Grado SR80 vs Beyer Dynamic DT860

[Kingy]

I have been lucky enough over the past few years to work for an online retail company and as such have tried many headphone brands and models. We recently added Beyer Dynamic to our range and i just wondered what you guys think of this brand.

Two of my recent tests have been the Grado SR80 and a pair of beyer DT860's. Everyone seems to know about the glowing rep of the sr80's but i just have to say that the Beyers absolutely wipe the floor with them (source iPod 5th gen). I just dont get the Grado thing, I know i should really be comparing the sr125 for correct price point but these are my last two pairs so its easier to offer an opinion. headphones are a personal thing, as are speakers but to me its a revelation. I just cant stop listening to the Beyers. Does anyone else use the DT860's? Its very hard to find fans of this brand but if youve got an iPod and are thinking of Grados you just have to give the beyers a chance first.

PS: Before the Sennheiser guys ransack the thread, NONONONO, they are evil

[mattski73]

what i found about the Grados is that they're very forgiving of the source. i brought a sony Walkman form cash converters in Stevenage, it cost me £6 and when i plugged the 125's into it, the walkman sounded great.

for me it's the lack of comfort from the grados that's the problem. i had a pair of beyers years and years ago, but for the life of me i can't remember what i thought of them. i think my brother half inched them.

i have absolutely no objection to beyers apart form the upper range get a bit big and heavy from what i understand. the fact is, i just haven't got 'round to getting another pair.

i went for the Ultrasone 750's instead, but i have got my eyes on the DT880's if i could get the funding for them i.e. if the wife would let me.

[Kingy]

You hit on a really good point there Matt, the Grado's are damn uncomfortable. I have yet to try any of the RS or GS ranges but all of the prestige are ear killers after say 30 mins.

The DT880's have great reviews also but I listen mainly through my iPod so the 250ohm spec puts me off as I believe 32ohm are much easier to drive with small hand held devices? (as you can tell, im no expert on the technical side of these things )