Beyerdynamic DT 880

The DT 880 is a hi-fi headphone from Beyerdynamic, built around a dynamic transducer and a so-called semi-open architecture. This design choice places it midway between the two main headphone families: it does not isolate as much as a closed-back model, but nor does it let sound escape as freely as a fully open one. This is a home headphone, intended for attentive music listening rather than for travelling about.

On the technical side, the stated frequency response spans 5 to 35000 Hz, a range that extends well beyond the limits of human hearing at both ends. In practical terms, this means the transducer operates without being constrained at the low end of the spectrum or in the extreme treble, which contributes to the stability of the response within the range that is actually audible. Sensitivity is given as 96 dB: a level that calls for a source with a reasonable amount of headroom, a dedicated headphone amplifier or a quality output being preferable to the socket of a simple portable device.

Connection is made via a 3-metre, coiled cable, detachable at one side of the headphones only. This length allows for a comfortable listening position in front of a system, without straining the connection. The termination is a 3.5 mm stereo jack, supplied with a 6.3 mm adapter allowing the headphones to be connected to the output of a home amplifier or preamplifier.

This model is aimed at the listener who listens seated, at home, and who is looking for a compromise between the sense of space offered by open-back headphones and the bass retention typical of closed-back ones. It will suit a hi-fi system as much as a computer listening setup fitted with a converter, and will cope equally well with long music sessions and analytical listening work.

When buying used, a few points deserve specific inspection for this type of headphone:

• the condition of the ear cushions, which compress and harden over the years and noticeably alter both the sound seal and the comfort;
• the padding and elasticity of the headband, stressed with each use;
• the grille on the semi-open section, which should be free of impact damage or dents that could affect the transducer;
• the input connector for the detachable cable, as well as the sheath of the 3 m coiled cable, to be checked along its entire length;
• the balance between the two channels, to be checked at low volume with a mono signal.

A headphone of this design is easily brought back up to standard: cushions and cable being wear parts, their condition does not prejudge that of the transducers, which remain the key element to assess.