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Equipment Denon DVD 2900 --> G&W T2A --> DT880

- DT880¡¦s resolution is so high, to such an extent that my friends complain about it forcing one into analyzing rather than listening music. I do not have this problem so it¡¦s more about personal preference.

- DT880 lacks bass impact which is a very serious drawback for many audiophiles so I would not rate the bass score so much higher that HD600.

- The soundstage is quite "unreal". Sometimes it¡¦s larger than actual recordings and I can hear the singer being "pushed back" (e.g. Rebecca Pidgeon Retrospective SACD).

- It is one of the most comfortable headphones available. Though when wearing a pair of glasses, W1000 can edge it out.

I have added a mini score on how the headphones perform through my Gameboy Advance, to show how easy it can be driven. 8)

GBA score for DT880 : forget about it, can¡¦t hear a thing

The Beyerdynamic DT880 is perhaps the lowest priced truly high-end headphone on the market today, making it an immense bargain for the savvy headphone shopper. Though hardly perfect soundwise, it can hold its' own against far more expensive headphones, and will likely last longer to boot.

The DT880's frequency response is quite neutral, with only a slight peak in the lower treble. This makes for a lively an open and revealing listen, however it is more forgiving of sub-par recordings than some competitors. The treble is nicely extended with little roll-off, and despite the aforementioned peak, is quite smooth, only barely emphasizing sibilance.

The increased treble extension compared to the Sennheiser HD650 makes for an airier, lighter sound, especially combined with the DT880's bass, which is not quite as forceful and omnipresent. The 880 has very good bass extension, however the flatter response doesn't make for quite the impact of the Sennheiser, though it does make for a cleaner, tighter bass that can be just as enjoyable.

The midrange of the DT880 follows form, in that it is quite ruler-flat, perhaps to the point of sounding slightly dry and uninvolving. This is not to say the DT880's midrange is undesirable, just that it will take a specific preference to appreciate.

The DT880's soundstage is a bit more open than that of the HD650, with a better sense of what is going on at the edges; however it is not quite enough of an upgrade to merit an additional rating point.

Beyerdynamic, more than any of the other large headphone manufacturers, knows how to build headphones that appear ready to withstand Armageddon, and the DT880 is no exception. Between the numerous metal parts, and easy user-replacement-oriented design, the DT880 might just last longer than its owner. It is also a superbly comfortable headphone, with super-soft velour pads and low clamping force.

The DT880 is without a doubt in my mind currently the best band for the buck in high-end headphones. Though there are certainly many headphones which can best it soundwise, they do so by a fairly narrow margin, and at a much higher cost. Though the DT880's sound signature is certainly not to the preference of all, it is not hard to appreciate either, and should not dissuade a potential buyer from trying them.

My ratings:
Bass Extension: 8
Bass Impact: 6
Bass Quality: 8
Mids Quality: 7
Highs Quality: 7
Soundstage: 7
Detail: 7
Portability: 3
Isolation: 0
Comfort: 9
Durability: 9
Improvement with Amplification: 9
Value for the Money: 9

This version of the DT880 may be one of the better headphone values. Its flat aluminum grill may not be as impressive as the 2005 model, the original did come with the aluminum case; if you're buying this used, it's a nice accessory to have. Truly stereophile, this may be the star in the Beyer line-up. Reading thrillmetoo's remarks, I'm taken aback on how close our basic reactions are.

- The DT880 is one of the more comfortable headphones I've sampled. The soft velour doesn't accumulate too much heat, and the pressure is just about right, even without adjustment.

- The sound is enjoyable, but unique. Perhaps its most appealing feature is its spacious soundstage; while ideal for classical, even rockin' tracks gain their own grand appeal. At the same time, this headphone lacks the sparkle and creamy texture of, say, the K701. Its analytic style may leave you feeling a bit cold.

- The DT880 bass is also unique - not warm like the Grado SR225, but accurate and well-extended in their own way. For me, however, they seem a bit "monochromatic," as if the color in musical textures weren't fully rendered.

