Elephas
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2005
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INTRODUCTION
This is a comparison of the Beyerdynamic DT880 and Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000. My DT880 is new, with about 80 hours of burn-in. All other equipment have plenty of burn-in.
Both headphones use stock cables. The DT880 is the coiled cord 250ohm model. I have added foam strips inside the AD2000's earpads to make it more comfortable. This slightly increases the distance of the drivers to the ears, which may affect the sound in comparison to other AD2000s.
Sources: Sony CDP-X505es, E-MU 1212m, iPod 30GB
Amplifiers: Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear, SuperMacro-3 with switches & stock NE5534 opamps.
Music: I listen to a wide variety of music including pop, female vocals, rock, classical, jazz, new age, instrumental, dance, electronica, trance, ambient and chillout.
SOUND
Both headphones sound very good. My overall preference is for the AD2000, but I would be satisfied with the DT880 as my only headphone.
Although the Lehmann Black Cube Linear amp has two headphone ports, the higher impedence of the DT880 means the AD2000 is much louder. Dialing in the same volume for both headphones requires many adjustments and unplugging the AD2000. This makes the comparison more difficult.
The greatest perceived difference in sound between the DT880 and AD2000 is headstage and soundstage, followed by the AD2000's better balance and detail. I use the terms headstage and soundstage as defined in this thread by Head-Fi member darth nut http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=41424.
The DT880 has greater headstage. It provides the sense of greater space within and around your head. The expansive sound is especially pleasant for some types of music, and I preferred listening to the DT880 with some classical, jazz, electronica, ambient and chillout.
The AD2000 sounds more forward and direct, and is often more enjoyable and engaging. There is also a large headstage, but it doesn't extend as far as the DT880's.
Both headphones have excellent soundstage. For many different types of music the illusion of space between instruments is very effective. Classical, jazz, vocals and acoustics sounded very good on both headphones. The DT880 projects a wider soundstage and provides the feeling that a larger amount of space is inside your head. However, it is not necessarily always more enjoyable than the AD2000.
The AD2000 is more detailed. The DT880 is no slouch when it comes to detail, but loses to the AD2000 especially at low and high volumes. The DT880 seems to have a sweetspot in volume where it is most balanced, but at very low and high volume levels treble becomes over-emphasized and it loses balance. Comparatively, the AD2000 is more consistent and better balanced. For electronica, trance and chillout music, the AD2000 provides better detailed individual sounds.
Both headphones are bright with very clear treble. The AD2000 seems to have slightly clearer treble, but the difference is small. Its midrange and bass is also better balanced with the bright treble and makes the DT880 midrange and bass seem recessed.
I like the DT880's larger headstage/soundstage, but the AD2000 has better detail and midrange/bass. It is also more engaging and enjoyable overall. I would give the AD2000 a small edge in sound quality.
COMFORT
Both headphones are very comfortable, and do not make your ears feel warm. The DT880 has less clamping force and softer earpads. The DT880's headband, however, places greater and sharper pressure on the top of your head than the AD2000's excellent wing system. During longer listening sessions the AD2000 would feel lighter. Both headphones can be used while lying down on a pillow. I would consider comfort a tie.
MATERIALS QUALITY & APPEARANCE
In terms of materials and construction quality, the edge goes to the AD2000. The DT880 looks very good, but it does not match the AD2000's attention to detail. The AD2000's black metal mesh earcups with gold metal Audio-Technica label and chrome ring looks higher quality than the Beyer's silver mesh plastic. The AD2000's cord and plug looks better than the DT880's, although the Beyer's one-sided coiled cord is sometimes more convenient. Both seem very solid and made to last a long time.
MISC
The DT880 (250ohm) is harder to drive than the AD2000 (60 ohm). The DT880 benefits from the gain switches on the Lehmann Audio Black Cube and SuperMacro-3, while the AD2000 is fine at the base setting. Directly out of an iPod both sound decent. The DT880 doesn't get loud, however, while the AD2000 is too loud at 80% volume.
Both headphones sounded best with the Sony CDP, followed by the E-MU 1212m and the iPod line out. I felt the DT880 was better matched with the Lehmann than with the SuperMacro-3.
CONCLUSION
Both the DT880 and AD2000 sound excellent with my current equipment. Often while trying to listen critically I would become enthralled by the music and forget I was supposed to be comparing headphones.
Although I feel I have an overall preference for the AD2000, I also enjoy listening to the DT880 very much. Sometimes it is a case of different, not better.