PRODUCTS IN COMPARISON: HEADPHONES OF THE
EDITION AND PRO SERIES
We frequently receive questions about the models in the Edition and PRO headphone series:
Is the DT 990 PRO better than the DT 990 Edition?
What is the difference between the DT 880 Edition and the DT 990 Edition?
You can find answers to all these and other questions in this blog post.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The sound
The PRO models (DT 770 PRO, DT 880 PRO, DT 990 PRO) are designed for professional applications such as in the recording studio. Basically, the corresponding PRO and Edition versions with the same impedance also sound the same, for example DT 880 Edition (250 ohms) and DT 880 PRO (250 ohms). The Edition models have a slightly softer headband, which reduces the contact pressure. This makes headphones such as the DT 880/990 Edition particularly suitable for enjoying music at home. The PRO models, on the other hand, have a slightly firmer fit so that they don’t slip off your head even when you’re moving quickly while working in the studio.
All three models are very similar in terms of their mechanical and acoustic quality. The designations 880 and 990 do not refer to a higher or lower quality. However, the two models in fact differ significantly in sound, which is due to the acoustic design (semi-open/open) and the different frequency response.
The impedance
The different impedances only have a minor effect on the sound. In fact, for many people they are only audible in direct comparison. In any case, they are less noticeable than when comparing these model variants with products from other manufacturers.
In general, it can be said that the resolution and precision of the high mid-range and treble is slightly higher at higher impedances. But beyond that, there are no significant differences.
The higher impedance versions (250 ohms and 600 ohms) of the DT 880 Edition and DT 990 Edition should therefore only be used by people who:
- already own or know a model of this impedance and would like to replace it if necessary
- insist on the slightly better mid-range and treble reproduction
- do not want to use the headphones with mobile playback devices
- can provide a sufficient output voltage on the playback device or use a headphone amplifier (this applies in particular to the 600-ohm version).
To avoid any misunderstandings, allow us to summarise once again:
The low-impedance version (32 ohms) is also an extremely high-quality headphone with outstanding transmission characteristics. If you want headphones that can be used flexibly and are sufficiently loud, the 32-ohm version is a very good choice. The advantages of the 250-ohm and 600-ohm versions do not pay off if the headphones do not ultimately produce the desired volume because they are not sufficiently driven by the source device. You can find a detailed explanation of the topic of “impedance” in our article: “What impedance should I choose for my headphones?”.
Design and Features
In terms of design and features, the Edition models differ a little more clearly from the models in the PRO series. The biggest and most easily recognisable visual difference is in the ear cups of the models.
All Edition headphones are equipped with smooth cables, as this is often the more comfortable solution for home use. In the studio, however, a coiled cable is often more practical. In the manufactory, you can of course customise the cables of the Edition models to suit your own requirements. The 32-ohm and 80-ohm models of the DT 770 PRO are an exception – they are equipped with smooth cables. All PRO headphones are supplied with a drawstring bag, while the Edition headphones come with an elegant leatherette bag. With the exception of the DT 880 PRO, all models are also available in a special edition.
We have summarised the differences once again in the following list:
- Available impedances: 32, 80 & 250 ohms
- Cables: 1.6 m straight (32 ohms), 3 m straight (80 ohms), 3 m spiral cable (250 ohms)
- Ear pads: black/artificial leather (32 ohms), silver/velour (80 & 250 ohms)
- Carry Case: Drawstring bag
- Contact pressure: tight (3.5 N)
- MANUFAKTUR version available: no
- Note: Also available as a Black Edition
- Available impedances: 250 ohms
- Cables: 3 m spiral cable
- Ear pads: silver/velour
- Carry Case: Drawstring bag
- Contact pressure: tight (3.5 N)
- MANUFAKTUR version available: no
- Available impedances: 80 & 250 ohms
- Cables: 3m straight (80 ohms), 3 m spiral cable (250 ohms)
- Ear pads: silver/velour
- Carry Case: Drawstring bag
- Contact pressure: tight (3.5 N)
- MANUFAKTUR version available: no
- Note: Also available as a Black Edition
- Available impedances: 32, 250 & 600 ohms
- Cables: 3 m straight
- Ear pads: silver/velour
- Carry Case: Synthetic leather bag
- Contact pressure: comfortable (2.8 N)
- MANUFAKTUR version available: yes
- Note: Also available as a Black Edition
- Available impedances: 32, 250 & 600 ohms
- Cabel: 3 m straight
- Ohrpolster: silver/velour
- Carry case: synthetic leather bag
- Contact pressure: comfortable (2.8 N)
- MANUFAKTUR version available: yes
- Note: Also available as a Black Edition
Conclusion
If you are faced with the decision whether to buy an Edition or PRO model, you should think carefully in advance about the primary purpose for which you need the headphones. Would you like to produce your own music in your home studio? Then we recommend taking a look at the models DT 770 PRO, DT 880 PRO and DT 990 PRO. If you are looking for headphones to listen to music, then take a closer look at the models DT 880 Edition and DT 990 Edition. Of course, nothing is set in stone here. Many gamers, for example, use the DT 990 PRO because of the spatial sound and the simultaneously higher contact pressure. If you prefer less contact pressure and smooth cables, then you might want to configure your own DT 990 MANUFAKTUR. When selecting the impedance, you should pay particular attention to your source device and its output power.
Please note: MANUFAKTUR products, such as DT 880 MANUFAKTUR, DT 990 MANUFAKTUR and MMX 300 MANUFAKTUR, are only available in selected countries.