I wanted to love them. I really did. But it never happened. I like them, I appreciate them, no doubt, but I wouldn’t call it love.
Lots of people recommend these as the ultimate in revealing, flat headphones that do nothing wrong. And I agree to some extend. Furthermore, they are sturdy, beautiful and very comfortable, even during long listening sessions. But in the end, they do no magic and are not entertaining.
If you’re into analyzing music, this is your tool. That may be a nice job, but I want to enjoy my music. These are too sterile to be fun: lows don’t slam, mids are too dry, highs are clean but too pronounced.
Only till I started using an equalizer, I changed my mind (I wanted to sell them). Because they are so good. Because I need a benchmark (though I don’t know why). Because I think they’re beautiful and are exactly what I feel headphones should look like. I was very anxious about the new editions (2005), but no reviewer here or elsewhere has been able to convince me they are more fun. As I said earlier: I like them, I appreciate them, no doubt, but I wouldn’t call it love.
BTW: eq. settings are: approx. +3 dB at 2 kHz, -4 dB at 8 kHz.

With that in mind, I still think they are great, but I would like to have the opportunity to rate ‘likeability’.

My ratings:
Bass Extension: 8
Bass Impact: 5
Bass Quality: 7
Mids Quality: 5
Highs Quality: 7
Soundstage: 7
Detail: 8
Portability: 3
Isolation: 2 (I was forced in rating N/A, but these cans do isolate a bit better than real open ones)
Comfort: 9
Durability: 9
Improvement with Amplification: 5
Value for the Money: 9

I have the Cardas recabled version which provides more of everything that everyone else has described. The sound is so detailed. Those instruments that were hidden behind others in the past are now there showing why they were arranged to be behind the primary sound. This provides more depth than any other headphone I have heard. The base and treble are extended and smooth at the same time. I am sure that more pricey headphones could sound better but I can not now say how.

Latest update was a comparison between the various headphones that I have reviewed with an attempt to bring all my reviews into a reasonable level.

The 880s are probably the best deal in headphones out there. They are truly high end and walk a perfect line between accuracy and musicality. Build and comfort are top notch a well. After listening to these you start to realize how coloured almost all other phones are and they truly embarrass most sub-$2000 loudspeakers. I cannot recommend these highly enough.

These are some very nice headphones. The sound signature is very reminiscent of the HD580/600. However, when compared directly to the HD580, the DT880 has more bass extension, as well as more extended and present highs. The mids are also more detailed and realistic, as well as a tad sweeter overall. I never really understood what people meant by the "Sennheiser veil" until I heard these cans and then tried to go back to the HD580. The DT880 seems so much clearer and more detailed that it's not even funny. To me, the HD580 sounds muffled by comparison. Comfort is top notch. I can say with confidence that the DT880 is the most comfortable pair of headphones I've ever owned.

Beware, though, that these cans need an amp. You're crazy to even try to use these without one.

Coming from the Sennheiser HD580 (I've also owned HD600 for over a year) the DT-880 are a solid upgrade, in my opinion. Significantly more detailed than the Senns, yet not so detailed as to detract from the music. If anything, this brand of detail tends to bring out recording hall cues and such, resulting in as close to "live" experience as I've ever gotten from a pair of headphones.

Soundstage/headstage is also among the best I've ever heard. Bass extension is remarkable -- according to Headroom frequency graphs it's basically flat down to 20 Hz, which you just don't commonly find with headphones. Fortunately or unfortunately, the bass is airy, tasteful and not too impactful, which lessens their likeability with dance music genres but certainly doesn't hurt in the classical/acoustic category.

I am still learning about these headphones after over a month of ownership. They are chameleons, and sound like a different pair of cans with every recording. Unlike many headphones which impose their own sonic signature on the music (including HD580/600), the DT880 takes on the character of the gear and recording. This puts them squarely into the "top dog" category in my opinion, and I believe they compete well with any headphone on the market (note I say compete with, not necessarily beat).

Comfort is excellent, and I haven't had the problem at least one reviewer had with head pain. I have noticed that my ears tend to get very warm and steamy though, so it doesn't hurt to take a break every once in awhile. Given their slight tendency toward brightness, sonic fatigue is possible (but generally not a problem)... they are more fatiguing than Senn HD580/600, but far less fatiguing than Grados.

The DT880 is surprisingly forgiving of average gear and recordings, considering the level of detail offered. Poor stuff will be revealed however, so you may not want to pick up a pair for MP3 listening. Portability is almost zero as well, these are definitely a "home" headphone and are really not appropriate for on-the-go listening.

Are the DT880s suitable for rock? In my opinion yes, after some burn-in. There are headphones that are more enjoyable (for guitar rock primarily), but they do general purpose rock well. I'm disagreeing with one reviewer in particular -- they DO convey aggression in music well, unlike the Senn HD580/600 family.

