Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium Limited Edition Black 250ohm Headphone Review & HD58X Comparison

The Limited Edition beyerdynamic DT880s were available here: massdrop.7eer.... You can hit the “Request” button to see if they can run another drop for them. Alternatively, the standard, silver version are available here (and sound identical): amzn.to/39Mu7V5
TIMESTAMPS
Skip Intro 3:37
Power requirements & compatibility 10:22
Sound Quality 14:13
Sennheiser HD58X Comparison 21:37
Music in this video: Arms of Gold by Tape Machine - You can get it here: www.epidemicso...
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DT880 Premium LE Black 250ohm Specifications
- Operating principle: Semi-open
- Sound coupling: Circumaural
- Frequency response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Nominal sound pressure level: 96 dB
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Plug: ⅛ in (3.5 mm)
- Cable length: 9.8 ft (3 m)
- Weight without cable: 10.2 oz (290 g)
- Made in Germany
PASSION FOR SOUND GEAR LIST
(Affiliate links to Amazon and Apos Audio help to support the channel - thank you!)
Desktop Sources
Playback software: Roon roonlabs.com/r...
Primary DAC: Chord Hugo TT2 tinyurl.com/y4... with Chord M-Scaler tinyurl.com/y6...
Secondary DAC for active speakers: Topping D50s amzn.to/2T2GExr upgraded with Muses02 op-amp amzn.to/2FtPmNj
USB cables: AudioQuest Diamond amzn.to/35AX4Qf and AudioQuest Coffee amzn.to/3059qiA
Active Speakers
Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 3 Speakers
Amps
Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Amplifier massdrop.7eer....
Bottlehead Mainline DIY kit tube amplifier bottlehead.com...
Burson Audio FUN: www.bursonaudi... with Sparkos Labs SS3601 op-amps: sparkoslabs.co...
Headphones
Open: Meze Audio Empyrean tinyurl.com/y6...
Open: Focal Clear amzn.to/37Ihgky
Semi-open: Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium LE massdrop.7eer.net/L6633 or amzn.to/3bBg7xs
Closed: AudioQuest NightOwl Carbon (these may have been discontinued)
Closed: Audio Technica ATH-M50x amzn.to/2Y2NeXo
Closed: Meze Audio 99 Neo tinyurl.com/y2...
Portable
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ amzn.to/37MzTUA
DAC for phone: Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt amzn.to/36AzpAB
Digital audio player: Astell & Kern AK240 Stainless Steel amzn.to/2ZluP70
Earphones
Audiofly AF1120 Mk2: amzn.to/2ZoTuHZ
Noble Kaiser 10 custom IEM (discontinued) - universal version available via Drop massdrop.7eer....
SIMGOT EN700 PRO amzn.to/304xO3R
Shozy Form 1.4 amzn.to/3cIL0Az or massdrop.7eer.net/499YL
Bluetooth Headphones
Nuraphone amzn.to/2N7G2Tu

[@RudeDudeMikeTMTheRudeDudes]

It's always the smaller channels that have the most thorough and in depth reviews

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Mike. I always try to do my research and thorough prep.

[@Feemy]

Totally agree. This was very well done

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Dani!

[@october65-h6e]

Since two weeks I own a DT 880 and I love them! Especially for filmmusic and classical music I don´t want to miss them anymore. Clearly two steps up compare to my AKG I had before. And I really prefer the semi opens...best compromise in my opinion. Really well done review!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're enjoying them! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@october65-h6e]

@@PassionforSound Also I prefer to listen to film music and classical music(Antonin Dvorak symphonie No.9 "From the new World"). My favs are the Hunger Games soundtracks by James Newton Howard or "Snow falling on Cedars" soundtrack. I think these are the genres were the 880 shines the most. Update: At the moment I love to listen to the "Fantastic Beasts" Soundtracks and "Da Vinci Code" Soundtrack..GREAT!

