beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Over-Ear Studio Headphone

I would like to preface my review of these headphones with the following: Everybody hears differently, and everyone “listens” differently. We don’t all enjoy the same types of music, and similarly, every set of headphones is not necessarily suited for every genre of music. We all own different source components, and most of us have a limit as to what we are willing to spend on our gear. I believe every headphone review should include a brief summary of the reviewer’s musical tastes, sources, and gear and should always including references to other sets of cans they own, have auditioned, liked, or disliked. With so many variables affecting peoples like or dislike of any pair of phones it is my goal to help those with similar musical tastes and similar gear to determine whether or not these headphones will be a good investment for them personally.So with that in mind; I listen to music in practically every genre. I tend to go through different phases, but I enjoy Mozart as much as Metallica, 80’s one hit wonders and New Orleans Jazz, Lady Antebellum or Lady Gaga, Eminem to Zedd. Music has so much to offer in all genres that one could spend a lifetime discovering new things they like. I use my computer to play all the usual manner of digital files, and an Onkyo C-7030 CD player to handle disk duty. Both feed into my Nuforce Icon DAC/Headphone Amp. The digital files via USB and the CDs via analog RCA (the Onkyo has excellent onboard D/A conversion). I use no equalizer to modify the sound. I will also be receiving a Little Dot MK2 ii in the next couple days and I may update this review once its well broken in. My headphones include Sony MDR-V6s and MDR-7506s, V-Moda Crossfade LPs and M-100s, Audio Technica ATH-M50s, Sennheiser HD 598s and HD 600s (my personal favorite along with these 880s) as well as my 4th pair of Koss Porta-Pros (easy to exchange when you live in Milwaukee) . I’ve tried Grado SR 80s and SR 225s (just too darn uncomfortable), the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro 250 ohm, and my son even owns a pair of Beats Solo phones (Yuk). The other day I threw away some old Denon’s (no clue what model, but circa 1990) and a set of MDR V600s that were both totally worn out. I also own lots of buds as well (my Klipsh X10s and S4’s being my favorites).As I briefly mentioned, I had tried the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro 250ohm headphones. In fact, I had tried the 990s and returned them prior to purchasing the DT 880 Premium 250 ohm set. The 990 Pros are very well built high quality headphones, I just wasn’t happy with the exaggerated high and low ends and the subdued midrange. I blame myself for not doing enough research prior to that purchase (and for being cheap), and I would still recommend them to people who like that type of sound. They really do sound good, but their signature just wasn’t for me.I’m much happier with the 880s having listened to them for a couple weeks now. They have a much more “up-front” midrange, and while they’re still pretty bright, they don’t have nearly as much “sizzle” as the 990s. To my ears, the 880s sparkle a bit more than my Sennheiser HD 600s, but the Senns have more pronounced mids. The bass seems well defined, though I wouldn’t mind just the slightest bit more of it (and yes, I’m nitpicking). At first I was wanting for more middle from the 880s as well, but after a lot of listening and experimenting with different genres of music I know when to use them and when to use different cans. The soundstage the 880s create is excellent as well. Since I’ve gotten into open headphones, and since I’ve found several pairs that I really like, I find it incredibly difficult to throw on a set of closed cans anymore. I’m also amazed at how the 880’s can sound so big but not leak as much sound as ALL of the other open headphones I own/have tried. I don’t want anyone thinking they don’t leak sound; they just don’t leak as much. Like any other open phone, you need to be in a quiet environment to truly enjoy them, and everyone else in the room will hear what you're listening to. The 880’s power-handling is excellent and I really had to push them to create any type of distortion (Coldplay’s “Magic” will buzz the heck out of my Senn HD 598s well before these 880s or my HD 600s). The 800s can handle complex musical sections without issue, and had no problems whatsoever with anything I threw at them. They are a little less sensitive (db) to input than my HD 600s, but I have no problems driving them with my Nuforce Icon DAC. I am also looking forward to seeing how the 880s (and all my phones) play with my soon to be arriving Little Dot MK2 ii.Another element that I have always felt is essential to a fulfilling headphone experience is comfort, and the DT 880 Premiums excel at it! The 990’s I had were the Pros, and they were a bit tight on my melon. I can’t speak from experience about the 880 Pros, but they do have a different headband (similar to the 990 Pros), and are designed to clamp tighter than the 880 Premiums. It only takes a short time for my 880s to disappear on my head. They do absolutely nothing in terms of discomfort, to take away from the listening experience. As much as I enjoy my HD 650s, they still grab you tighter than the 880 Premiums. If it weren’t for the 600’s oval shape, as compared to the 880’s round cups, I probably wouldn’t be able to wear them (the 600s) for extended periods. If you do a lot of moving around, however, you may want to consider the 880 Pros. As comfortable as the Premiums are, I could easily sneeze them off of my head they clamp so lightly. I like that the velour earcups are replaceable, I have no issue with the long straight cable, though I wish it was detachable, and I appreciate the 3.5 / 6.35 mm screw type plug. The carry case that comes with the premiums is also a nice touch.All in all the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium 250 ohm headphones are an excellent set of cans. I’m proud to own them, and I highly recommend them. My only advice to shoppers is that they research the Beyerdynamic line and understand the differences between Pro and Premium, the 32, 250, and 600 ohm impedances, and the unique sound signatures of the different models.

