The 32 Ω DT 880 is about 5-10dB more sensitive from a constant voltage (as are most amplifiers) than the 600 Ω version. The 32 Ω version isn't as sensitive as the Ultrasone Edition 8, but it's close. FOr portable use, the long straight cord of the 32 Ω (or any of the) versions is a pain. DT 770's have a nice soundstage, the 3D imaging is ok. The pronounced bass and, to a lesser extent, the mids do obscure the detail a bit. DT 880's have an outstanding soundstage, the 3D imaging surpasses the others in my test, width and depth and even height is revealed in a very pleasing mannor. I heard details i didn't know were there. Thanks to the incredible design of the DT880 Pro's, the entire sound spectrum is reproduced in detail from a well defined sub bass to the highest highs. Extreme Comfort

The 32 Ω version will play louder from your iPod, while the 250 Ω and 600 Ω versions will require higher volume settings for the same level — or a dedicated headphone amplifier. The Pro and Premium 250 Ohm use the same drivers and therefore sound exactly the same except that the clamp strength is slightly tighter for the Pro than the Premium, which changes the sound a tiny bit (more bass). If you stretch the headband a bit on the Pro, it sounds exactly like the Premium With the DT880 you're almost at the performance, while with the Omegas, you are there. For one-tenth the price of the Omegas, these DT880s are 95% as good. The DT 880 PRO Studio Headphones combines all strengths of open, transparent headphones with those of more powerful, closed headphones. Specially designed housings and an improved system equalisation turn this œremake of the studio classic DT 880 into an ideal studio monitoring headphone, with analytical qualities.

Mids- The mids on this headphone is very smooth, i've never heard vocals produced out of a headphone like this one. The clarity is very sublime, its very calm and soothing. The sound is identical among the different versions except for how loud they go. I've compared the 32Ω and 600Ω versions directly to each other on my Apogee Duet 2, iPod Touch and Benchmark DAC1 HDR. The only difference is sensitivity, and how much (inaudible) distortion I measure in the amplifier. The 32 ohm model is meant to be driven by phones, iPods, etc, does not need a dedicated amp, but many who have compared it to the others say that it does not sound as good as the 250 and 600 ohm models It's funny that the original 1988 beyerdynamic DT990 copied the appearance of the then state-of-the-art Stax Lambda, and these DT 880 today vaguely copy the appearance of today's state-of-the-art Stax Omega. As the DT 880 Pro's are the only (Semi-)open headphones in my test, it might not have been a very fair comparison.

Design and Build: The DT880/250 Pro has a great build quality. That being said, Beyerdynamic has made a few compromises in pro version when compared to DT880 premium versions. First things first, If you are looking for cans which add something to an album the DT880's probably aren't for you. They add little in terms of energy or warmth. They are clinical in their sound. What you get on the CD/FLAC/MP3 is what you hear. To me this is no bad thing, in fact it is the reason I chose these over the other options presented to me. That isn't to say they aren't fun to listen to, they have excellent balance and dynamics, as well as having great timing and control. But the energy and excitement comes from the music. If the music is dull and lifeless the headphones sound that way too, but if the music is energetic and powerful and exciting the headphones are as well. Comparison with HD600 : The HD600 is long hailed as Mid-Fi King, (which it still is, and which it will be for a long time to come)

The DT 880's soundstage is the same as most headphones. Only the Ultrasone Edition 8 do much of anything different. Sound quality: Sound presentation here is very neutral, and is very much helpful for critical listening. Beware of the many expensive but wimpy headphone amplifiers with no more than 2 V RMS output, which isn't much more than the 1 V RMS output of an iPod. These wimpy amps are the ones often powered by batteries and sold with exotic DACs at high prices for use with iPods, but read the specifications carefully to be sure that they have plenty of output. Ask an electronic engineer if you need help. Formal power sensitivity is the same for all impedances. The reason lower-impedance versions go louder at a given volume setting is because lower-impedance headphones draw more power at the same voltage output, and most devices put out the same voltage even with different loads.

Featuring a wide stereo image, neutral sound, and high resolution audio, the Beyerdynamic DT880's set an all-new standard in semi-open headphones. Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro Studio Headphones Highlights The coiled cable is permanently fixed to the left driver. I prefer single sided cables for one reason, it's another easy way to tell which side is which in the dark. The cable is about 5ft in length, up to 10ft when stretched out. It is terminated to 3.5mm with a screw on 6.5mm adapter included. The cable is not replaceable but it is securely fixed and durable. As an owner of other headphones with replaceable cables, I think the feature is overrated. Connectors not only wear out, but can sometimes affect sound when moving around or not securely fastened. I have yet to replace a cable on any headphone. If you need more length or you're afraid of damaging the cable, use a headphone extension cord. I really don't see a "need" for a replaceable cable. Unless you plan to go portable with this headphone, in which case there are much better options for that purpose. Every other part can be replaced on this headphone, including the drivers themselves. Finding parts is easy because of their long-standing popularity. This is a big plus for working professionals who are more likely to abuse their gear. The HD25's were still very nice sounding, very clean, i think they convey what's really there nicely.The response is tight across the entire 5Hz-35kHz range, and it hugs the baseline aggressively without any peaks and dips to warp and color the output. If you demand accuracy, these will deliver it in spades. A fantastic choice for serious analytical work in a studio setting. Highs: Very are clear, detailed, yet little more than required. I can describe highs not as ‘bright’ but as slightly ‘ hot’ The original 1988 DT990 is much more muffled, but the old DT990 has sparklier (smoothly boosted) highs. No instructions and no warnings, thank goodness. It just comes with a flyer talking about beyerdynamic's history.