Aren't the DT880 ('05) and K701 pretty similar?

[cactus_farmer]

I was thinking of a headphone to compliment the K701, and I was suggested the DT880 2005 somewhere, but my problem with that was, from what I've read, these headphones seem very similar...

They apparently both have slightly anemic bass (K701 more so than DT880), well extended and maybe slightly excitable highs, very good detail levels, are fast with good timing...etc... and have a better soundstage than is normally found in headphones - and I have seen both of these being described as neutral.

Can anyone who has heard both these cans say what the differences between them are?

Would they actually complement each other?

Thanks in advance...

 

[denl82]

Hi=]
If you haven't seen these threads already, here are two of them I made comparing the k701 to the dt880.


dt880'250 2005 vs k701: a novice's comparison

What is the better all-arounder, k701 or dt880?

Also, I've read that both headphones have their weaknesses decreased when using expensive setups.

Good luck=]

 

[Rickio]

I'd say they are not the same. DT880 is very detailed and some say bright but with good deep bass. More bass then akg 701 which is a bit smoother treble and tighter bass.

The DT880 is more analytical, the akg 701 is a good all around can, it seems good for most genres where as DT880 seems a bit better for critical listening, maybe towards classical, acoustic, vocals...

I'd say they are different enough.

 

[Rednamalas1]

I would say Grados or Senn HD6X0 complement better to K701s

 

[vcoheda]

there is definitely an overlap between the two, part of the reason i sold my DT880. if looking for a complement to your K701, i would consider an RS1 or HD650.

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif there is definitely an overlap between the two, part of the reason i sold my DT880..

Agree. The aren't the same but there is definitely an overlap. I sold my 880's also

 

[royalcrown]

To me, the difference was night and day. The 880's sounded much more neutral than the K701's. Frequency charts tend to support this. My ideal frequency response is ruler-straight, but this isn't necessarily the case for most people. That being said, a lot of people find the 880's to be more fun than the 701's, which is interesting - perhaps more people like a flat response than realize it?

 

[d-cee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif there is definitely an overlap between the two, part of the reason i sold my DT880. if looking for a complement to your K701, i would consider an RS1 or HD650.

I agree with this. Although to me there are enough differences to keep both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by royalcrown /img/forum/go_quote.gif To me, the difference was night and day. The 880's sounded much more neutral than the K701's. Frequency charts tend to support this. My ideal frequency response is ruler-straight, but this isn't necessarily the case for most people. That being said, a lot of people find the 880's to be more fun than the 701's, which is interesting - perhaps more people like a flat response than realize it?

Flat is different sounding to different people. What sounds flat might be bright or warm to another.

 

[Gu Sensei]

After trying a variety of phones, my top two complementary phones:

GS-1000 and K701

Both are wonderful in different ways and I think they are a great pair to keep.

 

[Uncle Erik]

The DT880 and K-701 are very different. The K-701 doesn't have the same detail retrieval and isn't as natural in the mids and highs. The DT880 has better bass, as well. And I don't think the K-701 is neutral at all, it has plenty of coloration.

I the two are a good contrast from each other, but I'd rather pair the DT880 with the HD-650 for contrasting headphones.