Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro Review – Premium Closed Headphones

Sitting at the top of the Beyerdynamic product line is the DT 1770 Pro. It’s a premium closed-back option and the companion to the open-back DT 1990 Pro. And much like its companion, it oozes all the hallmarks that have made Beyerdynamic among the best in the business.

This set of closed-back cans has a lot to offer. Both for casual users and professionals. But with a high price point comes high expectations. The most important pros and cons are below but read on for a more detailed breakdown of these premium closed-back headphones.

Features

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro sits in an interesting position in the market. Not quite a full studio-centric set of cans, but also not what most people would expect from consumer-focused cans. Below I take a look at this intriguing combination in more detail.

Sound Quality 

First, I must highlight that these are not the most neutral set of headphones on the market. But that’s not to say these are inappropriate for a studio setting. It’s more the need to understand how these headphones’ dynamics work and adjust your workflow accordingly.

Let’s start with the low-frequency response. These pack a mighty punch thanks to the large 45mm drivers. It’s thumpy and offers excellent rumble without horrible inconsistencies and fake boom. Relatively controlled and tight, with just enough character and boost to make them enjoyable for bass-heavy genres.

The mid-range is well-balanced with an even and flat response that helps bring clarity and precision to this vital part of the frequency spectrum. Vocals and instrumental components are lively and engaging. No complaints here.

The DT 1770 Pro features a vibrant and engaging sound profile.

The top end isn’t overly bright, but there is some additional emphasis present that can throw out your mix if you ignore it. I’ve often found studio-focused cans excessively harsh in the top end, but these hit the sweet spot of delivering clarity without resorting to harsh tonality.

The soundstage is claustrophobic but not surprising considering the closed-back design and high clamping force that creates an invading feel to the audio. In some aspects, I don’t mind this. It’s direct, to the point, and engaging. But you will lose out on some dimensionality compared to open-back cans.

While the DT 1770 Pro does skew a little towards a consumer profile with a boosted low and high end, it doesn’t stray too far to the point of making these unworkable in a studio setting. If anything, these are a welcome change to some studio headphones’ often stale and anemic response. These headphones offer a fun and engaging sound profile that will appeal to many.

Comfort 

Much like the sound profile, these headphones are a tale of two swords regarding comfort level. They offer some excellent characteristics and equally some that might make these unsuitable for some users.

The clamping force is perhaps the biggest issue here. They have a vice-like grip that could prove problematic depending on your head size. I do appreciate the stability this increased force offers, but these would easily be unbearable if it weren’t for exceptional padding.

The ear cups and headband padding is the saving grace for these headphones. The ear padding is thick and plush, and you’ll have the choice between velour and leatherette options. Both are fantastic and help these squish into the side of your head without uncomfortable contact points.

The superior padding helps balance out the tight fit.

The interior of the ear cups also offers ample space so even the most prominent ears will have no trouble squeezing in. The depth of the pads and cups also provides enough distance to prevent your ears from hitting the driver cover.

As with most closed-back headphones, there is some inevitable heat build-up, but to the credit of the DT 1770 Pro headphones, it doesn’t feel as noticeable as with some other closed-back headphones. You won’t experience any discomfort from heat build-up, even over longer sessions.

I’m also pleased to see ample padding on the headband to reduce any potential pressure. These are not the lightest headphones at 0.85 lbs. (385 grams), so the extra padding is crucial to ensure high comfort.

The clamping force might be a bit much for my tastes, and it is worth mentioning I have a larger-than-average head, so your mileage may vary. But looking at the headphones holistically, there is no doubt these are a comfortable set of cans well-situated for long-term listening, whether in a casual or professional setting.

Design 

I like the approach Beyerdynamic has taken with these headphones. The DT 1770 Pro is a slick, refined set of headphones with close attention to detail, and they don’t resort to overt branding or flashy colors.

The all-black finish adds style and professionalism, making these headphones one of the most subdued yet attractive-looking cans on the market. The chunky headband and large drivers give it a sense of imposing heft and reliability.

There are other notable design decisions here that are worth highlighting beyond appearance. First is the high impedance rating of 250 ohms. These demand a good headphone amp to reach their full potential. These are not ideal if you need a set of cans for remote work with your laptop.

The DT 1770 Pro features a mini XLR cable connection point.

The next item worth highlighting is the exposed wires. I understand this is necessary for these headphones, but I’ve never been a fan of it. But perhaps I’m too careless with my headphones and fear that I would accidentally yank on these by mistake and cause early failure.

The cable connection is also worth highlighting. The mini XLR connection is fantastic for securing your connection but does limit your potential for using alternate cables. Thankfully the two included options are superb, so I don’t see this as a significant issue.

The closed-back design also offers a reasonable amount of passive isolation. No, it won’t compare to active cancellation, but I find the changes to sound performance too much and prefer passive isolation for a studio setting. What is on offer here is enough to keep noisy studio environments at bay while offering no bleed for recording sessions.

