Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro - 80 Ohms

A pragmatically priced classic headphone since 1985

There is a reason certain headphones are considered classics and continue to sell for decades. The Sennheiser HD600 is one such classic headphone at roughly $400 but those looking for a cheaper but equally comfortable studio headphone option should consider the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro at $150 it is a steal to add to your collection. Read on to find out why:

For those craving to hear ‘detail’ and excellent imaging it is close to best you can get for this price, if not the best. I especially like it for mixing with that treble extension that Beyerdynamic headphones are famous for.

Given how easy it is to EQ, I feel that DT770 Pro is a great headphone. Basically, enjoy the default sound signature without EQ to ‘discover’ the detail in your music but if it becomes too much after a few hours, simply reduce the 2-3Khz region and then continue to enjoy this very comfortable headphone.

Note: This review is based on the 80 Ohm version, the 32 Ohm and 300 Ohm version are similar but with slightly different sound profiles and obviously require different amplifier power, e.g. the 32 Ohm version is perfect for a mobile user and comes with a short cable

Introduction

Renowned for their detailed resolution, spacious soundstage, and the capacity to reveal the intricate nuances of
audio recordings, these headphones also prioritize user comfort and robust build quality, making them a favored
choice in numerous studios around the globe. This review will dissect their performance across various domains,
including sound quality, comfort, design, and overall value, providing insights into why they remain a staple in
the audio world.

Let’s get into the details in this review.

What is in the box:

The DT770 Pro comes with a nice bad and an adapter, the very long 3M cable is attached and is probably my only complaint:

Build quality and accessories

The DT770 Pro 90 Ohm headphones are designed with long listening sessions in mind, featuring plush velour ear pads and a padded headband that ensure comfort over extended periods. The durable construction and replaceable parts underscore Beyerdynamic’s commitment to longevity, making these headphones a long-term investment for serious audio professionals and enthusiasts.

Headphone

The design can be called ‘classic’ as it hasn’t changed since its launch in 1985 but that does not mean its bad or outdated. I think it still has a ‘cool’ look of a much higher end headphone, it’s super comfortable with good adjustments and even easily replaceable headband. It is hard to replace the ear-pads and my only real complaint is that the cable is ‘fixed’:

I love the comfort of this headphone, the ear pads are in my opinion the best you can get in this price range for comfort:

Sound quality

The DT770 Pro is not lacking in any area, there is good bass, a good midrange where vocals are clear and that treble which may or may not be too your liking.

Bass Response

The DT770 Pro 90 8Ohm version delivers a precise and controlled bass response that is both powerful and nuanced. Unlike headphones that artificially enhance the lower frequencies, these headphones provide a bass that is accurate to the source material, making them ideal for critical listening tasks. A track like “Royals” by Lorde allows users to appreciate the DT770’s capability to render bass lines with depth and clarity, without muddying the midrange.

Midrange

The midrange on the DT770 Pro is articulate and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with natural
timbre and clarity. This makes them perfect for vocal-centric genres and detailed audio work where midrange integrity is paramount. Listening to “Hotel California” by The Eagles through these headphones offers a vivid presentation of the guitars and vocals, showcasing the DT770’s ability to maintain a balanced and transparent midrange.

Treble

The treble response is crisp and detailed, providing an airy and open top-end without veering into brightness or sibilance. This might be a deal-breaker for some audiophiles but this attribute does ensure that high-frequency details are presented with precision, making them suitable for monitoring the fine details in mixes or enjoying the subtle textures in classical compositions. The sparkling highs in “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy, when played through the DT770 Pro, highlight the headphone’s capacity to deliver treble nuances with finesse.

Soundstage and Imaging

For closed-back headphones, the DT770 Pro 90 Ohm offers an impressively wide soundstage, giving a sense of space
and positioning that is rare in this design category. This spatial quality, combined with accurate imaging, allows
listeners to pinpoint the location of instruments and elements within a mix, enhancing the overall listening experience. Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” provides an excellent demonstration of the DT770’s expansive soundstage and precise imaging capabilities.

Measurements

Note: These measurements were taken on a KB501X soft ear pinna with a 711 Coupler calibrated appropriately.

Frequency Response

The DT770 Pro shows great channel matching and even though the bass and lower midrange look inconsistent when I listened to a sweep in that area it was not nearly as bad as this looks in the graph. Some basic EQ can flatten this out, but I don’t believe it is necessary to enjoy this headphone, the treble region between 2K and 3K on the other hand probably does need to be lowered for most people especially if they are annoyed by sibilance or find treble fatiguing after a while.

Distortion

Little or not harmonic distortion with the DT770 Pro:

Some comparisons

Here is a comparison with 2 other closed back headphones in a similar price range:

Of these the K371 matches the harman target curve the best, but I feel the DT770 Pro is an extremely comfortable headphone that should be in everyone collection.

Rating

I gave the BT770 Pro a pragmatic rating of 4 star, my only complaint at this price point is it a bit dated to still require a non-detachable cable, while I understand its length for portable usage which you can do with the 80Ohm version the cable is a little long. I believe the new ‘anniversary DT770 Pro X will have a detachable cable. While it’s sound profile is perfect for those who like ‘detail’ from their headphone it definitely won’t suit someone who is very prone to sibilance. It won’t be for everyone but it great for mixing, to hear that detail and if you have a headphone collection having one headphone with that level of detail is a great asset.

This is my current favourite closed back headphone for going for a long walk due to its comfort though that extra long cable is a bit annoying.

Conclusion

A fantastic headphone, comfortable and other than the extended treble that Beyerdynamic are known for it’s a
well-balanced headphone with great bass, a nice midrange and specifically for a closed back headphone it has an excellent soundstage.