[@nikolaygramchev]

Really, really good review - I think you explained well why this is the most underestimated Beyerdynamic headphone. I also have the 250 ohms and when I run them on the Burson Soloist 3X and the Ares II any music is replayed marvelously. The 880 pro are very neutral, as you explained, but very well extended in FR and pretty detailed but they are also very coherent in the reproduction. According to me, they are far better than the HD58X, since they have far more spacious presentation and better clarity and separation of instruments and tones. And they really made me not buy the Focal Clear - when comparing both in the Focal shop I didn't found any benefit in having the Clear and I got the Elegia that has a bit more mid forward presentation. Again - great review.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you're enjoying your 880s and glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@saviolajh]

Hooray, I'm glad the timing worked out with sending my HD58X and Heresy over to you! Both headphones are pretty typical of the Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser house sounds, with the treble lift and mid forward focus respectively. I think I opted to get the HD58X as I listen to a lot of female vocalists and live performances so that mid range lushness is well suited to those types of recordings. It was also on sale at the time as well 😂 Looking forward to seeing your further thoughts! Oh, and one of my favourite test tracks is Why so Serious? from the Dark Knight soundtrack. Apart from being technically brilliant it's got a built in sub bass extension test at 3:26mins 😉👌

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the test track recommendation, Jeff. I'll be sure to use it for the HD58X review! 😉

[@mtnmankeith9069]

Great review! Dt880 and dt990 250ohm work very very well with schiit Magni 3+. I also have the heresy. Just something about the synergy with that amp and those headphones. The 600ohm Beyerdynamic headphones are easy to drive if you use the correct output impedance. 100ohm impedance adapter works wonders. Also project Polaris is a great amp for these headphones. It gives the ability to change the output impedance and has lots of power.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the info MMK! I'll make a point of testing the Heresy with the DT880s for the upcoming review

[@waynecox3958]

My test track is Roundabout by YES. Remastered/Remixed versions.

[@PassionforSound]

All the Yes stuff is beautifully recorded and mastered. Thanks for the great suggestion, Wayne!

[@rohanjd]

An excellent review of the DT880! Thanks so much.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it!

[@joshbritton3268]

The chain by Fleetwood Mac is a great test track

[@PassionforSound]

From Rumours? Or another album?

[@joshbritton3268]

@@PassionforSound that's the one

[@PassionforSound]

It's in my collection so I'll add it to the list!

[@MohamedAli965]

Quincy Jones’ Big Band Bossa Nova album is great fun. Also very well recorded and available in 24/192 on Qobuz or Tidal.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@harryrupam01]

This has to be one of the best youtube channels about audio gears. Great review.

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you so much, Rupam!

[@vitio4381]

My test track is always "Orgy - Spectrum" from Vapor Transmission album. A little late to the party, but what the hell )

[@broccolee8250]

For me, not able to use balanced cable for DT880 is a deal breaker. It does not allow you to use portable 2.5mm balanced DAC/AMP (like Fiio BTR5, Shanling UP4, Qudelix 5K, E1DA 9038S) that has enough power to drive high impedance headphones. So, you're stuck with 3.5mm DAC/AMP that will need to be large in size (because it needs more power) to be able to drive this headphone. At the moment, my test songs are: -Nothing Else Matters (Live) - Metallica, San Francisco Symphony -Senorita - Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestions, Brocco. That's a good point about portable devices needing balanced to provide sufficient power.

[@breakthelegacy]

Hunter, Bjoerk, Homogenic. Really like that for a test track. Great Content!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip, Sara!

[@soulfulfool]

I own modded dt880 600 ohm, what a treasure it is... there are headphones with better mid range yes there are but still dt880 take a cake with better lows and highs and somewhat decent mid range, take a note that mine are still new and burn in believers know that they will soften up and sound sweeter 👍 I gladly added that 600 ohm monster to my collection 😈

[@Fleshnbloodrobot]

So to make this specific set of headphones good for mixing and neutralize the sound I would need an amp/dac like the atom 2 and EQ software like Pro Q3?? Would love any suggestions 🙏 I realize they’re not particularly liked for what I mentioned bc of the alterations of black edition. Thanks for the content! Love the test track idea❤

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, you'd definitely want an EQ solution to help balance their sound if you need a neutral mixing reference. 🙂

[@chrishalle1982]

I dont hear a big difference for example between the dt 990 and the dt 1990. i dont think its worth paying 4 times as much for 10 % better sound.