Finally, it’s worth highlighting that these do not collapse into a smaller profile. Considering these are ideal for home or studio use with a headphone amp, it is also not a big concern. But if you need portable headphones for the road, you’ll need to explore alternatives.

Durability 

Beyerdynamic has smashed it out of the park in regard to durability. These are rock solid, and among the most robust headphones I’ve had the pleasure to review.

There is not a hint of slopiness or oversights in this area. The spring steel headband is as tough as they come with no creaking present. The thick padding and finish are also sublime. Total confidence that the headband can withstand the rigors of frequent use.

Exceptional quality from the German manufacturer.

The ear cups also ooze reliability: rigid plastic and excellent execution with a dependable connection to the headband. Component quality is superb throughout, and everything from the drivers, cables, padding, and case is outstanding.

These are not cheap headphones, so I expected high quality, but even then, these exceeded my expectations. I feel like I could drop these, and they would be able to handle the impact (though I don’t recommend you put this to the test!). If you want reliable headphones that offer supreme quality, these easily tick that box.

Value 

Value is subjective, and after years of reviewing headphones, my perception is lightly skewed compared to the average punter. At first glance, there is no denying these have a hefty price tag, but I’ve also seen much more expensive headphones that don’t perform this well.

An excellent assortment of included accessories adds to the value proposition. You’ll have access to a coiled and straight cable in the box, and both are fantastic and give you the flexibility to use your preferred style.

The DT 1770 Pro comes with an excellent selection of accessories.

Adding to the flexibility is an additional set of ear pads. I like to switch between the two depending on what I am doing, and thankfully it is relatively quick and simple to swap and change.

Finally, the carry case is outstanding. It’s tough, much like the headphones themselves, and offers exceptional protection for storage or transport. This selection of accessories completes an all-in-one package and helps justify the higher price point.

If you are a budget-conscious buyer, there are alternatives out there that balance price with performance better than the Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro. But these headphones do live up to their higher price with excellent sound, durability, and numerous inclusions.

Customer Reviews

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro studio headphones have proven popular, with multiple positive reviews from casual fans and professionals. There is plenty of focus placed on the dynamic sound profile and precision German construction. A set of headphones that consistently score top marks from buyers.

Mixing With Headphones Vs. Monitors

Mixing and mastering music involves a delicate balancing act, and the decision to use monitors or headphones is often critical.

Studio monitors provide accurate, flat sound reproduction with a wide soundstage, while headphones offer isolation and reveal fine details. Both have their place in a mixing and mastering environment.

I recommend always starting with studio monitors, but that is not always a viable option. Untreated rooms, external distractions, or poor-quality monitors can all make using monitors ineffective for mixing.

Headphones can provide greater insight into your mixes.

If you do need to use headphones, you’ll need to be aware of the impact that having sound fed directly into your ears will produce. The perception of space will be vastly different when using headphones, as will elements like panning and reverb.

But once you are familiar with the quirks, nothing stops you from creating excellent mixes using headphones. And in some cases, headphones are a superior tool to identify micro-details in your mix, which might not be readily apparent with monitors.

In a best-case scenario, you’ll have access to both to get a holistic view of your work, but neither is inherently superior.

Other Options

Selecting the right closed-back headphones can be challenging, especially if you do have a decent budget up your sleeve. Below I cover some other headphones to consider if you are still on the fence regarding the DT 1770 Pro.

Audio-Technica ATH-M70x Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x is a studio-focused set of headphones compared to the rest of the M-series lineup. These headphones offer a more neutral profile that will appeal to detail-orientated producers.

• Transparent sound, which offers a highly detailed and accurate response.
• Relaxed fit and good padding combine to provide high comfort levels.
• Poor isolation compared to the DT 1770 Pro.

AKG K553 MKII Review

If the DT 1770 Pro’s high price point gives you second thoughts, the AKG K533 MKII is an excellent compromise from a legendary headphones manufacturer.

• Neutral delivery with incredible detail in the mid-range frequencies.
• More reasonable price point while maintaining decent quality.
• The low-end frequency delivery is noticeably worse than the DT 1770 Pro.

Austrian Audio Hi-X55 Review

The last set of headphones I’d like to mention is the Hi-X55 from Austrian Audio. These tough headphones deliver great sound at a reasonable price.

• Highly detailed sound profile that is neutral and great for analytical listening.
• A tight fit, much like the DT 1770 Pro but still very comfortable.
• The highly analytical sound might seem dry if you are used to more lively cans.

Should You Buy?

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro is an impressive set of headphones. But I’ll be the first to admit these won’t be for everyone. If you prefer a more clinical sound, other options exist. However, the DT 1770 Pro should still be on your radar, especially if you can tweak the EQ to bring them into a more neutral state.

Despite the lack of ultra-neutrality, these are still among my favorites for studio work and casual listening. The sound profile is dynamic, engaging, and fun to work with. The comfort level is excellent, as is the build quality, and with a range of great accessories included, these offer lots of versatility.

Beyerdynamic continues to solidify its reputation as among the best in the game, and the DT 1770 Pro is an excellent addition to its comprehensive lineup of studio headphones.