[Jigglybootch]

The itch to upgrade is starting to get too big for me to ignore. At the moment I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a Headroom Desktop Amp/DAC. But I can't just buy an fancy new amp/DAC without a fancy new pair of headphones to go along with it, can I?

I've pretty much narrowed my search down to two. The AKG K702 and the Beyerdynamic DT880 (600 ohm). Both are in my desired price range. I'm curious about the K702. I used to own the '03 DT880. I enjoyed them very much. As curious as I am about the K702 I've heard so many good things about the DT880/600 that now I'm not sure what route I want to go. Anyone out there who has heard both want to chime in with their experiences?

And in case you were wondering, rock and metal all the way. That said, my choices in headphones seem kind of odd, but trust me. I know what I'm doing.

 

[David.M]

for rock and metal, go for the DT990/600. $225 on B&H ! You won't regret it ! but a dt880 would also be an excellent choice, but will coast $320 or so for the 600ohm version.

dunno if they still have them in stock tho. This deal has been going on since early 2010.

 

[dynasonic]

I just bought a pair 2 days ago. Last night I got an email from B&H stating their inventory was off and they wont be able to ship them for 3-5 weeks.

Despite the error their customer service was great, I wouldn't feel weird about buying anything from them.

 

[Jigglybootch]

I've already got a pair of DT770/80. Not really looking for a repeat of that sound signature.

 

[David.M]

then it's final

DT880/600

thread closed. j/k

 

[MacedonianHero]

I can certainly vouch for B&H. I bought my ER-4P (now sold), DT770/600, and HD800s from them all with great delivery and customer service.

With regards to your question, both the K702 and DT880/600 are great balanced headphones and you wouldn't make a mistake going with either one.

Comfort wise and bass impact, I would give the advantage to the beyers; sound stage wise, the advantage would go to the K702s.

Detail retrieval would be about the same. However, amping would be very different for both headphones.

I would stick with SS with the AKGs and use tubes on the beyers!

Tough call though.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've already got a pair of DT770/80. Not really looking for a repeat of that sound signature.

Just a few thoughts on the DT770s: the 600 ohm version is actually very similar (IMO) to the DT880s. They are more balanced (neutral) than the 80 ohm version (which has very powerful bass).

 

[nikongod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've already got a pair of DT770/80. Not really looking for a repeat of that sound signature.

There are 2 versions of the DT770/80

The DT990 I have heard all sound quite different from any DT770

 

[Vkamicht]

I've had both of these and settled with the DT880/600. For rock and metal I can't fathom why anyone would pick K702 over the DT880/600, but hey I'm sure they're out there. The K702 sounded so far away, the soundstage was "interesting" but it seemed unnatural to me. The DT880/600 are very powerful sounding and very smooth to my ears. They're closer to my HD600 than they were my K702, but without the drop off between 6-9khz or wherever the HD600s start to lose detail. There are no major drop offs in the freq. range that I can hear. Also pretty nice bass and impact, as opposed to K702. I just think those two are pretty far apart as far as sound signature goes.

 

[shane55]

Kind of on the subject... kind of not.

How much difference can the ohms truly make? Is it night/day difference? ie, does the DT880 - 600ohm version really sound that different than the 250ohm? (or for that matter the 770 600ohm v. 250ohm)?

I received the DT770 - 250ohm yesterday. I 'pink noised' it for a couple hours and then did a comparison with the DT880 (also 250 ohm).

These have NO bass. None. I'm not a basshead and the bass in my M50's is WAY more than I need. The bass in the DT880's is there, but not oppressive. The 770's have none.

I thought the DT880's were bright... OMG!! These 770's are sibilant and shrill. It's almost as if there is no woofer, just a mid and tweeter.. and the tweeter is cranked to 12!

So, do you think that is an ohm issue? Would the 600ohm DT770 produce much more bass? Would the highs be more toned-down?

I will most likely send the 770's back. They are unusable.

Thoughts?

shane

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane55 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I thought the DT880's were bright... OMG!! These 770's are sibilant and shrill. It's almost as if there is no woofer, just a mid and tweeter.. and the tweeter is cranked to 12!

Didn't I warn you about that? 600Ohm DT880 has more impactful bass than 250Ohm and is more mellow and balanced too. I didn't give much of a comparison listening between 250 and 600Ohm DT770 as was upset about drivers impedance mismatch but from a short listen they sounded like tuned down version of 600Ohm DT880 (lesser resolution, closer soundstage), still I feel that the difference between 250 and 600 Ohm version of DT880 is far greater than of DT770. BTW, B&H has a great deal on 600Ohm DT770 right now.

To OP, I personally would take 600Ohm DT880 over K702 for almost any genre with the exception of classical music, they are more "atmospheric" for it.

 

[tdogzthmn]

The K702 sounds fantastic with live music and most acoustic stuff. I just recently listened to Raining Blood by slayer and I liked how fast and clean it sounded with the K702. The bass does not thump as hard as other cans but it does go deep. The soundstage might sound a little unnatural for some songs but in a way I think it makes for less fatigue in listening sessions. I also like how guitars sound on the K702, very pungent and involving. The K702 is also cheaper than the DT880 which would let you spend more on other other parts of your system.

 

[zdkaiser]

I say avoid the K702s for metal. I have listened to lots of rock with them, and I do not recommend it. Not their strongest suit. I haven't heard the Beyers, but I know for a fact, you don't want the K702s for metal and rock. My 2 cents.

 

[shane55]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Didn't I warn you about that? 600Ohm DT880 has more impactful bass than 250Ohm and is more mellow and balanced too. I didn't give much of a comparison listening between 250 and 600Ohm DT770 as was upset about drivers impedance mismatch but from a short listen they sounded like tuned down version of 600Ohm DT880 (lesser resolution, closer soundstage), still I feel that the difference between 250 and 600 Ohm version of DT880 is far greater than of DT770. BTW, B&H has a great deal on 600Ohm DT770 right now. To OP, I personally would take 600Ohm DT880 over K702 for almost any genre with the exception of classical music, they are more "atmospheric" for it.

I'm being kind of noob-thick about some of this stuff. A combination of lack of understanding and slight disbelief.

Interesting what you say about the DT880 (600ohm) being for everything but classical. That is mainly what I listen to. Maybe that's why I didn't go that direction...

Yes, good deal at B&H, but no returns on non-stock items puts me off.

shane

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdogzthmn /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just recently listened to Raining Blood by slayer and I liked how fast and clean it sounded with the K702.

Funny that you mention "Raining Blood" because Slayer is one of my favorite bands.