I see you've had the 990 but currently have the HD598. Do you find that they're better for gaming?
 
Quote:
mad lust envy said:
I'd say the 990s are better for gaming. The soundstage is bigger, there's considerably more punchy bass, and has better synergy with Dolby Headphone. The DT880s lacked a little in the rear depth department in comparison.
 
Consider the 990s the more fun 880s. If you want more immersion, the 990s will be better.
Click to expand...



 
Jan 13, 2011 at 8:25 PM Post #9 of 20
DT-990s are amazing for gaming!
 
I would advise 250 ohms or lower for just an STX.  There is little to no sonic difference in the 990 series as far as impedance.
Just because a card is able to power 600 ohms, doesn't mean it can power them well.
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 10:33 AM Post #10 of 20
Just want to clarify something.  I got the 600ohm version of the DT 880's and the Essence STX has no trouble whatsoever powering them.  I'm even able to power them to more then loud enough levels on the medium gain setting (labeled 64 to 300ohm). So the voltage swing to get the volume is there, no problem. 
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 10:53 AM Post #11 of 20


Quote:
bojamijams said:
Just want to clarify something.  I got the 600ohm version of the DT 880's and the Essence STX has no trouble whatsoever powering them.  I'm even able to power them to more then loud enough levels on the medium gain setting (labeled 64 to 300ohm). So the voltage swing to get the volume is there, no problem. 
Click to expand...


Volume wise it's fine but quality wise it's pretty low. Value wise, yes, very good but it certainly doesn't beat a half-decent dedicated amp.
I've done A/B tests with multiple people as I have the ST. I have the headphone out on zero gain.
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 11:06 AM Post #12 of 20

 
Quote:
chinesekiwi said:
Volume wise it's fine but quality wise it's pretty low. Value wise, yes, very good but it certainly doesn't beat a half-decent dedicated amp I've done A/B tests with multiple people as I have the ST. I have the headphone out on zero gain.
Click to expand...


Well, what's a half-decent dedicated amp? Animemaniac has said that he can't tell the difference between the STX and the Go-Vibe Peak.  I've also read a few other members saying the same thing (though I can't recall the amps they compared with)
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 1:57 PM Post #13 of 20
No better value. IN THE WORLD! 
biggrin.gif

 
Here
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 2:13 PM Post #14 of 20


Quote:
bojamijams said:
I see you've had the 990 but currently have the HD598. Do you find that they're better for gaming?
 
Quote:
mad lust envy said:
I'd say the 990s are better for gaming. The soundstage is bigger, there's considerably more punchy bass, and has better synergy with Dolby Headphone. The DT880s lacked a little in the rear depth department in comparison.
 
Consider the 990s the more fun 880s. If you want more immersion, the 990s will be better.
Click to expand...


 
Click to expand...



I could have sworn I already replied.
 
The HD598 belongs in the god tier for competitive gaming. They are nearly as good as the AD700 and K701 for me. Absolutely. However, they don't compare to the 990s in overall quality, and aren't nearly as fun for non-competitive gaming. I'd say that if amping isn't an issue, the 990s is the better choice. For purely hardcore gaming where accuracy is a must, the HD598 is better, though the 990s are pretty good as well. Check out my new thread... gaming headphone thread.
 
Jan 17, 2011 at 9:55 PM Post #15 of 20


Quote:
bojamijams said:
 
Quote:
chinesekiwi said:
Volume wise it's fine but quality wise it's pretty low. Value wise, yes, very good but it certainly doesn't beat a half-decent dedicated amp I've done A/B tests with multiple people as I have the ST. I have the headphone out on zero gain.
Click to expand...


Well, what's a half-decent dedicated amp? Animemaniac has said that he can't tell the difference between the STX and the Go-Vibe Peak.  I've also read a few other members saying the same thing (though I can't recall the amps they compared with)
Click to expand...


the CKIII
 
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