[Henry66]

Newbie here. Recently discovered these forums.
 
My biggest problem with headphones is comfort. I cannot tolerate on-ear or closed phones. I bought my DT-880 because it was the most comfortable I could find. There was a Sennheiser that felt OK too -- can't remember the model but it did not go as loud.
 
Currently I have the DT-880 connected directly to a Squeezebox Touch, no amp. I am extremely happy with the sound quality, except for the bottom bass. I can hear it but the levels do not match the rest of the frequencies.
 
I realize that this issue is largely due to the nature of open headphones, but I am looking for some good ideas to maybe compensate a little. Perhaps something specific to this model?
 
Is an amp something to consider?
I don't want an equalizer, but do some amps boost bass a little harder than others?
Where can I audition headphone amps? (I live in New Hampshire.)
 
My budget is US$200.

 

[TheWuss]

with a 32 ohm headphone, an amp isn't going to magically coerce low frequency bass out of it. 
 
what you might want to try is the dt990.  MOAR BAAAAAAAASSSS!!!! 

 

 

[TobaccoRoad]

32 ohm version should still have more bass than 250 ohm. If you really feel the bass is lacking you should switch to DT770 or DT990.

 

[Drubbing]

The better the phones, the more they tend not to emphasize bass, but provide a more balanced, natural sound. That appears the design brief for the 880s after I gave them a listen. Amps will make things louder, but they won't add significant bass, although some people will perceive added volume as more bass. EQ is a bit cheap and dirty, but the only way to do it. Or buy phones that have the bass quantity you want.

 

[Henry66]

Thanks for the info and tips.
The 770 is closed and I know I will not be able to tolerate them.
The 990 looks interesting. I was not aware of this model.
 
I can't find any place local that carries the 990 to audition, so I will order from Amazon and eat the $6 return shipping fee if it does not work out. Is $250 a good price for the DT990? If I like it I can sell my 880 and hopefully end up within my budget.

 

[Dshib1000]

The DT990 has nice bass response.  You can buy the 250 ohm version (as opposed to the 32 or 600) for $199.99 from B&H Photo online.  I just got mine and I couldn't be any happier.

 

[Henry66]

I don't have an amp and don't really want to get one. I was under the impression that the 32 ohm goes louder than the 250 or 600 ohm. Wrong? (Sorry for the newbie question. Please educate me.)
 
The 32 ohm DT880 that I have now is barely loud enough for me. Anything quieter will not do. My source is a Squeezebox Touch, directly from the headphone output.