Any suggestions on Beyer DT770 vs. DT880? If I am driving them with my PC for mastering, do I need the 32 ohm version?
your question is about the difference between the 770 and the 880 but here is info about the difference between the two 770 models
from
http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/service/faqs/kopfhoerer.html#fo1928"Both DT 770 PRO and DT 770 M are basically one and the same headphone and also for similar applications.
The difference between these two models though, is as follows:
1. The DT 770 PRO has so called "Bass-Relfex-Openings" at the side of each housing to make sure the diaphragm can "breath", causing a better reproduction of low- and high frequencies (since the diaphragm can move a lot easier). A small amount of isolation against ambient noise has to be sacrificed for the better sound. The DT 770 M doesn't have these openings, therefore sounds slightly "thinner" (slightly less low end), but offers up to 35 dB(A) of ambient noise isolation. That's why the DT 770 M is prefererd by drummers (like the German drummer Ralf Gustke) or percussionists (like the young percussionist Farouk Gomati).
2. The DT 770 PRO is equipped with silver velours ear pads for better wearing comfort and cooler ears. The DT 770 M is equipped with the so called "Soft-Skin" ear pads to provide maximum isolation of ambient noise.
Conclusion:
DT 770 PRO is for studio use where sound quality has a higher priority than the isolation of ambient noise.
DT 770 M is also for studio use, put for those to whom the isolation of ambient noise if most important.
The DT 770 M also includes the DT-Bag."
My needs: 1) accuracy (flat response) 2) durability 3) comfort
My preferences?
I own Sony 7506's and only use them as a backup.
I love my Beyerdynamic DT770M's. So comfortable, very good sound, use them for monitoring when doing multitrack recordings of live shows.
Have a pair of KRK KNS6400's as backup/comparison for monitoring when doing multitrack recordings of live shows. Good sound, not quite as comfortable as the Beyers.
At home, for sound editing or gaming, Sennheiser HD580's. Very comfortable.
When listening to music on my Blackberry phone while taking a walk, have inexpensive earbuds.