Given that so many people, even experienced posters and reviewers, have reported that they hear little to no difference between the 250 and 600 ohm DT880s, I'd be interested to hear more detail about the differences you heard. Indeed, you seem to be indicating the two versions sound like different models, which is a whole new take on the subject.
Interesting comparison of the 880 and 560, and nice to hear the 880 does so well in such exalted company (even if only the 600 ohm version--sob). The 880 certainly does represent exception value, probably the best on the market right now--a phone at lower to mid-tier prices capable of near top tier performance under the right circumstances. However, I'm not sure that it's 1/7 the price of the 560. Surely 1/4 is closer to the mark.
Well, I wouldn't say I'm an experienced reviewer or anything close to that, but what I'm hearing is simply... impressive.
Okay, so here's the issue...
Out of the Schiit Lyr 2 (stock), the Beyer DT880 Pro 250 Ohm that I heard was brighter than my Hifiman HE-560 with Focus Pads. No question. Many others at that meet also expressed the same opinion, that the DT880 Pro 250 was brighter than the HE-560. Also soundstage was comparably smaller.
Now, I'm in the comfort of my home, with a different source chain, using the DAC of the Fostex HP-P1 with my own DIY solid-state amp, which I know like the back of my hands. The HE-560 has since been outfitted with Focus Pads A instead of the original Focus Pads, and the A pads soften the sound of the HE-560 even more, so it was even darker than how it was. But... this DT880 600 Ohm that I just picked up is even darker than this already darkened HE-560.
Amp synergy? Perhaps. I know my DIY amp has an output impedance that is ridiculously low since the output is directly from the op amp without resistors, etc... in the path. The Schiit Lyr 2 might have a higher output impedance that might have interacted with the impedance curve of the DT880 Pro 250, but... I honestly doubt that given the damping factor is still ridiculously high. And of course the HE-560 is not affected by output impedance at all... being that it's planar magnetic.
So... maybe I'm crazy, but seriously, I'd call this DT880 600 Ohm as being "dark" rather than "bright". And that's why I'm so impressed by it.
you'll have to factor that he picked up the said 880s for 120.
Deal of the year right there.
Busted? But yeah... $120 for a DT880 600 Ohm is an insane deal.
I never did like the HE500. Like listening to the London Symphony in an underground railway. Jerg probably fixed that, but I don't mod $600 headphones, even when I get them for - $$$$.
Talking about which... I think the HE-560 is a major improvement over the HE-500. It's more open, a bit brighter, and also smoother and less aggressive in the same sense. Overall refinement is simply higher.
Or... how about I compare it to the DT880?
HE-560 gives a bigger imaging, bigger soundstage, slightly more bass impact, slightly more planted and warmer vocals, cleaner sound, better instrument separation, sparklier treble, and slightly less sibilance.
Especially noticeable is the overall cleanliness of the sound. I think that's part of the reason why I feel the DT880 is so dark. The HE-560 is simply cleaner across the whole spectrum.
Even then, I think the DT880 holds its own, and in some cases I actually do prefer the DT880's fluidity over the HE-560's overly quick sound that mercilessly butchers bad recordings.