[Jodet]

In just a few minutes I can find at least SEVEN Beyer headphones that are based on two models, the 880 and the 980.

Price doesn't help. They are almost about the same price. I would normally assume the 980 is a 'step up' from the 880, but the price is the same. ???

Next, we have the 32ohm, 250ohm, and 600ohm controversy. Why three choices for the same phone? Is it to match an amp, or do the different models sound different?

Any comments on sorting this all out would be appreciated. For starters I'm really curious about why there's an 880 and a 980 at the same price. ???

 

[32y0]

Did you mean 990 instead of 980?
Anyways; the 990 isn't considered as a step up from the 880, they are just different headphones.
The 250ohm version are the 'normal' most available version of both headphones, the 32ohm version is designed to be driven by weaker/portable sources and the 600ohm version is considered to sound best of the three, but you'll need a powerful amp to drive them.
Also, the DT880 is a semi-open headphone while the DT990 is a open headphone.

I hope this helps a little.

 

[Jodet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 32y0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Did you mean 990 instead of 980? Anyways; the 990 isn't considered as a step up from the 880, they are just different headphones. The 250ohm version are the 'normal' most available version of both headphones, the 32ohm version is designed to be driven by weaker/portable sources and the 600ohm version is considered to sound best of the three, but you'll need a powerful amp to drive them. Also, the DT880 is a semi-open headphone while the DT990 is a open headphone. I hope this helps a little.

That helps A LOT, thank you. And it makes perfect sense now about the different impedances. Since I'm thinking of something like a Purity Audio Caliente, a Shanling PH100, or maybe a Head-Direct EF1 (on sale now for $299), I guess I'm a 600ohm guy.

Open vs semi-open....I'll have to read up on that.....

 

[specto]

Ya, just make sure your amp is good for very high impedance phones.

 

[priest]

Just pick one randomly and see what you get. That's what I did. I'm still not even sure what I have.

 

[fhuang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodet /img/forum/go_quote.gif That helps A LOT, thank you. And it makes perfect sense now about the different impedances. Since I'm thinking of something like a Purity Audio Caliente, a Shanling PH100, or maybe a Head-Direct EF1 (on sale now for $299), I guess I'm a 600ohm guy. Open vs semi-open....I'll have to read up on that.....

i remember trying dt990 pro(250 ohm, previous version) with shanling ph300. i really like it. it can handle the 250ohm ok so i suggest you get the 250ohm version, unless you plan to upgrade your amp later.

 

[donthuang]

In my opinion, DT990 better than DT880

but at least you need a very high gain and low distortion amp (around 2xdB) to release the true dynamic of this monster headphone .

 

[Misora]

I've tried the DT990 manufaktur (600 ohm), the DT880 PRO (250 ohm), and the DT880 manufaktur (600 ohm + Moon Audio split entry mod + silver dragon cable).

To me, the DT990's sounded muddy, almost as if someone was holding a towel in front of the speaker. The DT880 PRO's were much clearer than the DT990's, but weak on the bass and definitely have a slight to moderate mechanical sound to them. The DT880 manufaktur (600 ohm) is definitely the winner, IMO. They sound more detailed and are clearer than the DT880 PRO's, and they're definitely smoother by a extremely noticeable amount. They also do not lack the bass that the DT880 PRO's seem to lack. As a comparison, they seem to beat my AKG K702's w/ Moon Audio Blue Dragon cabling in overall clarity (speech sounds the best with the K702's in my opinion)--in smoothness/enjoyability, they win hands down.

If you're going for hip hop, the DT990's may be the best bet since they have the strongest of the bass. Although personally, I'd look to other brands for hip hop. But if you're listening to classical or pop, I would go the 600 ohm DT880 route. I also recommend Moon Audio for your beyerdynamic needs, as I've had a pretty good time with them.

Hopefully this helps.