[dakanao]

 
The 600 ohm version requires a fair bit of voltage to reach optimum performance, around 6V of output. The problem is the voltage limitation on USB amplifiers providing that voltage, you really need an external power supply.

I really do not understand why everyone wants a 600 OHM headphone when they don't have any gear to drive them or they want to drive them from their phone/ipod. A 250 Ohm version would reduce the voltage requirements by half and a 32 ohm version even more.

I power my DT880 250 ohm with a FiiO E09K/E17 combo or from the Little Dot MK IV tube amplifier at the desktop. If I take them portable, I have a FiiO E12 that runs them perfectly off my DAP.

Would the HRT microstreamer drive the 250 ohm version well?
 
And how would you describe the sound of the 250 Ohm version?

 

[TrollDragon]

  Would the HRT microstreamer drive the 250 ohm version well?
 
And how would you describe the sound of the 250 Ohm version?

1. I would say that the 250 ohm version would just work, on loud recordings it would probably drive the beyers quite well maxed out. If you play any quality recordings that are not pegged at maximum on the VU's, there might not be enough volume for an enjoyable listen.

You can take the dirt bike up on to the multi lane highway if you don't mind running it wide open the whole time, with nothing extra for the big hills. Or you can get something that is made to provide the power required so you have a decent amount in reserve.
 
 
2. One of the best neutral headphones for the money. I have a little problem with the treble spikes but I just EQ them out.

Here is your best resource for comparing the "Sonic Differences" of the DT lineup.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/513393/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more

 

[bavinck]

  What usb dac/AMP would you recommend around $200?

Schiit m&m stack
O2/dac combo
 
Two good starting options.

 

[Keithpgdrb]

Tyll from inner fidelity has a nice youtube video about the differences between the ohm versions, and why the 600 ohm is the top choice.
 
Always get the best headphone you can afford.  deal with amping after you save up a little more if you need to.  Dont try to do it all at once just to save a few bucks.

 

[perhapss]

  @perhapss well IMHO I think DT880 is pretty neutral and detailed. Again like I said, the last time I heard X2 I didn't own an amp, also it was half a year (at least) ago. So I could be wrong.

Just curious!
 
The dt880 has been my favorite headphone for some time and I favor it to MANY more expensive headphones.

 

[perhapss]

  Always get the best headphone you can afford. 
 

 
 
I hope you`re not implying that the more money you spend the better the headphone you get because IMO MANY headphones are WAY overpriced.

 

[MarcoGV]

 

  What usb dac/AMP would you recommend around $200?

Schiit m&m stack
O2/dac combo
 
Two good starting options.

I have not experienced nearly as many amplifiers and dacs as others have, so please take this suggestion with a grain of salt. You may get a Dragonfly to use as DAC and an O2 or Magni as amplifier. You can then use the Dragonfly either (1) as a DAC with the O2 or Magni at home or in the office, or (2) as a portable DAC/amp for mobile applications.  My setup is Dragonfly (v 1.0) plus (Mayflower) O2, and I am very pleased with it.  I would not recommend the Dragonfly alone for the DT880 as a main option.

 

[GoodGucciGoo]

   
 
I hope you`re not implying that the more money you spend the better the headphone you get because IMO MANY headphones are WAY overpriced.

I'm curious how the marketing people mark the price of these headphones

 

[dakanao]

 
I have not experienced nearly as many amplifiers and dacs as others have, so please take this suggestion with a grain of salt. You may get a Dragonfly to use as DAC and an O2 or Magni as amplifier. You can then use the Dragonfly either (1) as a DAC with the O2 or Magni at home or in the office, or (2) as a portable DAC/amp for mobile applications.  My setup is Dragonfly (v 1.0) plus (Mayflower) O2, and I am very pleased with it.  I would not recommend the Dragonfly alone for the DT880 as a main option.

So I can be able to use the Schiit Magni as an amp with the DAC of the Microstreamer to power the DT880 600 ohm well?

 

[xkonfuzed]

Has anyone tried pairing the DT880's with any of Garage1217's products? I'm looking to get a Polaris and I'm curious as to how the Beyers synergize.

 

[dakanao]

Are the earcups of the DT880 large and deep enough for ears that stick out a bit?

 

[TrollDragon]

  So I can be able to use the Schiit Magni as an amp with the DAC of the Microstreamer to power the DT880 600 ohm well?

I think the Magni 2 would be sufficient to do what you need inexpensively, to power the 600 ohms versions well I would recommend an Asgard 2.
 
To make them really shine a Valhalla 2, Little Dot MK IV or a Bottlehead Crack would be the recommendation, beyers and tubes go together like PB&J.

 
 

 

[perhapss]

  @perhapss well IMHO I think DT880 is pretty neutral and detailed. Again like I said, the last time I heard X2 I didn't own an amp, also it was half a year (at least) ago. So I could be wrong.

 
The X2 does`t need any particularly special amplification.
If you get a chance to demo it with a variety of sources and amplification (without an audiophile "expert" with you to point out what you`re missing 

) I`m willing to bet you will agree with me.
Speaking of overpriced, don`t even get me started regarding the overpriced amplification (IMO) in the market.
 
After spending some time with it I think the x2 is a nifty headphone though. It`s quite forgiving of sources, relatively easy to drive, fun and musical IMO.
 
I personally prefer the dt880. I generally (but not always) prefer the unforgiving virtues of detail and neutrality in sound reproduction though.

 

[xkonfuzed]

  Are the earcups of the DT880 large and deep enough for ears that stick out a bit?

No, your ears will probably touch the drivers. If that bothers you it might be a problem. 

 

[bavinck]

No, your ears will probably touch the drivers. If that bothers you it might be a problem. 

That's true, but the drivers are highly pads and comfy. Mine touch the drivers, but it is still the most comfy headphone I own.