There are two ways to listen to a DT880 - without an amp, or with one.   Without an amp, the DT880 at 600 Ohms is pure and clean, and you're going to capture surprising highs backed with tasteful lows. The DT880 has never been a bass-monster; this headphone is not well suited for bass-heavy music like dub, hip-hop, and reggae. However, unamped, this headphone will satisfy only part of the time. Tunes that have louder volume will sound full and satisfying; laid-back tunes may seem that they need a little more punch. And volume means a lot for many...

Although I also own a HD800, I'm keeping my AKG K701 for its combination of comfort and performance with classical music - in which it excels. Aside from the Beyer DT-880, the most comfortable headphone currently made, the K701 has plush velour pads (though users with bigger heads may prefer a larger phone). And the illusion of head space is equal to that of the DT880 and Senn HD800, making this phone easy to wear for extended periods of time.    The bass (or rather, the relative absence) is the sticking point for many. I believe that the sound is...

The newly announced 4th generation has several promising updated features, including an improved display, more speed, and an even better OS. However, the 3G is so good that switching would take some serious thought.    If you listen to music on the go, the iPod Touch is the device of choice. Clear sound in a variety of EQs (including flat), a long-lasting performance, and a famously elegant interface makes this more appealing the more you use it. Podcasts are a bonus, whether audio or video, and the range of games available makes it flexible for...

I haven't had the chance to audition the new Audeze phones, but it would difficult to fault the sound and build quality of Senn's HD800 - a model that has been praised by some as the best dynamic headphone, ever. Given its reputation as top of Sennheiser line, and considering its price, it's a good idea to elevate expectations. This is a fine headphone - but there's a lot to expect. However, instead of regurgitating a fine review like Skylab - whose systematic evaluation covers the important points - it may be just as important to provide a more...