Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic DT 880 32
78Great
$199
Full review dataBeyerdynamic DT 880 32 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 32
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value7.5
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 880 32 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $199 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 295 g | 370 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic DT 880 32
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 32 is a wired, semi-open over-ear headphone that delivers balanced, detailed audio with a spacious soundstage, making it a solid choice for critical listening in quiet environments. It offers strong build quality and comfort, but its design leaks sound heavily and provides minimal isolation, so it's not suited for portable or noisy settings. While the 32-ohm version can work with basic devices, it truly shines with dedicated amplification, and the non-detachable cable limits practicality for some users.
- Pro:Balanced, detailed sound with strong midrange and treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Pro:Solid, durable construction
- Con:Significant sound leakage and poor isolation
- Con:Non-detachable cable
- Con:Needs a good amp for best performance
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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