Beyerdynamic DT860/DT660 comparison

[evilking]

I currently have the DT660, which I love uncondtionally (so perfect for me and my needs I'm completely content). Unfortunately sometimes I need to hear the world around me (not hearing the phone is starting to piss a certain someone off very much...). So I need something open with a similar sound signature.

I'm hoping beyond hope that the DT860 is exactly the same as the DT660 except open. Can anyone confirm this? I'll probably end up trying them out anyway, I just need to know if I'll be wasting my time or if I should be clicking the "buy" button asap.


Thanks

 

[JensL]

Well, the DT860 and DT660 are quite similar, if I recall correctly.

I did a review of it some time back.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78470

 

[evilking]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JensL /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, the DT860 and DT660 are quite similar, if I recall correctly. I did a review of it some time back. http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78470

Thanks, great review!

It seems they are the same, just that the open design of the DT860 fixes and refines the sound a little. I wonder why these headphones aren't recommended more. Both are 32ohm with high sensitivity, they're foldable, circumaural, very comfortable, and sound incredible (compared to others in the same price range at least, got the DT660 for just £99!).

Err....Hurrah!

 

[saint.panda]

To provide a slightly different opinion, I rather liked the DT660 and found the DT860 to be terrible, even with an 120Ohm adapter added. The DT860 is probably the brightest headphone I've ever heard (along with the old Grado SR-325). On side by side comparisons, the DT860 did better in certain technical areas such as soundstage and resolution (perhaps), but overall, I much preferred the DT660. The DT860 is one of the last current-production headphones by a respected manufacturer that I'd ever recommend to anybody. Horrible tonal balance. ymmv

Maybe you should give the DT880 a try. Different sound but still Beyerdynamic.

 

[aphex944]

FWIW, they use the exact same driver..

 

[evilking]

Sounds like there was a problem with that particular pair, did you try more than one? Can you estimate approximate date of manufacture (the year if nothing else)?

It seems very strange you have such a contrasting opinion of them than "JensL". To be honest, I'm more inclined to go with JensL's asessment, major differences between the headphones would be amplified as he switched between them very quickly.

 

[JensL]

Yeah, I also suspect that saint.panda must've gotten a faulty DT860.
When I compared them directly, the DT860 seemed to do most things a little bit better, mostly because it's an open construction. Somewhat like the DT770 vs. DT990.
Of course, I used a tube amp when comparing them, which might take some of the brightest treble edge off. However, I don't think there was any huge differences in brightness between the two.

A friend had the DT860 for a while, which also sounded really good. However, he sold them for a DT880.