[@PassionforSound]

It's all relative to the user, Chris. I completely agree with you too that if you're happy with the DT990 then there's no reason you should spend more. Quality of the source chain (and a person's willingness to invest in it) also play a part so everyone will have different preferences and limits for what levels of gear they think are "enough" and that's absolutely how it should be - find what makes you happy and enjoy! 🙂

[@chrishalle1982]

@@PassionforSound yes, your right. what i mean is i heard the dt 1990 and i personally heard a difference but it was so minimal that i don’t know why i should pay way more than what i get for the money. Do you know what i mean? the dt 990 costs under 200 dollar. So the 1990 should cost about 300 dollar for how it performs. But that is only my opinion.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the 990 so can't comment. I was recently very impressed with the 1990 though and was comparing it to the similarly priced HiFiMan Ananda.

[@phillipnunya6793]

I got the DT-880 Pro from Drop today. I generally agree with you on the sound, though the highs get to me a little more than they seem to get to you. I have younger ears than you though. I have been using the HE-4XX until now, and I prefer it so far. It seems to have a more linear bass response, less peaky treble, and more detail. Still glad I got it though. I like three songs in particular to initially test headphones. Internet Friends by Knife Party has a fair amount of details and good bass thumps. It also has some synthesized vocals and a portion of the song that makes for a great test of soundstage and imaging. Jenny by Nothing More has great dynamics with a wide range of volume, sounds, and details. It has fast and slow parts with male vocals (Also arguably my favorite song.) Absolution by The Pretty Reckless has lots of symbol, electric guitar, and bass decay. It has positionally placed instruments and female vocals. Also a good test of soundstage and imaging. Other good test songs: Heaven Knows by The Pretty Reckless PLUR Police by Knife Party Wolf Totem by The HU Akuma by ALEX & Tokyo Rose Blood In The Cut by K.Flay The Last Firstborn by Celldweller Frozen by Celldweller Ghostflowers by Otep Sincerely by Stephen You Don't Get Me High Anymore by Phantogram Spanish Sahara by Foals

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for all the suggestions! That will keep me busy a while!

[@phillipnunya6793]

@@PassionforSound I aim to thrill.

[@donvittoriosierra]

By the way the black version is different from the regular ones is sound signature

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, sadly I discovered this sheet the review and despite what was written about them on the beyerdynamic / Drop websites

[@krianav4051]

Toto - Rosanna ❤️

[@PassionforSound]

Great track!

[@arthurwatts1680]

I normally cringe when I open a vid to hear a fellow Aussie - we often come across as monotonous and/or too aggressive compared to the slew of American reviewers out there - but I have to hand it to you for your delivery. Thanks for the video.

[@PassionforSound]

I know what you mean - it's a shock to hear an Aussie accent in amongst all the American content. Glad I'm not too cringey!

[@konna200]

Kodo the japanese traditional taiko drummers! And HVOB - Allways like this this and last but not least Agnes Obel - Familiar. Keep up the great work!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@JDS_im]

Melody Gardot - You Don't Know What Love Is (Live in Europe)

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks JS

[@AlexB-dl5ou]

Not sure if anyone else brought this to your attention, but the black pad versions of beyers have different tuning compared to the standard silver velour. They are warmer and have different treble performance too.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Alex, yes someone mentioned that here in the comments somewhere. It's a shame beyerdynamic don't include in their marketing materials that they're different (in fact, I think they infer that there's no difference which is a shame)

[@gerard3797]

I was actually looking at the new Sennheiser HD560s and the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300r to maybe start my Headphone journey with. Both are apparently the new budget kings as opposed to the models you reviewed in this video. Some pretty big statements are being made already about these new headphones, so would be very much interested in your take on those ;)!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Gerard, both are on my list to get my hands on when I can

[@wa2804]

I'd suggest the Sennheiser HD 6XX over the 58X. Way more bang for the buck! In comparison to the DT880 I'm not sure which one sounds better (I own them all) but I guess I would go with the Sennheiser HD 6XX. My reference song is "Merry You" from the congenial album "Riding With The King" from B.B. King & Eric Clapton.

[@PassionforSound]

Nice track suggestion - the whole album is great! As for recommendations, I agree that the HD6XX is clearly superior if someone has the budget. I'm just wrapping up a review of the HE400i though which I think wins over the 58X and DT880 at the price.

[@1964ilovebears]

I got the DT 880 PRO, not bad but not the best either. In its range price it is a good choice. I can't compare it with the model you are reviewing Cheers

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Jose, no doubt there are better headphones when you spend a bit more, but definitely in its range it's a strong option. The sound is identical between the black version and the standard

[@gerardw.7468]

Been using American Dream (ELS) by LCD Soundsystem as my test song. Also, recently tried the Beyer Amiron home and think it’s a good pair with my dt 880 pros, as they sound darker and warmer.

