Which can is objectively better, the dt880 or the dt990?

[ThePolishPaczki]

If you EQ'd the can to your liking, say more bass on the dt880, and less brightness on the dt990, which would be the nicer sounding can?

 

[MorrisL]

Definitely the 990 due to the amazing sound stage and separation... The highs on the 990 are easily address with some felt placed in front of the drivers.

 

[ThePolishPaczki]

I'm gonna be running an fiio f17k so it has an onboard EQ, if I EQ the highs off the dt990 it'll sound better than the dt880?

 

[MorrisL]

no do

I'm gonna be running an fiio f17k so it has an onboard EQ, if I EQ the highs off the dt990 it'll sound better than the dt880?

No doubt about it. Just take care of that mountain peak and you'll be in heaven. Don't be afraid to open up and cut out some felt material for the drivers. Then you won't need to eq.

 

[Tsukuyomi]

i would have to say the DT990. i tried a pair long time ago at a store and i got to EQ them with a DAP i was demoing. and they sounded nice, really took well to user adjustment. however, i like listening to headphones as they are and not playing with their sound signature.
*cough*DT1990Pro*cough* <333

 

[PurpleAngel]

If you EQ'd the can to your liking, say more bass on the dt880, and less brightness on the dt990, which would be the nicer sounding can?

The DT880 is fairly well balanced sound and slightly bright.
The DT990 is strong bass/treble, which over shadows the mids, but the mids are clear.
Check out the Soundmagic HP200 headphones they are like an improved DT990.

 

[SonyFan121]

Definitely the DT990. Great soundstage (perfect for watching movies), strong but not dominating bass, great mid's and clear, accurate treble. I don't like to EQ headphones, DT990 is one of those headphones that I would say is perfect without EQ. DT880 however may take some time to get used to..

 

[PurpleAngel]

Definitely the DT990. Great soundstage (perfect for watching movies), strong but not dominating bass, great mid's and clear, accurate treble. I don't like to EQ headphones, DT990 is one of those headphones that I would say is perfect without EQ. DT880 however may take some time to get used to..

I do agree the DT990 can sound like a movie theater
I own both the DT990 250-Ohm and DT990 600-Ohm, to me the 250-Ohm's bass comes across as a little crude/bloated, where as the 600-Ohm has a better controlled bass,
but a 600-Ohm headphone (to me) is not that practical, as it does best with an tube headphone amplifier and it's good for plugging into receiver.
The easier to drive 250-Ohm version is more practical for the average user.
I have the (32-Ohm) Soundmagic HP200 headphones, which to me is a bit of a cross between the DT990 and DT880, so to me the HP200 is a better choice, over the DT990.

 

[H T T]

I bought the 880 instead of the 990. That is my answer. I am not a big fan of the “smile” FR. I’m using my 880 for music creating and analyzing my works, not sitting back and “just” relaxing and listening to other people’s works.