[SlackerClerk107]

I run the gamut as far as music goes, country, classic rock, metal, rap, etc. It's all fair game in my book, thus I need headphones that can perform well across the board. I'm looking into the 880s, how do they perform? Also, do they need to be amped, or can they hold their own unamped. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[nickchen]

The DT880 desperately needs an amp, but I wouldn't say that it needs to be premium gear for 500$ or more.

Regarding your genres, I somewhat doubt that the DT880 really suits. The DT880s are deadly neutral jazz & classical specialists IMO. Your place should be rather Grado-, Alessandro or AT A900 territory.

 

[jdimitri]

Hmm, i gotta say between the headphones ive had (grados, senn, beyers, koss)
Koss and Beyers generally sound good on all music
I'd lean more towards the DT990 though, DT880 does get a bit uninvolving with some music and the highs can be piercing if not paired with the right source/amp

I'm loving the DT990 so much, i might sell off my SR225

 

[jdimitri]

Oh, they work alright unamped, just improves a lot with a decent amp

 

[SlackerClerk107]

I've been wanting to try out Grados, I hear nothing but great things really. What would be a good pair to check out to really get a grasp on the Grado sound?

 

[warpdriver]

I'd suggest getting a cheap amp for them.

However, I do feel they are great for all sorts of genres of music

I ran the DT880's and the Grado SR225 side by side and I felt the DT880's held their own against the Grado even for rock music

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver I'd suggest getting a cheap amp for them. However, I do feel they are great for all sorts of genres of music I ran the DT880's and the Grado SR225 side by side and I felt the DT880's held their own against the Grado even for rock music

Glad to hear that, as I ordered 2006 DT880 in attempt to replace MS2i. We'll see how well it works. Should have them on Tuesday.