The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition in the 600 Ohm version is a great hi-fi headphone and especially suitable for lovers of classical music and acoustics. Those who like to immerse themselves in music and sound should definitely try the DT 880. Those who listen to pop music and electronic music in particular will, however, find the lack of bass pressure to be a problem, and should choose one of the numerous bass alternatives instead.
A top-of-the-range hi-fi headphone that gives an extremely clean and detailed sound, but can only be used in the living room.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition is a semi-open headphone with an impedance of 600 Ohm, so the goal is clear: this headphone wants to sound good and satisfy the ears of even the most exacting audiophile.
Details and delivery
From the first, you immediately notice how detailed and vivid the DT 880 sounds; you can hear the piano chair creaking and how the drummer’s stick hits the cymbal. The DT 880 is one of those headphones that will inevitably give you the famous “I’ve never heard that before” moment. As far as the frequency response is concerned, the recessed lows and fundamental frequencies are noticeable. This sound impression is reinforced by the fact that the complementary heights are, in my opinion, overemphasised. But whether you consider it uncomfortable or airy depends very much on the program material. In electronic music, for example, the shift disturbs the heights as hi-hat sounds are obtrusive and clichéd, but in orchestral music, much of the more impressive sound information lies in this frequency range. In short, if you like acoustic instruments and classical music, you’ll love the DT 880; if you like bass, you’ll be disappointed.
Made for sofas
The half-open design restricts operation to the home sofa, but with its high impedance, the DT 880 is unsuitable for mobile players anyway as the operating voltage of such battery-powered players cannot supply the high-impedance headphones with sufficient power. In other words, you need a powerful headphone amplifier so that the DT 880 can unfold its full potential.
I find the harmonious combination of workmanship and materials quite beautiful. With just a little bit of aluminium in the right places, the DT 880 is an elegant design that has a fitting price/optic ratio.
The cable is long and straight but, unfortunately, firmly connected to the receiver. Since you will barely use it when mobile, this is OK. For safe transport, however, make sure to pack the DT 880 in the equally attractive case provided. There are no other accessories, apart from the obligatory mini-to-thick jack adapter.
The DT 880 is very light for its size and its padded cushions sit comfortably over the ears. A very cosy headphone that doesn’t feel awkward, even after a four-movement symphony; in fact, after a while, you forget that you’re wearing it!
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingOver-ear
- Typesemi-open
- Frequency response (headphones)5 - 35.000 Hz
- Impedance567,4 ohms
- Sound pressure level (SPL)89,33 dB
- Pressure averaged from big and small head495 g
- Weight with cable360 g
- Weight without cable303 g
- Cable length310 cm
What's in the box
- 6.35mm stereo jack
- Carrying pouch
Hi Chris,
I am thinking about buying the DT 880 (600 ohm) as an avid listener of Classical music, and not much else. I have heard three concerning things:
1. The Treble is harsh (Beyer sound)
2. The Mids are lacking
3. There may be a rattling in one earcup at low frequencies (this problem can be solved, I found a video on it)
I would like to know if these things are likely to happen. Also, what amp & players would you recommend that can drive these headphones efficeintly? I am thinking of getting the iBasso DX160 (player) and FiiO K3 Type-C USB DAC (Headphone Amp). I hope to hear your reply.
Regards,
M.A. Holt
I have the 4 yr old DT880-600 and HD6XX, HD58X (moded).
The highs are not harsh like the 250 ohm, but too high in level. Actually the 600ohm highs are OK in quality, just too much of it.
There is a hole between 1-5kHz, so they sound as if they had no mids. Too me HD6XX sound more natural, warmer, but don’t have the treble spark (peak) of the DT880-600 and are easier to pair with most DAC/amps.