Beyer 80 Ohms vs 250 Ohms

[dag655321]

OK I was trying to find a $100 pair of closed headphones that I would be happy with, but I don't think that will happen. I am starting to realize that I should just spend the extra $50-$100 and get a good pair of Beyers. So my questions is:

What is the audible difference between the Beyer 80 ohm series and 250 ohm series. I have been looking at both the DT-770 and DT-250, and they both seem to available in 80 and 250 ohm models. Given that fact that I have a good amp (SinglePower PPX3 6SN7), is there any benefit in getting the higher impedance cans? Are the lower impedance can better even with sufficient amplification to drive the higher models? Has anyone compared the two version of the same cans back to back?

The DT-770 Pro (250 ohm version) is avaiable from B&H Photo-Video for 167.50 (usd) with free shipping. That is the current leading candidate unless the DT-770 80 ohm model would sound "better", and I know "better" is hard to define.

FYI. The DT 250 (both models) are 147.95 at the same site.

Once again any advice is appreciated.

 

[iancraig10]

I have both and I'm not so happy with the 80 ohm version although many people prefer it. I must have funny ears.

Imo, the 250 ohm has a better treble response. It's a bit more focussed for my ears with the 80 ohm version giving more of a shuss sound to the top rather than clean SSSSS.

Bass in both is enormous. Bit more mid in the 80 ohm version but I find the 250 ohm version sounds excellent at high volume so that the mids appear. At low volume, they give a 'sucked out' feeling in the middle - so don't use them for 'background listening'.

They demand a real presence and once you give them some good amping, they take off.

 

[dag655321]

I forgot to mention this:

Can anyone describe the difference between the Beyer Pro series and the non-pro series? The DT 770 are definitely available in at least 4 flavors (if not more). I can believe that the DT 250 are also avaiable in 4 flavors.

 

[JunktionFET]

Quote:

Can anyone describe the difference between the Beyer Pro series and the non-pro series?

I don't know if this is the whole story, but the PRO headphones tend to have tighter clamping force, shorter headbands, and I believe smaller/more rubbery wiring.

 

[lini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iancraig10 I have both and I'm not so happy with the 80 ohm version although many people prefer it. I must have funny ears. (...)

Many people prefer it? I don't think so. You sure you're not confusing that with the DT770Pro/80 vs. /250? Of these, many Head-Fiers seem to prefer the 80 Ohm version. However, I couldn't recall any of the few who compared the DT250/80 to the /250 to favour the former (possible exception: unamped portable usage). But if I've missed something, then at least my ears are as funny as yours.

dag655321: Try the search function - it's your friend.

There are some comparative impressions on the DT250/80 and /250.

Greetings from Hannover!

Manfred / lini

 

[iancraig10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lini Many people prefer it? I don't think so. You sure you're not confusing that with the DT770Pro/80 vs. /250? But if I've missed something, then at least my ears are as funny as yours. Manfred / lini

Hi Manfred,

Yes, on checking, I have the Pros. Didn't know there was a 'non-pro'. I know that quite a few DJ's at the BBC use the 770pro (250 ohm) if that's some kind of recommendation? (Joke) However, engineers probably chose them because they're so damned tough.

The 250 ohm version has a slightly more 'steely' treble in my ears which I find easier to live with than the 'shooosh' sound you get on the 80 ohm version. However, that's probably due to my ears and triangular shaped head. (That was also a joke)!!!!

Ian