Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition
76Great
$280
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 880 Edition vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $280 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 76 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic, semi-open | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 45 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 290 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Edition is a wired, semi-open over-ear headphone that delivers a neutral and highly detailed sound, making it a solid pick for home listening or studio-style work. It offers a wide, airy presentation with very low distortion, though its fixed cable and slightly bright treble may not suit everyone. Built to last with decent comfort, it's a versatile option for critical listeners who value accuracy over bass punch.
- Pro:Very low distortion for clean, accurate playback
- Pro:Spacious and open soundstage with strong detail
- Pro:Durable construction and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Non-detachable cable limits flexibility and portability
- Con:Treble can be bright and slightly sibilant at times
- Con:Bass response is lighter compared to bass-forward models
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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