[boclcown]

I'm buying blind, and instead of getting one pair of headphones and hoping I'm not missing out on better competition, I am going to purchase two competing (performance wise) pairs and demo them for a week before deciding which to keep.
 
The thing is, that I've only been able to narrow my search down to 3, and I can't afford all 3! They are:
 
1) DT880 (600)
2) HD650
3) K701
 
I will have a macbook->udac->LD MKIII so I'd like to get a headphone that will work well with this setup. I am more concerned, however, with the fit of the headphone's musical presentation to my own tastes, so that has precedence over compatibility with my setup (I've done enough reading to know that any of these three will work with the LD MKIII, although some better than others I'm sure).
 
Any thougths? I'm leaning towards DT880 and HD650, but I feel like I will regret not getting to hear the 701's which a lot of people rave about.

 

[tyty5150]

What kind of music do you listen to?
 
I say go with the Beyerdynamic and AKG phones cause you have already had a chance to experience Sennheiser.  Maybe?  Just a suggestion.

 

[AmanGeorge]

Your amp is probably most compatible with the higher-impedance loads of the Beyer and Senn, and those two headphones sound pretty different - I'd say go for those.

 

[Ruffle]

I'd keep the K701 and the HD650.  Those two have difference enough sound signatures IMO to keep you entertained.  Return the DT880.  

 

[classakg]

The models you listed are power hungry...what music genres you listen? Are you gaming or watching movies? I think you will be okay with your current setup. 

 

[David.M]

Quote:

The models you listed are power hungry..

But remember, MKIII is an OTL. It'll drive those cans with ease, but maybe not the K701.

 

[stang]

K701 are better than dt880 600ohm at Jazz (ime), acoustical and Classical (I think). So depending on the genres you listen to, I would go for HD650 and either DT880 600ohm or K701. K701 amazed me with acoustical and jazz, but I do not listen to classical (did once to test K701), so I still own the DT880. I personally believe DT880 are great cans and I would only sell them if I were going far up the line like Stax O2 (compared the two, O2 are better in every single way, whereas other headphones seem to be worse or better in different respects to the dt880). 
 
EDIT: Volume wise, driving the K701 will be a piece of cake compared to dt880. When I had the K701 on lend, I had this: Grado HF-2 at 9:30, K701 at 10:30, dt880 600ohm at 12/12:30.

 

[vinnievidi]

Not knowing your musical preference, and assuming that you listen to a bit of everything, I would recommend the HD650.  
 
I've owned the K701 and HD650 and have borrowed the DT880 in the past.  Among those three, and in my personal opinion, the HD650s are the best all-arounders.  I believe that they pair vey well with LD amps, too.

 

[boclcown]

I listen to a wide variety of music. I currently own a pair of 595's that, although they are awesome, are lacking and I want to find a replacement for them.
 
So basically a headphone that can do a lot well. I don't necessarily need a true all-rounder, however, because I have enough headphones to be able to swtich around. I really just want a pair of amazing headphones that leave me ignoring all of my other pairs.

 

[David.M]

you should go with 650 if you want that warm, lush relaxed presentation: which do quite amazing with the LD Mark 3 amp, or if you want detailed treble, doesn't have over-bearing bass/neutral champion, you should go with the 880/600.

Do not buy the AKG 701 on the MK3 . IMO.

 

[Ruffle]

Go for the AD900s!
 
Hehe, hmm good luck with finding the headphones for you!  I wonder, have you considered calling HeadRoom?  And buy all 3 and then return one.  They do have a return policy.

 

[shane55]

Quote:

I'm leaning towards DT880 and HD650, but I feel like I will regret not getting to hear the 701's which a lot of people rave about.

I think you are correct in your line of thinking.
These two will represent very different takes on rendering music. One will give you an alalytical neutral and the other a more warm lush ideal.
Neither is right or wrong, just a matter of taste... and utility. But in my opinion, with these two you will get the best (mid-fi) takes on each style.
 
Good luck.
 
shane
 

 

[sanakaku]

Keep the beyer as for akg and the HD650 it depends to you but i'll sell the k701 if i need the money since k701 here seems to sell fast

 

[desktophifi]

The K701's are hard to drive comparing to the other models. Get the beyers or the sennheisers. 

 

[Trysaeder]

Get the HD650 and the K701, the DT880 is a perfect blend of inbetween.