[Sean T. Ryan]

Narrowed choice to these two. Need closed headphone with good isolation for home use. Have adequate power to drive any can. Presently own Senn 580 and Allesandro MS-1 with 580 getting used at least 80% of the time. Listen to 80% classical (of which 50% is orchestral with rest divided between chamber, choral, opera). The other 20% is jazz and rock.

Have searched previous threads for info on both the AKG 271 and Beyer 660. There does not seem to be much on the 660. Saw alot of positive AKG posts but only about one on the 660.

Would appreciate your input. Thanks.

 

[enemigo]

Don't know if you saw these:

Commando's review of closed cans:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=83034

JensL's comparison:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78470

Knut

 

[terrymx]

i've in this game before, its hard to find a suitable closed headphone.

the dt660 have a spacious sound with good instrument seperation. i remember it being very enjoyable for jazz. i only listen to few classical oriented music so i cant comment on that. its too bright for rock music. except for being bright at times its very neutral, remind me of the etymotic sound.

its a bit heavier than other headphones but is very comfortable to wear. even though its not a truly closed phone it still block out sound and doesnt leak.

the k271s is going to need some amping as far as i know, but the dt660 can be power by the smallest portable device.

i enjoy listening to the dt660 unamped than amped.

 

[Sean T. Ryan]

appreciate the input, terrymx and enemigo. I had read the two reviews cited. Based on terrymx response, sounds like the DT 660 could be the answer. I had been leaning towards the AKG 271 based upon there being more anectodal evidence available. However, terrymx seems to give 660 a positive rating.

anyone else have any comments? - thanks

 

[philodox]

I have no experience with the Beyerdynamics, but if you like the sound signature of the HD580's the K271S will be right up your alley.

 

[kyrie]

DT660: Very clear and detailed treble (8/10), decent midrange (6/10), lean bass with rolloff (3/10), great soundstage (8/10), good instrument separation (7/10).

K271S: Decent treble with a bit of rolloff (6/10), incredibly lush and detailed midrange (9/10), leanish bass (5/10), decent soundstage (6/10), good instrument separation (7/10).

For classical, DT660 > K271S.
For jazz, K271S > DT660.
For rock, K271S > DT660.

Sound characteristics:
DT660: Very open and spacious sound, "clear" like Etys.
K271S: Very lush and refined sound, like Senns but colder.

 

[Sean T. Ryan]

Thanks Philodox and Kyrie. Now I want both cans!!

One more question - need isolation for a couple of reasons - do alot of bed listening late at night which annoys wife when she's trying to get to sleep and also, have active kids who can really get the volume up on their various activities so need to block out sound as well at times. Which is superior in this regard between the two? thanks again.

 

[cactus_farmer]

Hey was this thread done comparing the 'old' version of the DT660 (the one with the grey grill back plate)? If so, does the new version of the DT660 (black solid back plate) sound exactly the same?