New Beyerdynamic T1 (2nd Generation)

[Condocondor]

Put my T1 second gen. up for sale on the forum.  The T5p sound just about as good, is more efficient, and is more practical being closed cans.

 

[Naim.F.C]

  Put my T1 second gen. up for sale on the forum.  The T5p sound just about as good, is more efficient, and is more practical being closed cans.

 
Try the T1.1's. I bought a pair of T1.2's and ended up returning them, as I found they simply did not compare as well to my T1.1's in terms of overall sound. Rather than post from memory, I'll just paste what I had typed up several months ago, for what was supposed to be my comparison review lol.
 
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Naim.F.C | Beyerdynamic T1 original vs T1 2nd Generation 


 
Sonic differences, detail retrieval. 
 
So how do the T1.2's fair sonically? Well, naturally they are actually similar sounding to the T1.1's, however there are definitely some noticeable differences in how they both sound.
 
The most apparent difference overall is that the newer second generation model is slightly less open sounding, and a little less airy and detailed overall. I generally find it a touch harder to separate instruments and different sounds with as much precision as I can with my old T1.1's. Instead, with the T1.2's things sound ever so slightly more congested and intimate. I can't tell you exactly what causes this, though if I had to guess, it could be a combination of more subdued mids and highs, as well as a tiny bit more sub bass quantity, but after doing A/B comparisons with dozens and dozens of tracks, it was something I noticed recurringly. I'd often hear more tertiary background elements and sounds in tracks with the old version T1's compared to the new version, even though if I actively sought to hear the same sound or instrument with the T1.2's, I could generally find it, just not as easily.
 
 
Sound stage
 
On rare occasion, the soundstage with the T1.2's can sound a little deeper or more encapsulating, surrounding you more spherically, however it is definitely not as wide sounding as the original T1's, and this for me personally is a negative. I prefer width over depth for these cans, as I usually like to picture myself listening to a band, or listening to music as if the artist(s) are close in-front of me but spread out horizontally, as if on a stage, rather than only the main singer in-front, and the rest of the people playing the instruments surrounding me from all sides, some even from behind me. The T1.2's make the latter slightly easier, and the former harder, whereas with the T1.1's it's the opposite. The T1.1's let you picture a wider and larger horizontal stage, where the T1.2's offer a soundstage that is a bit more intimate. Which you prefer will likely come down to subjective preference.
 
 
Bass
 
I was expecting the 2nd Generation T1's to have a noticeable bass emphasis over the originals, but in all honesty the bass is very comparable. I do feel like on occasion I can feel a tiny bit more sub bass quantity with the T1.2's, but it's only a very, very slight boost, and not really particularly noticeable or stand out. With certain tracks you'll feel an ever so slight touch more impact down low, mostly with hip hop or other tracks that have subtle b-line of low bass in the background, but I have to re-iterate the fact that the difference is minor. I think in this sense it's a missed opportunity for Beyerdynamic.
 
 
Mids and highs
 
Mids sometimes seem ever so slightly more subdued with the new version, in the sense that vocals can at times sound a little less up-front or dominant. Highs seem mostly comparable, though there is a possibility they could be a little less crisp or less defined with the T1.2's, as detail retrieval as mentioned earlier, is generally easier on the old version. Whilst both the T1.1's and T1.2's are overall smooth sounding cans (at least my copies), I actually on very rare instance, heard more sibilance with newer version when compared to the older version. I'm not sure if the new version has more of a peak somewhere in it's frequency range or not, but this might explain it. In any case, neither sounds crass or harsh, and are both smoother sounding than my HD800's. I'd imagine instances where they have sounded overly sibilant, are more a fault of the recording than the headphones themselves, especially given how rare sibilance is with either, but I do feel the T1.1's have highs of an overall slightly more consistent quality.
 
Perhaps I was lucky with my original T1.1's, as I never felt they ever needed further smoothening or tempering up top, contrary to the opinions of some others.
 
 
Other sonic pick ups.
 
One thing I noticed was that with a few tracks, male vocalists sometimes sounded more honest and realistic on the T1.2's, whilst it was female vocalists that at times sounded better on the T1.1's. Also, as mentioned earlier, when listening to the same tracks on both headphones over and over, I often felt it was easier to make out subtle background sounds and tertiary instrumentals with the T1.1's compared to the T1.2's, though I still wouldn't class the latter as lacking in detail, it just doesn't have quite the same imaging potency as the T1.1's.
 
 
Overall thoughts.
 
I'm not really sure if some of the changes with the T1.2's are necessarily positive, from the physical design differences, through to the sonic tweaks. Perhaps for those who had T1.1's that were overly sibilant or peaky, the new version will come as a Godsend. I personally never suffered these issues, and in that sense I'm not really sure the T1.2's bring much to the table, and if anything are a regression. Sacrificing a little bit of imaging, soundstage width and overall detailing, for a more intimate soundstage and a questionably smoother overall presentation, for me personally aren't enticing trade offs. The bass differences are a little too negligible to really count, which is a shame, as a slight sub bass boost is all that the original T1's ever really needed.
 
Despite feeling the second generation version of the T1's still sound excellent, and are a joy to listen to, I do still prefer the sound of my original T1's. They just seem that little bit more precise, dynamic and open sounding. Having said that, for those who love cans like the Audeze LCD's 2's etc, which tend to have warmer, smoother more intimate presentations, maybe the T1.2's will be for you? Though bare in mind, the T1.2's don't really offer the same sort of bass presence and impact the Audeze cans do, to compensate for that added intimacy and smaller soundstage, then again they do still offer slightly more dynamism and imaging comparative to the LCD2.
 
