The Beyerdynamic DT880 Discussion thread

[DCofficehack]

I listen to classical on my 880 and think it's terrific. I'm tempted by the HD600, although everything I've read suggests that it's not better, just different, and I'm curious as to which my please my ears more. There's certainly nothing lacking with the 880.
 
At the other end of the spectrum, if you want to go further toward "fun" sounding, there's also the X2, which I might have bought had I known about it when I was making my decision. Another option to consider is the new Monoprice M1060, which costs more than the 880 currently does but reportedly offers a sound that otherwise one would have to spend much, much more to obtain. Might make the DT1990 seem like a poor value.

 

[ekvilibrijum1]

The thing is, being a trained classical musician, I have a habit to listen to music extra critically. That is why I am looking for "honest" and not fun headphones. Nature of the work, I suppose.

 

[DCofficehack]

I haven't heard the HD600, but it's my understanding that the HD600 is the gold standard for a neutral, monitoring headphone, with the DT880 representing something a step away from pure neutral...other cans and above all the X2 are much farther on the spectrum away from neutral toward "fun." You wouldn't regret the 880 for listening purposes, but if you want something as accurate to the recorded music as possible, the HD600 would be your best option.
 
I also have a pair of DT770s which are close in sound to the 880 but are closed...I'd recommend them highly if closed appeals. Listening to Mozart on them now  

 

[Me x3]

  I haven't heard the HD600, but it's my understanding that the HD600 is the gold standard for a neutral, monitoring headphone, with the DT880 representing something a step away from pure neutral...other cans and above all the X2 are much farther on the spectrum away from neutral toward "fun." You wouldn't regret the 880 for listening purposes, but if you want something as accurate to the recorded music as possible, the HD600 would be your best option.
 
I also have a pair of DT770s which are close in sound to the 880 but are closed...I'd recommend them highly if closed appeals. Listening to Mozart on them now  

I don't think the HD600 is that neutral. It does some things very good in the mids, but the mid bass is raised, sub bass is a bit too low, and it lacks some of the natural sparkle and treble linearity needed to be considered a golden standard. Despite being slightly bright, the DT880 Pro is more neutral/less coloured to my ears.
 
HD600 is warm and soft in the treble, it can be a very pleasant headphone for a wider range of recordings though.

 

[ekvilibrijum1]

Guys, what would be budget amp/dac for DT880 600Ohm?

Thanks!

 

[Mr Rick]

Guys, what would be budget amp/dac for DT880 600Ohm?

Thanks!

 
Basic:       Schiit Modi 2 U........$150 and Dark Voice 336SE........about $250.00
 
Upgrade:   Schiit Modi Multibit.......$250 and Schiit Valhalla 2.......$350.

 

[ekvilibrijum1]

Thank you very much!

I suppose that you would not suggest SS amp with 600Ohm?

 

[kman1211]

Thank you very much!

I suppose that you would not suggest SS amp with 600Ohm?

Pretty much any of the Lake People/Violectrics work well on the SS front for the 600 ohms.

 

[SunTanScanMan]

Thank you very much!

I suppose that you would not suggest SS amp with 600Ohm?

I'm using an SS amp with my DT880 without issues. Meier amps are well regarded on both the performance as well as price front. I find the hardware crossfeed helpful in making listening sessions more comfortable.
 
I am using the Corda Classic amp, but the Corda Jazz is also well regarded - so might be another option to consider. Their respective threads may be worth checking out. 
 
My listening is mostly classical - especially chamber works - Feel free to drop by the classical music threads if you want to chat about music
 
Best of luck 

 

[ekvilibrijum1]

What would be the thread you were talking about?
 
Thanks!

 

[SunTanScanMan]

  What would be the thread you were talking about?
 
Thanks!

Here is the Jazz thread: 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/574391/review-of-meier-audio-corda-jazz-with-technology-upgrade
 
The other threads can be found in my recent activity list here:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/u/391193/suntanscanman 
 
Cheers

 

[Headzone]

What amp do you recommend for 250 ohm model? Also do you like this DT880 model with tubes?

I'm using audio interface but it lacks power to drive the 25 ohm Beyers, where DT770-80 worked just fine

 

[D Smith]

I can highly recommend the Valhalla 2 with the 880. They work great together, great synergy. Mine uses a Schiit Modi for the DAC.

 

[TrollDragon]

What amp do you recommend for 250 ohm model? Also do you like this DT880 model with tubes?

I'm using audio interface but it lacks power to drive the 250 ohm Beyers, where DT770-80 worked just fine.

I assume I might need both a better dac and amp to really make the DT880 shine.. But I might also try using this old stereo amp for some added gritiness.

 
I drive my DT880 250's with a Little Dot MK IV, a great amp with tons of tube rolling options.

 

[Mal Waldron]

Hi all! I've the Fidelio X2 and Im interested in the DT880 for classical music. I will use with an iBasso dx50 and a Cayin C5. What do you think? 250 or 600 ohm? Thank you very much!