First, I have the 600 Ohm version of these, and not the 250 Ohm version shown under the review title above. I ordered the 250 Ohm originally, but changed my mind and got the 600 Ohm version since I would be driving them with a good HP amp, and would be using them solely at home. Next, I got these phones for $164.99 - which is a great price. Headphone prices can fluctuate wildly, and if you are patient you can get them for good prices. I see these go for as much as $289 normal retail, so wait for the price to come to you.Next, I currently own these alongside a pair of Sennheiser HD 600's - another recognized great headphone for the price. I also own a pair of Sony MDR 7506 that I use for "utility" purposes. The headphone amp I am using is the Beyerdynamic A20, which IMHO is also a great HP amp if you can get it for the right price. When I saw it temporarily drop to $299, I jumped on it and could not be happier. I also have a Schiit Asgaard, which again is considered a great HP amp for the money, but the was not driving the DT880 600 Ohm well enough for me, nor was it the best match for the HD 600 at 300ohm impedance. I also tried the Valhalla II, but was not wowed because its sound seemed "stuck" between solid state and tube - not tubey enough to be considered a tube amp for me, and with its "low" 14 ohm impedance I was not as impressed with the 600Ohm DT880 than with the Beyer A20. The Valhalla II gave more volume / power, but the A20 just sounded more refined on the highs and mids to me. YMMV.So, the obvious question - how do I stack up the Beyer DT880 600 Ohm against the Senn HD 600? Well, obviously, they are both great headphones. But for my ears, I like the DT 880 just a bit better after many hours of listening. There are a lot of comments regarding "Neutral vs Natural" when comparing these headphones, and I can see some of that coming through in these two phones. Interestingly, I find the DT880 to be more "natural" than the HD 600 though. I have heard phrases like the "Sennheiser veil" used, and at times I just feel the DT880 is more open, natural and just reproduces the mids and highs a tad better. Now, although price does not make a phone sound better or worse by itself, considering I got the DT880 for $100 less than the HD600 only makes the fact they are so close in performance that much sweeter.For classical music, I automatically reach for the Dt880. Same for Jazz. For vocals and soft rock I like the HD 600 a little better, for classic rock and hard rock sometimes I like the DT880, sometimes the HD600. Overall I use the DT880 more, and prefer its allegiance to the RIAA curve. But realize everyone's ear are different, and heaphones are about as personal as it comes in audio - moreso than speakers because headphone are right over the top of your ears, revealing much more if there are any flaws in the sound.When it comes to comfort between the HD600 and DT880, for my head shape and size it is no contest - the Dt880 is like wearing a comfortable pillow, where I find the HD 600 has a little too much clamping force, and the earcups not as comfortable After about 20 min wearing the HD600, I know it is on my head, and I think about it being there - compared to the DT880 which just disappears, and you don't even think about it. Because of the style of ear cup and pad, the DT880 can get a little warmer if the ambient temperature is on the high side, but in most conditions the DT880 is just plain more comfortable. Period. I know everyone's head shape and size is different, but there seems to be a common thread of most finding the DT880 as more comfortable when wearing for long periods.Next, I do like the detachable cord on the HD600 better, so if you accidentally step on the cord, it detaches instead of potentially damaging it. Plus, the HD 600 has a cord to each cup, which although might result in one more cord hanging down, it also means no need for wiring through the headband, which some claim can be an advantage for longevity. However, the DT880 cord seems better made, is thicker, and has a nicer feel to it.I am considering trying out a pair of HD650's to compare, I am interested how those stack up. I am a big Senn fan as I also own their RS 185 and Momentum M2 Wireless phones, which are tops in their class for what they are. But I just became a Beyerdynamic fan due to the DT880's performance, and great price. I am apt to try more of their products now that I have had such a great experience with the DT880's and the A20 Headphone Amp.Great headphone for the money, especially when it drops to the $170 range, which I see periodically. I have no trouble recommending.Thanks for reading.