[@PassionforSound]

LCD Soundsystem have some great test tracks! Thanks for the suggestion. The Amiron home are probably the best open back model in the Beyer range now that they've ruined (IMO) the T1

[@GP-qb9hi]

I wanted to recommend Nine Inch Nails - Reptile but you are already listening to it. I'm both surprised and proud. Great music to show if your headphones are resolving enough. In my experience the HD58X is just not good enough for that album... it has clear vocals, ridiculously accurate imaging but the resolution for instrument is just BAD. Background feels blended together, some instruments disappear altogether... not with the Beyers... I enjoy music a lot more on my DT770s and could recommend the HD58X only for hardcore competitive gamers, it really excels at that. Now thinking about an upgrade to another Beyerdynamic, I will probably get the 1990 Pros for no compromise.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi GP, NiN aren't in my regular rotation, but yes, they're in one of my reference playlists. I'll add Reptile to a future review though and see what I hear. I totally agree about the lack of resolution from the 58x, but that's interesting to hear how they perform for gaming!

[@jasonfranciosa]

One thing to note, the Black version supposedly sounds very different from the Silver version with most suggesting the best sounding DT 880 is the silver one. Here you can see the massive difference in measurements between the two on the second graph: diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-a-i/dt880-black-se/

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Jason. I actually found out about this after the review was all done which is a bit annoying as beyerdynamic say nothing about it anywhere. In fact, I think I read that they are the same as the silver version. I personally like the black version's sound better I think, but it's always going to come back to personal taste.

[@jasonfranciosa]

@@PassionforSound I have not heard either of them personally, but looking at the graphs, the black version looks like it would sound better for listening where the silver would be better for mixing or analytical listening as it has far less bass and is very neutral with a focus on the highs.

[@PassionforSound]

That's a good way to look at it

[@joshbritton3268]

Another Suggestion I have is the Jeff Wayne The war of the worlds album, any song on the album is a good pick.

[@PassionforSound]

Another great album! Haven't tried it for reviews before so I'll give it a go.

[@PassionforSound]

Hey Josh, I forgot to ask if you're referring to the original version from the 70s or the recent remake?

[@joshbritton3268]

@@PassionforSound sorry mate it's the original I'm on about

[@PassionforSound]

All good. The original is definitely better, but the new version's not so bad.

[@joshbritton3268]

@@PassionforSound yeah it's not terrible but the original is just amazing

[@carminedilello3764]

Great video and good job in explaining the differences! Since the black edition sounds and measure different than the grey edition, reading what some communities (head-fi, sbaf, reddit, diy) say about these headphones, can you check if this is the truth and give your recommendation about which version to choose? I think that people would be curious about how they compare really.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks CrazyMan. Unfortunately I don't have any silver versions here to compare with so I had to go off beyerdynamic's marketing info as to any differences. It's possible they've made some revisions over the years so it could depend on when a pair was purchased, but I'm not sure. Sorry I can't tell you more!

[@sakabatou]

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Sara Bareilles - Brave Enough. It’s a live recording that is great for ambience, piano timbre, female vocal, dynamic range and low level detail

[@PassionforSound]

Love that album! Never used it for testing, but I will now!

[@danielmetzger3459]

My testtrack: "clean" by Depeche Mode from "Violator" remastered

[@PassionforSound]

Great album! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@PROTSHNEKI]

They sound different than grey ones right?

[@PassionforSound]

Apparently so, but I haven't compared directly.

[@vm6038]

Actually I may have to take back my previous comment as the DT880 special edition that you reviewed here is different that the DT880 Premium models that I owned in sound signature. Here are the measurements of the special edition with comparisons to the standard one: diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-a-i/dt880-black-se/. As you can tell from the graphs, the special edition one has significantly more bass and lower midrange presence and is indeed much better extended into the sub bass than the regular edition version. I am pretty sure that the regular, older versions are still in production and widely available everywhere. So yeah, you are going to have to choose which sound you prefer - somewhat V-shaped with strong bass and highs (special edition) or much more analytical with a treble emphasis and slightly lean bass (standard edition).

