Headphone Impedance

[GRAHAM99]

I am going to buy a pair of Beyer DT770 phones but was wondering which impedance would be best.
They will spend most of their life plugged into an ART headphone distribution amp.

[Drew Stephenson]

I've got a set of the 250ohm ones and they've been plugged into everything from my phone to my drawmer monitor controller with no issues. I think i do monitor a little quieter than most though, so if you are a bit concerned about volume then a set of the 80s should cover all bases.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I'd go for the 80 Ohm model as that strikes a good compromise value for all manner of headphone amps, and will work well with the ART.

[GRAHAM99]

Thanks for that.

[GRAHAM99]

Just wondering if I should get the DT990s.
Is the only difference that they are open backed which will result in more leakage?
I assume this then gives a better sound?

[Hugh Robjohns]

Open-backed phones sound more accurate and natural, as a general rule, although closed backed headphones these days are actually remarkably good. Obviously open-backed let the music you're listening to out to annoy anyone around you, but also let external sound in...

Personally, I prefer to mix and relax with open-backed phones, but closed backed are essential if tracking or recording/mixing in a noisy environment.

The 990s are great headphones, but they come in two versions, the 'Edition' and 'Pro' model. Both use the same transducers and sound identical, but the Edition model is intended for relaxed home listening, comes with a straight cable and reduced tension in the headband. The Pro model has a curly cable and greater headband pressure in an effort to keep the headphones in place if you're moving around working!

...and they only come in a 250 Ohm model (which will still be fine with your ART headphone amp, but won't work so well with your phone or other portable music player).

[GRAHAM99]

Thanks again Hugh.These decisions are never simple!

[GRAHAM99]

Bought the DT990s,very happy with them.
Thinking about new monitors now as they make my Mackie HR824s sound quite dull and lacking in detail.
Looking at the APS Klassik 2020s.

[Hugh Robjohns]

...and that's how the never-ending upgrade cycle begins...

[GRAHAM99]

Very true!!
Keeps me out of mischief though.

[Drew Stephenson]

Bear in mind that the DT990s have a boost in the high end that will helpfully allow you to hear a bit more detail in the mix, but isn't being completely truthful about what you're hearing.
I can't remember if you're already a sonarworks (or similar) user?

[GRAHAM99]

Yep the highs are more noticeable.Everything else seems clearer as well.You can tell the bass from the kick drum!
I am a Reaper user.