[oak3x]

In reading all the reviews / posts pertaining to the Beyerdynamic DT880's in the 600 ohms, it seems this version produces a more balanced, smooth presentation compared to the 250 ohm version.

Besides the additional $100 in price; why wouldn't most buyers choose the 600 ohm version...especially if you are driving them through a quality headphone amplifier (which it seems most people on this forum have).

Just curious?

 

[NightWoundsTime]

That is a pretty extreme impedance, and the reviews are probably based on very powerful amplifiers. It depends on what amp you want to use them with. I'm not sure how well tube designs would push that kind of load.

Also I have much respect for the 250 ohm version for having an almost perfect impedance curve, something that matters with tubes.

HD-650 impedance curve:

DT880:

I'm not sure how well that characteristic holds over on the 600 ohm version, since nobody's measured it yet. It isn't however something that's present across Beyer's whole line, as the new 990's look like this:

Sorry I couldn't graph those all at the same time, different data sets or something causes a little difficulty.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oak3x /img/forum/go_quote.gif In reading all the reviews / posts pertaining to the Beyerdynamic DT880's in the 600 ohms, it seems this version produces a more balanced, smooth presentation compared to the 250 ohm version. Besides the additional $100 in price; why wouldn't most buyers choose the 600 ohm version...especially if you are driving them through a quality headphone amplifier (which it seems most people on this forum have). Just curious?

250 ohm are cheaper and readily available both new and used. other than that, i'm not sure. (someone likes colors.)

 

[tbonner1]

The 600 ohm units can be a more challenging load for an amplifier.

 

[oak3x]

Alright...when trying to drive a 600 ohm headphone, what particular specification would you look-at on the headphone amplifier to decide?

 

[cherepashka]

Because you pay additional money for suspicious benefits

 

[riffer]

Too difficult to drive.

 

[sacd lover]

That is a pretty extreme impedance, and the reviews are probably based on very powerful amplifiers. It depends on what amp you want to use them with. I'm not sure how well tube designs would push that kind of load.

Also I have much respect for the 250 ohm version for having an almost perfect impedance curve, something that matters with tubes.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Most tube designs would drive the 600 ohm load better than SS. High impedence needs voltage swing. Since these headphones are also lower sensitivity an amp with a generous power output is definitely a plus whatever the amp.

The flat impedence curve isnt as issue if the output impedence of the tube amp is low enough.

 

[sacd lover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oak3x /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alright...when trying to drive a 600 ohm headphone, what particular specification would you look-at on the headphone amplifier to decide?

The amps ability to swing voltage and the overall power output.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oak3x /img/forum/go_quote.gif Alright...when trying to drive a 600 ohm headphone, what particular specification would you look-at on the headphone amplifier to decide?

A tube amp with high voltage swing.

 

[oak3x]

When looking at an amp's specifications, where would the voltage swing be indicated?

For example, on my Corda HA-2 MKII SE the specs page only lists:

Power Uptake = 4 watts
Maximum Amplification = 10db
Maximum Output = 13 volts
Input Impedance = 12 kohm
Output Impedance = 0 / 12 ohm (with two seperate headphone jacks)

Would my headphone amp properly drive a 600 ohm headphone?

Thanks

 

[only500made]

...$$$ implication. They need to be driven adequately by a good amp. Basically if you're buying those cans, you're bound to buy a good but expensive amp as well.

 

[blem]

I am driving them with an EAR-HP4 out of the high impedance jack and they sound very good...

 

[Drake22]

will essence stx be able to drive these?

 

[BushGuy]

Besides the EAR hp4 as mentioned above.......on the other end of the price spectrum there is the wonderful (with NOS tubes) is the beautiful Ming Da MC 84c07 (sells around $385 US). While I had and sold 2003 dt880/250, then ditto 2005 dt880/600..........the Ming Da is exquisite with my 2005 dt990/600 (and AKG k340 modded). Generally, most folks prefer using a tube amp, no matter which version of dt880 they own.