Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Review – Sublime Sound Performance

Legendary German brand Beyerdynamic is a consistent favorite. Both among casual and professional users. In the review, we check out the brand-new DT 900 Pro X. But is this open-backed companion to the excellent DT 700 Pro X worth picking up? Read on to find out. 

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is an excellent set of open-back headphones. With a host of refinements from previous models, it is among the best studio headphones available today.

Features

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is an excellent re-imaging with many fantastic features. Below we take a closer look at why this has rapidly become one of our top recommendations.

Sound Quality 

Open-back headphones by nature provide an excellent level of three-dimensional sound. The DT 900 Pro X elevates this and provides not only roomy delivery but also fantastic precision.

The highs are super clear and transparent. For some, they may come across as a little overly bright. But there isn’t a hint of invading sharpness. Instead, you get a clean and refined sound. Details are easy to spot and the definition is high.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X delivers excellent sound performance.

Moving into the mids these become even better. The sound isn’t overly warm and colorization is kept to a minimum. Excellent for detailed work in the studio. Also great for casual listeners that want to hear music in the purest form possible. Tonality is rich and spatial placement is perfect.

The lows would have to be the weakest part of the sound spectrum. As with most open-back headphones, there is a lack of rumble and warmth. But that isn’t a downside. For studio work, you don’t want an over-emphasized bass response. You want accuracy. These deliver that and then some. But if you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music you may find these a little lacking.

The soundstage is excellent. Three dimensional without feeling lost across the full frequency range of 5Hz-40kHz. The neutrality also lends itself well to certain genres of music. Fans of classical, jazz, and acoustic performances will appreciate the imaging and clarity on offer. Vocal performances are also strikingly satisfying.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X sounds fantastic. The brand-new STELLAR.45 driver does an excellent job of delivering satisfying and transparent sound. Great for serious work but equally capable of satisfying casual listening.

Comfort 

I’ve had a chance to review a few Beyerdynamic headphones and they never disappoint in this area. I often rate their headphones as among the most comfortable cans on the market today.

The super-soft memory foam padding envelops your ears. Combine it with the velour coating and it is pure bliss. If you spend a lot of time with headphones on you’ll appreciate how comfortable these are. No fatigue and no discomfort. The stitching also sees an upgrade from previous generations to provide a more consistent fit. This adds to longevity and comfort. Heat build-up is also not an issue thanks to the open-back design.

The super-soft padding is great for long sessions.

The only concern is that these pads can accumulate dirt quite easily. If you happen to have a sweaty head or use hair products, the grime can become an issue. Not as easy to clean and maintain as other types of coatings.

But among the various improvements from previous models is the full replaceability on offer. Replacement pads are easy to acquire and the process of switching is quick and simple.

The headband also features thick padding with just the right amount of plushness. The clamping force is reasonably tight but not to the point of causing irritation. This padding is also fully replaceable.

Adjusting the headband is also easy with a satisfying click between levels. This also means you don’t need to readjust each time.

At 0.76 lbs. (345 grams) these fall into the range of other studio headphones. Weight distribution is consistent and doesn’t cause any stress.

Design 

Nothing overly groundbreaking when it comes to the aesthetics of the DT 900 Pro X. The same iconic Beyerdynamic styling is on full display. But some refinements help bring these headphones into the modern era. The clunky connection point between the band and earcups is gone. It now offers a sleek and smooth transition.

The full matte black finish helps these to blend into any studio environment. The debossed model number doesn’t dominate the design unlike some other headphones out there. The grille design is also subtle. The only hint of color is the light grey pads. It helps break up the all-black look without screaming “look at me”. Refined, smooth, and professional. Love the look.

The newly designed STELLAR.45 drivers feature innovative technology.

Beyond appearance, there are other notable items worth mentioning. My main issue is the exposed wiring. Something I’ve never liked. There is a chance of accidentally catching these which can lead to damage. But on a more positive front, the detachable cables are fantastic. The locking mechanism is secure and reliable.

The DT 900 Pro X also offers a low impedance level of 48 ohms. This means it plays well with consumer-level devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. And it packs a punch with 100 dB SPL.

