I looked high and low for good set of closed back headphones, as my current job almost dictates the use of exclusively closed cans. Also I needed something for my bedroom recording to keep pace with all sources I have at hand without ever needing amplification.
DT-250 came right in - first I was contemplating DT-770, but having read mixed feelings about the treble intensity and since Premium range was discontinued, they were the next logical choice. Being vintage AKG fan, I could have aimed towards K550 or K271 but those had drawbacks I was reluctant to accept. Surprisingly, DT-250 were hard to find as everyone seem to be pushing forth the trio 770/880/990.
As my gear is of varying output impedance, some sources even above 20 Ohms, I wanted at least 250Ohms, but possibly not at expense of sensitivity, which would have to be high enough to accomodate low-voltage sources. Again in this regard, DT-250 in their 250Ohm variant have not disappointed. With 100dB/mW rated sensitivity at 1kHz, they can be easily driven from sub-1Vrms sources, such as Sansa Clip+ up to ear damaging levels.
In regards to comfort and sound, they sound very balanced, not one part of the spectrum sticks out. Some might have noticed the ever so slightly pronounced trebles, but coming from K240DFs, I don't find them overpowered, unlike DT880 (both 250 and 600Ohm versions). My only complaint would be aimed towards the bass, it's somewhat less defined compared to K601, but that could be due to the construction and something to be expected of closed headphones. I don't enjoy forward bass as others might, in fact having it slightly recessed is what I found useful for long sessions. DT-250 do not have forward bass, and it's level with the rest of the spectrum as with K601. Spatialization leaves something to be desired, the 'soundstage' lacks both width and depth of semi-open or open headphones, but they make up for it by reproducting textures with incredible accuracy.
IMO, while narrower, the soundstage is still better than DT880, which were very confusing with familiar tracks.
The clamping force takes a while to get used to, and for people with glasses I would strongly encourage to try wearing them before purchase. Some people might have problems with fitting their ears inside the cups, there's virtually no space reserve. My ears fit the just, but not without wiggling the cups a bit.
Overall I would highly recommend the DT-250 to anyone who is on market for good closed back, durable and not overly expensive set of headphones.
Edit: After 5 months and over 200 hours of listening time my opinion changed slightly - and they deserve full 5/5 score hands down. More later
DT-250 came right in - first I was contemplating DT-770, but having read mixed feelings about the treble intensity and since Premium range was discontinued, they were the next logical choice. Being vintage AKG fan, I could have aimed towards K550 or K271 but those had drawbacks I was reluctant to accept. Surprisingly, DT-250 were hard to find as everyone seem to be pushing forth the trio 770/880/990.
As my gear is of varying output impedance, some sources even above 20 Ohms, I wanted at least 250Ohms, but possibly not at expense of sensitivity, which would have to be high enough to accomodate low-voltage sources. Again in this regard, DT-250 in their 250Ohm variant have not disappointed. With 100dB/mW rated sensitivity at 1kHz, they can be easily driven from sub-1Vrms sources, such as Sansa Clip+ up to ear damaging levels.
In regards to comfort and sound, they sound very balanced, not one part of the spectrum sticks out. Some might have noticed the ever so slightly pronounced trebles, but coming from K240DFs, I don't find them overpowered, unlike DT880 (both 250 and 600Ohm versions). My only complaint would be aimed towards the bass, it's somewhat less defined compared to K601, but that could be due to the construction and something to be expected of closed headphones. I don't enjoy forward bass as others might, in fact having it slightly recessed is what I found useful for long sessions. DT-250 do not have forward bass, and it's level with the rest of the spectrum as with K601. Spatialization leaves something to be desired, the 'soundstage' lacks both width and depth of semi-open or open headphones, but they make up for it by reproducting textures with incredible accuracy.
IMO, while narrower, the soundstage is still better than DT880, which were very confusing with familiar tracks.
The clamping force takes a while to get used to, and for people with glasses I would strongly encourage to try wearing them before purchase. Some people might have problems with fitting their ears inside the cups, there's virtually no space reserve. My ears fit the just, but not without wiggling the cups a bit.
Overall I would highly recommend the DT-250 to anyone who is on market for good closed back, durable and not overly expensive set of headphones.
Edit: After 5 months and over 200 hours of listening time my opinion changed slightly - and they deserve full 5/5 score hands down. More later
MK2 and Studios are alright, that is those that were made in Austria (Chinese plastic is much more prone to cracking), but do have their set of problems, namely driver resonance at 200Hz. AKG's "XXL" 40mm driver also roll off fairly fast, at 18kHz it's almost -40dB.
I upgraded from K240 MK2s to DFs and it's definitely step up. That being said, some sellers are clueless and offer them for almost €170.