Menu
Today we have a review of the anniversary model of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition studio headphones. This year Beyerdynamic, one of the most famous German manufacturers of audio equipment, especially headphones and microphones, celebrates its 100th anniversary. According to historical information, it was in 1924 that the founder of the company Eugen Beyer sold loudspeakers for movie theaters, then began to produce its own sound equipment. But the most famous models of headphones and microphones Beyerdynamic, were released in the second half of the twentieth century.
Among the iconic products of the German company undoubtedly belong to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones, which appeared in 1985 and set new studio standards for professional musicians and sound engineers. The DT 770 PRO is a model to which the phrase "real German quality", which was very common at that time, can be clearly applied. It was the limited edition of these headphones that Beyerdynamic decided to develop the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition for such an important anniversary of the company.
About limited edition headphones. Experience has shown that each manufacturer has its understanding of the term "Limited Edition". For example, the Japanese company Audio-Technica periodically releases one of its most popular models, the ATH-M50x, in a limited edition format, changing only the color of the headphones. FiiO's designers went the other way. Based on the quite successful FiiO FD7 headphones, they offered their version of this model in the Limited Edition series with an unexpected design and a chic presentation - that's how the FiiO FDX anniversary headphones appeared. A few years ago, the American company Grado introduced a new model, Grado The Hemp Limited Edition, with specially designed new drivers and not trivial cabinet materials. In other words, manufacturers experiment with design, equipment, and sound in their limited series in order to attract potential customers.
Let's come back to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition. We remember that when we first read the announcement of these headphones, we were seized by a feeling of uncertainty. On the one hand, the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition looked as similar as possible to the classic DT 770 PRO on the photo. On the other hand, the technical characteristics of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition resembled the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X, which was introduced a few years ago. That's why, as soon as we had the opportunity to get to know the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition and compare it with the two models mentioned above, we immediately took it. So let's meet the anniversary Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition! Let's start the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition review as usual with the device's specifications.
|
Best Price on Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition combines the design & benchmarking features of the DT 770 PRO with the flexibility of the dynamic STELLAR.45 driver system and detachable cable. |
Classic Package
|
Let's start with the box and the headphone kit. The box of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition is the same size and design as the DT 700 PRO X. The main difference is the color of the ribbon on the box title. It has been changed from orange (700 PRO X) to silver (Limited Edition). On this band, the manufacturer claims "Amazing sound" and gives 5 out of 5 stars for the sound. In the middle of the box, the headphones are mounted on a cardboard tray with a separate compartment for accessories. There are no complaints about the box, as usual, Beyerdynamic boxes proudly display the inscription “Made in Germany”. All the prints on the box are bright, nothing wobbles inside, and quite secure, so you can be sure the headphones will arrive safely on delivery.
The DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition comes with a drawstring pouch, an interchangeable cable, a booklet, and a general manual. The case of the Limited Edition is rather unimpressive, thin, and inherited from the classic DT 770 PRO. Personally, we would have preferred to see a hard case like the Beyerdynamic DT Hard Case in the Limited Edition. However, such an addition would probably affect the overall price of the headphones. To be honest, this package doesn't make us very happy, but at the same time it doesn't disappoint. Beyerdynamic is not very generous with extended bundles with additional earpads, headband pads, etc. in the lines of mid-priced headphones (good and "fat" bundles are usually seen in flagship models of studio headphones such as the DT 1770 PRO MKII).
Detachable cable. In our opinion, this is one of the most important "features" of the Limited Edition series. That is, the headphones with the index 770 now have an interchangeable cable! The cable itself is straight, unbalanced, with a 6.3mm adapter screwed onto the 3.5mm plug. The cable connects to the headphones via a 3-pin mini-XLR connector on the left earcup. The cable is 3 meters long. And unlike the 700 PRO X, the 770 PRO X Limited Edition comes with only one cable. According to Beyerdynamic, the Limited Edition 770 PRO X is not only intended for "monitoring and recording in the studio", but also for "on the go". Therefore, a shorter kit cable would definitely not be superfluous. The box also contains a small, beautifully designed booklet with numerous photos and a short history of Beyerdynamic and the DT 770 PRO model itself.
The 770 PRO X Limited Edition lacks a certain generosity when it comes to accessories, which can sometimes be found in the limited series of other manufacturers. At the same time, this model can hardly be described as minimalist, as everything you need to use the headphones "out of the box" is present. Let's conclude this section and continue our Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition review by talking about the design and ergonomics of the headphones.
