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Today we have a rather unusual device to review, meet the Beyerdynamic DT 250 headphones for monitoring and ENG/EFP applications. The German company Beyerdynamic has been successfully dealing with various audio equipment for professional use for a long time. One of the most famous products in this segment is the Beyerdynamic DT series of headphones. The first thing that comes to mind is the line of closed-back DT 770, semi-open DT 880, and open-back DT 990 headphones. These models successfully combine high-quality materials, reliability in use, well-thought-out ergonomics, and a rather democratic price. All this makes these headphones still popular and in demand.
In addition to the DT 770, 880 & 990, the two hundredth headphone in the DT series is a headphone designed for working with sound. These models are designed not only for use in the studio, but also for work in the field - filming videos, news broadcasts, and monitoring sound outdoors. Beyerdynamic's website lists this application as "for monitoring and ENG/EFP applications". This includes the Beyerdynamic DT 250 headphones, which come in two versions - 80 ohms and 250 ohms. This model looks a bit different from the popular DT 770 - 990 but also gives the impression of being a tool for professional work with sound. A detailed description of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 (80 Ohm), as well as its comparison with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm) is dedicated to this review. As usual, let's take a look at the specifications of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 headphones before we begin our review.
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Best Price on Beyerdynamic DT 250 Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 250 is a classic pair of closed-back headphones that has been a trusted tool for audio professionals for decades. |
Classic Package
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The packaging of the Beyerdynamic DT 250, like the DT 770 PRO, has a similar design. The headphones come in a large black box with a picture of the model itself and the words "Professional Studio Headphones" indicating the intended use of the DT 250. Inside the box, the headphones are mounted on a cardboard stand that looks much simpler than the DT 770 PRO.
The Beyerdynamic DT 250 comes with a gold-plated 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter and a small metal rod to prevent the cable from being accidentally pulled out of the left ear cup bowl. We're not sure how important this accessory is, as the cable is very firmly attached to the ear cup. The standard documentation is also included in the box with the headphones. Unfortunately, there is no any drawstring pouch or carrying case in the package.
The design of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 is original and different from the well-known DT 770 PRO, although the approach to the basic design elements is quite similar. A bit reminiscent of the retro-futurism of the 80s. One of the differences between the DT 250 and the DT 770 PRO is the detachable cable, which has a one-way connection to the left ear cup. The detachable kit cable could be an advantage in terms of replacing it with another one, but the cable has a proprietary connector in the form of pins that we have not seen before. If you want to replace it, you may face some problems finding a spare cable, although you can easily find this cable on the official Beyerdynamic website and in online marketplaces. The cable is 3 meters long.
The DT 250 headphones consist of high-quality black plastic ear cups, an expandable headband covered with eco-leather, and black velour ear pads. The ear cushions are elliptical in shape, completely enveloping the ears and fitting snugly. Speaking of ergonomics, the differences between the DT 250 and DT 770 PRO are significant. The DT 250 is more compact and 30 grams lighter than the DT 770 PRO. However, according to the specifications, the DT 250's downforce is 4.5 N, while the same parameter for the DT 770 PRO is 3.5 N. The smaller size of the DT 250 and its higher clamping force can be uncomfortable, especially at first. In addition, the tight fit of the ear cushions and the smaller interior space cause the ears to heat up more quickly. However, this is a known drawback of many closed models. On the plus side, the DT 250's increased downforce makes it less likely that the headphones will accidentally fall off your head while you're working. In short, we liked the ergonomics of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO better, but we had no significant complaints about the comfort of the DT 250.
Now we come to the most important part/section of our Beyerdynamic DT 250 review. Of course, everyone wants to know what the headphones sound like. The Beyerdynamic DT 250 headphones are monitor headphones, characterized by precision and balance. The Beyerdynamic DT 250's soundstage is about average to slightly below average in width. It has sufficient depth and is close to the listener, which does not give a special sense of space. The sound appears directional to the listener.
