[spinali]

I think the basic differences between the DT880s come close to this:

- Pre-2003: seen pictures of a very retro version, quite different from the newer models
- 2003: initially came in a metal box, then later in a leather bag; headband wrapped in leather, flat aluminum back
- Pro - 2005 250 ohms: comes with slightly rounded back, has DT880 Pro label, no customization or Manufaktur

- 2005 32 ohms: fully rounded back, looks like unmodified Manufaktur, leather case
- 2005 250 ohms; fully rounded back, looks like unmodified Manufaktur, leather case
- 2005 600 ohms: fully rounded back, looks like unmodified Manufaktur, leather case
- 2005 32, 250, and 600 ohms, fully rounded back, colors and some materials can be modified through Manufaktur, leather case

I've read different reactions about these phones. My main questions relate to the differences:
1. Which seems to be preferred here, the DT880 Pro, the 32, or 600 ohm version?
2. Has anyone been able to evaluate the pre-2003 model and compare it to later versions?
3. What are the sound differences, if any between the different ohm variants?

Thanks!

 

[clarinetman]

Also wanting to know.

 

[spinali]

The reason we'd like to have more info is that, currently, there are several threads here on the DT880 - each enthusiastic about their specific sub-model. Have a few users been able to unravel the confusing differences and come up with some conclusions?

 

[Necrolic]

1. The DT880 Pro is worse than any of the non-pro 32/250/600 ohm models. Generally 600 ohm is going to be the best if you have good enough equipment to support it, followed by 250, then 32. The 2005 model is best.

2. From what I've heard the 2005 is superior.

3. I have not heard all 3 side by side, but the overall SQ improves as the impedance increases. It's not a different sound, just better. The 32 ohm is slightly brighter than the 250 which is slightly brighter than the 600.

 

[majkel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1. The DT880 Pro is worse than any of the non-pro 32/250/600 ohm models.

Oh, really? I had an opportunity to compare directly DT880 Pro and DT880 Edition 2005, both the same model year, and it was obvious for me I like the Pro version more. music_man will tell you the DT880 Pro is superior to both Edition and 600 ohm version. This kind of rating makes no sense. We need descriptive comparisons, not personal rankings based on preference. I think at least one thread comparing 2003 and 2005 models exists in this forum. I remember reading it when I was hesitating which DT880 version to buy in late 2007.

 

[eruditass]

From my understanding, the Pro versions are clamped tighter and have a more compressed soundstage.

Also, music_man was unsure as to whether his version had 600 ohm drivers or 250 ohm drivers, where previous Pro versions had 250 ohm I believe.

 

[chinesekiwi]

The general consensus is that the higher the ohmage, the better it is in terms of Beyerdynamics.

600 ohm DT880 vs. others.
My first post is versus the '03 DT880.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/bey...thread-429371/

All use different drivers.

 

[MomijiTMO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoomzDayz /img/forum/go_quote.gif From my understanding, the Pro versions are clamped tighter and have a more compressed soundstage.

Anyone care to comment on this?

I'm totally confused as to which to buy. Sorry Chinesekiwi, the 600 ohm can is out due to amp issues, regardless of how much better it sounds

 

[chinesekiwi]

Depends on the amp tbh. I've got a powerful amp and tbh, I didn't need to turn it up on the volume knob anymore than I did with the '03 DT880 I had.

 

[eruditass]

higher impedance = lower load, easier to drive, and less affected by impedance issues with amps.

The only thing it could limit is the maximum volume.

 

[logwed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoomzDayz /img/forum/go_quote.gif higher impedance = lower load, easier to drive, and less affected by impedance issues with amps. The only thing it could limit is the maximum volume.

Yep, the amp doesn't need to supply as much current to high-impedance headphones. However, the voltage swing needs to be greater to produce equivalent volume.

 

[Necrolic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by majkel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh, really? I had an opportunity to compare directly DT880 Pro and DT880 Edition 2005, both the same model year, and it was obvious for me I like the Pro version more. music_man will tell you the DT880 Pro is superior to both Edition and 600 ohm version. This kind of rating makes no sense. We need descriptive comparisons, not personal rankings based on preference. I think at least one thread comparing 2003 and 2005 models exists in this forum. I remember reading it when I was hesitating which DT880 version to buy in late 2007.

So you prefer more uncomfortable (common opinion) headphones with a garbage soundstage and even more sibilant highs than the stock DT880s?

If you compare the amount of people who prefer the 250/600 ohm models to the Pro, you'll find it's massively in favor of the 250/600.

 

[clarinetman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1. The DT880 Pro is worse than any of the non-pro 32/250/600 ohm models. Generally 600 ohm is going to be the best if you have good enough equipment to support it, followed by 250, then 32. The 2005 model is best. 2. From what I've heard the 2005 is superior. 3. I have not heard all 3 side by side, but the overall SQ improves as the impedance increases. It's not a different sound, just better. The 32 ohm is slightly brighter than the 250 which is slightly brighter than the 600.

Quote:

Originally Posted by majkel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh, really? I had an opportunity to compare directly DT880 Pro and DT880 Edition 2005, both the same model year, and it was obvious for me I like the Pro version more. music_man will tell you the DT880 Pro is superior to both Edition and 600 ohm version. This kind of rating makes no sense. We need descriptive comparisons, not personal rankings based on preference. I think at least one thread comparing 2003 and 2005 models exists in this forum. I remember reading it when I was hesitating which DT880 version to buy in late 2007.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif So you prefer more uncomfortable (common opinion) headphones with a garbage soundstage and even more sibilant highs than the stock DT880s? If you compare the amount of people who prefer the 250/600 ohm models to the Pro, you'll find it's massively in favor of the 250/600.

Still haven't gotten much from this. I'll be getting the DT880 soon and just need to know what years/models are superior.

 

[spinali]

That would be great. I've always liked the sound of the DT880, but the variance among models has left many users confused. The real question will come when the new T1 is released, and we get a chance to do some comparisons between models.