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing the link, VM. I wish beyerdynamic had been upfront about the differences! Certainly explains why I remember the DT880s differently to my experience with the black version

[@tom_k_d]

Black edition has black ear pads, which are different from the grey ones (thicker, -> slighly more distance to the capsule, more stiff -> bass and low mids resonate more) and 'enhance' bass response substantially. Otherwise the black edtion is built identicalto the standard silver one: You can swap the ear pads of the black edition to grey ones and they will sound like the standard silver version. For critical listening and studio use I'd absolutely stay away from the black pads: Too much bass, low mids are masking the higher mids...

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing, Tom

[@paulwoaert]

And precisely, what was this difference ?@@PassionforSound

[@PassionforSound]

It's a slightly different tuning AFAIK. I don't know where the tweaks were made (e.g. pads, drivers, etc.) but the sound is altered from the standard 880s

[@ikipearl]

Marina - To Be Human .... is a great reference track

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip!

[@69grandpa69]

Just ordered.

[@PassionforSound]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@ThePCForever]

Thanks for the awesome review! Would the Premium edition be good for mixing? Or is only the Pro model suitable for mixing?

[@PassionforSound]

Any of them would be fine. I'm not 100% sure what the Pro branding means (600 ohm impedance version?), but you could absolutely mix with these if you're comfortable with their signature

[@ThePCForever]

@@PassionforSound the Pro version has coiled cable and tighter headband which supposed leads to more bass

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for confirming CS!

[@connormckay9429]

I'm looking to start a home studio, on a budget (like everybody else lol) and I like the idea of the semi open back style for mixing but was wondering if there would be too much music escaping for recording as well? Basically trying to get away with buying 1 pair of headphones for mixing and recording, instead of one open back for mixing and one closed back for recording if that makes sense

[@PassionforSound]

If you're recording with a closer mic (e.g. vocals) while monitoring through the headphones, it might be an issue, but I haven't tried it to be certain. I'd probably go with a closed option to be safe

[@connormckay9429]

@@PassionforSound So what would you reccomend for a good option that would sound good for mixing and producing that's closed back? I'm looking at the new DT 700 Pro X's or something in that general price range

[@PassionforSound]

The DT 700 Pro X are good, but also a bit coloured for mixing IMO. The Rode NTH-100 are slightly better tuned for mixing and wonderfully made. My review of those is coming out soon. Those are probably the two best closed backs I've tried without going up to something like the Ollo S4R.

[@manfrediamato5280]

If you have to compare just the high frequencies of the hd 560s and dt880, what would you choose? Does one of the two has the most fatiguing and piercing high frequencies?

[@PassionforSound]

That's a tough one! I think both have a bit too much treble, but the HD560S is probably a little tiny bit more aggressive with the treble (or maybe it's better balanced by the bass in the DT880) so I'd choose the DT880

[@manfrediamato5280]

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice 🙏🏻

[@YuriesMix]

wich one is much better ? dt 880 pro or dt premium edition?

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Yurie, as far as I know, the differences are not sonic so much as ergonomic changes like a coiled cable, etc. There may have been some tuning changes over the years, but I haven't compared current versions of both - sorry.

[@goldmember888]

cant wait for the m scaler video!!

[@PassionforSound]

Just recorded the raw footage for the Qutest + M-Scaler, Ari! Patreons get it tomorrow hopefully and it'll post to KZbin on Saturday morning Australia time.

[@goldmember888]

@@PassionforSound awesome, can't wait. What's Patreons?

[@PassionforSound]

Patreon is a site where people can support content creators (like me) in return for benefits like early access content, behind the scenes footage, etc. Here's a link: www.patreon.com/passionforsound

[@renatodaub4488]

They have a curl kabel normaly , where did you get those? Check Mr Bill.

