Beyerdynamic Headphones

[neilmistry]

I have a pair of Beyerdynamic DTX100 buds and love the sound they produce. I also have a pair of cheap hifi headphones (DT235's) which are good, but could be better. I find the Beyer sound suits my music - electronica/dance, some pop/indie and classical/soundtracks.

I've seen the DT880's and wondered if anyone has a pair and would they recommend them? Also what is the difference between the 880 Premium and the 880 Pro's?

I have a budget of anywhere between £150 and £200. Can anyone recommend any other alternatives? They will be used with my NAD Amp, NAD CD player and Logitech Squeezebox. I would also like to be able to use them with my iPod and Fiio E5 headphone amp.

TIA.

Neil.

 

[neilmistry]

Well, I decided to buy the DT 880's, which arrived yesterday - less than 24hrs from iHeadphones.co.uk (excellent service and price). I intended to have a quick listen last night and ended up spending more time with them. They are exactly as I had hoped, with a very clear and detailed sound, with enough weight but nothing over-emphasised. I'm looking forward to them being fully run-in, but so far, I'm extremely pleased!

 

[eggontoast]

I was listening to a pair of these again last week and my initial thought was they were a little bit 'warm' sounding. However, after a more extended period using various genres of music and becoming accustom to there sound my lasting impression is that they are an extremely balance and good alround headphone. At the price point I think they are a bargain..... I might even get myself a pair for the office.

 

[neilmistry]

I've had these headphones for a couple of weeks now. Obviously still burning them in, but the sound is getting better and better all the time. Certainly the bass weight is improving, giving a really nice balanced sound. They are also extremely comfortable so can be worn for extended periods.

I'm currently listening to them through my NAD C380 amp, linked up to my Squeezebox and NAD CD Player. I have the 32 Ohm version and I'm not experiencing any problems driving them but would I get any added benefit from buying a dedicated headphone amp?

 

[datay]

You shouldn't need a headphone amp to drive 32 Ohm headphones. My understanding from users comments on dedicated headphone forums is that the higher impedance models are subtly improved, and an amp is needed for them - e.g. with these kinds of headphones, compromises are made as you come down from 600 to 250 to 32 Ohms (Beyerdynamic 880s, 990s for example). So if you buy a headphone amp, you'll end up wishing you'd bought the higher impedance cans!

 

[eggontoast]

I'm currently listening to them through my NAD C380 amp

NAD C380, is that the correct number.

but would I get any added benefit from buying a dedicated headphone amp?

No, a dedicated headphone amplifier will have a different sound signature to your NAD but one would assume that since you purchased the NAD that you like the sound of it. The NAD's headphone socket will be driven via two dropper resistors off of the main power stage so is also capable of driving any impedance can from about 8ohms through to 2kohms. Don't get bogged down in impedance mismatching etc it is just smoke and mirrors.

 

[neilmistry]

Good spot, it's actually a NAD C370 - a few years old now, but I still like the sound it produces.

 

[caesar44]

I have the 32 Ohm version and I'm not experiencing any problems driving them but would I get any added benefit from buying a dedicated headphone amp?

The 32ohm version its easy to drive, yes. And you still have benefits from using one amp..improved soundstage/bass, etc.