Reddit reviews beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Semi-Open Design, Wired, high-end, for The Stereo System

Here's my copy/pasted response to this sort of question because it comes up so damn often.

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Get a pair of headphones and a mic.

If you want surround sound with your headphones, go for the Asus Xonar DG($24) as your sound card. It is very inexpensive and offers Dolby Headphone(ie, it allows you to have virtual surround sound on any pair of headphones - certain headphones work better with this than others, check out this thread at Head-Fi for a plethora of headphones reviewed with Dolby Headphone in mind).

As for the microphone, the common choice is the Zalman zm-mic1($9). Another great choice if you want a better microphone is the Antlion ModMic($33).

As for the headphones, this is a very personal thing. Do you want to be able to accurately pinpoint the location of footsteps in first person shooters? Go for something that is reviewed well by Mad Lust Envy in his thread. Good choices would be the Audio Technica ATH-AD700, the AKG K701/K702/Q701, the Sennheiser HD558/HD598. All of these are open headphones, which tend to be better if you want positional accuracy, but if you'd prefer a closed pair, the Beyerdynamic DT770/DT880(partially open) are rather good. Keep in mind that the Beyers and the AKGs should not be used without an external amp. The other ones should be fine to run off the sound card.

If you don't need pristine positional accuracy in first person shooters, you could go for a huge number of different headphones to suit your tastes. Here is a great thread on Head-Fi comparing many different headphones.

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Also,

>USB if possible.

You win all of my why for the day.

https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-Over-Ear-Stereo/dp/B000F2BLTM

When I bought mine a couple of weeks ago, the 32 ohm were actually more expensive than the 250 ohm. They're both at $349.99 right now http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413585285&sr=8-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt880

As long as they're premiums, it's definitely an incredible deal.

If you're willing to spend a little more... Beyerdynamic DT-880s (semi open 250ohm).

Talk about all over the place! I mainly listen to electronica (dubstep, hardstyle, trance, club, etc.), jazz, and post hardcore/metal. I've had my 880's for about 3yrs now and they still surprise me at times. I truly enjoy them when it comes to jazz and electronic, and they are the most comfortable cans I've tried!

HOWEVER, any rock or metal is sub par in my opinion. Mid range is not as crisp as what these genre's require. Although, I would never take back my decision in purchasing them. What they lack in one area (Mids) they more than make up in others. PS: Burn in was ~40hrs for me, so don't judge right away if you invest.

http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-DT-880-Premium-250/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370810867&sr=8-1&keywords=beyer+dt880

Have a look at the DT880, extreeeemely comfortable and great full sound - https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM

Your first step should be to get off onboard sound. The two easiest routes here would either getting a dedicated sound card or a USB DAC/amp combo.

If you decide on upgrading your sound card, something like the Asus DG/DGX will do fine to start with; they'll clean up the sound nicely and will be good enough to drive an efficient set of headphones. Later when you upgrade your headphones, you can then upgrade to the ST/STX and get yourself a proper amp like the Matrix M-stage or 02. That would imo be the better option in the long run.

The USB DAC/amp combo like the Fiio E10 will be a better option if you plan on getting slightly harder to drive headphones from the get go, e.g. Senns, Beyer...

That leaves you with around $250-$300 for the headphones. For your uses(movies and rock), an open pair of headphones like the AD900 would be a great all rounder; great comfort and very efficient. Also have a look at the Beyer DT880, also a good choice within your budget. These would have a wide soundstage perfect for movies and be versatile enough for most music. An open set will generally sound more natural than a closed one.

If you really need closed, the Brainwavz HM5 would be a good choice and way under your budget, enough left over to get yourself a set of Grado SR80. Grados are known as the hardest rocking headphones around, with a fast energetic and upfront sound that goes great with rock/alternative/metal/anything fast paced.

As some others mentioned, the Beyer DT770 are a nice set but a bit too bassy for my liking. I much prefer the DT250-80, which have a great smooth midrange.

Where are you getting those prices from?

Here they are on Amazon:

DT990 - $379.00: http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-990-Premium-250-Ohm/dp/B00193FT26/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369023953&sr=8-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+990

DT880 - $349.00: http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-DT-880-Premium-250/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369024028&sr=1-1&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+880

Agreed, as an audio engineer it annoys me to no end when I ask someone if they have nice headphones and they reply with "oh yeah, I have beats."

These are the same price as Beats Pro's yet 10 times the headphones.

Honestly the biggest decider is -- do you live in a noisy environment or worry about annoying people nearby? If so, open or semi-open isn't for you.

If you can live with open or semi-open, get the DT880 Premium / Edition. They are comfortable as hell -- I wear glasses and I've worn these headphones for 6hr straight a handful of times. They also have the best sound of the trio. $180 on Amazon.

If you need to go closed, most people will prefer the 770-80 for its amazing bass but based on your preferences I would consider the 770-250 which is more neutral. Though the 880 has better sound, the 770 is no slouch and still sound fantastic. They have among the best sound stage of closed headphones, enough to best many open headphones.

