Beyerdynamic DT 770's or 990's?

 

Heya,

 

Both are excellent. They differ in a few ways:

 

DT770 - Closed back, isolation, better sub-bass.

DT990 - Open air, more sound stage, more mid-bass.

 

I would suggest you get the 250ohm version of either, to match to the O2 amp. And to choose which one, simply figure out if you want privacy (isolation) or more sound stage (no isolation). That will be the easiest way to determine which to go for.

 

Very best,

I'd go with the 990s if you feel like closed isn't a necessity. The 770s don't quite match the 990s in almost anything but having better sub bass.

DT990 has better sound quality than DT770, but it is also brighter and more bass heavy actually. The treble on DT990 is right on the border between acceptable and excessive to my ears. To some people, the cans may easily seem too bright, while for many others the highs will be tolerable. It depends on how young and sensitive to treble your ears are, but also on your source, music and listening habits. DT770 is more neutral and less likely to assault your senses with excessive frequency extremes. Some report that the bass and/or treble are still excessive for them with DT770, but these are exceptions. As for sound quality, DT990 is quite a bit more open sounding than DT770 and has a significantly more refined and natural sounding treble. Actually, I find most closed back dynamic headphone suffer from treble issues and DT770 is no exception, although it is better than most. Overall, I would say go with DT990 first and if you find them too bright and/or bass heavy, try the more balanced DT770 instead.

Currently Amazon is selling used DT990 600-Ohm for $188.27

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0024NK34O/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&colid=2MOLN1AV11M0&coliid=I176RCY7Y1653U&condition=used

 

Edit, just order me a pair, $215 with tax (CA) and shipping (3-5 day)

I have 15 headphones, now it's 16.

Edited by PurpleAngel - 11/9/12 at 6:42pm

May I ask,why did you go with the 990,rather than the 880--the 990's price is fantastic though

I've got my eye on a used 880,..cant seem to make up my mind ,between the 2 ?

 

Tnx

Mike

The 990 has a more fun sound signature, with thumping bass. The 880 is more balanced and reserved in comparison. I know you didnt ask me, but I have a preference for fun over balanced, so I'd choose the 990 over the 880 almost every time.
Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 11/10/12 at 2:33am

 

He already has two DT880's, as you can see in the signature

Although the OP has already decided to get the DT770, I would also have recommended the DT880 Pro as an option, it costs about $230-240 at amazon.com. It does sound better than the DT770 (which is lacking in the upper midrange), and is more neutral than the DT990.

Edited by stv014 - 11/10/12 at 2:51am

Thanks for the replies

Is there any real difference between the 880 pro version,& the non pro version

I having a pending sale for the 880 600 ohm.

 

Tnx

Mike

The Pro version is exactly the same as the 250ohm Premium, just with more clamp, different aesthetics, and coiled cable.

I already own the DT880 600-Ohm.

 

Between the DT880 and DT990, I would would say to get the DT880, nice balanced sound.

The DT990 is a full bass & full treble headphone, so it overshadows the mids, a little.

I don't think it overshadows anything. It's more distant, sure, but the mids are clearly detailed. They're just obviously not as forward. Overshadowing would imply bleeding into the midrange like typical basshead cans, which these don't do.

I am definetly not a bass head.so,will get the 880's 600 ohm.

 

I'll be using the MJ /Gung combo,that will be enough to power  these-right?,I wont need to use my emo ,or will I?

I'm using the 770/80ohms with the O2amp and ODAC. Very happy!