[@PassionforSound]

These are not the Pro version (Pro's have the coil cable). I bought these through Drop. There's a link in the description 🙂

[@mikecoshan3752]

I have the (IMO) superb sennheiser HD660s which seem to be a marmite headphone for a lot of reviewers who either love them or hate them. My main go to audition track for headphones is The prophets song by Queen

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Mike, I haven't yet tried the 660s. I used to own 650s and I have a pair of 6xx coming for review (on loan). I'll have to try the 660s after that

[@mikecoshan3752]

Passion for Sound Hi, I home auditioned the HD660S & HD600 which sennheiser lent me for a weeks trial I found the HD660s much more detailed for vocals & instruments which i mainly listen to. Plus it has a slightly better Bass than the hd600. The reviews differ greatly but then we all perceive audio differently but it’s always interesting to see what other audiophiles think

[@wa2804]

@@mikecoshan3752 the Sennheiser 6 series requires a really capable amp. That's probably the fact why many people don't realize their potential. All Sennheisers sound ok when plugged into something, but they don't shine. Many cheaper headphones sound more exciting in this configuration. Things change when you deliver trough a Lake People or LehmannAudio amp: They sound a ton more shiny, exciting and precise while staying laid back and neutral at the same time. What an awesome experience to listen good material with such a configuration.

[@matthewconley7568]

So which of these DTs would be the best for podcasts, video editing, tournaments, and gaming? The 770, 880, & 990? Been confused at what they are best for. I am looking at the Premium line of these headphone that are 80/ 250 ohms. I know the 770 is closed back, 880 is semi-open back, and 990 is fully open back. Am currently leaning away from the DT 770s.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Matthew, I haven't heard them all for a long time, but my choice would be the 880 because it's got a slightly better balanced signature than the 990 and is slightly open for better sense of space

[@matthewconley7568]

@@PassionforSound Thank you do much for the reply!

[@PassionforSound]

You're very welcome!

[@johnellison3173]

Nude by Radiohead and Miami to Ibiza by Swedish house mafia ft tinie tempah are just a couple of good test tracks I use. These are 2 tracks that can highlight most flaws on a headphone.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks John. I'll check them out

[@vm6038]

The HD58X is more neutral than the DT880 through the mids and treble, at least my pair is. There is some unit variation, as I've seen some pairs measure quite differently. I tend to prefer the Sennheiser sound myself. I find it more natural - fuller, richer. There's more texture. DT880 sounded a bit bland to me, especially in the mids. Also, I find that imaging is more precise and soundstage is deeper on the 58X than on the DT880. Bass depth is also greater on my HD58X - it has quite a bit more low end than the DT880 below 100 Hz or so and sub bass is louder on it. However, bass is cleaner on the DT880. For best bass quality, I would look at the Hifiman 400i/4XX in that price range though. For my preference, both the HD58X and HE400i/4XX are better than the DT880 overall for sound as both sound more natural to me than the DT880, especially in the midrange, but that's just me. I think Beyerdynamic's own DT250 closed model is the more natural sounding headphone than the DT880 as well, with nicer, fuller mids and no treble boost. I have the DT250 250 Ohm version and really like them. Thanks anyway for the review!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi VM, I'm actually starting to wonder if beyerdynamic have made some changes either to all models over the years or to the special edition version I have. They say it's the same, but too many people are reporting different experiences and some have suggested that they've heard multiple DT880s that sound different (i.e. standard 880 250ohm and the black version I have). I personally didn't enjoy my time with the HD58x until trying it on the Mainline whereas I owned and loved the HD650 so I'm in no way anti-Sennheiser. Ultimately, we all have different tastes and it's all about finding what you love.

[@vm6038]

@@PassionforSound I just made another comment where I linked some measurements of the special edition vs standard one and indeed you are right - they are quite different headphones at least in sound signature, if not sound quality as well. The special editions are quite a bit more V-shaped with way more bass and lower mids. Although I haven't heard the special edition, I am still willing to bet that I would find the HD58X better, more neutral and natural still, seeing how much more V-shaped the special edition DT880 is. By contrast, here are the measurements of the HD58X from the same site for reference: diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/brands-s-se/hd58x-jubilee-massdrop/. Interestingly, there was an outlier HD58X measured there that didn't match the frequency response of the other two that were measured. Perhaps you have a 58X that measures a fair bit differently from mine. I am convinced that mine is very close to the two that measured the same in that review I linked to above. I have an earlier version too that was made in Ireland.

[@vm6038]

HD650 is relatively close to my HD58X in signature. I actually own both the HD58X and a Drop HD6XX, as well as HD600, so can compare all 3 directly at any time. HD58X is a bit less technically capable than the other two overall with a little less detail and more grain to the highs. However, the differences aren't that great. HD58X does sound significantly warmer than the HD6XX in the low end and way warmer than the HD600. Mids and highs are not far off from each other on the 3, although the HD58X has a little less upper mids and a little more lower highs. All 3 sound very natural to me and close to as natural as headphones can get probably without DSP correction. I have good speakers for reference as well, specifically KEF LS50W and iLoud Micro Monitors, both of which have flatter frequency response than virtually any headphones, except maybe those Sonoma One or whatever they are called that cost around $5k and feature DSP correction.

