[denl82]

I prefer the dt880'05 to the k701. I think most people probably like the latter headphone more, but to me, the dt880 have a better soundstage(Not necessarily wider/taller), and was more comfortable over extended use. Also, for some reason, I haven't experienced any harsh highs as of late, but I must also say that I haven't been listening to music 24/7 to really give them a chance to come out.

Overall, I simply enjoy the dt880 more than I did the k701. FYI the k701 only had about 280 hrs. on them, excluding countless gaming hours.

*edit* And even though my taste differs from some of the above posters, their descriptions of both headphones have been mirrored by my experience.

 

[Redo]

I'd go with K701's

 

[DavidMahler]

K701

 

[ricmat]

i think they are different HP - DT880 is more enjoyable than K701, but to listen to classical and some jazz, I prefer the purity of K701... (no my all the time HP though)...

I keep them both!

 

[kwkarth]

Bass light? The 701? Not in my humble opinion, unless, of course, you don't have them properly amped.

Case in point, I had been reading so much about the Ultrasone's prodigious bass, so I went out and bought a pair. Guess what? The 701s blow them right off the shelf! The bass goes much lower, stronger, and cleaner on the 701s. The mids on the 701 are perfectly in balance with the prodigious bass as well as the pristine treble.

"Go for the 701s" is my vote.

 

[calaf]

neither of the two is "fun", but the K701 is more musical, and easier on your ears for long listening sessions. DT880 is easier to drive though...

 

[dissembled]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calaf /img/forum/go_quote.gif neither of the two is "fun", but the K701 is more musical, and easier on your ears for long listening sessions. DT880 is easier to drive though...

Oh yeah definately. The thing is I'm more biased towards transparent phones because they're generally more passive and their sound can be tailored to your liking. With more colored phones, you'll have to buy a component specficially tailored to suite that coloration. Such components as a result, will have less compatiblity with other phones in your inventory.

 

[vcoheda]

they are both very good headphones. both high on detail. neither are very musical or euphonic though.

 

[calaf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh yeah definately. The thing is I'm more biased towards transparent phones because they're generally more passive and their sound can be tailored to your liking. With more colored phones, you'll have to buy a component specficially tailored to suite that coloration. Such components as a result, will have less compatiblity with other phones in your inventory.

the problem with K701 is not that they are colored, on the contrary. The problem, I am told, is that middling 60 Ohm impedance that throws lesser amps out of balance. Based on my experience with K701 driven by Woo 3 (bad) and Corda Opera (good) I suspect that many of those reporting that the K701 are dull, or bass-light are not driving them properly.

 

[warpdriver]

Bought a DT880, Bought a K701, Sold the DT880, Bought a second K701 (for office use)

 

[kwlinder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif i am rather a dt880 guy. it has been my favourite phone of all time but then it is all preference. i happen to prefer its fit as well. it will win no contests for beauty but for grace whilst on, it is all gold.

The DT-880 is my favorite as well. I have the 2003 DT-880-250 and with the Opera the sound is always superb. They are the most comfortable phones I have ever used.

I have not heard the K-701, but it is the one headphone I would like to compare and want to try. I also enjoy the Ety Er-4p with the P-S cable. If you like the Ety, you will probably like the sound of the Beyers. An amp is a must though.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

HD650 is more balanced and way better than any of those.

 

[dissembled]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver /img/forum/go_quote.gif Bought a DT880, Bought a K701, Sold the DT880, Bought a second K701 (for office use)

Hey, I've read your DT880 review and I think it provides a 'colorful' description of what to expect:

Quote:

The Beyer is applying a slight exaggeration to higher highs which forms a sharpening effect around the treble transients, sort of like what the edge enhancement feature does in Photoshop. However, the interesting thing is that due to the speed of the headphone in reproducing the treble notes, you are hearing the real details, just italicized a bit.

Very vivid, thank you.

 

[cfcubed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, I've read your DT880 review and I think it provides a 'colorful' description of what to expect <snip> Very vivid, thank you.

Me too & thought it was one of the better reviews around here... I ended up getting 2003 DT-880s & am loving them. Someday, in the distant future, I guess I'll have to try 701s...

 

[spinali]

Tried them both back to back. They're extremely similar in any number of ways, but the added treble detail and overtones made for a more appealing sound, for me. Smoothness and the ability to cover a wide range of music.

I sold my DT880 here within a week of getting my K701. From all accounts, the buyer of the DT880 is still happy.