A900LTD or DT880

[joop]

Trying to get some last minute advice or comments on the above 2 headphones.

I know physically they are very different, A900LTD being closed and DT880 being opened. But sonically how are the 2 headphones comparable to each other?

Will be heading down to hi-fi shop to grab one of these babies tomorrow evening, but I am still undecided on which is the one for me?

I am more towards the details and warmth in my music which consist mainly of pop, rock, vocals and the occasional instrumental. Will be pairing the headphones with a MJ EMP clone tube amp, so naturally would hopes to get some synergy going between the amp and the headphones.

Any one who had used the MJ amp with these 2 headphones care to share some experiences on the two headphones?

 

[Mercuttio]

Whoa, what store is near you that stocks both of those!?

 

[joop]

Hehe... I'm in Singapore.

Kinda giving me a decision-making headache with the 2 choices.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

I figure if you are going to use an amp, I get the DT 880 if you aren't going to use an amp, I go with AT 900s.

If you want more bass less detail go with AT 900s. DT880 are light in the bass but good soundstage and good detail. AT900s work great unamped, have good bass, and high treble. Slightly recessed mids.

 

[boschtb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfromalbany I figure if you are going to use an amp, I get the DT 880 if you aren't going to use an amp, I go with AT 900s. If you want more bass less detail go with AT 900s. DT880 are light in the bass but good soundstage and good detail. AT900s work great unamped, have good bass, and high treble. Slightly recessed mids.

Are you referring to the A900 or the A900LTD. My understanding is that while the two share a similar sound, the A900LTD is a step up, including the use of a better driver and other upgrades.

I have never heard the DT880 or the A900, but I know that the A900LTD is a fine headphone. As good as it is unamped, I find that it does sound even better when amped, particularly in the areas of bass extension and impact and fullness of the midrange. I find that the highs sound very similar amped and unamped. That's not to say that you'll like it better than the DT880, but it's definitely worth listening to both and deciding for yourself.

 

[joop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boschtb Are you referring to the A900 or the A900LTD. My understanding is that while the two share a similar sound, the A900LTD is a step up, including the use of a better driver and other upgrades. I have never heard the DT880 or the A900, but I know that the A900LTD is a fine headphone. As good as it is unamped, I find that it does sound even better when amped, particularly in the areas of bass extension and impact and fullness of the midrange. I find that the highs sound very similar amped and unamped. That's not to say that you'll like it better than the DT880, but it's definitely worth listening to both and deciding for yourself.

Think I share the same view there. Was leaning towards the A900LTD, until along came the new DT880, which based on early reviews is a good all rounder.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joop Think I share the same view there. Was leaning towards the A900LTD, until along came the new DT880, which based on early reviews is a good all rounder.

Only reason I don't like the idea of DTs all rounder is because it needs an amp to really shine. Where the A900 doesn't so that is why I consider it an all rounder. DT 880 need a decent amp to rise. as long as you are going to get an good amp, I fine them to get the better headphone for most.

A900 really don't sound that much better with amp. Having owned and tried it the bass is very present with an amp. There were slight improvements be nothing to remarkable.

 

[mattg3]

Where can you get an a900 phone in the states?

 

[ej82m]

I believe you have to order them from audiocubes.com, though I could be wrong.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ej82m I believe you have to order them from audiocubes.com, though I could be wrong.

that is were I got mine. Good company.

 

[darkninja67]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattg3 Where can you get an a900 phone in the states?

I got my A900s from audiocubes as well but I you can take a look at www.pricejapan.com as well. They are close in price.

I love my A900s, and will be amping them soon just to see if it makes any difference.

 

[slwiser]

I think the A900 and the A900LTD are two very different cans. How they compare with other cans is to be determined. I have compared the A900LTD with the ATH-W1000 and the DT880s with cardas cables. The ATH-A900LTD bettered both overall as far as my enjoyment is concern.

 

[GuffMorgan]

Another option for the A900's is calling Musicians Friend and have them price match either Audio Cubes or Blue Tin.

 

[joop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser I think the A900 and the A900LTD are two very different cans. How they compare with other cans is to be determined. I have compared the A900LTD with the ATH-W1000 and the DT880s with cardas cables. The ATH-A900LTD bettered both overall as far as my enjoyment is concern.

slwiser, how "airy" is the sound of the A900LTD compared to the semi-opened DT800?

 

[manhattanproj]

if this helps you make your decision easier, the a900 ltd is a LIMITED headphone.

but seriously, i've read some really good reviews of the a900 ltd. it sounds like a really good set of headphones. everyone that has it says it's better than a lot of the more expensive headphones.

don't think that helps you out but just go with your guts. close your eyes and whichever phones comes to your mind first, then go with that one. don't think you can go wrong with either one.