If you modify them you can
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Does anyone have experience with these and the Mayflower Arc Mk2? Itās max output is 92mW @ 600 ohms:
ā¢ Max Output (600 Ohms): 92 mW (THD+N < 0.003%)
The ark can get them loud enough, but imo sounds a bit dry and lifeless with the 880, also can be a bit too bright, but it will power them
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92mw @ 600ohms, it has the drive capability on paper but when you factor in the 880 600ohm has impedance spikes at lower frequencies in excess of 720ohmsā¦ You might want to opt for something which swings a bit more voltage.
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Thatās too bad. I have an Arc Mk2 on the way. Any suggestions on something similar with a mic input that would drive them? Or can/should I pair the Arc Mk2 with a good amp to drive them?
I mean for kinda close to the price of the arc mk2, you could honestly get something like an asgard 3 with an audio interface like a focusrite scarlett solo (and an adapter like an antlion xlr adapter), and while this would be more around the 300 range, it would give you a higher quality amp that is more suited for driving the 880 and also a higher quality mic input with room to expand in the future.
You could keep the arc and grab an amp like the liquid spark which would be a better match for the 880 but at that point you wouldnāt really be getting good value for money imo since you would only be using the arc as a dac and mic input (and at that point if you wanted to stay around the 200 range you might as well just plug the mic into your motherboard and grab a dac like the earmen donald or topping e30 instead of an arc as a dac only)
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Not worried about the price, I just want something that will drive them to their potential, but I also would prefer a minimalist setup (I donāt like a ton of cables). But if the best option is a ton of cables I could live with it.
So you can get a more minimalist setup like an all in one, the issue is that imo none of the all in ones with mics really drive the 880 600 ohm as well as I would want tbh. You can get something like a jds element ii for something very clean and neutral, or the asgard 3 with multibit module for something smoother and warmer. The thing is you would just have to plug the mic into the motherboard audio in that case
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I had long abandoned my DT880/600s for HD600/650s, but prompted in part by Zeosās recent adulatory review and my recent purchase of an Asgard 3/4490, I thought maybe it was time to reassess.
I have to say that, first of all, improving the amp has definitely improved the sound. The signature of the 880s is what I remember it being, only now itās all better and more interesting. And holy crap is the treble just fantastic. So clear and revealing. I used to think it overly bright, but now not so much. The difference with the Senns is sufficiently striking that Iām now motivated to listen through all my stuff. Is it ābetterā than the Senns? I donāt know about that, but I think with time Iāll figure out which tracks are better suited. So far, classical and acoustic in general. Sopranos. Really exceptional sound.
Now, Iāve heard that the A3 is far from at full power if Iām using the 4490 card. Maybe Iāll connect with my ES100 or BTR5 as an external dac just to see what happens thenā¦
Iāve just been listening to Alison Balsomās Bach works for trumpet album, and I can really appreciate the DT880ās gifts. Gorgeous tone and detail. One weird thing: whereas Iām sure I could have heard her breathing on the Sennheisers had I been paying attention, Iād never been so aware of her breathing as I am with the Beyers.
Iām also beginning to think the Senns are better for casual listening, and the Beyers for more critical listening. I find myself paying attention more to the music with the DT880s while Iām working with music on. It demands that. The Sennheisers reward critical listening but donāt encourage it as much.
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A3 and 880 are a great match, I feel that the 880 is the true under $200 king, not the 6xx. The stage and seperation is much better than the 6xx. They both do scale well, and I have only heard the 880 on the higher tier amps, so take it with a grain of salt, but id choose 880 over 6xx anyday. 880 signature is just great.
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I agree. Pretty sure Iām in the minority, but the 880 bests the 6XX on midrange timbre, IMO. I understand the 6XX scales up really well with higher tier amps - particularly tube amps - but my ears and the 6XX mids just never got along. The 880 also scales up well. It sounds good on a Liquid Spark, really good on the A3, and better than a $200 headphone has any right to on a Liquid Plat.
Edit: for this part to be true, you really need to balance mod the 880 and run it off the LP balanced. Thatās a big caveat that needs mentioning.
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Yea even sounds good on my phone lol
Wow. That phone have a V8 in it? 
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Damn, just a v6, will more horsepower be better??? 
But itās really a LG v20 lol, so does have a decent amp lol
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Put a couple of turbos on that bad boy and you should be fine.
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I never liked the HD6XXās at all so I give the win to the DT880ās. 
I put the 880ās back on today:
DAC to Schiit Loki to tube amp to DT880ās. Man, these things sound great. Decent amount of bass, nice mids and no sharp highs. I know I am repeating myself but, best cheap headphones I have bought in years!
And also sound great on my Violectric with some dip switch sorcery.
These and the Sundaraās belong in some kind of āGreat Valueā category. Both were a huge surprise to me with their overall goodness, for the price.
Two of @MONās more (only?) economical recommendations! 
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Thanks, folks. Been wondering about 880 vs 6xx and this is helpful. Donāt recall earlier commentsā¦do you think an e30/ Atom combo will handle the 88O or is Asgard 3 level a must?
Andā¦since I am considering a dynamic to go with my Sundaras, which I like, is the 880 a possible contender?
After more listening Iām going to go out on a limb here and say that if classical music is your jam, the DT880/600 is the thing to get.
Listening now to Bernstein conducting Sibelius symphonies on Tidal, and wow. Wonderful sound, great sound stage and imaging, and revealing in some interesting ways. I think, for example, I just heard the turning of music score pages.
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So I would say that the e30 and actually instead of an atom a magni 3+ or liquid spark can get it done, but you do get a sizable improvement going with an asgard 3 imo, also it would give a nice performance bump to your sundara as well so I would say itās pretty worthwhile, but if you are pressed for funds the magni3+/ls would work pretty well
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@dcofficehack Yes, mostly classical and female vocals (Barielles, Barlow,etc.) Just feel like the 58x Iāve heard and the Koss ksc 75 gives me a more forward or just different presentation than the Sundaraā¦dynamic vs Planar. Have to go, but will appreciate any comments. Thanks.
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