[cactus_farmer]

As the thread title says really... both are known for being light on bass, but which has more bass quantity?
 
I've heard that the K701 is quite mid-centric whereas the DT880 is actually somewhat the opposite and a mild 'v-shape' in frequency response (like a lot of modern headphones) - but that suggests to me there has to be *some* bass boost in order for the mids to sound sucked out relative to them.
 
And, if one has more bass than the other, is it noticeable when A/B'ing them, or is it really a very minute difference?

 

[Graphicism]

DT880, HD600, SA5000 I would consider all to have neutral bass. The K701 on the other hand has a couple dB less in the bass department, it's there but very quiet.

 

[NinjaSquirt]

DT880 definitely has more bass, it can output a certain amount when the song calls for it. Whereas the K701s will never be satisfying when it comes to bass (it's still neutral, just not satisfying).

 

[genclaymore]

The DT880 would be the better option for you op out of the Two, I owned the K702 which is like the K701 but with a detectable cable. The K702 is harder to drive and picky with amps, you will go nearly insane trying to find one that will work good with the K701. While the DT880 will not have you pull your hair out when looking at amps to use with it as it easier to drive then the K701/702.
 
The K701 still have bass but it not for those who are bass-head or want good amount of bass, it for those who just wanna relax or love Detail and its un-needed Huge Sound stage.

 

[KimChee]

DT880 for sure.  

 

[LizardKing1]

I think you have it wrong. The K701 are supposed to be bright, not mid-centric, and the DT880 are neutral, not V-shaped.

 

[cactus_farmer]

Quote:

I think you have it wrong. The K701 are supposed to be bright, not mid-centric, and the DT880 are neutral, not V-shaped.

check this;
 
http://www.headfonia.com/old-school-trio-akg-k701-beyer-dt880-sennheiser-hd650/

 

[129207]

I own both of them and they're both fairly neutral. Depends on your recording and rig really. The DT880 responds best to EQ compared to the K701. The K701 can go pretty low though, but it's not exactely bass you can feel. It's audible, but it lacks punch so to say. Even my HD580 has more basspunch. Don't get any of the two if you're looking for bass. A good alternative would be the HD650. 

 

[cactus_farmer]

those saying the dt880 has more bass;
 
is it so subtle in difference that even if you were directly A/B'ing them on the same rig you wouldn't really notice a change in bass quantity?

 

[129207]

Quote:

those saying the dt880 has more bass;
 
is it so subtle in difference that even if you were directly A/B'ing them on the same rig you wouldn't really notice a change in bass quantity?

When I get home from work I'll A/B them for you and focus on bass quantity. Any track you have in mind? 

 

[fabio-fi]

Quote:

those saying the dt880 has more bass;
 
is it so subtle in difference that even if you were directly A/B'ing them on the same rig you wouldn't really notice a change in bass quantity?

The 880's sound signature really changes depending on your amp/source. There are amps with a nice bass slam.  

 

[Graphicism]

Quote:

those saying the dt880 has more bass;
 
is it so subtle in difference that even if you were directly A/B'ing them on the same rig you wouldn't really notice a change in bass quantity?

No the difference is very apparent; on a scale where the DT880 was 0 the HD600 would be -1 and the K701 -4.
 
That said I believe you can become accustomed to any headphone, listen to it for long enough and that will become your neutral.
 
 

The 880's sound signature really changes depending on your amp/source. There are amps with a nice bass slam.  

I agree with this. I quite dislike the DT880s on the majority of solid-state amps I've heard them on, a good OTL tube amp however and it's another story.
 

 

[genclaymore]

Yea  the OPA2111AM makes the DT880s bass slam which what ruined it for me for that op-amp.  The LT1057ACN8 Does it too but not as bad as the OPA2111AM did.

 

[cactus_farmer]

Quote:

When I get home from work I'll A/B them for you and focus on bass quantity. Any track you have in mind? 

Thanks very much!!
 
Any well recorded rock such as 'A Perfect Circle' would do fine

 

[cactus_farmer]

Quote:

No the difference is very apparent; on a scale where the DT880 was 0 the HD600 would be -1 and the K701 -4.
 
That said I believe you can become accustomed to any headphone, listen to it for long enough and that will become your neutral.
 
 

I agree with this. I quite dislike the DT880s on the majority of solid-state amps I've heard them on, a good OTL tube amp however and it's another story.
 

Thanks, I'm interested to know what rating you'd give the HD650 given that you put DT880 as 0 and HD600 as -1?
 
I'm surprised as I imagined the HD600 would be stronger than the DT880 in the bass.