[ishygddt]

I just tried out both of them today using the iBasso D-Zero

I felt that the DT880 had better clarity while the DT990 had (much) better bass.
Both had issues with sibilance but that's probably Beyerdynamic's style especially combined with the d-zero.
 
Now my question is, if I get the DT880 and pair it with the Fiio E17 (with bass boost), will the bass be as good as the DT990?
I'm kinda leaning towards the DT990 since I already have a pair of balanced IEMs.
 

 

[gokica]

I never had experience with E17.
 
However even if the bass level becomes satisfactory you will never get to the point of 990 bass. I prefer 880 as a "classic" headphone over the 990 but if the bass hump is in question, than 990 is the way to go between the two.

 

[dyl1dyl]

I'd go for the 880s. They're a timeless classic. Though if you really prefer the sound of the 990s, then that would be a better choice. Can always aim for a T1 later since it's kind of a super charger 880