Beyerdynamic DT 880. Does it need an amp?

[Robgo]

I just bought a pair of these to replace my trusty (yet in very rough shape) Sennhieser 280's.

I use a Panasonic XR-55 receiver and I've heard some mixed reviews about the headphone out jack.

Will I need a separate amp for these headphones or should I be OK running out the headphone jack of my receiver? My receiver is attached to a soundcard via optical out if that makes any difference.

 

[GreatDane]

The receiver will work fine I think...for now

A dedicated headphone amp will most likely offer a nice improvement. Modern day inexpensive receivers have lifeless sounding headphone outs.

 

[Robgo]

What would a good amp for them be? I guess I'd have to get a little DAC if it was coming from the optical out on the soundcard. Aren't DAC headphone amps very expensive?

 

[kwlinder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fetalgoat /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just bought a pair of these to replace my trusty (yet in very rough shape) Sennhieser 280's. I use a Panasonic XR-55 receiver and I've heard some mixed reviews about the headphone out jack. Will I need a separate amp for these headphones or should I be OK running out the headphone jack of my receiver? My receiver is attached to a soundcard via optical out if that makes any difference.

Beyer DT-880's definitely benefit from an amp. I am not familiar with the Panasonic receiver you have, so I cannot comment on the sound. If you are lacking the sound you want, but like the overall sound of the DT-880 I would suggest an amp, and I think you need one for the Beyer's to sound their best.

I used mine with a Headroom Total Airhead I had for a year or so, and now almost exclusively use the DT-880 out of my Mac through a Meier Corda Opera and the sound is superb. Beyer phones pair very well with Meier amps, while many recommend a tube amp with them. I am happy with the Opera and have no desire to upgrade after 6 months with it and my DT-880's.

 

[upstateguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fetalgoat /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just bought a pair of these to replace my trusty (yet in very rough shape) Sennhieser 280's. I use a Panasonic XR-55 receiver and I've heard some mixed reviews about the headphone out jack. Will I need a separate amp for these headphones or should I be OK running out the headphone jack of my receiver? My receiver is attached to a soundcard via optical out if that makes any difference.

I use the 880s as well, most comfortable cans around. On one of my computer set ups I have an optical line out to a DAC-AH and then to a Portaphile maxxed for a basic set up: Here it is connected to my 650s...

But for the same money, if I had it to do today, I would get one of Justin's Picos from HeadAmp, which is a high quality USB DAC-amp combo that also doubles as a portable rig. I heard it at the last NY meet and it's quite something.

Otherwise, you could take your optical line and connect it to a separate DAC and separate amp.... and there you have a lot of choices...

USG

 

[Redo]

Yeah, they will benefit from a dedicated headphone amp. I would say research and save for a tube amp, and be happy with the XR-55 in the meantime. DT880's love tubes.

 

[vcoheda]

i think an amp would benefit the DT880s.

 

[DKetz]

Get an amp, you won't be sorry. ChaChing.

 

[Chewy]

My DT880 sounds awesome with the darkvoice 336i. It's also easy to roll tubes to improve the sound.

 

[GreatDane]

I also enjoy my DT-880 most with tubes.

 

[luckybaer]

I like mine with my Micro Stack. I also use it with my Hornet.

It is the hardest headphone I own to drive.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

The quality of those built-in headphone outputs on major brand receivers leaves a bit to be desired most of the time. They make the DT880 seem bloated in bass and lacking in any detail, which is quite the opposite of what they're meant to sound like. I like Beyers with both tube and solid state amps, generally a tube amp will warm up the highs, and a Solid State amp will add depth to the lower end. Between the two, I would probably lean slightly toward the tube amp, as long as it's a good one.

 

[Robgo]

A tube amp actually sounds like an interesting idea since I've been into pure digital for a while now. Would be kind of a nice change I think. Guess I would need a DAC and a tube amp in that case. I'm totally new to this so I wonder how much something like that would set me back for a good one?

I listen to a lot of folk, classical, some metal (not to often anymore) so I think having a warmer sound would be kind of nice. I guess I would have to have a very nice tube amp though since it would be adding it's own character to the sound.

 

[BushGuy]

I use Dt880/600Ω and so far best is from ASL MG Head OTL Mk III/NOS tubes (primarily replace stock 12AX7 with GE Jan 5751) - for me. I'm not saying, in any way, that this is the best and only matchup - but it DOES work the best way so far for me. Also, stick with the velour earpads. Definitely go with a tube amp with your 880's.

 

[Robgo]

I'm looking at the Figaro Darkvoice right now.


I'm also researching DACs at the moment because my soundcard is quite pathetic (but really all I needed since it's digital) it's just a $15 chaintek.