[appar111]

I'm thinking if grabbing a set of DT880's since I found a good price on them (around $225 new, plus about $8 shipping), and have been listening to my DT770-80's pretty regularly lately. I was wondering what differences I can expect as far as sonic presentation (detail, soundstage, forwardness) and comfort/fit going from the 770's to the 880's.

I love the DT770's, but did notice the recessed midrange when doing a back-to-back 4:30 a.m. comparison to my HD280's. Not that it's a problem, but it would be nice if the 880's didn't have that. Are the 880's recessed at all in any particular frequency range?

Also, is the fit/comfort the same as the DT770's? And I've seen some DT880's with coiled cords, and some with straight cords - any difference between thest two versions other than the cord itself? I know it comes w/ the extension cable too, which would be very handy for using the DT770's w/ my home receiver to watch dvd's (my recliner is just a hair too far away from the receiver to allow me to use them comfortably while watching movies.

Any other advice you can give me for going from the DT770-80's to the DT880's would be much appreciated. I'll be using them with a single buffer Pimeta biased to class A, and either an iPod mini or a Panasonic SL-CT570. I'll be listening to a variety of music, mainly rock & metal, but also some pop, electronica, and other genres.

 

[mmmmcheese]

I have not heard the DT880s so dont take my opinions to seriously. From what I have read the 880s are a little bright, thin in the bass, and detailed. That would be a big difference from the DT770.

 

[Aman]

As far as midrange goes, they are not recessed at all. In fact, they are REALLY dynamic. The loss here is that some of the "character" is gone too. Essentially, the DT880s are a "jack of all trades" headphone. They require a lot of power, and really sing on tubes.

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman As far as midrange goes, they are not recessed at all. In fact, they are REALLY dynamic. The loss here is that some of the "character" is gone too. Essentially, the DT880s are a "jack of all trades" headphone. They require a lot of power, and really sing on tubes.

yep.

 

[appar111]

So would my setup not be enough for them?

So how do you mean that some of the character is gone? because they're not recessed, or because they're too dynamic? Not sure what you meant..

 

[EdipisReks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 So would my setup not be enough for them? So how do you mean that some of the character is gone? because they're not recessed, or because they're too dynamic? Not sure what you meant..

some of the "character" is gone because they are fairly neutral. the DT770 has its character because of the coloration and particular frequency response they offer. the DT880's don't have much coloration and are pretty flat, frequency wise. to me, they are kind of like bright HD650's.

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks to me, they are kind of like bright HD650's.

ditto.

 

[appar111]

Would my Pimeta be enough for them?

I'm looking at either the DT880, SR225 or HD600 (refurb'ed). Three very different cans, although the Senns and the Beyers are probably more similar than the Grado's.

I could always go with the Senns if they're easier to drive than the Beyers (I had some HD580's and they weren't too hard to drive with a Go-Vibe), but I'm progressively getting more intrigued by the Beyers.

 

[EdipisReks]

the Pimeta would probably be fine.

 

[appar111]

So would the Beyers' sound be sort of a brighter version of the HD600's? I can grab the Beyers for about $235 shipped, and the HD600's for about $200 shipped.

I think my only concern with getting the Senns would be that the sound signature may be too close to the DT770-80's I already have (darker, bassier sound). Would that be the case?

Which would be more detailed - the DT880 or the HD600?

 

[EdipisReks]

i don't think the Senn sound signature is anything like the DT770's. the DT880's and the HD600's probably have about the same detail level, but the DT880's have more "apparent" detail due to the less recessed treble.

 

[appar111]

From what I've read, the HD600 would be warmer/fuller in the mids, not quite as bassy, and a smoother, slightly rolled treble compared to the DT770, right? Basically pretty close the the HD580's I had earlier this year?

Still not sure which to get (HD600 or DT880) as there are conflicting reports as to which one is easier to drive, given my current amp.

 

[EdipisReks]

the HD600's would be very close to the 580's. in fact, you may find them to be identical, though most people apparently find the 600's to be a bit more refined. if you liked the 580's a lot, then the 600's are a no brainer. if you found the overall sound signature of the 580's to be pleasant, but a little wanting in the treble, then the DT880's would be your choice.

 

[EdipisReks]

btw, appar111, do you think you'll be able to make it to the headroom meet? it looks, at this point, like it'll be on Saturday June 25th from 10-5:00. i would love it if you could make it!

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks btw, appar111, do you think you'll be able to make it to the headroom meet? it looks, at this point, like it'll be on Saturday June 25th from 10-5:00. i would love it if you could make it!

He certainly sounds like a guy in sonic conflict - a meet could help clear things up! One listen is better than 1000 posts!