[@vm6038]

I also have the Focal Clears. Yes, they blow away the Sennheisers in sound quality, but tonally they are not too far off. Clears, like the Senns are some of the most balanced sounding headphones one can buy. They are similarly natural, but the Focals take it to another level in technical performance. Try out some planars as well if you haven't yet. I got the Hifiman 4XX, 400i, 560 and Sundara here as well as Audeze LCD-1. All of those impress more than the Sennheisers on a technical level, but only the Sundara is similarly natural sounding. Still, if you like DT880 sort of sound, I think Hifiman planars are up your alley as well.

[@PassionforSound]

Perhaps your right. I think it said made in Romania, but I could be totally making that up!

[@DoctoreDoom]

Amore disperato by Nada is my preferred test track

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestion, Salvatore!

[@KristianDowling]

Can I ask where you found these? Drop doesn't sell to Australia

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Kristian, I bought them through Drop. I know they don't ship some things to Australia, but they were shipping these when I bought mine

[@KristianDowling]

@@PassionforSound Ah thats great. Shame we can't get them anymore

[@PassionforSound]

Bummer! They must have changed it

[@andrewchadban8554]

Pink Floyd, Money from TDSOTM

[@PassionforSound]

A classic test track

[@Vamatt99218]

Is this more recommended than the DT 990? I'm trying to decide between the two?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't spent much time with the DT990 so I can't say. Sorry

[@lucasharr17]

Duel of the fates by John Williams

[@PassionforSound]

I'd forgotten that one! Thanks for the suggestion

[@colin7moon]

damn that's sexy,, I have the original one in 600ohm but I STILL kinda what those cuz of how they look lol

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, they're mighty pretty!

[@franzb69]

clair marlo - til they take my heart away

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the suggestion, franz!

[@DocRealTalk]

If only the cable was detachable...

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. You can get it modified if you want to, but maybe not worth the $$$ to get it done

[@DocRealTalk]

@@PassionforSound I'm looking for some headphones with a decent soundstage and good positional audio because I want to use them for games and movies. I was looking at the HD560s and HD58X, but someone told me this would be better for my needs. Unfortunately, I need something with a detachable cable because sometimes I want to use it as a wireless headphone. Also, I live in a place with a hot and humid climate, which rules out a lot of headphones as they have leather. Because leather just degrades really fast and starts peeling here. Do you have any suggestions under $200, which has no leather, which has a good soundstage and positional audio?

[@PassionforSound]

That's an easy one! Just go for the DT 900 Pro X from beyerydynamic - excellent imaging and staging.

[@DocRealTalk]

@@PassionforSound Unfortunately that also has leather lol In fact, I see people complaining about the leather separating on Amazon reviews.

[@PassionforSound]

There's no leather on the DT900 Pro X, perhaps some fake leather type material under the headband, but the ear pads are fabric and most of the headband is plastic of some sort IIRC

[@stefanobartoli9113]

Ma come si fa, recensioni che altro non sono che una opinione personale e non un confronto audio. Francamente ho difficoltà a capire.

[@PassionforSound]

All audio is a subjective topic because we all perceive differently so the best I can do is to share my impressions and comparisons to try and help.

[@stefanobartoli9113]

@@PassionforSound I think that a personal opinion, as such, takes its toll unless we know the person, his thoughts, his experiences very well and it would still remain a subjective opinion. For this reason, in my opinion, certain videos are of greater help to beginners, if accompanied by audio comparisons. I agree with the argument that perception is subjective but there are also objectivities in electronics and acoustics. From 92 to 97 I was as Bluenote, importer for Italy of 21 brands, including: Bruce Moore Audio Design, Aronov Audio, Wavelenght, N.E.W Electronics, Antony Gallo, Merlin Loudspeakers, Artemis Loudspeakers, Michael Green Design, Harbeth, Royd Audio, Tara Labs, Magnum Dynalab, SoundLab, NVA and from 97 to 2005, designer and producer Bluenote/Goldenote Italy. I know the problems quite well and I repeat, there are also objectivities. This is my thought.