Although most full-size headphones with audiophile pretensions have open designs that allow the listener to hear outside sounds, a few models are closed to hush ambient noise. The Beyerdynamic DT 880s have a semiopen design that combines the attributes of open and closed headphones .

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 headphones are among the most comfortable on the market, and they come packaged in a gorgeous padded aluminum storage case; The headphones use a standard miniplug connector but include a 1/4-inch adapter and a 15-foot extension cord

The DT 880s are expensive; and ill suited for use with the iPod

Despite the option for a 32Ω set of headphones, nobody should really be considering the DT 880s-or any open backed headphones-for mobile use. However, if used in the right situation, these cans are gold-despite the silvery exterior.

Headphones are especially challenging to review. Because a headphone's frequency response depends on the ear canals of the listener, and each person's ear canals are different, a pair of headphones will sound somewhat -- or even substantially -- different to each person.

Headphones are to speakers as motorcycles are to automobiles. Not as generally useful, sure, but significantly better in some respects. And a whole lot cheaper for a given level of performance.

These blow away the top of the line sennheiser,s,grado 1,s-I have tried them all with 40+ years as an engineer.Spend more-get less. Be my guest.I have a 2nd pr at home which i power with a single ended triode Musical Fidelity v3 cans 2nd series.Yummy............

all you could ask..

case as gorgeous as it is a guaranty for scrstches.I use mine to store odd bits

I wanted to love them. I really did. But it never happened. I like them, I appreciate them, no doubt, but I wouldn't call it love. Lots of people recommend these as the ultimate in revealing, flat headphones that do nothing wrong. And I agree to some extend.

Soft cushion comfort with the perfect grip, plus a sound that has impressive all-round ability.

Impressive all-round ability

Need more attack

Beyerdynamic appears to have taken a leaf out of the car industry's book by keeping a product name from years ago, but then completely changing the design. No doubt this will ensure havoc on eBay in years to come...

Comfortable to wear

Less bassy than most headphones

Classical music enthusiasts need look no further - these headphones punch well above their weight. Neutral sounding, their lack of colouration makes for incredible transparency and a clearly defined soundstage.

I first purchased these almost 5 years ago and they've been my "daily driver" since then. One of the most important aspects I was looking for in a set of headphones was comfort. Prior to these, I owned a pair of Grado SR60is and while they were okay sound quality wise, there were murdering my ears.