Isolation is non-existent by design. Sound leaks in and leaks out. If you work in a noisy environment or take these on the go I’d suggest going for the DT 700 Pro X.

Durability 

Another striking feature is the quality of materials. Beyerdynamic has delivered a robust and capable set of headphones with premium materials. The attention to detail is evident throughout.

The high-quality STELLAR.45 drivers feature neodymium magnets and copper-plated high-tech wire. The absorption pad is also an excellent inclusion. This sits in front of the driver to smooth the sound out while maintaining maximum detail.

The two included cables are top-notch and replaceable.

The headband and padding are high quality. The frame is also well-designed. But there are tougher headphones out there. While these are robust you still need to treat them with care. Rough handling will lead to damage. These are best kept in the studio but if you do hit the road be sure to package them securely.

At this price point, I expect high-quality components and Beyerdynamic doesn’t miss a beat here.

Value 

There is no denying that these are expensive headphones. But the value on offer is quite high. From a sound perspective, these leave other headphones in the dust. Similar priced “consumer” branded headphones can’t match the quality on display here.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X includes a soft carry pouch.

Within the box, you’ll also have two cables to choose from. A 3m (9.8 ft) and a 1.8m (5.9 ft) straight cable with ⅛ inch connection and XLR connector. A ¼ inch adapter is also included. Beyond the cables, a soft pouch is also present. It’s not amazing and I’d have liked to see a hardshell case instead. But it does the job of keeping out dust when the headphones are not in use.

These are premium studio headphones with a price to match. But if you are serious about high-quality sound these are a great investment. Especially since you’ll have access to replaceable components.

Customer Reviews

While still new to the market the positive reviews are already stacking up. From trusted industry professionals to casual listeners there is plenty of praise. Rich detailed sound and exceptional performance.

Attention To Detail

We live in an age of mass-produced products. Unfortunately, many products are not built to last the way they once were.

But there are still exceptions to the rule. Even from big-name brands. Brands like Beyerdynamic have a keen focus on quality. Manufactured in Germany their range of products is exceptional.

There are so many products made today that will end up in landfills. Poorly made with low-quality materials that will break the moment you look at them sideways. I’ve always believed you get what you pay for.

Sometimes it is worth investing that little bit more for a product that is built to last and is sustainable. Listening to customer feedback and continuing to evolve are hallmarks of quality.

Check out how Beyerdynamic has innovated on the previous models in the short video below.

So the next time you are looking at headphones take some time to look behind the curtain. Sticking with reputable brands like Beyerdynamic ensures you get the very best.

You’ll not only get a better product but you’ll also save yourself money in the long run.

Other Options

If you are looking for a pair of high-quality studio headphones there are some great choices out there. Here are three other options worth considering.

Shure SRH1840 Review

Shure offers an extensive range of studio headphones. The SRH1840 is their top-of-the-line option. It offers fantastic sound quality along with excellent construction.

• Super lightweight at 0.59 lbs. (268 grams). Very comfortable for long sessions.
• A spacious and neutral sound profile that is great for analytical listening.
• Very expensive even compared to the already high-priced DT 900 Pro X.

AKG K701 Review

AKG is another brand with a long and established reputation in the headphone market. The K701 provides a sleek, modern appearance and superior clarity for reference work.

• Excellent clarity and neutral sound profile. Great for professionals.
• Soft ear padding with a generous amount of space for your ears.
• Unfortunately, the cable doesn’t detach, giving you less flexibility in cable choice.

PreSonus HD9 Review

If you are looking for a pair of headphones that are more budget-friendly the HD9 is worth considering. These feature a dynamic sound profile with extended bass response.

• The low price point makes these an appealing alternative to other studio headphones.
• Features thick padding that adapts well to your head shape. High comfort level.
• Not the most balanced sound profile. Not ideal for detailed analytical work.

Should You Buy?

Beyerdynamic continues to evolve its line of headphones. Each time they keep pushing the boundaries on what headphones can offer. The DT 900 Pro X is an excellent example of this continued attention to detail.

They sound amazing. Open and spacious with excellent definition. With detachable cables and replaceable components, these are a worthwhile investment. If you need seriously capable headphones the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X should be high on your list of options.

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