Upgrading from Sony MDR-V700DJ. Thinking about Byer Beyerdynamic DT-770 or Grado SR80

[fairlight]

Hello all, im not a total noob, just a noob to this forum

Anyways, I've had my SONY MDR-V700DJ for about a year now, and was really content for them when I first purchased them. After breaking into them, I've realized they aren't as comfortable as I would like them to be. The sound is good, but now I want BETTER

I have been looking around for some headphones for quite some time, and reading a lot in this forum (you guys al rock btw). Here is what i'm looking for and some requirements.

- Im upgrading from Sony MDR-V700DJ, so it has be something BETTER as far as sound goes
- Around sub $200 range
- Looking for comfortable as #1 priority, then sound quality, and then structure (I tend to sometimes throw my cans on the ground a lot)

- I listen to mainly rock, vocal trance, classic rock (pink floyd/black sabbath), alternative, and sometimes hip hop
- I also use my cans to watch TVRIP (tv shows) and MOVIES (divx/xvid) a lot.


I have been thinking about upgrading to the Beyer DT-770 or the Grado SR80. The thing is, im not sure if these two cans are BETTER than the MDR-V700DJ. Also, out of those two which ones should I get? And if the DT-770, which ohms and if the 2006 version or not?

If you have reccomendations for other cans (hd850 or w/e from sennheiser) let me know. Remember, I want an upgrade from my MDR-V700DJ to the exten where I can tell it..


Thanks all

 

[fairlight]

wow.


Also the DT-880 look friggin amazin LOL

 

[MaZa]

It doesnt take much effort to be better than Sony Vx00DJ's...


Beyerdynamic DT770 has incredibly deep and strong bass and strong treble, but mids are bit recessed. Built-in classical V-curve equalisator setting you know. Wiiide soundstage. Decent amplifier is recommended to get best sound. 80ohm version is considered best, but 32ohm is good if you dont have decent amplifier.

Grados have very sharp and tight sound, especially suited for hard rock and metal. Bass is tight and fast, and mids are vibrant which gives guitars very lively sound, but bass doesnt go too deep. Not a loss in rock music though as it doesnt feast in sub-bass rumbles anyway. Also some people might find them bit piercing so listening before buying is recommended. (though this applies to EVERY headphone, really...) Almost no soundstage so it isnt good for gaming, movies nor wide music, like ambient or classical orchestra. Very efficient so it plays well enough from about any source imaginable.


DT880 is almost ruler flat and VERY detailed. Coming from Sonys you might think these have no bass at all, but they do and they go deep. Its just not pronounced. Very high quality can and can show details from music you probaply havent heard before, but because of their flatness they are quite boring perhaps. Good amplifier is definetly required to get best out of them.

 

[Skylab]

It should also be said that the DT770's are incredibly comfortable, whereas the SR80's are incredibly uncomfortable.

 

[fairlight]

thank you for your comments

What do you guys think about the DT880 for movies/tv? And also are there any different besides color from the 2006 version to the other versions?

 

[Lostlamb]

I agree, it doesn't take much to one up the Sony V700s. I have been enjoying my DT880s quite a lot. I started out with SR60s as my first headphone 12 years ago, and they are still going strong. They don't have the soundstage nor are they as detailed as my DT880 or K501.

You'll enjoy the DT880s very much. It's a very well balanced headphone.

 

[fairlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostlamb I agree, it doesn't take much to one up the Sony V700s. I have been enjoying my DT880s quite a lot. I started out with SR60s as my first headphone 12 years ago, and they are still going strong. They don't have the soundstage nor are they as detailed as my DT880 or K501. You'll enjoy the DT880s very much. It's a very well balanced headphone.

Thanks for the reply but i've also been reading that an amp is need in order to really enjoy the Dt880.

My current setup is only through the computer. I use the input jack for my Creative Lab 2.1 speaker setup to listen to music/tv/etc..

will that be a problem?

 

[khbaur330162]

Most likely yes, unless you buy the 32ohm version from Meier Audio.

 

[Lostlamb]

DT880 does improve with an amp, but I find it does just fine plugged into my cd player directly. You just won't maximize its potential as you would w/ an amp. Look on the bright side, if you get an amp, you'll have a headphone ready for you.

 

[fairlight]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lostlamb DT880 does improve with an amp, but I find it does just fine plugged into my cd player directly. You just won't maximize its potential as you would w/ an amp. Look on the bright side, if you get an amp, you'll have a headphone ready for you.

quick noob question:

how would i hook up an amp from my computer? I ONLY listen to music/tv/movies via my computer (sound card)......

so shall i get the 32ohm version? i basically want to listen to music/tv/movies

if there are other headphones you would recommend, please let me know...

thank you all

 

[Lostlamb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairlight quick noob question: how would i hook up an amp from my computer? I ONLY listen to music/tv/movies via my computer (sound card)...... so shall i get the 32ohm version? i basically want to listen to music/tv/movies if there are other headphones you would recommend, please let me know... thank you all

Take the line out source from your computer and plug it into the RCA input on the amp. You'll need a mini to RCA cable to accomplish this.

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-ma...mic-dt-880.php

This above link might help.

 

[redshifter]

without an amp you may enjoy the sr60 more.

with an amp get the sr125. it's the sony sound done right.

 

[nothing101]

Just to let you know grados ARE NOT uncumfortable. They are only this way if you dont bend the headband. The worst they are is a bit insecure on the head cause they DONT HAVE ENOUGH GRIP ON YOU HEAD. ehem This is not a problem for the plastic grados but i dont like it at all when the grados are made of metal and weigh 2kg.

As for sq i would say that you should get the sr225. That is probably gonna be my first grado.

 

[Meyvn]

Honestly, I can only echo the other posters; having owned some in the same series, and hearing the MDR-V700DJs, their SQ is quite easy to beat; the Koss KSC75 (don't be fooled, it's AMAZING, especially for the price) wipes the floor with it, and it just goes up from there. In your price range, I'd say a pair of used Grado SR225 are a great buy, as are the Beyer DT990 (or DT990 Pro). I don't particularly like the DT770, but if you're a basshead, maybe they'd be your thing. Haven't heard the DT880, but it's reputed to have sort of harsh highs, so it doesn't sound my style. I'd go for the Sennheiser HD580 used + a cheap amp (a PA2V2 or Little Dot Micro+ will do, 50 bucks or so) for both great comfort and soudn that'll completely blow you away compared to what you've got now.

 

[Skylab]

Well, let's leave it at this - there are lots of people for whom Grados are too uncomfortable to wear, tricks with the headband or no, and Beyers are so incredibly comfortable you could wear them all day. I have never seen anyone say that Grados even came close to matching the comfort of a DT770/880/990, and I very much doubt I ever will.

It just depends how big an issue comfort is. For some it matters little, for others (like me), it matters a lot. I prefer the DT770 to the SR80 anyway, but I know that many will prefer the sound of the SR80's (which I owned long ago).