Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
.JPG.png?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=30&h=30&dpr=1&q=70)
Audiophiles; Which Headphones are best out of these three?
Which similarly priced headphones are best?
HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones
Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT880
Thanks in advance
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downSpeleoFool
675
Apr 6, 2019
The best for what? For whom?
I’ll assume, given where these sit in the overall spectrum of headphone prices and capabilities, that we’re looking at “a first pair of audiophile cans” for someone who’s not (necessarily) committed to the idea of collecting more.
With these parameters, I’d say 58X. They are a great step out of the world of lesser headphones, because they sound good with every type of music, their performance scales well with better equipment, they’re not too hard to drive, and a lot of people own Sennheisers so they’re an excellent reference point from which to learn about other headphones—if you aren’t averse to staring down the rabbit hole. :-)
There is a huge aftermarket for replacement pads, cables, etc., for the 600-ish series of Sennheiser cans. You can disassemble them without tools and replace just about every individual piece. If $150 sounds like as much as you want to invest in headphones, and you aren’t yet thinking you need to own more than one pair, then the ability to keep the 58x running nigh on forever, as well as the ease of adapting to portable, desktop or living room use with a variety of cable lengths and styles is probably appealing.
Later, when you’ve discovered that high end headphones, uh, procreate, the 58x make an excellent travel or loaner pair. Mine are with a friend who recently wound up in the hospital for a week.
GunsOfBrixton
911
Apr 6, 2019
They're each "best" at different things. The DT880 provides the most accurate delivery of sound, and is built like a tank, but also very revealing of flaws. Poorly recorded/engineered music will sound bad on them. They are great as a reference set. The 58X is the most all-around listenable workhorse. More forgiving of poor audio engineering, very good build quality, and non-fatiguing. The 4XX excels in the bass - not in being boosted, but in great extension and detail. Just good above the lower mids, and notably lifeless with brass instruments. They're almost goofily huge, with some quality control concerns regularly cited (have had no real problem with mine). All are very comfortable to my head and ears. With these three, it's more a matter of what genres you listen to, and what you're looking for in a pair of headphones. They are all very good at what they do.
Engaged
16
Apr 10, 2019
GunsOfBrixtonThanks. That's great. Usually rock, indifolk, some house. Think I'll go with the 58x
LuckyLuke575
561
Apr 5, 2019
I'd go for the 58X everytime. Sennheiser has great build quality without being too heavy or uncomfortable, with a very musical sound signature.
Emix
53
Apr 4, 2019
I have these 3 headphones, and the Focal Elex, all from Massdrop. They are all discussed elsewhere, and the descriptions of their characteristics are correct, I'll just tell how I end up using them. First one I bought was the Hifiman 4xx and it made quite a good impression. It remains one of my favorites to this day. Small ensembles are represented within a very precise stage. The 58x is fine for easy listening, but the Sennheiser veil seems to be something real. It takes some time getting used to it. (The Elex has taken its place for another kind of listening, where finesse of the sound texture of the instruments takes precedence over their spatial rendering.) The DT880 are good, but they could not find a place between the others. However, I haven't used them for mixing yet , which I will do as I gather sound clips (a new hobby). They seem to be very revealing of some defects, for one thing they can become very sibilant (as when listening to some pieces by Louis Armstrong: he must have had an interesting relationship with sound engineers...) So, to sum it up: the Elex has supplanted the 58x but the 58x is still relevant, especially when I want to move about instead of sitting and listening. The 4xx proved to be very good for movies and TV shows, better than the others as it places ambient sounds in a realistic fashion.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Apr 4, 2019
I'd say either the 4XX or 58X. The 880 lacks body and sounds a bit thin and treble happy compared to the other two which sound more balanced by comparison.
My money would go to the 4XX as I think they sound more dynamic overall compared to the 58X which is the more smooth, musical sounding headphone.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop