The Beyerdynamic DT 880 harkens back to a time when headphones were still tools, not fashion statements.
It’s the antithesis of today’s streamlined, plastic pieces of head candy. In fact, it’s probably no accident the latest version doesn’t look all that different from the first pair that rolled off the assembly line in 1980. Obviously, the 87-year-old German audio company felt there was little need mess with what already works. Thankfully, this fealty to the headphone’s rich history extends not just to design, but also sonic performance.
Your dad had the best gear back in the day. Some of it is still around, and it’s still awesome. Flashback!
Like earlier iterations, the new 880s retain their classic semi-open, over-the-ear design. This gives listeners a good middle-of-the-road solution for both sound isolation and fidelity. It also translates into supreme comfort during extended listening sessions. No cheap plastic or garish colors here, either. The 880s rely solely on materials like aluminum, steel, leather and velvet. Also gone is the flat-back ear cup styling of previous generations in favor of a more rounded design that adds a pinch of modernism.
But perhaps the biggest change to this storied headphone in recent years is the addition of a lower impedance (32-ohm) version. This is what I tested. Unlike older versions of the 880, this one is tailor-made for low-powered — non-amped — sources like your typical iPod, laptop or smartphone. Indeed, armed with two super-efficient drivers, these cans definitely provided more than enough oomph regardless of the source I used. And while I didn’t have the chance to compare them to the 250- or 600-ohm models, I can say that sound signature was as crisp and detailed as any headphone I’ve tried in recent memory.
Like other cans in this class, the 880s pack a superbly detailed soundstage, letting you pick out — and pick up on — instrumentation and nuances you’d never know where there on other headphones. This proved particularly rewarding when listening to sonic landscape master Amon Tobin’s new album, ISAM. Tobin, of course, is known for crafting otherworldly — and occasionally batshit-crazy — sounds by digitally manipulating real world ones. All of these sprung to life on the 880s with impressive depth and richness. Thankfully, the 880s also come with pinpoint-accurate bass which never got in the way even when I threw heavier stuff at them. Combine those attributes with lush mids that make voices sparkle and shimmer, and it’s hard to come up with any reason to dislike these monster cans.
Overall, if I had one qualm, it was that the 880s did seem to favor the higher frequencies. And depending on how you feel about treble, and what you’re listening to, they can occasionally sound harsh or overly bright at times. Although this can easily be fixed with a modest EQ correction.
That slight imbalance notwithstanding, these are still some extremely accurate, even clinical-sounding headphones. So be warned: All that overcompressed drivel sitting on your MP3 player or hard drive will sound exactly like what it is, with no overblown or bloated low-end to cover up all the shortcomings. However, when paired with a quality Apple Lossless, FLAC or — even better — CD source, the 880s will definitely make you want don a smoking jacket, light up a pipe and sit by the hi-fi — er, laptop — for hours.
WIRED Like a pair of velvet slippers for your ears. These are some of the comfiest cans I’ve ever put on my head. Zero ear fatigue even after epic listening sessions. Classic design cues and quality materials make for one gorgeous, yet tough, headphone. Detailed soundstage with tight, controlled bass. 32-ohm version is easy to drive and great for your iPod or laptop. Padded carrying case included.
TIRED Just as big and bulky as your dad’s old cans — not the most travel-friendly option. Semi-open design means some sonic leakage, so anyone sitting next to you will be listening to your music, too. Treble can be a bit harsh at times.
Mom and Dad use their Beyerdynamic headphones to tune out the kids.
Beyerdynamic DT-880 photo by Jim Merithew/Wired
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