Honestly, the difference between the 250 and 600 ohm isn’t that huge, and a 50€ amp most likely isn’t going to do anything significant.
If you wanted a cheaper desktop setup, you could just buy a topping d10 and a jds labs atom or monolith liquid spark, and pretty much be set for around $200 USD. Honestly imo it would be more clean then the audio gd. I find audio gd products compressed and lacking dynamics compared to competitors.
But going back to the topic at hand, you really won’t be missing out on much by going with 250 ohm
I meant to get a small amp because the only issue I have with my sabaj da3 is the power it has, it’s a pretty neat little DAC ( I think it’s better than the D10 you mentioned ), and if I could run the DT 880 600ohms with one, it would be perfect ( not sure if It actually has a proper line out and is meant to be used like that though ) .
As for Audio-DG, I’m interested in the brand because we have it at a really good price here in Europe ( 350€ R2R 11 2019 / 450€ NFB 11.38 2019 ), and it has really good components for the price range. The NFB 11.38’s DAC chip for exemple I believe outclasses the Topping D50’s.
But DAC/amp setup right now doesn’t matter much, I firstly want to get a decent pair of cans, I will have plenty of time to look for it later.
You wouldn’t be able to run the 600 ohms with the da3. They wouldn’t sound correct unfortunately.
Regarding audio gd, I have no issues with the dacs, its the actual headphone amps that I dislike. Also the performance of a headphone amp will be much more noticeable then that of a dac (unless it’s implemented in a way that would seriously mess with the freq response or other aspects, not very common).
The reason that I suggested another dac when you have the da3 is because the da3 does not have a line out mode, and could only output through the headphone out, which would not be ideal if you were looking to connect it up to another amplifer. Although you might be able to turn down the volume to half and get away with it.
Yeah I know that 600 ohms is way too much, I meant paired with a small amp like ( on top of my head ) smsl sap II /topping nx1/3s / fiioa A3 ( A5 is too expensive ). But I guess since there isn’t a line out as you just said, simply going for the 250 ohms version of the DT 880 might be the safest and simplest choice anyways.
Also, thank you for your help throughout this post, I feel like i’ve grabbed too much of your attention and time, and I’m sorry about it. I’ve been nitpicking over random ideas, but I’m now set on this matter thanks to you.
Testing off of a fiio q1 mk2 which has slighty higher power ratings then the sabaj in single ended, my 880 600 ohm sounds off and lacks bass slam and extension. Also is slightly more bright. 600 ohm puts alot more strain on an amp then 250 ohm. Testing my 250 ohm 770, it can get to sufficient volume and sounds correct. So you will most likely be able to run the 250 ohm off of the da3, but not the 600 ohm without problems
Just wanted to make sure you got something that could be properly driven with your current gear. Also I should mention the only difference between the pro 880 and premium (assuming the same 250 ohms) is that the pro has a coiled cable and clamps slightly stronger, where the premium has a straight cable and slightly less clamp.
I guess I never really talked about comfort did I. They are reasonably comfortable with plenty of space for my ear at least, and don’t get that hot unless the room is really warm. While they aren’t the lightest things I’ve had on my head, they’re for sure not the heaviest. The build is good and they are quite repairable because of their popularity, but they tend to not have many issues. You can also wash out the pads if they get dirty (there are guides online). The clamp is fine and leans towards snug but isn’t uncomfortable. The cable can get kind of irritating because of its length and how it sometimes holds memory, but its not horrendously bad or anything like that, usable for sure.
I’m just looking for headphones to pair with my Sabaj da3 right now, and I might get a proper DAC/amp later so I want cans that will scale decently with what is paired with them.
With what I’ve seen so far, the build and comfort of the premium dt 880 seems just right, though the pro seems to be what I dislike, a tangling annoying cable and a stronger clamp force, so I’m set on it don’t worry.
cables can be replaced and clamping force weakens over time. and if you want ‘light’ headphones, you’ll be looking for something about 250 - 300 grams. heavy headphones, like the Audeze LCD2 Classic weight about 550g. that said, proper headbands can make a heavy headphone comfortable.
I recommend the HD6XX ive had a few pairs of headphones and they are by far the best headphones for classical i have used even without a amp “recommend one tho” just remember if you are not in america take into account the import tax ect my total customs fee was £45 XD (also gaming the Sound stage is phenomenal)
, I guess I’m set now on how this idea of mine would work, thanks again for trying it out for me.