Hi HFG - hoping to get some input from the community here as soon to take a big jump into this world.
Been doing a lot of research and seem to be converging around the following selections:
DT 880 (600ohm)
HD560s
TYGR 300 R
Will couple it with Atom/Topping E30/L30 stack or Zen 3 Pro - to give idea on budget. Interested in all-round desktop performer: casual/immersive gaming and music (rock / alternative) primarily. I am not experienced enough to have a curated sound profile, hence focusing on more neutral.
I am leaning towards the TYGR as it seems to best match my use cases, however also see a lot of real-world use
Some concerns:
The TYGR is perhaps to ‘fun’, but seems like most audiophiles revert to more neutral Sennheisers after a few months.
The DT880 still scares me a bit with the treble as fatigue is important to me. Also competive gaming it is praised but more casual.immersive experiecne I hear less about.
The 560S is attractive how might be to ‘purist’/reference for first timer coming from several tiers below in audophile world, and might be lost of myself.
I welcome if you have any feedback using these or other words of advice to get me started in the right direction.
the 880 is one of the friendlier beyers headphones to the treble sensitive and doesnt really bother most people. given an appropriate amount of power it becomes controlled and if your still affraid of trble you can pair it with an amp like a monoprice liquid spark which does a good job rounding off that treble. the tygr is probablky the most versatile not amp picky and the treble shouldn’t bother most. in regards to immersive single player experiences I pull out my beyers anytime I want to turn on hellblade and play for a couple of hours if that says anything
And, in fact, according to competent measurements, the TYGR has virtually identical peak in the same 5 to 6 kHz region, while the 560S also has one but at ~4.5 kHz. None are as strong or high-pitched as the peaks that usually cause strong reactions from many people. But we all have different hearing, especially in the highs, due to ear anatomy variation.
Also, the TYGR is only 32 Ohms impedance, given a dynamic driver that typically means it’s intended to be driveable from a smartphone.
I assume you mean the 880 here and not the TYGR. I am a bit hesitant more I look into it, sounds like you need a solid amp (far more juice than Atom or Topping L30) and perhaps a balance mod.
For a simple vote, I vote Tygr given this current criteria. Easy to push, a bit more meat to them (don’t worry about “fun” as a possible pejorative), comfy. The attached cable is my only bugaboo, as with any affordable Beyer. If you enjoy the Beyer signature and are curious about the DT880 600 later and amp-up, go for it. They just can’t be my reco for first-time as an all-arounder. (Said as someone who loves them)