The Bass in the headphones is not the fastest, without excessive percussion and elasticity. The bass sounds natural, physical, and dynamic. Such a presentation is suitable for classic rock, leisurely jazz, especially small compositions of jazz bands, and various electronic music. However, on fast bass parts, the speed of working out the woofers is a bit lacking. After reading a lot of reviews on the DT 250 we came to the conclusion that the bass is much more spacious and fat in the version with 250 Ohm impedance. Perhaps the 80 Ohms version that we tested does not rock as well. But most people praise the bass of the DT 250 very much.
Midrange frequencies are reproduced naturally, evenly, and without excessive dryness. The midrange of the DT 250 does not go into deep analysis, it is inherently weighty and natural - instruments are clearly separated and defined in the overall mix. Male vocals sound full-bodied without any complaints. Female vocals may lack a little lightness.
The DT 250's high frequencies are noticeably different from the older series. The high frequencies in the headphones are quite moderate and well coordinated with the rest of the sound spectrum. Nuances such as long fades or after-sounds are not characteristic of the DT 250. HF is not characterized by excessive brightness or intrusiveness. No sibilants were detected during listening. If you need high-frequency analysis, you should choose another model. The Beyerdynamic DT 250 is characterized by a well-balanced sound across the entire frequency range, rather than emphasizing certain parts of it.
SoundGale.com CEO comments on the sound of the Beyerdynamic DT 250The sound of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 can be described as very good. Throughout the entire frequency range, the sound is well developed and quite detailed. One of the most noticeable characteristics from the first time you turn them on is the remarkable attack. Thanks to this, the headphones sound bright and clear across the entire frequency range.
Due to the authenticity of the sonic reproduction, the use of these headphones for professional purposes is justified. However, I would not recommend using headphones for mixing or working on timbres because of the specificity of headphone sound as a class of acoustics. Even the most expensive headphones are not a complete replacement for monitors.
To evaluate the sound quality in comparison to other models, I compared the Beyerdynamic DT 250 with my Sennheiser HD 600.
Paradoxical as it may seem, the DT 250s sound slightly better than the HD 600s, but the difference in sound is insignificant. The main differences are clearer attack and midrange extension, as well as more saturation in the bass.
Owners of the HD 600 or users familiar with the sound of these headphones may find the Beyerdynamic DT 250 to have too much bass. On the other hand, there are those who find the HD 600's sound lacking in bass. In my opinion, the DT 250's bass frequencies are indeed emphasized, but this is more than compensated for by their richness and detail.
If it's worth keeping in mind the peculiarities of this model's sound for professional use, the headphones have no contraindications for listening to music. An important feature of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 is the closed circuit, which provides sound isolation of 16 dB. In professional use this has a positive effect in most cases.
Both the DT 250 and the DT 770 PRO are designed for monitoring, but they sound very different. The DT 770's stage is wider and more spacious. The DT 770 headphones play brightly, with lots of detail, and can be aggressive on certain tracks. The bass sounds emphasized, and articulate, with more speed and impact. The DT 770's mids are a bit in the background. They have detail, but may not sound as natural as the DT 250. With the DT 250, the midrange is fleshier and heavier. The emphasis on treble is another noticeable difference between the DT 770 and the DT 250. This feature gives the DT 770 an airy and micro-detailed sound, but not always to the benefit of the overall balance. In addition, the HF transmission of the DT 770 is unlikely to appeal to listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies. The Beyerdynamic DT 250s don't have as much detail, especially in the high frequencies, but they sound more neutral and even. As a result, you can listen to music with the DT 250s for long periods without getting tired. If the DT 770s aren't quite what you're looking for, try the DT 250s - they may be more to your liking.
It is also worth noting that the DT 250 costs ~$270, while the DT 770 PRO costs ~$170 (since it is not difficult to guess that the cost difference is significant). We also recommend that you read our full review of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, where we explain in more detail how these headphones sound.
The Beyerdynamic DT 250 is another monitor model from a well-known manufacturer. Yes, these headphones are not as popular as the famous 770s or 990s, but that does not make them any less interesting to get to know. In the case of the DT 250, we get high-quality materials that inspire confidence in terms of operation, relative compactness and monitor sound. The naturalness, balance, and accuracy of the sound make the Beyerdynamic DT 250 a good choice for universal headphones with an uncolored sound, suitable for both work and music listening.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Beyerdynamic DT 250 headphones. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own a DT 250 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these headphones.
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8.5
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