For now though, my 6 year old pair of T1.1's are still my favourite cans, even if the logo and type has faded from the sides, and the sizing adjustments have become loose, and the leather headband is a little worn. The day it kicks the bucket is a day I never want to see.

 

[kman1211]

I am getting a T1 gen 2. Friend offered a trade of my DT 1990's for her T1 Gen 2's. Should have it this Friday. 

 

[HOWIE13]

@Naim.F.C
 
Thanks for such a thorough and helpful comparison.
 
I read that the g2 was produced in response to some people finding peaky treble in the g1, but, as ever, it must depend on the rest of your kit as well of course as our ears etc, etc.
 
Unfortunately, there is a fine balance between producing lots of air and detail and risking troublesome treble. The same happened with the HD800 and 800S.
 
I went for the g2 as I have quite a lot of Classical which I find can be quite treble bright at times, especially badly recorded violins in Chamber Music, which seem to be the scourge of sound engineers.
 
Reviewers talk about headphones 'opening a window' to the sound, but for me the g2 opens up a whole room, like walking into a studio or concert hall, as the music completely engulfs me.
 
I think this is what you meant by the g2  being encapsulating. It took me by surprise the first time I used them as it was, for me, a unique experience using headphones, but since then I've read others, like yourself, experiencing this.

 

[Odin412]

  I read that the g2 was produced in response to some people finding peaky treble in the g1, but, as ever, it must depend on the rest of your kit as well of course as our ears etc, etc.

 
I had the original T1 but found the treble too bright. I sold it and replaced it with a T1.2 and I much prefer the smoother sound of the new model. I will admit that the T1.2 has lost some of the astounding transparency, 'air' and sense of 'being there' that the original T1 was capable of, but for me it's a worthy tradeoff. However, I'm very sensitive to peaky treble, so YMMV.

 

[juang1985]

Question guys...  I just ordered this... hope is legit... seems a bit too good to be true.
 
https://www.amazon.com/BeyerDynamic-Generation-Audiophile-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B01JIL1VQS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479748111&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=beyerdynamic+dynamic+t1
 
 
let me know your thoughts....

 

[juang1985]

Hello...
 
 
Just placed an order from Amazon (fulfilled by amazon Seller)  for a Beyerdynamic T1 2nd gen and BeyerDynamic A20 amplifier for 1099$   is this too good to be true?

 

[juang1985]

is a bundle if you type beyerdynamic t1 on amazon it would be the second option... it should be new.  The headphones, the amp and a case.. all for $1099...

 

[nordkapp]

is a bundle if you type beyerdynamic t1 on amazon it would be the second option... it should be new.  The headphones, the amp and a case.. all for $1099...

Congratulations. It looks legitimate. Great score.

 

[juang1985]

Thanks man...   
 
I am getting it tomorrow.... I just could not get this one by... I was debating between the T1 and the Hd800S... but when i saw this deal... it made up my mind pretty quick. 
 
If you buy the stuff separate from amazon is adds up to about 1600$  Insane deal I think.  I will get it tomorrow

 

[SHAMuuu]

  Hello...
 
 
Just placed an order from Amazon (fulfilled by amazon Seller)  for a Beyerdynamic T1 2nd gen and BeyerDynamic A20 amplifier for 1099$   is this too good to be true?

Sounds legit, the two items from amazon Canada though listed separately roughly 1400-1500 CDN which is like 1100 US

 

[juang1985]

interesting...  If i try to add the headphones from amazon and the amp separate is 1099$ plus 485$ and the case is 30$  so it adds up to over 1600$ plus tax... 

 

[juang1985]

have anyone here tried the HD800s and the T1 2nd Gen?   I am interested to see how they match up... I was leanning towards the hd800s just because im a fan of sennheisers and have had HD650s which i love...  But after i found this deal i just had to give the T1 a chance and i have heard good things about BeyerDynamic... This will be my first beyerdynamic cans

 

[jeff7742]

   
Try the T1.1's. I bought a pair of T1.2's and ended up returning them, as I found they simply did not compare as well to my T1.1's in terms of overall sound. Rather than post from memory, I'll just paste what I had typed up several months ago, for what was supposed to be my comparison review lol.
 
>
 

 
I just bought a pair of T1.1 drivers for my DT990, and they actually fit! This will be a poor man's T1. About $120 for a used like-new DT990 and $180 for the drivers, so hopefully I get near-T1.1 sound for about $300. Have to do a bit of soldering, but no biggy. I did have the T1.2 a few weeks ago and was impressed.

 

[Odin412]

  have anyone here tried the HD800s and the T1 2nd Gen?   I am interested to see how they match up... I was leanning towards the hd800s just because im a fan of sennheisers and have had HD650s which i love...  But after i found this deal i just had to give the T1 a chance and i have heard good things about BeyerDynamic... This will be my first beyerdynamic cans

 
Congratulations on your T1.2! Welcome to the Beyerdynamic club. I've heard both the T1.2 and HD800S and I like both of them. In the end I bought the T1.2 because it's quite a bit cheaper than the HD800S. Since you mention HD650 (which I also own and love) I should also in turn mention that the HD800S sounds quite a bit different from the HD650 - where the HD650 is very smooth and musical the HD800S is more open and transparent, which also means more revealing of upstream equipment and less-than-stellar recordings.