At this price point I think you could create a great setup for ~$500 by choosing one each from the following options, perhaps omitting the DAC:

1. Headphones

Sennheiser HD 600

Sennheiser HD 650 (more expensive)

Mr Speakers Mad Dog

HiFiMan HE-400 (with reservations)

Beyerdynamic DT880 (less expensive)

2. Amplifier

Schiit Magni

Objective2

3. DAC

Schiit Modi

ODAC

(or you can get the Objective2 with ODAC in same chassis)

I definitely wouldn't recommend spending huge amounts on amplification and DACs at this price point; the noticeable difference is going to be in getting the best headphones you can.

Well, I can just tell you what I did, so as not to insult anyone: About 3 years ago I put down a chunk of money for a gaming PC investment. I had top of the line everything.

I am also a music / positional sound enthusiast, so I have nice music/gaming headphones, a headphone amp (to "drive" any decent headphones), along with a V-DAC (external headphone plug-in box which eliminates electrical computer sounds that any decent headphones tend to pick up). Some headphone amps have dacs built in, but the M-Stage and V-DAC are separate and a good combo.

Anyways, the computer is 3 years old, but it still runs everything at max, partially due to console technology being 7 years behind, and most PC games are console ported games these days. I am willing to bet that my computer lasts another 5 years. But the best part is, if it falls behind, i can simply upgrade the video card later.
I personally much prefer mouse/keyboard to a gamepad. It feels like having a Bat computer.

premium- check this. It discounted heavily!

beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Edition 250 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones. Semi-open design, wired, high-end, for the stereo system https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JHjJBb6F6WCYP

https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM

A few things. Don't get a wireless headset, get a long, light cord with real headphones and a mic. Money doesn't matter? Make sure to visit /r/headphones. But if money is not a problem do this setup

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462141136&sr=8-1&keywords=ath2020

With this arm http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-Suspension-Scissor-Built-Mounting/dp/B00AK7SKL4/ref=pd_sim_267_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=41rdebtorNL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=1RW5JG5NC7VGFR5M6ZJR

For the headphones: http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM Now make sure to look around for others. Great options are DT 990 Pro's. Or these http://www.amazon.com/Technica-Audiophile-ATH-AD2000X-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S32ZPI/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1462141281&sr=1-11&keywords=headphones&refinements=p_36%3A40000-70000

Now for the DAC/AMP which is needed http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-Digital-to-Analog-Converter/dp/B006IPH5H2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462141332&sr=8-4&keywords=shiit+magni%2Fmodi

Again visit /r/headphones and DO NOT GET A HEADSET. They are ALL shit.

So I don't know wher you found them for $239, but I think you may have found the DT880 Pro, which are different headphones. On Amazon, the Premiums are selling for $340 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F2BLTM) and they have the same price listed on head-fi.

In general, massdrop prices do not blow and the vast majority of the buys over the past couple months have reached the lowest price points. I would love to see the link you found for $239, since if that is true, these headphones are not a good deal at all. However, I think you may have made a mistake.

Amazon.ca deals (availability may fluctuate; open box prices include Warehouse 25-45% discount, exclude taxes)

audio-technica ATH-M40x - $116.99, $75-85 used through Warehouse Deals

audio-technica ATH-M50x (open box) - $153.33

beyerdynamic DT-770-80 Pro (open box) - $148.03

Jaybird X2 - $99.99

beyerdynamic DT-880-250 Premium (open box) - $157.85

Sennheiser HD598 - $109.99

Sennheiser HD800 (open box) - $1012.87

Sennheiser IE80 (open box) - $189.95

V-Moda M100 Crossfade (Shadow) (open box) - $173.37

Thanks, just need a Mic though. For headphones I'm using

DT 880 Premium by beyerdynamic http://amzn.com/B000F2BLTM

I got mixed up on the ohms sorry. And I'm talking about increasing volume about 25%, so would that make a difference? The 32 and 250 ohms were on a pair of these ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000F2BLTM?pc_redir=1404219565&robot_redir=1 ) 880s. They come in different impedances and I had read a review that said the 32 ohm model had muddy bass and overall wasn't worth the price compared to the others. And I guess I would like to stay away from amps as much as possible to be more portable, but I don't want to spend $300 and be sacrificing audio quality for a little inconvenience of carrying an amp. Hope this helps understand what I'm looking for. Sorry I'm confused, I'm trying to not confuse you too.

Ever tried these?

My only criticism about these headphones is the material they used on the cups.

It's kind of hard to find a headphone that's just breaking into the threshold of amp worthy, but this and this are examples of headphones that definitely needs an amp to reach their full potential.

Thanks you for answering. Well that would be the cheap combo, but I also was thinking about going for the HD650 + a sound card instead of a DAC for emulated surround etc (overhall a better alternative ?).

This sound card in particular would fit my budget (Creative sound blaster Z > https://www.amazon.fr/Creative-Sound-Blaster-Performance-ProStudio/dp/B009RPQA2G) combo'd with the HD650

Would it be a good upgrade while staying in the style of music / comfort I like ? And is the Creative Sound Blaster Z gonna be too cheap of a sound card for the HD650 compared to a Creative ZxR or an Asus STX II ?