There's much more I could say, but I don't want to edge out or duplicate the other reviews here. My HD580, which I have always loved, is collecting dust in its box... to me, that really says it all. A marvelous headphone that currently has the very top spot in my collection. As another reviewer said -- I'm sure there are other headphones that sound better, but I can't imagine how. At the going price of around $250, I believe they are worth at least twice that as far as sonic value goes.

Very nice all-around headphone. Does everything well. The standout for me was the tight, fast, detailed bass, some of the best I've heard. I won't go on about all the good qualities of these cans, others have already pointed them out.

I had 2 minor complaints and 1 major problem with these. First, I was disappointed with the dry mids. I heard raves about the sweet vocals. Well, if coming from hd580/600/650, I'd agree but I came from k501 and hd595 and those beat dt880s pretty handily.
Second, the sparkling highs are very nice on some darker recordings but on bright recordings, it sounds too piercing. I noticed a very slight sibilance as well. These were well-burned in too.

Finally, the main problem I had with these was the comfort. After 30 minutes, there was a throbbing pain on the top of my head. Alot of people find these very comfy. I am not one of those. I found the padding on the headband very poor. The clamp force on these phones are non-existent thus the full weight of the phone sits on your head. These are pretty heavy too. It is a shame because I really liked these cans. I tried hard to adjust to it but finally had enough. I guess it just wasn't meant to be... Fate can be cruel sometimes...

The DT880s are the most neutral-sounding headphone I have ever heard, and because of this, I hated them at first. It took me quite a long while to become accustomed to their sound. When I did, however, it was a truly rewarding experience. I still don't believe I have heard everything the DT880 has to offer. The soundstage is quite expansive, though not unnaturally so. The highs are light and fluffy and simply a delight to hear. Bass is deep and hits hard, but a bit light quantitatively. The midrange is dry and very honest, a bit too try for my tastes. Overall, everything in the frequency blends in extremely well, there are no glaring faults.

The fact that the DT880 is such a polite headphone becomes a fault in and of itself, however, and because of its nature it is simply incapable of properly conveying agression in music. The DT880 is not a rock & roll headphone by any means. It's simply too analytic, too pretty, to feminine to work with rock or most of its subgenres (classic and progressive rock are exceptions). Otherwise, the DT880 is a fairly good all-rounder, and is currently my favorite for classical and electronic music.

Comfort-wise, the DT880 is excellent save for the headband, which can cause discomfort during longer listening sessions.

A great all-arounder. The build quality, and comfort of the DT880 is excellent. Sonically they are a bit above average. They are similar in sound to the HD650. However they seem to have a slightly leaner midrange. Generally speaking, I prefer the sound of the DT880 to the HD650 both given decent amplification. One may find the HD650 respond better to equipment upgrades.

First, the bad. The build is merely adequate, given the price, and the coiled cable is one of the worst design decisions ever. The mids aren't as sweet as they could be. I suppose that's why people call this a "neutral" headphone. Lastly, I would say that these 'phones are smooth almost to a fault; at least, they're smooth to the point where I can't really recommend them for rock.

Aside from that, I don't think there are any glaring weaknesses. The bass is reasonably deep and punchy; highs are nice; detail is good. There isn't any frequency that stands out. They are very comfortable, though I've felt better (nothing that I've owned, however).

A lot of people like to talk about how they really need a powerful amp. My K401 was much less efficient than this headphone. I can't say whether that was because the K401 just royally stinks or if it's because the DT880 isn't as bad as some people try to make them out to be. When playing with an HD650 and a K501 at a meet, the DT880 didn't seem particularly quiet. I've seen others describe the DT880 as efficient as well, so I'm definitely not the only one, though.

While I have to say that the bass isn't spectacular driven out of less-than-perfect amps, it isn't bad either. It's still deeper and punchier than any other headphone I've ever owned -- even driven straight out of my portable (Rio Karma); you should check my profile for the relevance of that statement, however. The bass also tightens up quite a bit with a good amp.

Make no mistake, these are high quality headphones. Their key strengths are a big, wide soundstage, a silky, airy presentation of female vocals, genuinely deep, extended lower bass and excellent detail across the frequency range. Also supremely comfortable! My reservations are that they are ruthlessly unforgiving of poor sources. Tonally, they are very, very neutral, perhaps a bit lean and slightly recessed in the upper bass/mids. Thus, they demand quite careful system matching to avoid sounding too thin/clinical/uninvolving. For best synergy, I recommend you ensure that you have some weight/body/fullness and speed/attack/dynamics coming from either your amp or your source. The amp also needs to be a beast cause these cans are extremely power-hungry. But treat them right, as outlined above, and I'm sure you will love the DT880s.