What about the design and ergonomics? On the product page of the official Beyerdynamic website, we are greeted by the inscription "THE MOST COMFORTABLE 770 OF ALL TIME". This is partly true! The design of the DT 770 PRO X LE is based on the classic version of the legendary DT 770 PRO headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition is similar in design to the classic DT 770 PRO. However, the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition has some unique features. The plastic structure of the Limited Edition earcups differs from the classic 770 PROs. The coating on the cups now looks more solid, with a finer "grain". Scratch and impact-resistant ABS plastic is used for the Limited Edition earcups. Logically, the DT 770 PRO X is inscribed on the cups in silver paint instead of the usual white DT 770 PRO.
The metal headband arch is probably covered with eco-leather on the buttons. The company name is stamped on it. In the place where the cups are attached to the headband, there is a plastic rectangle with the embossed company logo, the year of its existence, and a circular inscription Limited Edition. From a distance, the design of this structural element of the headphones reminds us of a watch, where the hands are the Beyerdynamic logo, which is very symbolic. Of course, the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition also features the modular design philosophy, which allows almost every part of the headphones to be replaced.
The ergonomics are very clear. If you liked the comfort of the classic DT 770 PROs, you'll love the comfort of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition. The headphones cover your ears completely. The pressure is normal - the headphones out of the box don't squeeze, but they don't fall off either. According to our own experience, the pressure of the DT 700 PRO X is much more noticeable and causes some discomfort during the first hours of listening. Fortunately, the limited edition DT 770 PRO X is free of this annoyance. The headband is adjustable by sliding it apart and has fixed positions (marked with dots on the inside of the bow). This allows you to adjust once and keep the size you want, which is very convenient.
Velour ear cushions, favored by many for their ergonomics, remain in their classic silver-gray color in the limited edition. Such ear pads are not only pleasant to the touch, but they also prevent the ears from overheating, which is often the case with closed models. Personally, we had no doubts about the ergonomics of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition - everything is comfortable and convenient.
For your convenience, we list all the features that have been improved in the Limited Edition version compared to the classic DT 770 PRO:
There are other minor changes to the plastic parts. For example, the texture of the plastic ear cups has changed slightly compared to the DT 770 PRO and the plastic holders of the headband position have changed. They now bear the Beyerdynamic logo with the inscription Limited Edition and the symbolic dates 1924 -2024.
Now we come to the most important part/section of our Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition review. Of course, everyone wants to know what the headphones sound like. The most interesting question to which we always look for an answer immediately after the announcement of a limited edition headphone is whether there is any change in the sound compared to the base model. Well, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO limited edition combines the features of both the basic DT 770 PRO and the relatively new DT 700 PRO X and DT 900 PRO X (for which we have detailed reviews available at the link). From the former, the geometry of the headphone housing was inherited, and from the latter a special STELLAR.45 driver. According to the manufacturer, the limited edition has sound settings borrowed from the DT 770 PRO - emphasis on low and high frequencies.
Now let's describe our personal impressions of the sound of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition. Let us remind you that we use the headphones mainly for professional activities and only occasionally for listening to music and audio at home.
As far as closed-back headphones go, the DT 770 PRO X has a large soundstage. And the stage is not lacking in depth. This combination of characteristics makes it possible, for example, to visualize the size of a room when listening to various concert recordings. The acoustic difference between the atmosphere of a small jazz club or an opera house is faithfully reproduced.
The Limited Edition has retained a certain emphasis in this area. The bass is noticeable in all songs where it is present, but it is not bloated or massive. The bass is clear and tight. For example, if you listen to fingerstyle performers on acoustic instruments, especially low-frequency instruments, you will notice the cleanliness and delineation of their sound. This type of bass focus is useful when listening to a variety of genres, such as classic rock, art rock, jazz, blues, and certain types of electronic music other than dance music.
Since the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition, like the classic DT 770 PRO, is recommended for studio work, detail is one of the headphones' strengths. The midrange is well-separated and almost always sounds natural. Sometimes male vocals lack body. At the same time, female vocals are usually quite natural. We liked the sound of the headphones when listening to compositions rich in percussion, such as Latin American jazz.
Apart from that, we noticed a certain information load from non-musical sounds of the composition, including recording artifacts. You can often hear the sound of the plectrum rubbing against the strings, the echo of saxophone valves, the singer's accompaniment, and so on. Therefore, it is desirable to choose high-quality recorded compositions for listening in these headphones.
According to the manufacturer, the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition emphasizes this area. As a result, the sound is more spatial and transparent, and the treble is more detailed. However, the naturalness of the high frequencies is not compromised. When the treble level in a recording is properly balanced, you get a high-quality sound. Conversely, a higher treble level in a song, emphasized by the headphones themselves, can lead to listening fatigue. For the vast majority of music we listened to, the treble level was comfortable enough for us. Therefore, if you are not an HF-phobe, we can even recommend this model for so-called audiophile home use, when you want to focus on the subtleties and nuances of composition, rather than on the fusion and solidity of the sound.