What do you think ?

Edit: Or and HD598 + Creative ZxR/Asus STX II for a better balance instead of HD650 + Creative Sound Blaster Z ?

Edit 2: Well I just found a really cheap DT 880 Pro... and will probably order this one https://www.amazon.fr/Beyerdynamic-Casque-Hi-Fi-880-32/dp/B000F2BLTM?th=1 , I guess I just need a better DAC than the fiio E10K for this one. What about a Schiit one? You'd recommend one in particular ?

My HM5s are about to snap at the hinge so I'm looking for something to replace them. I'd like the replacement to sound similar, be a bit more comfortable (these clamp quite hard) and ideally be usable if I plug them straight into my laptop (I have an amp at my desktop but I work on my laptop too)

DT880s are £140 atm (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyerdynamic-DT-880-Premium-Headphone/dp/B000F2BLTM), HD598s are £160. I'm open to any other suggestions, these are just the ones I found so far. Please keep it cheaper than the 598s, and I'm far too lazy for anything that needs modding.

Thanks!

I have the Beyerdynamic DT 880 250 ohms and a Mod mic. Headphones this high of resistance will require an external amplifier.

• Logitech G15 (Modified thumbstick to use PS3 mushroom Dpad)
  
• Logitech G600
  
• Quad Footpedals
  
• Byerdynamic DT880
  
• USB stick Mic

Open back:

Fidelio X2 (yes, order them from the UK)

Closed back:

AT-MSR7

I chose these two because you mentioned the desire for an attached microphone. Either of these will accept the VModa BoomPro which is an affordable, nice sounding mic that plugs right in and avoids having extra cable clutter.

Your other best options would be the AKG712pro or the DT880 paired with an Antlion Modmic at the expense of an additional cable.

Or a desktop mic.

The 'I've lost my mind, but found my wallet' options include the HD800 or Focal Elear.

In-depth reviews for everything mentioned available on youtube.

super accurate headhpones: (need an amp but if you use an interface you can just plug right in)
https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM

Awesome thanks for the reply!! So you got the headset and the mixamp as well??

I was looking at beyerdynamic as well but the DT880

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=twister_B00AW715HS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

Between those, AKG, etc so many options!!

Edit: I'm an idiot haha those are the ones I posted about so of course I was looking at those!! I've been looking at so many different ones they are all getting mixed up :)

Currently using Brainwavz HM3.
My dream headphones are [Beyedynamic 880] (http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1415822826&sr=8-14&keywords=beyerdynamics)

Edit: Never knew you were a fellow New Yorker. Mets or Yankees?

Thanks for the response. The description for the DT800 sounds like something I would bite at.

Are those the Beyer Dynamic DT 880's? I like the design of them. On amazon there is a 32 Ohm and a 250 Ohm option I am looking at. It seems like the 32's would be better for scenario? I do not plan on using my stereo too much where I currently live.

Would I okay just plugging the headphones directly into my PC's audio jack, or would I need other equipment to use them?

I'd debate how effective gaming chairs are vs their counterparts (such as this one with a breathable back and proper lumbar adjustments among other features) but that's for another time.

Gaming headphones are overly priced. They are made for a niche market that assumes there are some sort of special factors going into these headphones for them vs "normal" people. This usually just means it's USB connected, comes accompanied with useless software, and has some form of lame surround sound.

For example, mostly everything on this list is overshadowed by the main players in the mid range headphone market: AKG, Sennheiser and BeyerDynamic.

Hope that helps.

https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-Over-Ear-Stereo/dp/B000F2BLTM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=beyer%2Bdt880&qid=1567039077&s=electronics&sr=1-3&th=1

Beyerdynamic DT-880 + MMM Headphone Amplifier > your headsets

:D

Beyerdynamic DT880's are great for gaming if you want to go all out, very detailed with extremely accurate imaging, certainly better than any gaming oriented rubbish. Then you could get something like this which clips onto the headphone cable. If the DT880's are out of your league, I heartily recommend the AD700 which have a hugely expansive soundstage which really immerses you in the game. Both of these headphones have the added benefit of being incredible for music too.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I like the Beyerdynamic DT880, and it's right near my budget limit. However, I've done a bit of search and there are many models(32 ohm, 250 ohm and 600 ohm). This particular model is the 250 ohm one. In this review I gather the 250 ohm are very neutral, exactly what I need. However, in this comparison people say I might need an amp to truly enjoy those headphones. Would you mind shedding some light on the matter?

Thanks in advance!

I used these 880s while I was in Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-880-Premium-250-ohm/dp/B000F2BLTM

I think they're described as "semi-open". They leak a tiny amount of sound, and I used them very late at night in a similar thin-walled apartment with no issues. 200$ too. I like them about as much as the hd600s I had before, but these are much more comfortable on my head.

(can headphones even check the heft of subs tho...?)

For $330 you could have done better OP
HD650 Q701 DT880