beyerdynamic dt 880 vs dt 931

[steam3642]

Hi everyone
I have audioned a pair of dt 880s and am very impressed , i would like to know if the dt 931 has better specs and how does it sound compared to dt 880 and how is the build quality between the two , i want these headphones to be my last pair for a long time , at the moment i am using sennheiser hd 500 so one of the two will be my next upgrade , i guess when it comes down to it are there any advantage in the dt 931 over the dt 880 ? cheers.

 

[erikzen]

I own the DT 931 and have auditioned the DT 880, although fairly briefly and under meet conditions. The audition lasted long enough for me to determine that the DT 880 were not significantly different enough in sound signature to consider changing.

I like the DT 931. It has a clear, accurate sound. It is very comfortable. It is slightly bass shy but there are various "tricks" one can use to fix that, such as buying a Ohelbach 120 ohm adapter, adding some bass boost, or better yet, buying a quality amp with a lot of good clean power. I auditioned the HeadRoom Little More Power for a week, which helped me and realized that if you do not power these cans properly they will sound thin. I currently use the XP-7 primarily and it drives these headphones with authority. Given the DT 880 have basically the same specs I assume they will also need a decent amp to drive them.

In terms of build quality I think the DT 880 has the edge. Aesthetically, they are a nicer looking headphone, with a slightly smaller size, although still circumaural, and what looked like metal grills on the outside of the cups. The DT 931 is definitely entirely plastic, although it is still very sturdy and solid. The comfort on the DT 931 can not be beat, although the DT 880 is not uncomfortable at all, in my limited experience.

Price-wise the DT 931 is cheaper. IMHO it offers a great value, especially if you enjoy clear, crisp sound with lots of airy detail. To me, this is the headphone that first crosses the line from consumer grade to audiophile. A real bargain.

 

[Anders]

I own the DT 931. It has a dynamic, clear and bright sound. Too bright for many, and for me too from an ordinary headphone output. It becomes less bright and with stronger bass with a 120 ohm adapter or the 120 ohm output of a Corda amp. Note that it needs more amp power when used with an adapter.
I have not heard DT 880 much but from what I have heard, I prefer it to DT 931. It has more balanced frequency response and better bass and seems me to suit very well as an allround headphone for different kinds of music. For me, DT 931 works best with jazz played at moderate volume. Some seem to like DT931 because it is bright (although it has other qualities also as good dynamics).

 

[boodi]

I'm interested too in trying the dt880 after some time passed with hd650 .

 

[Sisyphos]

They have quite a different sound. The DT931 is brighter and has less and cleaner bass than the DT880 (even with the recommended 120Ohm-Adapter). Therefore with the DT880 you have to crank up the volume a lot more to hear the same details you can get from DT931 at lower levels. Anyway this has the consequence that it might be perceived as a bit harsh and more artificially-sounding at higher volumes. This is the reason why I especially prefer it as my (low-level-listening) 'night-can'. The DT880 as well as my HD595 just sound a bit dull compared to the DT931 when used at such low levels. I anyway prefer them for listening at higher levels. So in my opinion it's important to take the main listening-volume into consideration when trying to choose between the DT880 and the DT931.

 

[pedxing]

I am just wondering. Have you considered buying the DT-860 instead? No one ever mentions the DT-860 which was at one point considered to be the replacement for the DT-931.

 

[Solude]

880 over 931 anyday at any volume. The 931 is overly trebly(word?) while the 770 is overly bassy. 880 is top of all lines and a completely different beast. The 880 in comparison is less bright, more full and warm with high refinement making the bright treble completely free of grain. 931 still a great can but beside the 880 if money isn't a concern.

 

[gradofan]

The DT 880s are great cans, similar to the Senns in some aspects, but with a warmer, more "organic" sound. I'm definitely going to buy a pair in the near future.

The DT 931s are a lot more forward. In classical music, their boosted treble gives a great sense of presence, and you can hear every detail of the recording venue. However, this can be grating with many tracks. EQ is the answer here, in my opinion. There's a really nasty peak in the DT 931s, and if you use a parametric curve on it, you'll have a nice set of neutral cans. I don't have my DEQ2496 within reach, but I remember something like 7khz or 9khz. I'll check later.

Either of these is a good headphone, although I personally am strongly opposed to the DT 931s presentation. As always, you should definitely try before you buy.

 

[steam3642]

Thanks for all the help , ive decided that dt 880 is the one, my music tastes are varied but no techno or rap / hiphop , i like james taylor , cat stevens , gordon lightfoot , and more upbeat ,roxy music, the cars , beatles . plus many more. cheers

 

[gradofan]

Nicely done, steam. BTW, Cat Stevens on 880s is awesome!

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedxing I am just wondering. Have you considered buying the DT-860 instead? No one ever mentions the DT-860 which was at one point considered to be the replacement for the DT-931.

I have both the DT880 and the DT860 and much prefer the DT860 but to get it to sound right I run it through the 120 ohm jack of my corda prehead.This combination is very detailed but very unforgiving.You will most definitely need a high grade CD player to keep this rig from sounding harsh.