LiqTenExp
100+ Head-Fier
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- Mar 25, 2010
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Here is my Beyer Dynamics DT990 vs. Ultrasone HFI-780 short report. I am going to keep updating this as I listen more. I am not going to do a full write up on this but just finer points.
Using FLAC rips of CDs. Playing them using Foobar2000. I am using my NFB-12 via Optical. My mobo is outputting 96kHz/24bit via optical. The NFB-12 is being switch to low gain for the HFI-780 and high gain for the DT990. The amplitude is close enough and that makes it easier to repeat as I switch back and forth between them. My DT990 are the 600 ohm versions and have been broken in well. Stock cables on both of these headphones. At the time of this review the HFI-780 are brand new.
Highs:
DT990 are a little more laid back in the highs but not by much. The HFI-780 has enough midrange and bottom end that the highs are kept in check. Almost sounds like they may extend a little higher in frequency or roll off less as higher frequency.
Mids:
The mids are more forward on the HFI780. That's all I can say about that. The imaging differences I describe below also make this a big benefit on the HFI-780
Lows:
The DT990s have been bested at the bottom end of the low end spectrum. The HFI-780 have them beat. Though I will say the midbass on the DT990 is more forward than the HFI-780. So overall it is a compromise.
Imaging:
The imaging on the HFI-780 is much more precise when it comes to instrument placement. They both place instruments in the right area with the DT990 but the HFI-780 resolution of placement is much more precise and doesn't leave you guessing.
Soundstage:
The soundstage on the HFI-780 is more forward but not as wide as the DT990. The DT990 almost sounds too wide and slightly stretched when comparing it to the HFI-780. It's almost as if you took what you hear in the HFI-780 and just stretch it 15+ degrees on either side of your head. This can be also seen in the imaging and would explain the less precise feeling of instrument placement.
Build Quality:
Similar. More metal on the DT990 but overall build of the HFI-780 leaves no regrets. I actually find the DT990 could be a little more refined with its edges on the aluminum headband. Cable quality is in the same ballpark, maybe an edge better on the HFI-780 except for the connector. I really like the screw on 1/4" adapter on the DT990, the HFI-780 is just slip on. It is nice having the short or really long cable length selection with the HFI-780. Standard cable is airplane, coat, pocket length. Add on cable is for sitting across the room length and getting up and around at your desk. It is great.
Comfort:
I mean, come on they are DT990, there isn't anything more comfortable. The HFI-780 has slightly higher clamping force. Size extension wise it will lengthen just as long as the DT990. There is a little more pressure on the top of your head with the HFI-780 due to a slightly smaller width and length pad at the top that they rest on. Pad is still soft and will probably break in over time.
Using FLAC rips of CDs. Playing them using Foobar2000. I am using my NFB-12 via Optical. My mobo is outputting 96kHz/24bit via optical. The NFB-12 is being switch to low gain for the HFI-780 and high gain for the DT990. The amplitude is close enough and that makes it easier to repeat as I switch back and forth between them. My DT990 are the 600 ohm versions and have been broken in well. Stock cables on both of these headphones. At the time of this review the HFI-780 are brand new.
Highs:
DT990 are a little more laid back in the highs but not by much. The HFI-780 has enough midrange and bottom end that the highs are kept in check. Almost sounds like they may extend a little higher in frequency or roll off less as higher frequency.
Mids:
The mids are more forward on the HFI780. That's all I can say about that. The imaging differences I describe below also make this a big benefit on the HFI-780
Lows:
The DT990s have been bested at the bottom end of the low end spectrum. The HFI-780 have them beat. Though I will say the midbass on the DT990 is more forward than the HFI-780. So overall it is a compromise.
Imaging:
The imaging on the HFI-780 is much more precise when it comes to instrument placement. They both place instruments in the right area with the DT990 but the HFI-780 resolution of placement is much more precise and doesn't leave you guessing.
Soundstage:
The soundstage on the HFI-780 is more forward but not as wide as the DT990. The DT990 almost sounds too wide and slightly stretched when comparing it to the HFI-780. It's almost as if you took what you hear in the HFI-780 and just stretch it 15+ degrees on either side of your head. This can be also seen in the imaging and would explain the less precise feeling of instrument placement.
Build Quality:
Similar. More metal on the DT990 but overall build of the HFI-780 leaves no regrets. I actually find the DT990 could be a little more refined with its edges on the aluminum headband. Cable quality is in the same ballpark, maybe an edge better on the HFI-780 except for the connector. I really like the screw on 1/4" adapter on the DT990, the HFI-780 is just slip on. It is nice having the short or really long cable length selection with the HFI-780. Standard cable is airplane, coat, pocket length. Add on cable is for sitting across the room length and getting up and around at your desk. It is great.
Comfort:
I mean, come on they are DT990, there isn't anything more comfortable. The HFI-780 has slightly higher clamping force. Size extension wise it will lengthen just as long as the DT990. There is a little more pressure on the top of your head with the HFI-780 due to a slightly smaller width and length pad at the top that they rest on. Pad is still soft and will probably break in over time.
