I’m looking at getting one of these two headphones. I’m not sure which to go for. I like a little bit of a V headphone, but not too much. I’m OK with the mids still being there. I know @Logan likes the DT880s a lot. Do the DT990s produce too much bass for some? Just looking for some advice and I’ve watched all the audio videos by Tek Syndicate. I do have a DAC that can power 250ohm headphones just fine. Also, differences between premium and pro?
I have experience with HD650's which I love and I also had a pair of DT990's which indeed had too much bass and not in a good way to my ears at least. I did enjoy their almost physical eyeball shattering punch but HD650's are way better and I would even check out some other options instead of beyer dt series unless its what you are looking for. I do believe there are other options in the same price range that might be better....arguably.
I've got the 770 pro and 880 pro... the 770's have better bass but i highly recommend the 880s depth of field as a daily driver... can't say anything about the 990s
Well, the 650's are out of my price range. Looking around $250-$300 open back for sure.
I got the DT990 Pros earlier this week and I can't even express how blown away I am. At first, they seemed too bright for my tastes (probably because I've been a total bass head my whole life), but after breaking them in, the highs feel as though they've smoothed out to allow the bass to come through. Everything is still extremely detailed, so much so that I have a very hard time going back to any other headphones I have.
While I personally don't think the bass is too much with the DT990s, I'm to understand that the DT880s retain a more balanced V while still keeping much of the same clarity. A lot of audiophiles on the interwebs say they prefer the DT880s for being more balanced. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thank you ifell. I decided to order the 990s to try them out. The black edition is on sale, looks nice and has a straight cable so I went with those! Can't wait to get them!
Wow, ifell, I got them today and I must say you were spot on. I too, am completely blown away by the quality. Even on bass heavy songs the bass is there for sure... but the openness allows it to escape nicely! Never had open headphones before, totally worth it!
HD 600/650s all the way.
much better listening experience.
With the price difference that makes sense. However, for $170 these headphones are amazing.
Glad you like them. I've listened to them literally every day since I got them. Quite worth it!
the dt 880s are like $250 aren't they? I haven't check the prices in a while.
but your end game should be HD600/650s or a a nice pare of ortho dynamic headphones. since the HD600s are amazing listening, a super nice package.
With HD600/650's the main benefit for me has been that yes I could try to hunt down something "MORE" but I have not felt the need and it's my 4th year with this pair and it seems to have stopped my cravings/GAS for more headphone gear. Yes sure I could want orthodynamics and whatnot but the HD650's were the first pair of headphones which completely blew me away and seem to sustain that feeling of amazement. There isn't a day when I am not grateful for the fact that these things exist and I get to use them. Some day when I'm fortunate enough I might experience something even better but until then HD650's is not a bad place to be (paired with a dac and occasionally a valve amp). Then again TD990/880 Pro/Regular's will not "suck" either compared to regular consumer grade headphones just wanted to praise a little :)
you pretty summed up my point exactly.
the HD600/650 are the last pair you buy since they're so nice and so comfy.
the 600s are more balanced and cheaper so they're better ones to get in my opinion but up to you.
they exist at the point where you don't see the need to upgrade since everything else would just be marginally better at best, heck even HD800 people keep some Hd600s around to listen to on occasion.
I did not like their "look" at the beginning and I am still not a big fan as I like the "round" cans more pleasing. I think dt990-Pro's look fantastic imho. Functionality and the quality of Sennheisers has won me over they are just better compared to most things in their price segment in terms of well rounded audio performance (some wiggle room for personal preferences but not much).
just curious what amp do you use?
Marantz PM-75 as a DAC (TDA1541A) and my headphone valve amp is a DIY amp from a local engineer and it is really good. I had a digital Headamp (800$ headphone amp) and the diy valve amp beats it in many ways- it has 0 hum and is specially designed to run at lower voltages to keep the distortion at bay so cool. But at the moment HD650's out of the PM-75 Im barbaric I know...
neat, I'm using a Modi v1 paired with a schiit from the original 1000.
its pretty good, the schiit gets super hot after a bit.
My HeadAmp got hot aswell...
type A, are supposed to.