Well, we've basically described all the differences above. But let's list them again briefly. The DT 770 PRO X LE has a detachable cable, a more comfortable headband, and STELLAR.45 drivers with 48 Ohm impedance. In terms of sound, the DT 770 PRO X LE will have the advantage of a wider frequency response and at the same time, as the manufacturer claims, they have retained the similar sound signature of the classic 770 PRO. The DT 770 PRO X LE costs ~$200, while the DT 770 PRO costs ~$170. Is it worth it to pay $30 more for the limited edition? Definitely worth it, you'll get a slightly higher-class device and you won't lose anything in the sound of the headphones.
Comment from SoundGale.com CEO on the DT 770 PRO X LE vs DT 770 PRO comparisonThe Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO with velour ear pads have a higher impedance (at least 80 ohms) and require a more powerful sound source. And this is really noticeable. In my subjective opinion, the classic model is slightly inferior to the limited model in terms of transparency and detail. The DT 770 PRO's stage is more backward and certain sounds are veiled. The DT 770 PRO is also a little less natural in the midrange and fleshy in the treble. There seems to be no overall change in the sound of the DT 770 PRO X headphones, but in comparison to the classic headphones I would prefer the limited edition, at least for me.
We also recommend you to read our review on Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO where we fully described all the features of this device and talked in detail about sound quality.
Here is what the manufacturer writes about the difference between these two models of headphones:
The DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition features the well-known DT 770 PRO sound tuning with an emphasis on bass and treble frequencies. The sound tuning of the DT 700 PRO X can be described as more linear, especially in the treble range. In addition, the timeless design of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition is closely related to the original DT 770 PRO, while the design of the DT 700 PRO X is more distinctive.
We completely agree with the manufacturer. Let's consider the following case: you already own the DT 700 PRO X and are wondering whether you should upgrade to the DT 770 PRO X LE - definitely not. To be honest, the difference in sound between the headphones in the PRO X series is not so significant, as they all use the same sound transducer (in fact, the type of headphones in this series and their application spectrum are different: DT 900 PRO X - open-back, DT 700 PRO X - closed-back).
Comment from SoundGale.com CEO on the DT 770 PRO X LE vs DT 700 PRO X comparisonBeyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X. These headphones are much more powerful than the limited edition DT 770 PRO X. The DT 700 PRO X produce a more collected and dynamic sound. When I listen to these headphones, I focus primarily on the midrange. Vocals and related instruments are conveyed fully and tightly. The woofers have their own weight, they are structured and textured. The tweeter of the DT 700 PRO X is rather uncharacteristically transparent and bright. While the DT 700 PRO X sounds more collected and energetic, the limited edition DT 770 PRO X favors a more spacious and transparent sound.
Let's talk about prices. DT 770 PRO X LE, as we have already mentioned, costs ~$200 while DT 700 PRO X costs ~$270, and there is a sharp question. Which one is worth buying? We lean towards the DT 770 PRO X LE, you save $70 and do not lose much in sound quality. Both models are declared as "studio headphones for recording and monitoring". But keep in mind that the DT 700 PRO X comes with an extra 1.8m cable. We don't know how much the $70 difference is justified by the extra cable. We leave it to your discretion… We recommend that you listen to these two models before you buy and choose the one you like best.
Finally, we've reached the end of our Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition review, it's time to summarize the results. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, released almost 40 years ago in 1985, became a milestone for the German company, deservedly earned the title "The Studio Legend" and is still in production today. That's why Beyerdynamic decided to present a limited edition of the classic DT 770 PRO - the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition - on the occasion of the company's 100th anniversary. The DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition headphones incorporate the best elements of the DT 770 PRO - design, manufacturing quality, interchangeability of key components, and ergonomics. At the same time, the DT 770 PRO X incorporates technical solutions from the current DT 700 PRO X, such as the interchangeable cable and the STELLAR.45 dynamic driver, which gives the Limited Edition its special sound.
Our summary of the DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition is as follows. The DT 770 PRO X LE headphones turned out to be excellent and quite unique, and we especially like the price/quality ratio of this device. The only thing that saddens us is the time-limited edition. Let's hope that this model will be continued in the PRO X series. Would we recommend the DT 770 PRO X LE? - Definitely, without a doubt, because the DT 770 PRO X LE is a unique combination of comfort, sound quality, performance, and price. Let's congratulate Beyerdynamic on its 100th anniversary and thank them for another masterpiece! With all due respect to the classic DT 770 PRO, it is hard to disagree with the manufacturer's statement about the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition - The next chapter of a studio legend.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition 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 770 PRO X LE and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these studio headphones.
Pros
|
Cons
|
9.3
/10
Our Score
|
