Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO By Jesse Young, Sun Apr 12 21:55:28 2015

Photo credit: Jesse Young

Yep, it’s 2015 and I’m writing yet another review for the almost four-decade-old Beyerdynamic DT 880. Yep, I realize there are countless reviews online all pretty much saying the same thing—that its sound is lucid, its build-quality premium, and its earpads beyond comfortable—so I’ll keep mine short.

As the happy owner of a DT 880 for almost two months, I agree with the general consensus. These headphones sound good straight from a portable device and even better amped. The highs are detailed without sounding sibilant, and the bass is competent but not overly powerful. The ear pads, oh those velour ear pads, are like two soft clouds floating around your head. If you’re searching for a pair of headphones in the $200-350 range and sound isolation isn’t an issue, look no further because the DT 880 is a great pick.

However, I do have one gripe and it’s this: the DT 880 is confusing as hell to buy.

These headphones actually comes in two versions: PRO and Edition. Searching online reveals a third but non-existent version called “Premium”. Beyerdynamic clarifies on its website:

Unfortunately, this is a mistake, as there have never been such models and they also don’t exist today. If you encounter the term Premium, it generally, however, means the … Edition model.

Furthermore, each version is available in one or more impedances. Edition comes in 32, 250, or 600 ohms, while PRO has only 250 ohms. If you’ve recently visited Beyerdynamic’s website, you probably noticed the DT 880 MANUFAKTUR. No, that isn’t another version but instead is a tool to customize the Edition by color, material, etc.

The DT 880 is also sandwiched between two similar-looking and similar-specced headphones (DT 770 and DT 990). Comparisons are regularly made among this trio, further adding to the array of choices. It’s worth mentioning that the 770 and 990 also come in different versions. The DT 990 has the same PRO and Edition designations along with the varying impedances. But the DT 770 differs slightly. It has PRO, but in place of Edition (which used to exist but was discontinued) is M. Confusing, right?

For the vast majority of people interested in buying the DT 880, the PRO is, without a doubt, the version they should get. The most important reason is because it costs about $100 less than an Edition and is more or less the same headphone.

First, the sound. The sonic characteristics between the two versions have more in common than not. This can be explained because the PRO uses the exact transducer system as its 250-ohm Edition counterpart rather than a cheaper driver. Some claim that highs improve at 600 ohms, but Beyerdynamic says its minor.

Next is the look and feel. Both include a non-detachable three-meter cable, but the PRO is coiled instead of straight. The Edition has small metal fins near the headband adjuster, though it's unclear whether they serve an actual purpose or not. Wrapped around the PRO’s headband is a thick leatherette padding that you can conveniently remove (the Edition lacks this). The clamp force—how tightly it fits on your head—is a hair less on the Edition (2.8 newtons versus 3.5 newtons). Both include a carrying case, with the Edition’s being made of artificial leather instead of a canvas-like fabric. Lastly, the ear cup on the PRO has “DT 880 PRO” stamped directly onto the grill instead of “DT 880” on a mounted metal plate. These minor things, mainly cosmetic, comprise the extent of the differences.

Introduced in 1980, the DT 880 has experienced several redesigns and upgrades throughout the years, making it one of the most popular and widely praised headphones ever. But I sometimes wonder if consumers actually know which they’re buying or own given all the variations. The DT 880 is a fantastic product mired by too many options, which ultimately leads to a confusing buying experience. Hopefully, this semi-review clears up the confusion a bit. When in doubt, go with the PRO.

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