[Corbet]

I've been using my DT880s without an amp for almost a month now and I can't stand it. Currently I've been considering the Meier Arietta Solid State Amp, Little Dot MKIII, or the New Darkvoice Figaro amp. Obviously there really hasn't been any reviews regarding the new Darkvoice, but I'm just curious what kind of amp is best for the DT880s? Solid State or Tube?

 

[d-cee]

tube here

 

[465]

I'm using the old 880 with an SS amp, and enjoying it. Although, I haven't heard any tubes though. What can't you stand about it, without an amp? What kind of music do you listen to?

I can still enjoy listening to 880 unamped from any source. Not the case with the senn580 with a soundblaster live (pretty old one) unamped; this one makes it sound muddy. I guess it also depends on the source.

 

[upstateguy]

'03 880s with Woo3, M^3, GS-1, in that order......

I should also mention that I couldn't get rid of my '05 880s fast enough....

 

[Kane-DK]

I think that it is generally accepted that DT880 (or other Beyers) have good synergy with meier amps. I for one is very pleased with my beyer-meier combo.

But many also use a tubeamp with the DT880. I quess that it is a pretty versatile headphone.

 

[GreatDane]

2003 DT-880 with Woo 3 for me. Of course they sound great with SS but tubes work better for me.

 

[BushGuy]

By all means, for dt880 - TUBES! Suggest heading in the direction of ASL MG Head DT/OTL MK III (can be had for $395 -so you have $ left for tube-rolling), or have a talk with Jack Woo.

 

[pataburd]

DT880/2003 paired very well with both the Darkvoice 336i (all tube) and the G&W T2.6F (tube/ss hybrid).

Like upstateguy, I couldn't get rid of the DT880/2005 fast enough, either!

 

[Capunk]

336i sufficient drive DT880 600ohm version? or need at least 332?

 

[Duheed]

wot if running from a laptop where u need a dac would a tube still be a better choice.

 

[Duheed]

^^ better quality i mean

 

[Corbet]

The reason why I'm not satisfied with my DT880s is because of a few reasons. My source is a Macbook Pro with 1/8" TOS headphone port. It powers them decently, but they arn't that loud. Secondly, coming from Grado SR-80s, the DT880s seem to lack the clarity and punch of the Grados. One other thing I noticed is the soundstage wasn't as impressive as I thought it would be. I primarily listen to rock, metal, and hardcore music.

Lastly, I think it's kinda funny that people are hating in the 2005s. Before I bought my DT880s I did alot of reading around and it seemed that most of Head-fi preferred the 2005 version.

 

[ManAtWork]

No absolute answer, depends on synergy and your favorite sound signature only. If in good combination, both tube and SS amps can drive DT880 with impressive sounding.

 

[Headphony]

Having owned both the DT880 and DT990 05 versions, my feeling is:
DT880 - tube amp
DT990 - solid state

 

[tjohnusa]

Dared MP5 amp has a usb port.