[maxxy]

Hi all,

My DT880 2005 are borked from falling too many times on the floor (doh). I'm interested in getting a new set of cans that have the same signature/comfort as the DT880. What is considered a step up? I have the Little Dot Mk3 with the default tubes (am also looking to upgrade the tubes, are the ones that come with the MK4 SE a significant upgrade?).

I don't want overpowering bass as this causes fatigue in the long run. I like the emphasized treble and the great soundstage.

Thanks alot

maxxy

PS: Anyone know where I can buy replacement items for the DT880 such as drivers/plastic parts?

 

[CDBacklash]

If you really like the 880 you could always get a 600 ohm which is said to be all that and more.
IMO you will be hardpressed to find a direct upgrade to any headphone bar the AD700 other than the phone itself.

 

[maxxy]

I will check out the DT880 600ohm. I thought the SA5000 is more of a direct upgrade to the DT880 or am I mistaken?

 

[kool bubba ice]

Interms of upgrade..
DT48
followed by the SA5000. The DT880 600 is another option if you really like the sound.

 

[CDBacklash]

IMO the SA5000 doesnt sound much like the 250 2005 880, but sounds more like the ER4P (but still sounds very different). I only trialed the SA5k for about an hour with an ABC test between the 880 i am borrowing, and the ER4 I own and to be honest i prefered the 880 and er4. Both of them sound more euphonic IMO (which is why I am currently borrowing the 880)
Then again, I have pretty awkward ears.

 

[Donald North]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxxy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi all, My DT880 2005 are borked from falling too many times on the floor (doh). I'm interested in getting a new set of cans that have the same signature/comfort as the DT880. What is considered a step up? I have the Little Dot Mk3 with the default tubes (am also looking to upgrade the tubes, are the ones that come with the MK4 SE a significant upgrade?). I don't want overpowering bass as this causes fatigue in the long run. I like the emphasized treble and the great soundstage. Thanks alot maxxy PS: Anyone know where I can buy replacement items for the DT880 such as drivers/plastic parts?

Beyer offers replacement service parts for their headphones. I found this info on their site for Israel:

MAROM Muscial Instruments Ltd.
Udi Marom
Responsible for: Israel
Music & Performance, Broadcast, Studio, Video & Production, Consumer Products
D'mall 1, Jabotinsky
52520 Ramat-Gan
Israel
Phone: +972 3 612 4466
Fax: +972 3 612 4747
udimaron[at]actcom.co.il

If you want to replace them and love the sound of the 250 ohm version, then I suggest getting another pair. The 600 ohm version does sound different (vocals set back in the mix with less presence/immediacy, less sibilance and top octave air) which you may or may not prefer. I personally prefer the sound of the 250 ohm version. Another option is HD800 but you will need to spend much more $$$.

 

[apatN]

Thomann.de also sells a lot of Beyer parts. I am not sure about shipping to Isreal though...

FWIW, I also heard that the SA5000 is the step up from the DT880s. I will not recommend them though for I haven't listened to them. I am interested in what people recommend here, so x2.

 

[boomy3555]

Same general sound Sig.??? Denon AHD5k's, Ultrasone pro900's, and Sennheiser HD650 (in That Order).

"Flatter" more reference quality Sig.? AT ath-a900's, AKG 702's, Grados.SR series. ( Again.. In that order)

 

[maxxy]

First of all, thanks for all your replies

@kool bubba: I have been eyeing the DT48 because its price is good and available in europe. Is the 25ohm version good? Is it comfortable?

@CDBacklash: I have never heard the ER4P. How would you say they differ from the DT880 (SA5000)?

@Donald North: I called them already

The price of the repairs would cost me almost half the price of a new DT880. Regarding the HD800, I don't like the Sennheiser HD* sound. Too warm. I like clean and analytical like the DT880.

@apatN: I previously bought these can's from thomann. They don't sell drivers or plastics only the regular pads/headbands.

@boomy3555: I haven't listened to the Denon/Ultrasone, but how would you say the HD650 is the same general sound signature as the DT880? Both are very different. I was looking at the AKG 702 but if the DT880 is bass thin and the AKG 702 even more so then I guess this is not for me. Bass is fatiguing but you need a *bit* of it

Thanks!

 

[boomy3555]

Sennheisers HD650's still had a more forward bass and as you can see, I put them last on the list of three. The 702's a deff. bass lacking compared to the Beyers, Denons, US, or Senns. But AKG has veen renowned for decades with thier "Reference" quality studio monitor headphones. They are still the "staple" of the studio gear.

 

[pataburd]

SA5000 will sacrifice expansiveness and bass response compared to the DT880, but will give you speed and detail that the Beyers cannot. Overall, I find the DT880/2003 more versatile and balanced. Would still like to audition the DT48 and the DT880/600 ohm . . . someday. : )

 

[Donald North]

I would say the MDR-R10 is an upgrade

 

[tintin47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donald North /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would say the MDR-R10 is an upgrade

Why didn't I think of that one? Maybe an HE-90 also.

 

[CDBacklash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxxy /img/forum/go_quote.gif @CDBacklash: I have never heard the ER4P. How would you say they differ from the DT880 (SA5000)? Thanks!

The ER4P compared to the 250 ohm 880 has a slightly stronger mids presence and is a lot faster. The soundstage is also a lot smaller (almost all inside your head bar for extreme left/right).
I'm thinking of grabbing a 600 ohm 880 by the end of the month (should get here sometime in july) so I wont be able to comment until then.
Coming from a fullsized can you might be unimpressed with the ER4 though (as I believe canalphones give a different experience to a fullsize)

 

[maxxy]

I have decided to probably get me another DT880 (250ohm, as I don't see a reason to spend more on the 600ohm version). Was wondering if there's a SS amp that is recommended to go with the DT880? I don't mind the treble too much. I would like something that will bring out the bass + soundstage. Thanks