Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited are a special edition version of the classic closed DT 770 Pro over-ear, scoring points with their sound signature, extended frequency range and handling. In our test, it proved to be a finely tuned tool for recording and monitoring applications.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a classic among closed-back studio headphones. It has been used both in professional environments and by amateur musicians for around 40 years. To mark the centenary of the founding of Beyerdynamic, a special model, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited, has been launched to the market. In our test, we took a closer look at what this special edition version had to offer in terms of unique features.

DT 770 Pro X Limited – Package

The DT 770 Pro X Limited has an interchangeable mini XLR cable to a 3.5mm stereo jack. The unbalanced straight cable is 3 metres long. It can also be connected to 6.35mm jack sockets using the adapter included. The accompanying travel bag with a drawstring ensures dust-free storage and protects the headphones from dirt while on the move. The package also includes a printed overview of the manufacturer’s 100-year history and a small instruction leaflet explaining how to change the ear pads. The package is straightforward and limited to essentials but includes everything obvious.

DT 770 Pro X Limited – Material and construction

The design of the DT 770 Pro X Limited corresponds to the original model, so you immediately know what you’re dealing with. The closed ear cups are made of glass fibre-reinforced plastic, with silver-grey velour padding around the ears; the characteristic metal arms and the headband are made with replaceable padding, which at first glance might be confused with the original version

But if you take a closer look, you will recognise the differences in the details: For example, the dates and the legend “limited edition” appear in shiny silver at the base on both sides of the headband. The model number is emblazoned in silver in a distinctive horizontal bar across the outside of the earcups, something which is not on the standard DT 770 Pro. Another difference is that the rather thick headband padding is slightly thinner at the highest point, so it doesn’t bunch up as much as on the original model, thanks to the curvature of the headband. From a technical point of view, these headphones are based on the DT 770 Pro’s successor, the DT 700 Pro X. Like the DT 700 Pro X, these also have an interchangeable cable. And just like the two standard models, the Limited Edition also has a single-sided cable.

DT 770 Pro X Limited – Technical specifications

The DT 770 Pro X Limited’s dynamically driven transducers are the STELLAR.45 drivers that are also used in the DT 700 Pro X. They reproduce the bass behaviour, richness of detail and transient behaviour of the original model. However, the drivers ensure an audio transmission range that extends from a super-low 5 Hz to a high 40 kHz. This means that the playback capabilities of these headphones not only far exceed typical human hearing but also extend further in the treble range than the basic DT 770 Pro model. While the latter is available with three different impedances – namely 32, 80 and 250 ohms – we measured the resistance of the new model to be at around 50 ohms. This impedance seemed to be a good compromise, allowing these headphones to be used flexibly with a wide variety of sources. On paper, the headphones’ maximum sound pressure level of around 100 dBSPL is not particularly high, but it is still higher than the standard model.

DT 770 Pro X Limited – Handling

When you put the DT 770 Pro X Limited on, like the other models, they adjust to fit your head size automatically. The mechanism seemed a little stiff but was comfortable to use thanks to its notch system. The headphones were pleasantly light on the head, and their soft velour ear pads made them comfortable to wear. The contact pressure was optimised for the weight. As a result, the headphones hardly slip even if you move your head quickly. The single-sided cable gives right-handed users freedom of movement. The fact that the cable, ear pads and headband pads can be replaced means that the headphones are well-prepared for servicing and modifications.

DT 770 Pro X Limited – Sound

In terms of sound, the DT 770 Pro X Limited impressed us with a wide, open sound Transparent, detailed highs combined with high speech intelligibility. For me, the sibilant range was the only area where they could have been a little more subtle. The dual frequency range takes up quite a lot of space in terms of sound, especially when it comes to listening to guitar music.

The headphones have a round bass tone. And the DT 770 Pro X Limited sound is miles away from the dreaded undefined bass rumble produced by the resonances of some other closed headphone models in this frequency range. This was because they allowed the sound of the bass range to be heard in a differentiated way. This applied right down to the lowest bass range.

I found the dynamic behaviour of these headphones to be exemplary in terms of transient reproduction. They were concise and powerful. The passive damping behaviour of the headphones was good, although not outstanding. The same applies to outward attenuation. They should, therefore, be suitable for use as stage, monitoring or recording headphones in many, if not all, cases. However, they seemed less suitable for monitoring tasks in very loud environments, but the stereo image and depth of these headphones impressed me. They were wide and deep, making audio signals and music productions seem lively and vivid.

Conclusion

Looks-wise, the DT 770 Pro X Limited special edition model follows in the footsteps of the original DT 770 Pro, but technically they are based on the DT 700 Pro X. These closed circumaural headphones impressed us with their timeless design and high wearing comfort. They were easy to handle thanks to interchangeable elements and single-sided cable routing. They excelled with a differentiated and vivid sound image and offered high sound quality, from differentiated ultra-deep bass to detailed highs. The only area where they could have been more restrained was the frequency range around the sibilants of human speech. The inward and outward attenuation was good but not excessive. This means that in some recording situations, their potential volume, which was greater than that of the older DT 770 Pro, could not be fully utilised. Surprisingly, the Limited Edition is offered at a lower price than the previously released DT 700 Pro X model. Therefore, for me, the price-performance ratio of these headphones was perfectly fine.