Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

Beyerdynamic have launched a new range of headphones for audio professionals called “Pro X”. Here we are testing the closed model, Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. Our review of the new open Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X can be found here.

Both pairs of headphones are reminiscent of Beyerdynamic’s classic DT 770 Pro and DT 990 Pro, and not just in name. The Pro X range is aimed at audio professionals who demand exceptional fidelity and comfort.

Scope of delivery

In the box with the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X are some advertising leaflets and a folded manual. However, it does not contain any information on technical values. Two straight interchangeable cables with gold-plated jack plugs and mini-XLR ends are also included. Two gold-plated screw adapters with large jack plugs complete the package. There is room for these accessories in the enclosed storage pouch, which closes with a drawstring. Overall, the package makes a good impression. The two cables are straight and interchangeable rather than a fixed spiral cable, as is the case with the 250-ohm version of the DT 770 Pro.

Look, feel & choice of material

The closed-back Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X shares the styling of models like the DT 770 Pro and the DT 1770 Pro. As such, they seamlessly join the ranks of Beyerdynamic classics and newer models. Differences in the design include the discreet appearance of the model name, which appears in shiny letters on the matt black ear cups. The swivelling earcup mounting has been developed further compared to the DT 1770 Pro and is now even more arched. The transition from the spring steel bracket to the headband casing is particularly elegant. Despite this unobtrusive solution, the screw connection still gives you the option of being able to carry out maintenance.

With the Pro X series models, Beyerdynamic use a headband lined with a synthetic leather pad. There is memory foam inside, as is now common. The DT 700 Pro X’s replaceable ear pads are covered with the usual wonderfully soft velour. These use the silver-grey colour scheme of the classic models. The structure of the ear pads has also been changed. Their shape is now simpler, with clearer lines, and at the same time – in an entirely functional way – the stability of the cushion shape has been improved. The choice of materials and the quality of workmanship are impeccable on this model.

Handling

While the classic DT 770 Pro still comes with a fixed coiled cable, the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is much more contemporary with its two interchangeable straight cables. The two different cable lengths make the application of these headphones even more flexible. Be it with a 1.80 m length for a headphone preamp or with a 3 m cable length for working in the producer’s chair during a recording session. The single-sided cable routing also means that the headphone feed bothers its wearer less than would be the case with a double feed.

At just over 350 g without cable, the DT 700 Pro X puts hardly any strain on the head when worn and, thanks to their reasonable contact pressure, fit securely even during head movements. The leatherette-covered head cushion can be changed, as can the memory foam ear pads.

Technology

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X have a maximum sound pressure level of just over 100 dB/SPL. This means they can put a lot of pressure on the ears. In addition, these dynamic headphones reproduce frequencies from 5 Hz to 40 kHz. This covers an immense frequency spectrum. Both in the basses and the trebles, this provides such great potential that powerful headphone preamps can be used to their full potential in terms of frequency range. At less than 48 ohms, the impedance of these headphones is low enough to make them suitable for the headphone outputs of smartphones and tablets. Of course, they can also be used directly with laptops and PCs.

The sound of the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

I found the sound very pleasant right from the start. Despite their closed design, the bass was reproduced in an unagitated manner. This does not mean that sub-basses are not reproduced as well. But the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is surprisingly close to the subtle bass of the open version Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X. As with the latter, the model being tested here has mids that are somewhat cool and sober. However, due to the slightly stronger support from the bass range, they seem a little warmer. The differentiation of the mids is particularly noticeable with guitar music. Here, many details that other headphones conceal from the user become audible. In the upper frequencies, the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X are velvety and open. In fact, there seems to be no upper limit for these headphones. High frequencies were reproduced confidently and unpretentiously right into the super high-frequency spectrum. Here and there, there was a slight hint of sharpness, but at no time did this result in a hiss or sibilance in the music.

In terms of volume, these headphones can really be pushed to extremes without distorting. Short-term dynamic peaks were properly mapped and the long-term dynamics of a music programme were richly varied. As expected, the spatial plasticity of the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X was not quite as pronounced as that of the open Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, nevertheless it was really good. Likewise, the signal resolution was subjectively refined. The main contributor to this is the immense treble reserves of these headphones.

The acoustic isolation from the outside is so successful that these headphones can also be used safely for recording. Likewise, the attenuation of external noise is so good that concentrated work in a busy environment is no problem. This makes the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X suitable as mixing headphones for use on the move.