[Duncan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaZZ No way! Although I didn't have comparable setup and no headphone amp then and it's way too long ago to really compare, I found the old DT 880 a bit harsh and scratchy, whereas the new one is silky-smooth, brilliant and has the finer resolution.

Hi Jazz...

Thats encouraging to know... its just that there are a couple of people that have the original version who say that it is better in their opinion to the newer one

 

[Banfi T.]

"it sounds very amazing

"

Indeed. But that's was what I and the others heard (including the owner of the HD-600). I guess I should also mention here, that I owned a HD-600 for more then a year too, so I know how it sounds. The amp was an AD797 opamps based circuit with a class A Single Ended non-feedback output stage.

 

[Andrea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaZZ No way! Although I didn't have comparable setup and no headphone amp then and it's way too long ago to really compare, I found the old DT 880 a bit harsh and scratchy, whereas the new one is silky-smooth, brilliant and has the finer resolution.

Ah, what a relief.

No, seriously, old phones sound like old phones, new phones hopefully like new phones...

 

[NeilPeart]

I've heard all 4 cans in question and owned the "new" DT880 for several months. I'll place them in order of preference:

1. DT880 250ohm
2. DT990 600ohm
3. DT990 250ohm
4. DT880 600ohm

I never liked the DT880 600ohm (it always sounded so grainy), especially compared to the new model (they also look drastically different). Of course my impressions of the DT880/600 are from a meet, but I did give it some quality time with great associated equipment. Perhaps it grows on you, but I still preferred the new DT880/250 at every turn. The DT990 is another story. The "new" DT990/250 sounds decent, with strong bass and decent midrange, but it is indeed somewhat incoherent, IMO. It really does sound like a DT770/250 with a larger soundstage and muddier mid-bass. The old DT990/600 is actually a terrific headphone. While it's probably the darkest Beyer I've ever heard it was so smooth and resolving. I would even say that for certain pieces I prefer the DT990/600 to any other Beyer and even my HD650. That said, I still find the new DT880 to be the better headphone and Beyer's best (and I prefer the HD650 to them all). If you can find the DT990/600 and enjoy a dark, creamy presentation give it a shot, but if you want some more resolution and a brighter sound the "new" DT880 is the ticket. Or if you simply want a better headphone altogether the HD650 is still around...

I keeeeed, I keeeeed.

EDIT: Some quick thoughts...

Think of the DT931 (another great Beyer 'phone) on the brightest end of the Beyer spectrum and the DT990/600 on the darkest end; the new DT880 resides somewhere in the middle.

 

[Andrea]

Neil, I'd appreciate hearing your opinion too ... do you think it's a good idea to have a DT880 when I have and love the HD650? That is, are they 'complementary' in some way?

 

[Capt. Z]

I also have an old DT 880/600 ohm and the old DT 990/600 ohm.

I personally prefer my modded DT 990/600 over the 880/600. To me the 990/600 is much more neutral.

Neil, if your DT990/600 is too dark, than your earpads are worn and/or your ears are too close to the driver.

BTW, I would not mind trading my DT 880/600 for another good headphone.
I do have a picture available.

 

[JaZZ]

I also liked the old DT 990 better (more refined, less scratchy) which replaced my then DT 880. Unfortunately my unit had a slight channel imbalance I couldn't get over once knew about it so I sold it.

 

[bigears]

The Current Beyer DT880
is 250 ohms
non coiled
single corded.